I have been researching the heck out of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu for a project I have been working on, and I'll tell ya, it has been a journey all its own. But a true labor of love.
When I started this project, I had visually fallen in love with Machu Picchu. These stone ruins that stand in such symetrical perfection, amidst a sea of green grass intrigued me to no end. And of course, that never ending question: Why?
After hundreds of years, the stonework is still so tight, with no masonry, that you cannot slip a piece of paper between them. To me that is unbelievable. The feats these people managed, that not even our modern equipment could do now adays, is beyond me. I am very pleased to know that the Peruvian government has taken extra, and strict, steps to ensure its beauty remains. Now, if only they could pay the Porters more! Those guys are unbelievable and get paid very little, and yet they are always smiling and generous with themselves. I read one of them is a Futballer and uses his job as a Porter for training purposes. I think that would suffice! lol
In the first photo below, you will see a trail running midway through the mountain. That is the Inca trail and if you look close, those are the people on it. It's very challenging as there are many MANY stairs that the Inca built those many hundreds of years ago.
Just imagine traversing these stairs, stepping in the same steps that the Inca trod centuries ago. They have been worn smooth over time from so much use, and it just gives me goosebumps to think of it that way.
This is the link of the photographer who took these and many more beautiful shots, I've posted. They just struck a chord and I had to post something about what I am working on and why I loved it. Of course, here is the final outcome to the whole journey.
If only these mountains and stones could talk. Imagine the tale they could tell!
6 comments:
Indeed Colleen! Its such a beautiful place. I would love to go there. I can just imagine how it would feel. Such a place of history.
These photos are of the four day journey. There is a two day and a short train ride there, all options. But for my money's worth, if I'm going to put time and energy into something like this, I'm going the long route. This is a sacred place and to rob myself of the journey there, would be cheating, I think. I couldn't do it and feel satisfied. Nope.
Thanks for stopping by! :)
I read about this fascinating place in one of my archaeology mags. It is beautiful and mysterious-worth a visit for sure.
It really is fascinating, Colleen. Thanks for sharing. :)
It is enchanting, Kelley!
Thank you for stopping by!
Their culture, in general, is very intriguing! In ancient times, women held as much power as men did, something the Conquistadores could not understand. Wow, huh?
Thanks for stopping by Sherrill!
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