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July 22, 2013
funny thing is I never made it to the ruins (how is that possible? ruins to the right). somehow I ended up going onto a different trail that took me up in to the mountain to the left. I went quite high, I kept thinking I would eventually switchback to the trail leading to the ruins, which I could see. I finally turned back when I was higher than the terraces and actually headed around the mountain (in the opposite direction of the ruins). Also the trail started getting narrow, very steep and with a lot of rocks. I got a little creeped out by the idea of getting hurt somehow and being alone. Then on my way down I found a beautiful grassy, shady place to rest and meditate. Just as I got comfortable, an old, local man came up the trail, chewing a big wad of coca leaves in his cheek (missing teeth), and sat down next to me. He spoke in his language (spanish? quechua?), I just said, "perdon, no hablo espanol" and shared my snacks with him which he took in wire readily. I realized that I was not going to be able to meditate w him sitting there as my things were strewn about a little and I was not that comfortable. So I proceeded to put my shoes on and head out. He became interested in my rings, the design and wanted me to take them off. I said no, "es de mi esposo." (it is from my husband-at least that is what I think I said). anyway, it was an interesting interaction and I went on. Then a local boy came along (buenos tardes).
I then got another trail that took me to the terracing and went up the trails but decided I was over the whole going up thing and would save the ruins for next year. Going up in the first place was quite difficult. I had to stop almost every 5 minutes or so to let me heart come back to normal and catch my breath. At least my recovery was quick, good thing because I wanted to give up quite a lot in the beginning as it was quite hard for me. Oxygen - good.
I made my way back into Pisac and had beautiful meal at a yogic, vegetarian restaurant run by some young people. It was amazing: pumpkin curry soup, and a beans/rice dish that tasted so delicious. I have been eating the fruits and vegetables no problem. My host here at Paz y Luz tells me most vegetables are grown nearby and are organic...not sure about that but the food has been delicious. Very good quality and well prepared, grant it I am not eating any street food or at the real local places. More at the euro or yogic place or here at Paz y Luz which has a great cook, very healthy and delicious.
So that was my day, 4 1/2 hours on that mountain and never made it to ruins. I had a nice time being by myself and in nature, being on my own little adventure. I think that was what was supposed to happen after all even though I did not end up doing what I expected. I did some of Diane's exercises while out there: being in nature, letting the earth take in my heavy energies as fertilizer, being renewed by the earths energy, being grateful for being exactly where I was, being still and listening to the sounds around me... Anyway I'll be seeing plenty of ruins in the coming days :)
Then after dinner, I had a walk home at dusk through the construction site, along the river and road. It was a little creepy but I made it home quickly and just fine. I don't think violence is in their cultural or political vernacular right now. I was reading in LP (Lonely Planet) about their modern history: so many revolutions, corrupt government, overthrows, oppressions and such that left the civilians in harms way. Now it seems a peaceful time in Peru and the local people are very nice. It was just a bit against my instinct to walk home in the semi darkness and on a dirt road like I did.
How high up? Pisac is just under 9,000 ft, Cusco is just under 11,000. Im not sure how high I climbed, I bet I had an app for that (ha,ha-I did take my iPad to take pics). Anyway, someone told me it was good for me to start in Pisac being lower and a bit warmer than Cusco. Also, coming to Paz y Luz which is a very peaceful place and just outside the village of Pisac, made it was easier to catch up w myself before heading into a busy place. Tomorrow I go to Cusco, I am ready to move on. These 3 days have been wonderful.
- comments
Peter Jean, you're hiking around there by yourself? That is adventurous. Be careful. Stay tuned in to the peaceful vibes. Take care of yourself. Peter