Machu Picchu was more impressive! But the surrounding mountains totally stole the show. They ring the site, creating a massive expanse of space that's beyond anything I've ever experienced. They're huge on all sides, several times bigger than one's field of vision. And they're completely covered with lush vegitation. Peaks and entire hillsides are shrouded in mist that periodically melts away. I was constantly breathtaken.



Shown above are Machu Picchu, Brad, and me. For more pictures click here.

On the way back to Cusco (we took a train), I happened to sit next to a friendly Italian family. We started talking, and it turned out the mother is on the national track and field team for Italy! Or at least she was until she broke her foot a few years ago. Her best marathon time is 2:37, and her best 5K time is 16:48. In case you don't know, these are superhuman. Her husband was a cheerful expressive guy who liked to wave his hands a lot, but who was overweight and not that athletic at all. Strange couple, but they seemed real happy together. She and I are gonna meet tomorrow morning at 6 and go for a run together up to Sacsayhuaman! How bizarre! I ate a big spagettii dinner in preparation.

Posting from Peru.

The weather in Cusco is spectacular, and having suffered in Puno (which is much higher), Brad and I are now comfortable with the altitude. This afternoon we walked up the hill to a massive complex of Incan ruins (Sacsayhuaman), and on the way I played soccer with some kids. What a relief to see friendly children playing and having fun. And what a contrast to kids in the US. For some reason (media influence?) American children concern themselves constantly with being "cool", which leaves no time for anything else. I remember watching imigrant kids in my schools growing up; it generally took about a year for them to become hard and mean. Even then it made me sad. But the kids here were wonderful and friendly, and lots of fun.


I'm the gringo in the blue t-shirt. For more pictures click here.

Incan ruins are spectacular. There's no point in trying to describe them with words; we were in total awe. And apparantely Machu Picchu will be even more impressive.