To Ollantaytambo and Aguas Callientes

Yesterday we hired a private car, driven by Marco, to drive us to Ollantaytambo where we would catch a train to take us to Aguas Callientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.  Marco did not speak English and we learned that saying "si" to his apparent suggestions was a good idea. He became not just our driver but also our tour guide. He stopped and pointed out great views and photo ops. The countryside was rich with red, fertile soil from which would come the crops that would appear in the markets. 

One of our stops was the village of Chinchero which preserves Inca traditions by their dress, language, and weaving. We watched the process of washing, dyeing, spinning and weaving yarn, while drinking coca tea. Dale and I got to try our hand at spinning.  The demonstration was obviously set up for tourists and was given by an English speaking girl. 

We had a few hours to spend in Ollantaytambo before catching the 2 hour train to Aguas Callientes so we did what we usually do - wander the streets and sit in the square watching Peruvian life. There was a religious parade through the plaza complete with a small band and a priest. We didn't find out the significance of this procession but it was interesting to watch. 

There was a large craft market that had all the usual Peruvian crafts but also these "dolls" and masks representing mother and father earth which I was strangely attracted to and now own one of. 

The end of the day was a two hour train ride via Inca Rail to Aguas Callientes. The train trip took us through rich vegetation and along a raging river and ended at the Super Tramp Hostal. We had a private room but had to share showers and bathrooms with young people.  Not quite my 'cup of tea' but it was clean and the people were friendly, and it was an experience.  

Join me tomorrow on my trip to Machu Picchu.