30th March
Picked up at 10.50am by taxi and transferred to train station in Ollantaytambo. There had been a landslide overnight which blocked the road, lucky to catch train on time . Taxi driver was yelling bamboos. Train left at 1pm for Aguascalientes, arrived at 14.30pm. This little vlllage is nestled in a deep valley 8kms from Machu Picchu. The pathways are stepped and full of massage places and handicraft stalls. Checked into hotel Killa Inn.
Walked to Plaza which had a small church and a large Inca statue and located the bus stop. Had a meal next door to hotel, then an early night.
31st March
4am Early start to get one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Travelled up a very windy road for half an hour then queued till 6am when gates opened. I met an american girl on the train and we met same time at bus stop so we walked up the trail together to get a good vantage spot of the ruins of Machu Picchu when the mist lifted. It's 7.30 and the mist has not moved, I had to walk back to the entrance to meet the trekkers. They arrived at 8.30am and whilst I was excited to see them they all looked tired. and exhausted after their 4 day trek. They grabbed something to eat and we all then walked back up the trail for our guided tour with Ordo. The rain and mist started to clear at 10.30am and we got our first clear view of Huayna Picchu and the magnificent lost city of the Incas. The view was spectacular and with the mists floating around gave an air of grandeur and mystery. It was magical. Left the ruins at 1pm and all met at the Hot Springs Restaurant near the station. We shopped in the markets and boarded the 16.12pm train to Ollantaytambo, then mini bus back to Cuzco. Fabi and Danny were excited to see us and were ready for our wig party. Not everyone came out as they wanted to rest and have hot showers.
1st April Palm Sunday
Jan and I headed out at 9am. There was a huge crowd at the Plaza with a large ceremony taking place. Military band, ceremonial flag raising, singing, marching and a street parade of the different sectors of the community. The stall holders were selling palms. The National anthem was played and it was an inspirational moment when all the locals put their right hand on their heart and so proudly sang. We went into the Cathedral where a Mass was being held
We then went to the art museum and looked at the handcraft stores. Had a
Massage, a relaxing lunch at Paddys Bar and then to the Chocolate Museum. Bumped into Pj and caught up with some of her travels. Out for tea at 6.30pm at the Fallen Angel Restuarant. This place was really quirky with some beautiful art pieces. The atrium housed a large silver statue of an angel. One table was a bathtub converted to a fish tank with a glass top. The chairs (poofs) were covered in animal prints and you could lift the lids and store your coats and bags. Had the best red Thai curry.