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Peering through my plane window, I looked out across the Andes Mountains and gave a big grin. I have been thinking about these mountains and climbing up to the ruins of Machu Picchu for the last six years. Ever since Bobby returned home from his travels in this region and planted the seed with his pictures and stories, it has been in the back of my mind. Arriving in Cusco, I walked through the cobblestone streets and soon realized that many other people had been thinking about the same thing. This heart of the once-powerful Inca Empire is a haven for tourists from all over the world; young and old. Now, I do realize that it was the cities most festive week of the year and people had traveled from a far to experience it; but I still was shocked at the number of tourists around the city. But, even harder for me to believe was that, without even planning it, I ended up arriving here two days before Inti Raymi; and just in time to catch the parades and various other Inca traditions.

Empire Under the Sun

Jeremy Curl
2006-08-28 12:13:15

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mountains from Huayna Picchu was the highlight and perfect way to end this amazing trip. After our day of exploring the Inca ruins, the group traveled back to Cusco via train/bus; and there we said our goodbyes. I could not have asked for a better group of people and I wish them all the best. Although, I must apologize to the Norwegian girls for totally destroying them every single day in our game of “Name that Celebrity”. Maybe sometime in the future you all will have the vast knowledge of movies that I am blessed with; but not yet!

Back in Cusco, I took a few days to recoup before I headed to Lake Titicaca on the Bolivian border. I forgot to mention that my stomach has not been right ever since the Amazon, and you all know if I say my stomach isn't right - its wrong! The Canadian girls (Medical students) had diagnosed me with having a possible parasite; but I'll give it another week or so because I sincerely doubt any living creature in its right mind would want to hangout in my organs that long. Staying again at the Gonzales household; I now have two French girls (Carol and Tiffany) as roommates. The Gonzales' are part of a group called Hospitality Club (www.hospitalityclub.org); an organization were the members help other members with housing or simply information in their own hometown. It is a great way to meet people from other cultures and help them out at the same time. I checked it out and will probably eventually join, but I have to get permanent residence first (that could be years). One of the French girls had done a year of studies at MTSU in Murfreesboro, TN at the same time I was living in the area; what a small world. The three of us went down to the Gonsales' establishment to watch France take on Brasil in the World Cup Quarter Finals. After an amazing match; France came away with the victory (1-0) which had the girls jumping with joy. Only one week left and we will have a World champion. I am going to have to find a good place to be for that day. Well, that about does it for Cusco and the Lost City of the Inca. I believe I have attached way too many pictures this time (I had to narrow them down from nearly 300); sorry TravelBlog.org. I just didn't know which ones to leave out. It was good to hear from you all after the Amazon; it sounds like everyone is doing good. I hope you all have a great 4th of July;
The Crew Huddles Around Awaiting Dinner Full Image
and Trey - shoot your dad with a Roman candle for me. Take care and I'll write you all soon. Ratukama!