Study Abroad Peru 2013: May 3, Day 7 (Cusco to Aguas Calientes)

Oh ya know, just me chillin' in Peru!
Thanks for the pic Rydge!

The day started early (ok, everyday started early) but we all had to be packed for our trip to Manchu Picchu today. Fortunately, all we had to do was put together a two day bag, and then throw everything else into our suite-cases which were staying in Cusco. Right after breakfast we all had packed ourselves into a bus for the couple hour drive down to the valley and the train station.
The bus ride was beautiful and full of good times chatting and playing cards. For the most part we were above the tree line and had a great view of the peaks all around us. We stopped at several points to take some pictures, of the whole group and of some of the guys entertaining us with their gymnastics.


Once we got down to the Urubamba river valley we hopped a train and set out to Manchu Picchu. A train in Peru is probably not the best first impression of trains in general, I have since had more pleasant rides on Utah's Front Runner system, but it was an overall great experience.

Requisite group photo. (I'm hiding behind Dr. Lewis.)

I thoroughly enjoyed the transformation in scenery all around us. As we descended to travel right next to the river the landscape changed from a desert with a few hardy plants to lush greenery that seemed practically a jungle. The train ride provided an excellent opportunity for several rousing games of Phase 10. We always knew how to have a grand time, even while sitting for most of the day.

Looking down on the Urubamba river valley.

At the end of the train ride we were in Manchu Picchu city also known as Aguas Calientes. When we first arrived it was late in the day and clouds hid the mountain peak from our view. After checking in, always an adventure with 20+ people in rooms of 1-2, most everyone put their suites on to head to the famous hot springs that gave the city its name.

Alright, so I think terraced farming is cool...

After a short walk up along a tributary of the Urubamba river you arrive at a bridge and looking down can see the 4 or 5 man made pools with people sitting in them. Then after walking a little farther, and winding your way through a couple of buildings, you meet an armed guard unwilling to let you pass in anything but your swimming gear and shoes. (Yes, it was just about my favorite experience to be gestured at with a gun and told to take my board shorts and t-shirt off.) Upon reaching what appeared to be a suitable pool we all hopped in and were greeted by about the most lukewarm water imaginable. Severely disappointed we sent Larissa (the only Spanish speaker among us) off to inquire about the temperature of the rest of the pools. After a minute or two we found one marginally warmer, and those determined to stay did so while the more severely disappointed packed up and left. After a few more had arrived, some genius decided that if you were to stand in the water coming straight off of the river (in designated showers) for a bit coming into the mildly warm water would feel significantly better. Therefore a challenge was issued...three people were needed to stand under each of the three shower heads. Immediately it was determined the issuer ought to be among the party so Mitch (I believe) was volunteered.

Oh these boys...always entertaining us!

Eventually the main subject of the challenge (Jay) relented on the condition that someone else also come, so naturally I volunteered. After carefully approaching the shallow (2 in max) pool of (literally nearly) freezing water, a countdown commenced and before I could scarcely breathe we three were standing with our heads under pouring fountains of pure mountain water. Predictably Jay bowed out quickly and that left two, to settle the matter of whose ego was bigger. I of course knew that no one would really bother twice if I stepped out first (women being the weaker sex and all that) and that Mitch would have a terrible awful time the rest of the week if he were to step out first. So then it became ego vs. stubbornness, and for those of you who haven't yet met my stubborn side, just know you should bet on it every time.  

Jared and Porter...always full of energy!

Relatively soon it became apparent I was cold, shivering and hairs standing on end tend to do that, so the secret offers started. "Erin, we can step out together no big deal". Once it became obvious this was a contest, we had no trouble attracting the attention of the other tourists. (Stubborn white women tend to do that.) I honestly don't remember how long we stood there, only that I was cold and we exited to a lovely round of applause (at the exact same moment). Also, the previously lukewarm water was much warmer after a quick dip in the cold.

Not long after Porter and Jared decided that they were going to time themselves and see how long they could stay. Naturally, I hadn't had enough so I jumped in with them. That round was significantly more interesting as the team effort to stay in the cold resulted in the recitation of several scriptures and songs in an attempt to stay in and distracted. I also don't remember how long we stayed under that time, but it was a number of minutes (10 maybe???) and I was really cold, but not cold enough to hesitate and exit just behind they guys this time. :)

The rest of the day concluded rather quickly after that as a brief search for dinner led to the Peruvian version of Mexican food (an interesting but not highly recommended mix) and then off to bed because our adventures at Manchu Picchu started at 4:30am!