Yesterday I walked through Machu Picchu. It still seems surreal that I was there. It is a place that everyone should get the
chance to see in their lifetime. There
are just no words. Even now as I try to
record the day’s events, I find that all words leave me. I mean, what is there to say about an ancient
Incan city carved into a mountain top 8,000 feet in the air? The pure fact that Machu Picchu exists is
enough evidence for me that God exists, not that I needed any more.
If the Andes Mountains landscape is not impressive enough itself, think about how the Incans got up there. It was quite the journey for us to get there even with modern technology. It began with a flight to Cusco, Peru. From Cusco we took a 30 minute bus ride to a train station in Ciudadela. Next was a 3 hour train ride to Aguas Calientes. From there, we finally reached Machu Picchu after a 20 minute bus ride, scaling the mountain on a switchback road. It blows my mind thinking about how they constructed and lived up there without planes, trains, vehicles, and electricity. Not only that, but to be committed to the development and construction of a civilization for centuries. In today’s world, we can’t even commit to dinner plans.
Ok, so the Incans get the city constructed. How do they continue to live there, on top of a mountain? I am not educated on the ecosystem and environment of the Andes Mountains, but it seems to me that the availability of resources may make life difficult. It would not be an easy climb up and down the mountain, and it’s certainly not a trip you would want to make every day.
If the Andes Mountains landscape is not impressive enough itself, think about how the Incans got up there. It was quite the journey for us to get there even with modern technology. It began with a flight to Cusco, Peru. From Cusco we took a 30 minute bus ride to a train station in Ciudadela. Next was a 3 hour train ride to Aguas Calientes. From there, we finally reached Machu Picchu after a 20 minute bus ride, scaling the mountain on a switchback road. It blows my mind thinking about how they constructed and lived up there without planes, trains, vehicles, and electricity. Not only that, but to be committed to the development and construction of a civilization for centuries. In today’s world, we can’t even commit to dinner plans.
Ok, so the Incans get the city constructed. How do they continue to live there, on top of a mountain? I am not educated on the ecosystem and environment of the Andes Mountains, but it seems to me that the availability of resources may make life difficult. It would not be an easy climb up and down the mountain, and it’s certainly not a trip you would want to make every day.
As I walked through the ruins yesterday, I was in awe of the
environment around me, and the skill and precision involved in the
construction. We had about 5 hours to
explore the site; I could have spent the entire day up there. Amanda, Ana, and I walked around for most of
the day. We stopped several times to
enjoy the views, take photos, and ultimately to rest. Even though Machu Picchu is 3,000 feet lower
than Cusco, it is still high enough to inflict altitude sickness. I didn’t feel too bad, just short of breath
at times. Unfortunately, Amanda was
struggling more than I was. There wasn’t
a bad view in the city. I found myself
several times gazing out at the mountains, at a loss for words. Even today, I have tried several times to
finish writing this blog, and I still can’t formulate the experience into words.
More than any other landmark I have visited, Machu Picchu reminds me of my place in humanity. It illustrates just how significant or insignificant life could be on earth. Because of this, I feel an urgency to make every second of my human life count towards my eternity in heaven. If it isn’t for God, then what is the point to life?
My life won’t be the same when I return home after traveling though South America, just like it wasn’t the same after World Tour. Each place that I have had the opportunity to visit around the world has shaped my values and outlook on life. Traveling has made me who I am today. Learning about new cultures opens my eyes to such a different perspective that I sometimes have a hard time relating to the place I call home. It makes me question everything I know to be true of life. The questions, though, teach me so much about who I am and my purpose on earth. But don’t worry Mom and Dad, I still think my home base will always be the Midwest. After all, I could have none of this without their support. They continue to give me the roots I need to grow and to experience the world through God’s eyes.
Instead of me continuing to ramble on, I guess you will just have to take my word for it. Machu Picchu was phenomenal! Being there evokes a certain spirituality that, if you allow it, will cause you to question anything and everything you know about life.
More than any other landmark I have visited, Machu Picchu reminds me of my place in humanity. It illustrates just how significant or insignificant life could be on earth. Because of this, I feel an urgency to make every second of my human life count towards my eternity in heaven. If it isn’t for God, then what is the point to life?
My life won’t be the same when I return home after traveling though South America, just like it wasn’t the same after World Tour. Each place that I have had the opportunity to visit around the world has shaped my values and outlook on life. Traveling has made me who I am today. Learning about new cultures opens my eyes to such a different perspective that I sometimes have a hard time relating to the place I call home. It makes me question everything I know to be true of life. The questions, though, teach me so much about who I am and my purpose on earth. But don’t worry Mom and Dad, I still think my home base will always be the Midwest. After all, I could have none of this without their support. They continue to give me the roots I need to grow and to experience the world through God’s eyes.
Instead of me continuing to ramble on, I guess you will just have to take my word for it. Machu Picchu was phenomenal! Being there evokes a certain spirituality that, if you allow it, will cause you to question anything and everything you know about life.
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