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22 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | SEPTEMBER 2024 By Elizabeth Westbrook Machu Picchu. Its name and the iconic picture of the ruins and Huayna Picchu on travel brochures enticed me decades ago to be sure and visit this intriguing place. The opportunity was cemented when Sandra Butler-Roberts wrote her article, "Trip of a Lifetime" (November 2022) suggesting the Belmond hotels and Bob Kaller's "Retracing Ancient Footsteps" (March 2023) recommending the experience of a four-day hike on the Inca Trail. With Audley Travel, I chose the hotels but the popular last day hike of 10k on the Inca Trail (K104) to Machu Picchu will be enough of a challenge. Coming out of a two-week recuperation on Phillip's heart ablation (yes, he had doctor's approval) and the struggle for breath due to high elevation affected both of us. Even after two days of acclimatization in Cusco (11,152 feet), we were not expecting to be climbing steps on all fours; we had to stop frequently to let our hearts and lungs catch up. We had until 5 pm to complete the hike; the rangers were following us out (yes, we were the last ones) but the thought of the Sanctuary Lodge waiting after the hike made us smile. You have seen me limping around with my bad right knee, however, with cortisone shot, rest, and exercise – I was ready for this momentous hike. Okay, so I'm limping around again – icing, ibufropen, rest, and cortisone; my trophy and Phillip's testament to the successful heart surgery confirmed Bob's comment, "If you ever get the chance and want to experience one hell of a hike, go for it." We were so ready to be pampered by the Belmond Andean Explorer. I had booked this train cruise (yes, it's everything like an ocean cruise) from Cusco to Arequipa. The meals with the wine pairings were delicious and ref lected the cuisine we had experienced during the Culinary Tour in Lima. The farm to table is prevalent in Peru. Everything was freshly made and even the chocolate bars and ice cream contained no more than three ingredients. The train got jostled around from the tracks which I quickly compared to rough seas. However, the endless views of the mountains (from our advantage of an average 11,000 to 14,000 feet of elevation) and visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites with knowledgeable guides gave us insights on the residing indigenous people and their way of life. The Peruvians are proud of their heritage and culture. Compulsory education for their people and making sure the tourists (70 percent of their economy) are educated on their past as well. This trip had a purpose. Michael MacQueen's Globe Trotting with the Professor (June 2024) emphasized the importance of experiencing global travels. Even with heavy hearts, (Phillip's brother's wife suffered a cardiac arrest and went into coma) his brother gave us his blessings to go and enjoy Peru. It may have felt like a pilgrimage as we encountered and learned the Inca's way of life, but also an affirmation of Michael's, "But if you get the chance, get out there and explore a bit. I promise you won't regret it!" Cruisin', Bruisin', & Learnin' in Peru My favorite time in the dining car. Settling in for the night at the Belmond Andean Explorer. Phillip rearranged the seating area for maximum viewing. A pianist will play the baby grand piano later for cocktails and canapés. Freezing outside but a great opportunity to buy homespun scarves by the locals. Phillip and I are holding the Breeze pages on Sandra's and Bob's trip.