If you didn't get here via Unknown Mami's blog, then you should check out her Sundays-In-My-City feature. It's a regular feature that's open to anyone.
See the river in the background of this picture below. I am very sure it doesn't look that way today. Now it's a raging flood of water tearing through the valley. That river is the Urabamba.
I was fortunate to get a trip to Peru back in 2008 because of the Peruvian connection of our new son-in-law. Recently, I heard there has been terrible flooding and tourist were trapped at Machu Picchu. Honestly, my first reaction was, "that's a nice place to be trapped." The problem is crowding in a small town (Aguas Calientes) that became isolated when the train tracks washed out. (Oh, they aren't down there now. They live in Chicago.)
It's the same train we took. Actually, it's the train everyone takes except those that hike there.
The train follows the river valley so it's been washed out in a few places.
Here's a picture of Aguas Calientes back in 2008.
Here's two shots that I had to climb quite high to get.
The tourists were flown out of Aguas Calientes by military helicopters over several days. Links to the recent flooding and trapped tourists:
And a video clip
29 comments:
Scary but awesome, looking at the water and also being stuck. Your pictures are amazing. The train ride must have been very interesting. I had never been to South America, I imagined it a fascinating place.
News such as this is always much more personal when you know the locality; one can imagine vividly how what you visited has suffered. Sounds like the locals did a fair job overall?
Thos photos are amazing! The shot of the train tracks are fantastic! It's like a lost city you found. I'm going to go and read the articles. I hope everyone was ok!
South America is high on my list of places I still want to go. Somehow with all the tarveling I've done, I've never made it farther south on this side of the world than Panama.
What a story. These are wonderful pictures. I love trains but that one looks a bit scary!
Those are some magnificent views! Wow. My high school Spanish teacher was a missionary teacher in Peru. She always loved it so much and spoke so fondly of it. I can see why. It is very beautiful!
Absolutely amazing pictures!!
Followed you from Unknown Mami's. What great pictures. This is one place that I've always wanted to see in real life. Maybe someday!
ooh i love these pictures. i have never been to south america either....loving the llamas...we have them in this neck of the woods too! Two sundays ago i posted about them here: http://peekthruourwindow.blogspot.com/2010/01/sundays-in-my-city-or-pictures-that.html
Thankyou for this post! I thoroughly enjoyed it (depsite it being about a flood!).
Wow, Never underestimate the power of water. Macchu Picdhu has long been on my list of places to visit. I'm make sure I check out the rainy season first. Enjoyed the post.
Amazing pictures!
yes checking the seasons of different weather problems is always a good plan for visiting any place
thanks - maybe you're like me - hard to tell the difference between Llamas and Alpacas - I believe the ones in my picture were Llamas. I actually got too close to them because afterwards I was bitten by about 200 tiny blood sucking flies.
the train was fun. Now had the river been overflowing it's bank well that's a difference story.
I've never been to Panama - nice place? I've been close.
The Peruvian government appears to have done a great job in getting people moved to safety.
Yes that's one benefit of traveling. Hell, I even know a little British slang. The Peruvian government appears to have done a great job in getting people moved to safety. Cheers!
WOW!!! Amazing photos, Peru is so beautiful! Wish I could visit SA!!
When the levees fell in New Orleans, I remembered all the tastes and smells of that dear city, one I had visited just months earlier. Like Dave Hambridge said, when you know the locality, it's personal.
I think Machu Picchu is one of the most interesting and intriguing places in the world. I have never been there, but obviously you have been. Is that first photo of your daughter's wedding? How marvelous! I hope your son-in-law's family is okay.
Those are gorgeous pictures! I hope everyone is safe from the floods.
I've never been to Peru but I hope to visit there someday.
Thanks for sharing!
jj
yes that's a wedding picture. it was held in the dry season. While I don't know all the extended relatives of my son-in-law, I know they live mostly on the coast, a good distance from this area.
For the reports I gather most everyone is safe but I did read that a hiker and guide may have perished.
OH how awesome!! I was supposed to go to Machu Picchu in 2008 but had complications with my pregnancy while I was in Panama pre-Peru, so I had to return to the states and eat the costs of the plane ticket etc. It's my dream trip, so I know I'll make it in the future, and I'll never regret coming home because it kept me safe and brought me my son. What a great trip for you though! Thanks for sharing!!
Oh I would love to go to Peru. What great shots you took too. Love you to blog about your experiences there sometime.
I'm sorry about the flooding, but I'm glad I got to see your pictures. My goodness it's beautiful there.
thanks for sharing a comment - traveling while very pregnant - what would I know but my guess would be that it's not very comfortable.
hey thanks for the suggestion - probably a good idea while the memories are still fresher than they will be.
this area is very scenic - it's a long valley and very rugged
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