March 14 Machu Picchu/ Cusco Belmond Monasterio Cusco

 Awaken this morning at Machu Picchu, where options include an early hike to the Sun Gate,
the ancient final checkpoint to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail. After lunch, return by train and
bus to Cusco—the center of the Inca universe and a burgeoning cultural capital. Check-in at the
Belmond Hotel Monasterio on Plaza Nazarenas in the heart of Cusco for two nights. Occupying
a monastery founded in 1592, our hotel—like much of colonial Cusco—is built atop Inca stones.
      Happy Birthday Paul!   This morning we went to go see the lower part of the buildings of Machu Picchu. It wasn't near as  strenuous as yesterday's climb. we were done and on the way back it started to rain? So I guess
 they saying happy birthday and brought Paul a cake which he shared with that whole tableit was really good!The hotel gave us chocolate dipped pretzels when we checked out.
Now to reverse our course and take the bus down the twisty mountain road. Then the train back to the town and then get on a mini bus to drive all the way back to Cusco.
 I tried and failed to get a picture of the waterfall we passed descending the steep hill. After our short bus ride down the hill we had lunch... No one is hungry it's early. Them we walked to the culture center and got a passport stamp for Machu Picchu. On the train I lucked out again and am not having to ride backwards. As we descended the rain stopped. They gave us our snack box that had a chocolate quinoa bar, quinoa cookies, a piece of chocolate and two mints. We had a fashion show of things you can buy. We took some more pictures of Veronica glacier.
Then we had our two-hour ride to Cusco in our mini bus. We are staying at an old monastery. Again, it's a truly fabulous hotel. Belmont Monestario Hotel. out our window. out our front door the hotels main open area
 we wandered across the plaza in front of the hotel and there's some very high-end shops. We can't buy anything there. That we walk down the street. Do a little store and got sweaters and backpacks for the grandkids.
   Dinner was way over the top. Multiple courses accompanied by a music and opera singing mushroom risotto with parmesan.
Flank steak with vegetables

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