very early breakfast, then walked to the train station and boarded the Vista Dome for the ride up to Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes, the town at its base. the view from the window was great during the train ride, following the Urubamba River through the valley. got to Aguas Calientes and found an acceptable hotel for the next 2 nights. walked around the town a bit, then picked up entrance tickets to Machu Picchu for the next 2 days. took the bus up the winding mountain road and was ultimately deposited atop this magical peak. spent the rest of the day touring Machu Picchu and was humbled by the beauty and spirtual aura eminating from the place. i don’t think it’s possible to take a bad photograph while on the mountain, as you’re surrounded by breathtakingly spectacular scenery. relunctantly headed back down to Aguas Calientes and walked the streets some more as darkness fell. randomly picked a place for dinner which was quite nice, then found my way back to the hotel.
