Machu Picchu, Peru (2009)

Well… a tiny bit late (almost 11 years!) but better late than never to go through pictures! This was part of my first visit to South America, and one of my first stops. Originally I stopped over in Lima first, but unfortunately I lost all the pictures from Lima somehow. More reason to process things when you get home, not 11 years late.

Lima was great, because I met up Diego, a local friend I met while traveling Portugal 18 months earlier. When I was young and traveling quite low-budget, I met so many people along the way. It sounds so adventurous and fun, but in reality you rarely ever see newly-made travel acquaintances again. This was one of the exceptions. The evening ended with him giving me an intense, very comprehensive, “tour” of local pisco at his house. Maybe THIS explains the lost photos – it definitely explains the lost memory of the evening! Ah, and now thinking of that Porgual trip which was TWELVE years ago, maybe I’ll process that next….

Actually I’m not sure “hopeful” would be the right word. This trip came at a very tough time in my life. I was unemployed, in debt, and funding the entire trip on credit cards. The stupid things you do when you’re young – and I wasn’t even THAT young (25 years old then). I remember thinking YOLO (You only live once). Over the years I realize YOLO is why one SHOULDN’T do something, instead of using it as an excuse to actually do it.

Macchu Picchu really lived up to expectations. The ruins were pristine, and clean (not sure what they’re like now in 2020). It wasn’t crowded either, minus a few small tour groups and backpackers it was pretty. The scenery around was stunning.

Along the way on the train I ended up being seated with some students – Danielle, Sam, and Jessica – and we ended up hanging out for the day. I went up to Macchu Picchu again the next day again as well.

They were really chill and smart girls (two from Harvard, one from Brown). I never saw or spoke to them again, but we’re still Facebook friends and they all seem to be doing really well which is heartwarming.

I normally traveled alone, but as a photo geek it was nice to have people with me. A real subject to shoot instead of poorly attempted selfies and scenery that skilled photoshoppers will outdo me on. Now I have my wife, whether she likes being the subject or not – she doesn’t get a choice 🙂

Going through these really brought back a rush of memories (but not so much the Lima night). It’s nice to see old pictures still hold up.

All shot on a Nikon D700