I return, noble Armageddon Prose reader, bearing gifts in the form of sordid sociological, archaeological, and philosophical observations of varying quality, which you may or may not appreciate. But gift horses, mouths, etc. First, before we get all nihilistic and cynical, regarding the world-famous Inca ruins themselves —the ostensible reason my wife insisted we trek across the altiplano (high plains) of Puno up into Cusco and up further into the “high jungle” (or the “cloud forest”) as it’s called, at the nexus between the Amazon and the Andes — all of the crowds, the hassle, the time and money, the being ferried to and fro, etc. justified itself in spades.
I did the whole 4 day trek to Macchu Picchu in 2011, arrived there in absolute downpour. It was the trip of a lifetime. Absolutely worth it. I agree that it is likely much more than 600yo. It's not just the stonework, it's also some of the objects there which are not really very relatable to humans even. The official narrative explains them as worshipping afterlife and such, but they just look very strange.
How bizarre... I was just ruminating on Macchu Picchu and the simple fact that to any and all with un untrained eye (mine is trained, I understand and participate in stonework) that the mirror finished, MIRROR FINISHED' obloid monoliths that are the foundations of Macchu Picchu dictate different tech to the narrative. Hop on a plane to Cambodia and we can discuss frippery carving as opposed to build..
i plan to come to Cambodia sometime in the near future, having only ever been inside for five minutes on a border run. if and when that happens, i'll take you up on the offer
Your eloquent command of the English language always shines through in these travel pieces Ben. I am firmly sold on putting Macchu Picchu on the to-do list, thanks.
I did the whole 4 day trek to Macchu Picchu in 2011, arrived there in absolute downpour. It was the trip of a lifetime. Absolutely worth it. I agree that it is likely much more than 600yo. It's not just the stonework, it's also some of the objects there which are not really very relatable to humans even. The official narrative explains them as worshipping afterlife and such, but they just look very strange.
How bizarre... I was just ruminating on Macchu Picchu and the simple fact that to any and all with un untrained eye (mine is trained, I understand and participate in stonework) that the mirror finished, MIRROR FINISHED' obloid monoliths that are the foundations of Macchu Picchu dictate different tech to the narrative. Hop on a plane to Cambodia and we can discuss frippery carving as opposed to build..
i plan to come to Cambodia sometime in the near future, having only ever been inside for five minutes on a border run. if and when that happens, i'll take you up on the offer
Sublime? Transcendent? That's nice and all...but tell us about the gift shop.
believe me when I tell you I'm going to get to the gift shops
Your eloquent command of the English language always shines through in these travel pieces Ben. I am firmly sold on putting Macchu Picchu on the to-do list, thanks.
Excellent piece! Glad you listened to wifey. I’m no tourist either, but occasionally benefit from going to locations where tourists congregate.
Am happy 4 you you had a great time, these moments one must cherish 4ever and nobody can take it away from you not even Alzheimer's!
Which just goes 2 show that sometimes I repeat sometimes we ought to listen to our better halves..