Sacred Valley

I am heading to Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru, for the Starlodge. The Starlodge are hotel pods, like capsules, that are attached to the sides of the mountains. To get to them you have to faretta (climb).

I also went zip lining through the mountain peaks.  I had problems doing the braking on the ziplining.  When I put on the brakes, (by squeezing the line) I started swaying too much so ended up with the guide and went tandem.  It was OK with me and it was still fun. The faretta (rock climbing) was exhilarating. I am not scared of heights so it didn’t bother me.

The dinner was awesome and hot tub wonderful. 

Then we got the bad news.  A fire meant we had to go to a hotel.  Bummers… waiting to hear if I can reschedule. The next morning they drove me back to Cusco.

Next up is climbing Rainbow Mountain.  Early pick up… 4:30 in morning.  The climb was challenging, slow, but steady I can make it.  Altitude and steepness all played a part.  I refuse to ride the horse however.  Was great at the top. 

The view is beautiful.   The colors are due to the various metals or stones in the area… from copper to serpentine. Walked on to Red Valley as well.  That was beautiful.  Hardly no one there, unlike Rainbow Mountain.

Our guide says the color is due to the copper in the stones.  It was a full day, the breakfast and lunch delicious.  All the cooks have been awesome.
Rescheduled the Pod (Starlodge) for Weds night! I start the Machu Picchu trail on Friday so it is perfect.  Ollantaytambo is the town closest to where the Starlodge is so they can pick me up and drop me off there. Won’t have to ride 1 hr and a half to and from Cusco.
Left Cusco in the morning.  The airbnb has been great.  Loved the apartment and had a washer too. 
Took a collective (taxi) to Ollantaytambo.   Wasn’t so bad.  Only costed 20 soles.  Found my airbnb.  Talk about awesome.  It is in an old inca part of town.  Has cobbled stone walkways and the house is furnished beautifully. 

Climbed to the graineries behind my house.  it is where the Inca’s stored grains. Very steep and alittle scary to get up.  Once there. However the view was beautiful. 

Had trout cevieche and traditional quinoa soup for dinner on a second floor balcony as I watched the square come alive.

Next day I decided to go to the Ollantaytambo ruins.  Cost 70 soles (18 usd) to get in, but I paid for a guide 140 soles (37 usd). He was worth it however as he gave me some interesting information.   This is the last remaining Inca town as the houses and streets are preserved.  The temple was partially destroyed by the Spaniards. The ruins is what remains. 

The calendars they devised are awesome.  Using the sun and rock formations they were able to tell the seasons to plant and harvest.  If you come here during summer or winter solstice you can see the sun line up.  They are called astroacheologists because besides the fabulous rock formations they associated everything up with the stars and sun.  Brilliant people. Though it took the years, if not generations, to construct these building.  They are interlocking pieces that fit together perfectly.  Just like Legos.  They did this with no tools, other than which they carved out of, which whatever was at their disposal.  That is why some of our generation think they must have had help, because it is almost mind boggling that they could have done it themselves.  They used the moon, sun and constellations to determine their needs.  Their needs consisted of water and food to survive. They revered the snake, puma and condor.  Man is the puma on earth and the condor depicts the heavens and the snake is the underworld. 
Because they follow the constellations, when the Spaniards came with their Catholic cross they thought they were like gods as the cross looked like the Cross Star constellation

The next day I got to go back and complete my stay at the Starlodge. This time there was no problem and I soaked in the hot tub till night time.

Next came… Machu Picchu… the 4 day inca trail! It was a grueling 4 days and three nights for me. 

The first day my feet hurt as the hiking boots were crimping my toes and my hips were hurting from the stair climbing.  I wanted to quit and wondered why I decided to do this.  That day was really hard.  The 16 other participants are  in their 20/30s and are fit.  I feel bad that they have to wait for me at times.  They are very understanding and supportive as are my 2 guides, Alvin and Toro.  Could not have done it without them.

The 2nd day was the longest.  I left an hour before everyone else (at 4:30) and slowly trekked my way up the  hills and down.  Omg. It was hard. But I kept on.  They, of course, caught up with me, but at least I made it to the campsite before dark.  I sleep good because I am so tired physically.   Been taking ibuprofen for the past 2 days so my legs and feet aren’t sore. 

Well they say the 3rd day is easy, but I don’t think any of the days were easy.  Just keep on trucking.. slow and steady.  Finally on day 4 they say we get up extra early 3 am and beat the crowd.  I tried to go fast, but that didn’t last too long  as I slipped and scrapped my knee.  I got there, though, and the site was awesome. 

I feel like this is my prigrimage.   Just like the Incas of old time… I am trying to make sense of life, luxury and essence.  Sounds silly, but my life as a single parent was never easy, but I did what I had to do without complaint.  I tried to do my best.  Surely could have done better, but I maintained.   I think my parents and grandparents journeys have contributed to my determination in life.  I’ve been blessed with a career that I loved and now that my kids are secure in their own lives I can finally let go and really try to engage in what life I have left.  God grant me the ability  to take care of my body so I can indeed live life to the fullest.  I do think that is a big part, because if you do not have your health  you are limited in your choices.   Well I am rattling on.  So back to the next day at Machu Picchu.  I hesitated  hiking up Waynapicchu.

  I heard horror stories of the stairs of death.  I looked it up , but decided to do it anyway at my own leisure.  It was not hard for me.  Of course I took my time.  40 minutes for the fittest, but I took over 1 hours.  At the top I spent some time and took pictures then made my way done. 

Easy if you take your time.  Total time was about 3.5 hours.  It was nice taking in the scenery… Step by step… it was great! Glad I did it.  I don’t care about being the fastest – just plug away at my own pace.  When I walk through this ancient preserved town I feel like I go back to their time.  I can somewhat imagine what it was like.  It feels magical and somewhat spiritual.  I can sometimes feel their souls as I touch the rocks.  How powerful is that!  Its a journey I won’t easily forget.  This hidden place that shows the strength, aptitude and brilliance of those before us.

Now off to Ecuador and to see what awaits me.  I loved Peru and maybe will come back to visit the northern part.  I still need to see the pink dolphins! Another magical creature waiting  for me.