Machu Picchu

Quick, name the 7 wonders of the world -no not the ones from antiquity, I mean really, the hanging gardens of Babylon? As if. Pretty sure you'll get one if you are paying attention, In addition to the big Machu there is the great wall of China, Christ the redeemer in Rio, Petra (think Indiana Jones), the Coliseum in Rome, Chichen Itza in Mexico, the Taj Mahal in India, and Stan's burger shack in Hanksville Utah. (pretty sure about most of those)

So far Lisa leads the Isoms in numbers of wonders visited -5 (and she has been to Stans). Like Stans there is a reason Machu Pichu is a wonder of the world- the place is absolutely awe-inspiring (yet sadly there are no onion rings available (point for Stans). Here is what we saw:

We almost didn't leave the hotel room... but were glad we did.

It is a wonder of a bus ride just to get to the site! Many switchbacks with frequent reversing to let busses coming the other way pass by. Once in the park though you can't help but to just look around and take in the detail. From the walls to the canyons in the distance to the llamas there is so much to look at.

Our neighbor Jim stacks a tidy rock wall but he ain't got nada on the Incans- time to step up your game Jim!

The llamas are purely functional as lugging a lawnmower up the steps would be downright difficult.

 But they are much cuter than lawnmowers

 though not as cute as sloths

Just WOW

Nice photo bomb Daniel!

and this is where Luca just told Daniel that he saw a llama poop there

seriously amazing stone work

amigas

ninos

I have a challenge for you: what are your personal 7 wonders? What 7 places in the world are the most amazing and memorable? Think it over, discuss it around the dinner table- heck you could even share it in the comments section. and if you include Stan's Burger shack- you know you have a vote from me.
Next post: we climb that peak in the back ground.

I like trains

I am so glad that Machu Pichu is not in America. Somewhere along the way we would have built a road to it and made seeing it a much more efficient logical experience, and I would not then get to ride a train through the sacred valley.

As it is- there is no road to Machu Pichu and a 3.5 hour train ride is a lovely necessity. We got on the train and just spent the time staring out at the scenery- they even played "condor pasa" on pan pipes on the stereo... over and over and over- and get this- we didn't even mind!

Look at those windows!

Wilder excited to be away from the annoying boys: Luca, Daniel, and Innes.

They both wore these Peru jerseys for 3 straight days.

Oh you're taking pictures? Well I'm taking pictures too.

 Pretty much the most bad-ass peak I have ever seen- and the announcement comes on that it is named "Veronica"! 

We all liked the touch of place mats and fresh flowers on the table for snack time- maybe airlines could follow suit.

This was pretty cool- zipper tracks. To lose elevation quickly the train would stop and reverse on lower tracks, then repeat- like a big zig zag. Amazing Incan technology!

Chevere

Darth came along

Luca, join me and together we will rule the Incan empire.

Postcard time

And then we were in Aguas Caliente- time to check into our hotel, eat lunch, and head up to the ruins. 

Cusco Peru, 11200 feet of fun.

A week of many highlights- highest on the list was time spent with the Mortons. We met up in Lima Peru and cruised to Cusco the next day. We miss alot of things about Colorado and our neighbors/best friends are at the top. It was great to just ease back into hanging out, laughing, and playing with Daniel.

Off to Cusco

 We immediately took to Cusco. What a cool little town- high elevation too- its like Leadville with Incans! Incredibly nice all around. Our first day we took to the streets to wander about and find the craft market.

Mort and Innes find the trophy store and win the biggest nerds award. 

Dad turns on the tourist look, much to Luca's dismay.

felt hat, leather hat, felt hat, leather hat... what to do?

The Lisa's (pre coffee and coca tea)

 I never used to be a city guy but wandering the streets of Rome and Istanbul has changed that. I can add Cusco to the list of of great cities to wander in- so much to see.

This is for the electricians and building inspectors out there. You're welcome.

I might just have found Wilder's first car. This was conveniently parked outside of our hotel, made finding home quite easy.

Lisa the knitter contemplating becoming Lisa the weaver, tambien.

In the center of town is the Plaza de armas. Impressive little centro.

chillin

she stole my hat

L-dog

D-money

 Great start to the trip- next post we take the train to Machu Pichu. The next 2 photos are of the only 2 people I found that didn't seem to be enjoying Cusco- one was sadly sitting in the square, the other hanging in a museum. They actually look as if the could be related.

                                    

And one more money shot: