Forget the Hike! Take the train...

We returned to Ollantaytambo by bus today (12Nov2011) to catch the train to Machu Pichu.  Along the way, we stop and watch a guy making mud bricks from a landslide that occurred opposite his house.  The Peruvian Government workers obliged and pushed the landslide results off the road and near a location where he could make good use of what nature provided.  Very innovative these Peruvians!!

Making bricks from landslides.  Is this the Peruvian version of making lemonade from lemons?

Amazing produce.  I love this different coloured corn

Free range guinea pigs for dinner

Street in Ollantaytambo... our guide Mario

We board the Machu Pichu bound train and nothing could have prepared me for the wonderful scenery we went through. The train track goes right along the river bank through lush green forests and terraced fields.  The river (and this is pre-wet season) is storming along. I can't believe how beautiful the trip is... Listen up folks, you don´t need to walk there... catch the train!!

Train ride along the river bank.

We arrive at the little town who´s sole purpose is to shelter and feed the visitors and hikers.  Not much to do other than sleep, drink and eat as the whole place is hotels and restaurants. Mind you there is a beautiful river right through the middle of it and massive lush mountains surround it. There is even a train line for easy access to transport that goes right past the shops... (only kidding about easy access.. you still have to go to the train station!)

River through the town

All aboard.. or you can go shopping instead.. your choice!

For a town full of hotels, ours turns out to be a DISASTER!!!!  Talk about one star... or maybe even 1/2 star (and I am seriously being generous). My initial room has no external window but has a window and a full frosted glass wall facing the dining room.  Yes, that is right, I can open the window in the morning and order my coffee from the waiter standing at the buffet.  NOT!  Did I mention the stinky bathroom?  Why wouldn't it stink... THERE ARE NO WINDOWS!  So, I immediately request, no actually, demand a new room which is slightly better except for the missing glass in the window and the unobstructed view the hotel next door has right into my bathroom. *sigh*

Hotel that had a view into my room

The layout of the stairs in the hotel reminds me of a Salvador Dali painting but in 3D to the extent that as you open the door to some rooms you have an unexpected step down.  This caught one of our group off guard and she fell and hit the corner of furniture strategically placed for maximum impact.  GAWD!  Anyway, long story short, much blood, much calling for our guide, medics and hospital and 6 stitches later, she rejoins our group determined not to miss the Machu Pichu site tomorrow.  What a trooper!

As mentioned, tomorrow is the day... when I finally achieve a goal I have been dreaming about for ever (and I didn't have to work up a sweat)!

Cheers!