While I want to update everyone on the
pharmacy contributions, I June 24, 2012
After another work-filled week in the
mobile PHOP clinics in the Sacred Valley, the PHOP crew set out again for Machu
Picchu. Though a group of PHOPers had gone to this world wonder earlier in the
trip, a new group set out to tackle these Incan ruins for themselves. Following
a 4:30 am wake up call and a 5:45 am bus to the entrance to the Incan site, we
arrived at the ancient ruins. We were quickly treated to a cloud covered and
mystic ancient Incan city before beginning our hiking adventures.
PHOP Group at Machu
Picchu in the Morning as the Clouds break above the ruins but still cover the
surrounding mountains.
A group of us began the hike to the
peak of Huayna Picchu at 7:00 am, summiting this exquisitely perilous mountain
peak by 8:30 am. This summit afforded sensational bird’s eye views of Machu
Picchu and the surrounding mountainous valley as the sun began to break through
the clouds. Deciding that this short but demanding hike was not enough to
satisfy our outdoor desires, we headed out towards the Gran Caverna, an Incan
made cave that ended up being 2 hours from the peak of Huayna Picchu. We reached
the impressive site, greatly isolated from the masses of tourists descending on
Machu Picchu for the day, and enjoyed our one private Incan ruin. After making
the 2.5 hour trek back to Machu Picchu (after which our hiking appetite was
most definitely satisfied), we surveyed the ancient Incan city. We visited the
important sites, including the Temple of the Sun, Intihuana, Temple of the
Three Windows, the Ceremonial rock that mirrors the landscape (my personal
favorite), the condor, fountains and many more. Taking a break from these
impressive sites, we settled near the Guard House to take in another
spectacular view of a sun soaked Machu Picchu. After touring these sites
several more times, climbing hundreds of stairs and spending up to 10 hours in
this ancient ruin, the group then descended to Aguas Calientes for a full meal
and a well deserved nights rest.
Birds Eye View of
Machu Picchu from the summit of Huayna Picchu.
PHOP group members standing in front of the
Ceremonial Rock, that mirrors the landscape in the background (unfortunately
blocked out by the cloud cover)
This trip was particularly special for
me since I had taken several courses concerning Pre-Colonial Latin American
Societies as part of my studies at the University of Michigan. The Incan period
of Peruvian history was a headliner topic of these courses and we had spent a
good deal of time diving into the history and significance of Machu Picchu. It
was surreal to survey the same ruins that had seemed worlds away during
discussion sections just 2 short years earlier. I was even able to remember
some of the details from these classes, acting as an impromptu tour guide for
our group, saving us some precious Peruvian Soles! In all, this visit was an
incredible way to end my first week in Peru and I am grateful to have spent it
with a wonderful group of people.
Our adventure filled weekend, however,
did not end with Machu Picchu as our group decided to forgo a restful afternoon
for a trip to the famous open air craft market in the city of Pisac. This
market was a fantastic opportunity view and purchase true Peruvian crafts for
ourselves and our families, while employing our best bargaining skills.
A taste of the Famous Open Air Market at
Pisac.
Following the market purchases, we
returned to the hotel to welcome our new members, many of which are coming from
the Stony Brook University Medical School. This week is the forth and final
week for the Cleveland participants in the PHOP program, and promises to provide
exciting progress and conclusion to our many on going clinical and non-clinical
projects.
Saludos
- Stuart
MS2, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
No comments:
Post a Comment