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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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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. There is one problem though when you don’t plan for a festival of this size; finding a
vacant room. Well, you all are not going to believe my luck. It just so happened that during my little airport experience in Iquitos, I became friends with a fellow by the name of Marlon who lives in the Amazon Basin. He informed me that one of his best friends (Robert Gonzales) lives in Cusco and he would happily call him upon or arrival in Lima and see if he had room at his place. There you have it. I ended up staying for free at Robert and his Danish wife’s (Dorthe) house and get this; they own a coffeehouse/movie lounge called “The Film” that plays two movies a day for free, has internet, and World Cup non-stop (Hello!!!). It just shows you what a smile, some friendly conversation, and an airport crisis can get you. Not to mention the generous deeds of three complete strangers. This brings to mind a quote that I once read by George Elliot; Our deeds determine us, as much as we ...