We began the day with yet another wonderful breakfast buffet, all while listening to a local gentleman playing a harp and then a recorder type instrument.

We then had a sit down lecture about the formation of the area and of the early indigenous people and the Incas.

Onto our two smaller vehicles with our guides, driving through rural areas with small villages along narrow roads, often having to pause to let other vehicles come through. The road leading to our destination was all cobble stone, which Luis, our guide referred to as an “Incan massage”!

We entered the site called Ollantaytambo. The terraces were carved into the hillside with the top being a temple designed for worship and astronomical observation. It was jaw-dropping! Begun by pre-Incans and continued by the Incas, it’s a building master work. Much of it was built around the solstices and equinoxes. I stood at the bottom and realized that we were going to climb to the top! Well! And I didn’t have my daughter to encourage me on the way up or hold my hand. But I made it! The steps were mostly out of stone, and not all even, so the going was slow. Fortunately Luis paused frequently on the landings to give us time to catch our breath and used those opportunities to tell us far more about the place, the people and the reasons they built as they did. We just kept marveling at the entire place.

In leaving we headed back toward the way we arrived but stopped at a place called the Wayra Ranch. There we were served a three course lunch outside overlooking a beautiful garden and parade ground. That was for the entertainment! Between lunch and dessert we were treated to an equestrian show with Peruvian Paso horses. Such beautiful animals and wonderful riders.

And then it was on to a pottery studio by a well known artist, Pablo Seminario and his wife. They’ve been working together for over 45 years. I was tempted by a charming piece that was considered a flying angel that was meant to bring good fortune. I thought it looked almost mermaid-like so I knew it would fit in at home.

That was to be the end of our scheduled events today but during our lunchtime chatting a few of us wanted to go to the local food market. I hopped up to talk with the guides, who agreed to let those of us who wished to do that to head off rather than go back to hotel. But best of all was that Martin, one of our local guides, said he’d show us the way. Well, it ended up that he stayed with us through the entire place and told us all about all the produce and food products. There were only 6 of us, Patty and me and the 2 couples from Jersey (not New Jersey!), Terry and Mick and Julia and Dennis. This made it all the better! We felt that we actually got a little feel for the local people.

Back at the hotel, after a beautiful sunny and warm day, it began raining and then became a downpour with thunder and lightning. We were glad to be back. Time to put our bathing suits on and head to the hot tub and sauna. And of course end the evening with dinner with our traveling companions.