Day #4: Machu Picchu

What can I say? If the Grand Canyon is one of Nature’s most incredible creations, then the ruins of the Incas at Machu Picchu must be one of man’s greatest achievements. Taking 100 years to build in the 11th century, the workmanship and results achieved are mind-boggling given the knowledge-base and technology available at that time. The photos I have attached certainly do no justice to the feel of being there. The only thing I forgot was sunscreen – at the high altitude and being close to the equator (and being surprisingly warm for 2,500 meters at 22 C), I developed a nice sunburn. It will serve as a great memory of an unbelievable day. The three hour train ride each way from Cusco crescendos with anticipation of what one is about to observe. My favorite technological observation of all the hundreds of amazing achievements was the way in which the Incas broke down stones weighing many tons eventually into small stones, some only a few kilograms in weight. They bored holes with special tools, jammed wood into the holes and allowed moistening of the wood to fracture the pieces. Their systematic and patient approach is one to be admired.