Wednesday 15 December 2010

CGGS Update # 4

Another update from the CGGS team
CGGS update no. 4:
¡¡Hola!! It has been four days since our last blog and my goodness it feels so much longer.  We have seen and done so much and we are all really excited for a well deserved rest on lake Titicaca. 
Trekking through the Andes was a fantastic experience for us all.  Despite the fact that the altitude made even the gentlest slopes feel like an hour on the treadmill, the beautiful vistas made it all more than worthwhile. on the second day we reached our highest point at 4650m above sea level, which was freezing, tiring and exhilarating.  Although we were all looking forward to bed and hot showers by the end of the fourth day, there's not a doubt that our time in the mountains was both memorable and a highlight. 
Waking up at 4am the next morning was not the most ideal way to start the day.  however, knowing we were about to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World this early start was well worth it. 
Arriving at Machu Picchu we were all taken aback at the beauty and the level of sophistication the Incas were able to create.  Nestled deep within the mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu took all our breaths away. 
After having a tour around the ruins we were able to explore for ourselves.  Some of us went to the Sungate and others went to the Inca Bridge. 
Another seven of us walked up to the top of Wayna Picchu, the Mountain in the background of all the classic photos of Machu Picchu. Despite only being one kilometre long, the hike was almost vertical in some places as we climbed up the endless stone stairs. A highlight was going through the mountain near the top as we crawled though a dark and narrow cave. The feeling when we got to the top was fantastic! We experienced spectacular views of all the ruins laid out at our feet. For this group it was an unforgettable experience.
We all thoroughly enjoyed Machu Picchu and this will be a day we will remember for the rest of our lives. 
We have just spent our seven hour bus ride to Puno and tomorrow we are off to Lake Titicaca for our home stay.
We would all really love to hear from you so please comment.
Hope all is well,
Lots of love,
Cggs Peru Team.  

10 comments:

  1. Fantastic to hear the super news! Thanks so much for finding the time to let us all know how you're getting on; it really is appreciated even though it can't be easy to tear yourselves away from what sounds like a really marvellous trip! I for one check this blog a couple of times every day to see if there is any update, and I don't suppose I'm the only one...

    The trek sounds wonderful, scenic, exhilarating, and I'm sure gave your lungs and legs a good workout!

    So glad you got to see Machu Picchu, and now you can imagine how one of us continually slid backwards down that steep muddy mountain in cowboy boots in the pouring rain and clouds...

    Here we finally have some nice summer weather, after days of pouring rain. The centre of Queanbeyan was flooded, and so were many other towns especially Wagga.

    Enjoy Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, and we can't wait to see all the photos and hear all the stories!

    xxxoooxxx

    Mary

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  2. What a sensational blog! We're so happy you girls seem to be having the trip of a lifetime. You will certainly return with stories to tell and memories to cherish.

    Keep clicking those cameras. Can't wait to see the photos and to share your highs and lows.

    Enjoy the last few days and steel'yB says hi to Gem.

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  3. Hi intrepid travellers...

    We are so thrilled to hear from you again and your latest exploits. Even though we knew you were going to be out of contact for a few days, we have been checking your blog site several times a day, just in case!

    We are very keen to see the fabulous photos of Machu Piccu and you all in your trekking gear. This has to be a life changing experience.

    Back in downtown Oz, all that seems to dominate the news at the moment is the visit to Australia by Oprah Winfrey and entourage.

    Looking forward to your next update and how much you will be cramming in before you board that jet.

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  4. It is so lovely to read such a vibrant blog packed with so much news. What amasing experiences for you all! I hope that you all have a wonderul time at Lake Titicaca. xxxooo

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  5. Girls, we are loving your blogs and hearing about the incredible things you are seeing and doing in Peru. A very impressive thunder storm moving through Canberra at the moment. Looking forward to seeing you home next week. Only 9 days to Christmas!

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  6. Great to hear the updates, sooooo
    looking foward to the photos and more detailed descriptions of your
    adventures Ian,Francine & Anna

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  7. Girls, we look forward to your blogs, checking daily for any updates. They are so informative and descriptive, that we almost feel like we're there! We are so excited to hear of your adventures, especially the like Machu Picchu. Cannot wait to see the photo's upon your return. Enjoy the rest of your time.

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  8. Hi team

    Gosh the days sound jam packed with so much to see and do. We can't wait to see the photos and to hear all the stories. Rohaan wants to know if grilled guinea pig tastes like chicken.....

    Here in Oz its been thunderstorms and floods and of course, Oprah. Hugh Jackman got a black eye from his grand entrance on the flying fox from the top of the Opera House on to the stage - apparently he forgot to apply the brakes in time!!!

    Looking forward to the next action-packed letter from Peru. Miss you heaps.

    PS Prashanthi - Sarah W says hi, she misses you too. She's done well, we'll celebrate when you get home.

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  9. Fantastic bulletin. Chris is incredulous about the climbers of Wayna Picchu - how DID you manage to do that? Being young and fit clearly has its advantages where adventuring is concerned. Hope the rest of the trip is just as good - is anyone using their spanish? Make the most of these precious last few days. See you soon!(Ben says 'Hi!)

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  10. Maree & Ted Prencel16 December 2010 at 22:50

    Hi Girls
    What a marvellous time you're all having, something for the memory books. Really looked forward to reading your posts. Can't wait to see the photos and hear all about your experiences. Enjoy the remainder of your time in Peru.
    Miss you heaps Jana.

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