Peru (Machu Picchu)

 Last night was horrible.  We ate a delicious meal in Cusco, but something didn't sit right with my stomach.  I ended up with stomach problems all night and didn't sleep for one minute.  We had to be out the door at 4:00am to take a two-hour bus ride to a train station, and then we took a 90-minute train ride (on the Machu Picchu Train) to the Machu Picchu area.  

Lots of beautiful vistas riding through the mountains.

 In front of the Inkaterra Hotel.  Miguel's son, Miguel Jr., who works at the Inkaterra Hotel, got us a great deal for our one night here.  He reserved the best two rooms at the hotel, which normally cost $1000 (each!) per night, for a total of $500.  

Inkaterra Hotel

I used the hot tub before and after our Machu Picchu experience, but I only asked Doug to take a before photo.  I went in the nude tonight. :)

It's much wetter in Machu Picchu, which means bigger bugs.  Check out the size of that mosquito!

 There it is, one of the wonders of the world.

Miguel and Clara, returning to Machu Picchu after more than 30 years (since their honeymoon).

Miguel Jr., Miguel, Clara, and Jose

I've never had much patience with guides and all the talking they do, so I left the group for a couple of hours to hike up to La Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate), which sits at about 9,000 feet.

Looking out over Machu Picchu

These funny creatures were all over the ancient site.

 Miguel showing off some of his karate moves.

 Doug and I unfurled the banner of the Lord's university over Machu Picchu.  The site is now blessed.

Even after hours of hiking, Doug still had enough energy for one more smile.

Update on Thursday, 15 November:  Lots of rain today.  We have been so blessed with good weather throughout our trip.  Today would not have been good for hiking around Machu Picchu.