machu picchu and me

one of the funniest things about being a traveller is how you react or relate to other travellers. If you're in close proximity, usually they're pretty quick to bond, find amazing similarities in their lives, world views, sometimes shoe sizes. But, from a distance, it's a bit akward. I've been trying to think about why for a while. I think if you walk around and all you see are indiginous folk, all you speak is spanish, if you see another gringo they really stick out and i think it peels away the illusion that you too might be blending in. Somehow this amplifies other tourists' jokes and comments mundanity. I think I've also got a bit of natural inclination to be by myself especially when i'm wandering. These two factors together made me pretty resistant to the idea of the inca trail.

It had been talked up as one of the most amazing things to do in the world, unforgetable scenery, mind-expanding vistas etc. And I couldn't think about how it could possibly measure up, especially with all of those other gringos crawling all over the place like ruins of a McD's playplace for retirees.

But it did.

But I think the trail is really what made it for me. Getting to spend four days with these incredible mountains was quite the blessing. It's clear why the Incas called this area the sacred valley. It was difficult not to stop, bow and pray every five minutes. More photos are online at www.flickr.com/photos/holmeslightfoot.