This may sound strange, but Machu Picchu was never on my list of places to visit. But, toward the end of last year, one friend after another mentioned South America, more specifically Peru to me. Being curious and helpful, I started doing research for one of those friends who wanted to go. In the process, I found an opportunity to be in Peru volunteering for women and children. All of a sudden, everything comes together for me. Why wouldn't I go to work with disadvantaged women and children, visit a country known for its amazing woven textile (one of my passions) and see one of the Wonders of the World. I could even afford it! So I decided that a trip to Peru would be my way to welcome 2010.
What's more? I found ways to avoid as much hiking as possible. I got to Machu Picchu by taking a communal taxi (4 people sharing a car) from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, followed by a train to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus to the bottom of Machu Picchu, then less than half hour walking uphill.
As suggested by many guidebooks, I planned to get there early for the sunrise. I ended up slightly disappointed when I woke up at 5 a.m., seeing rain outside my hotel window. Summoning my knowledge of the buddhist practice, I eased into accepting the possible fact that I won't get the sunrise photos I wanted. So I made a deal with God (as if I can) and asked him to make me see the right pictures when I get there.
As the bus climbed up closer to the entrance, the clouds got thicker. I started seeing mountains wrapped up in a veil of mists that goes in and out, and I realized how much I love watching the changing scenery. It reminds me of those highly produced films where they use fog machines, except no man was involved in this production.
Once I started the mini-hike, really slowly, the amazement never ceased. It really was fascinating. I turned down offers to follow a guide. I wasn't there to study history. I was there to be amazed by what is. I didn't need to be inundated by informations, I just wanted to be. I mostly kept to myself even though I went with a group, taking my time to photograph the scenes the way I want to remember it (dark, bluish, mistycal, quiet), and grateful that I made the decision to be there.
