winter break part one final stretch

the highlight of the trip, a 4 day hike to machu picchu, ancient capital of the incas. i basically coughed my way up and down the mountains and at night sleeping in the tents. it was a luxurious hike in that we didn't have to carry tents and prepare our own food, but a first expedition for me! no regrets, even though at times i felt like giving up and being a wimp, i didn't realise how weak i could feel. but the group was super encouraging, and the guys raided my backpack to spread my weight amongst them. i'm glad i finished it, but next time i'll control myself better and not show any weakness at all if possible.

exciting start to the trail! our footsteps marched in tune with the thundering Urubamba river just next to us as we hiked among the mountains on the first day.

one of the many archaeological sites we saw along the hike.
hovering on the edge of a mountain always, surrounded by these majesties, it was hard to indulge in self-pity as we climbed thousands of feet up and down.
smiling grew harder and harder though, as we became more and more exhausted.but we arrived at our destination, Machu Picchu, city among the clouds. walking in the city you cannot imagine how hundreds of years ago the incas could have walked the steps you're walking now. they were brave i think to venture so high up and far away to carve out such a magnificent home for themselves.

ok that's it for winter break. now for school.