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Machu Picchu, PeruDay Two, A Misty Morning |
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We had an early breakfast and headed up the mountain for the sunrise only to find Machu Picchu enshrouded in clouds. We may have missed the sunrise but the mists created an air of mystery to this already enigmatic place. We climbed up to the Guard House to wait out the passing clouds. Bits of the city below became visible through the fog only to cloak themselves again. It was fascinating to sit with the llamas and watch as the city below revealed itself piece by piece.
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I think these photos with the clouds clinging to the peaks surrounding Machu Picchu are some of my best. It is as if the clouds did not want to leave but did so reluctantly.
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We made our way down to inspect the places we did not see the previous day. The homes of the common people and the lower terraces among them. There are many curiosities within the city to pique the interest of tourists, historians, archaeologists and many other seekers.
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Armed with our guide books we wound our way around the maze of streets and stairwells looking for the secret places of the Inca. As we began to understand the city, we found everything we sought and had a wonderful time unravelling some of the mysteries of Machu Picchu.
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Like the parting clouds clinging to the peaks in a final embrace we were reluctant to leave. We kept turning back for a final look and then another final look. Obviously the Caretakers of this treasured place understand this feeling and provided a small pavillion for people to sit and gaze upon this marvel one last time.
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We departed Machu Picchu for Aguas Calientes around 1PM. We had plenty of time to relax over lunch at a cafe and leisurely explore the town before our train for Cusco departed. Hotel personnel was at the station in front of our designated train cars with our luggage. We claimed our bags and boarded the train. Everyone on the train was excited about their visit to Machu Picchu and we compared notes and shared our adventures and photos with fellow travellers on the journey back to Cusco.
The wonderful Novotel Hotel put us up in the old part of the hotel that was once part of the original hacienda this time. They are beautiful rooms with with hardwood floors and antique appointments. It was a nice surprise for us since we were curious and inquired about those rooms on our first visit. Once we settled in we headed back to the Hotel restaurant for another delicious Lamb Dinner.
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