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July 31, 2013 OLLANTAYTAMBO
Today I spent my first full day here in this special village. It is strategically located at the center of 3 valleys: Urubamba Valley, Machu Picchu Valley and Patakucha Valley. Rivers flow throw each valley irrigating this place. The Inkas took over the occupants here and built an amazing site of temples to the sun. Finally it was used strategically to defeat the Spaniards but they came back w a vengeance and proceeded to destroy the temples as they were being built. The town is called the last living city of Inkans because you can see the walls of the towns, the canals still flow with fresh water along the original streets and the houses all have at their bases, original Inkan foundations.
I woke up leisurely to a beautiful view of the ruins outside my door. After meditation and some yoga, reading and a nice breakfast I headed into town at about 12. I met a nice German woman at breakfast whom I might meet. Instead I took my time, checking out the Plaza de Armas and making my way to the ruins. I hired a guide for 50 soles (about $18) to give me a tour of the place for about an hour an half - totally worth it as it is a fascinating place both architecturally, and spiritually. I then wandered around the market and had lunch at Hearts Cafe where the profits go to high Andean villages in need of education, nutrition, medication and such.
I realized how tired I really was and then needed to come home and rest. My body is very tired from the 5 days of trekking so I spent the rest of the evening resting here at Apu Lodge. Wifi is only in the cozy lobby and even then its spotty. To bed by 8 with some reading and a good night sleep.
- comments
Lou Yeah another Jean blog - they are so good!!
ACS luv hearing from you! Anne