Buenos Dias, y’all!
I thought I would give a quick update this morning since I’ve got some time to kill because the town I’m in now doesn’t have a whole lot to do except hike up to Machu Picchu.
Woke up in Ollantaytambo and after doing the usual yawn, stretch, get familiar with where the heck I am, I reach to turn on the bedside lamp. Back and forth I toggle the switch and to my disappointment, no light was produced. That’s okay, my phone has a full charge from the same outlet. So, I get up and turn on the overhead light in the room and get the same result. I guess the power is out. Naturally, that means there’s no hot water. Rather than subject myself to torture for the third day in a row I decided to skip the shower.
Walking to the train station I see that the mountains are covered in a light dusting of fog that hesitates to leave its cozy bed and rise. The peak in the distance shows some evidence of snow.
Reaching the square, I try the ATM but apparently there’s no power anywhere in the city. What’s more, I have no service on my phone. Instead of coffee or food, I turn left and head to the train that will carry me to Machu Picchu.
Reaching the station, I find a less than comfortable but completely adequate spot of concrete with a luxurious brick wall to lean against. I sit like a homeless person against the wall facing the tracks at the train station staring up at the Andes the clouds just won’t let go.
I only have three point two soles and you can’t buy anything but a bottle water with that and I already have a bottle water. I’m hungry. Powers out in the entire town. I have one American dollar. 3.2 soles. So what? Seriously, some folks would be happy to be so rich. To be in this beautiful place, just days away from walking and climbing one of the wonders of the world. I am rich and these coins in my pocket are really only a distraction at this point.
On board the train I get coffee and a free cookie with raisins and chocolate chips. Now I have arrived!
Checked into Denny’s Place, my hostel where I sit now in an open air room facing the Andes. Listening to the birds chirping and the sound of the housekeepers phone playing music, some American pop mixed with Spanish. The volume raises and lowers at they move about the building. They talk and they laugh and they work.
Heading out for a warm up hike to loosen up a bit for tomorrow’s big day. Should have gotten some hiking in earlier so I am ready. I will see Machu Picchu from the hike.
Thank you all for your support and encouragement. This blog has become an unexpectedly large and important part of this experience for me.
Adios por ahora!
Journey Man 