tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244999628674918029.post4470734606923699562..comments2024-03-28T15:19:44.563-05:00Comments on Bayou Renaissance Man: A century of mysteries, many still unsolvedPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10595089829300831372noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244999628674918029.post-35243852480308734132011-07-24T01:25:07.889-05:002011-07-24T01:25:07.889-05:00I was truly lucky to have the opportunity to visit...I was truly lucky to have the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu in 1973. <br /><br />As of that time, travel to the site was easy, as there was a comfortable train from Cuzco and a hair raising bus ride up the Hiram Bingham Memorial Highway.<br /><br />The ruins themselves are, of course, a bit up and down, but, even if you don't do much moving around, the place is so magical it's worth it.<br /><br />The day I was there, there was a drizzle, along with fast-moving low clouds, so the surrounding peaks were appearing and disappearing minute by minute. The drizzle didn't take away from the experience. In fact, I think the clouds made it even more mystical.<br /><br />Besides, if you can handle the altitude, Cuzco is a treat. I can't name the hotel we stayed in, but it consisted of a central courtyard, with the rooms surrounding. Each room came with a wrought iron key about 6" long for a door-lock to match. That we were met in the lobby with cups of coca tea to help us with the altitude didn't hurt. <br /><br />During a tour, my friend, who was more susceptible to the thin air than me, was in some distress. The bus driver stopped, got out, and wandered down the road. Soon, he came back with some sprigs of wild mint that he crushed between his fingers and held for my friend to smell. I think that mint was better than any medicine that day.<br /><br />I could go on for pages, but I won't. I wish you the opportunity to experience it first-hand.Richnoreply@blogger.com