Peru - Machu Picchu


This is a continuation of my accounting of my time in the 1990s in Peru.  As I mention in all my Peru articles, I found the people of Peru to be genuine and warmhearted and treasure the time spent in their presence, especially in places far from the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities. It was much cheaper back them, but if you look, you can still find great deals. 

It was time to leave Cusco and head for Machu Picchu. I boarded a local bus in Cusco and with one connection would be in Ollantaytambo before nightfall. The bus was crowded and I offered to help out an exhausted woman by holding her child on my lap so she could get some rest. It was that kind deed that aided me in getting on the correct connecting bus as she physically placed me in the seat as she hugged me goodbye. 

The town of Ollantaytambo was small and there was a small ruin, Ollanta, there that was worthy of exploration. I stayed in the newest accommodations, a small bed and breakfast that by Peru standards was posh. I slept in the most comfortable bed I had experienced in weeks.  Because of a recent knew injury, I knew I wasn't going to do the full 4 day 20+ mile trek on the Inca trail that many with entourages of donkeys, guides and sherpas, but I was considering the one day hike that ascended to the Gate of the Sun from the entrance to the massive ruins off mile marker 104. The time was now and I had to make a decision. Do I take the train all the way from Ollantaytambo to the small village of Aguas Calientes located at the base of Machu Picchu and the Urambama River?  It was at that moment when I asked my ethereal guides what would be for my highest good. I always smile when I think that there maybe guidance available, as I look up to the sky and ask. It was then that I saw this older women looking like a dear in headlights. Her name was Victoria and she had lost her wallet on that bus ride a day earlier. All she had with her was ID, Train ticket and a small amount of cash. Since we weren't in a large city, getting replacement travelers checks was not an easy task and she was having a tough time of it. Being the good Samaritan, I invited her to be my guest at the hotel in Aquas Callients for the time at the sacred space. The decision was made for me. There would be no day trek and I'm sure my knee was somehow pleased.


The train from Ollantaytambo was surprisingly nice as they ushered the foreign travelers into the first class car for the 90 minute ride. The train stopped at mile marker 104 to let off mid-range trekkers onto the trail. As I saw the handful of back packers get off the train I felt okay with the fact that I was not supposed to join them.
Aguas Calientes was centered around the railroad. Literally the best restaurants were located next to the train tracks as I spied local workmen carrying cinder blocks on their backs. No wheel barrels here guys.  We stayed at Gringo Bills which for $30 dollars a day for the 2 of us for a room with 2 single beds and breakfast consisting of tea, homemade bread and jam. Today, the room decor at Gringo Bills has been upgraded and so has the price which at last look in 2015 was over $100 a night for the same accommodation.  I rose in the mornings to a serene fog that covered the mountain.  
It was a 15-20 minute bus ride up the winding road from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and the energy was magical as I spent four days exploring with each day consisting of morning meditations atop different parts of the ruins. I always found time to visit the grassy lawn that sported a single tree and practice an energy movement that I created back in the 80's. As I was performed this movement, people asked what I was doing, so I would show them. We got quite a nice group all moving and aligning the body's energy.

 The guided tours that explained the history and various locations were very informative as I learned about these great people. There was a watchman’s hut by the entrance and I sat there each day of my visit; its eerie presence surrounded by three llamas that made this place their home. These animals seemed to be accustomed to the tourists as easy marks for food scraps and as I meditated with eyes closed, I could sense them carefully scrutinizing me to determine if a non-moving person still offered snacks to hungry cute llamas. When I didn't react they came up sniffing and finally one licked my face, apparently to the surprise of other visitors. Upon that face lick I opened my eyes, smiling wide from ear to ear, falling backward on the ground, giggling, then sharing my healthy snacks with my persistent new friends.

 I was there for 4 days, soaking in something new each day, taking my time, re-energizing both on the mountain top as well as in town.  I found that venturing backward about a quarter mile from the Gate of the Sun into the Inca trail provided an energetic opening or in the words of Emeril Lagasse, the Bam that kicks things up a notch, but this kick was to my vibrational frequency. 

The same vibrational kick was experienced when climbing up the smaller Hauyna Picchu. At the top were the remnants of small dwellings that were said to be the residence of the high priest. Talk about feeling energy that makes your toes tingle!
While in Peru I also visited Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, Titicaca, the Amazon and other cities, so look for those posts in this series.  
Wishing you your own Travel Awakenings,LeeZa Donatella
Here are some links to items I enjoy, that you may find useful 

All my Books  available on Amazon 

 Other authors books that have helped me on my journey.
The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz
The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
The Essential Rumi  by Jalal al-Din Rumi
Carlos Castaneda's books

Leeza Donatella is an author, speaker and teacher


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