After arriving late Thursday night
from our unexpected detour from the landslide, we were all entirely exhausted.
However, everyone was very excited to see the solstice on Friday morning. We woke up at 4 AM in order to catch one of
the first bus rides down to Machu Picchu mountain and the site. The winter solstice is also known as being
the shortest day of the year, which is when the sun is at its northern most
point in the sky.
Julez and I right after sunrise!!
As soon as we arrived at the site,
the group split into different areas pertaining to different alignments of the
sun. Michael and I waited at the Temple of the Sun, which contains a large rock
in the center. This temple contains several niches, but the rock is aligned
with the sun's very first rays on the day of the winter solstice. The
anticipation and anxiousness began to build up as we waited for the sun to rise.
At about 7:30 the sun completely rose over the mountains and illuminated the
entire site. As a result, the middle
niche from the Temple of the Sun had the sun coming straight through, which
formed a shadow on the large rock in the center of the Temple.
Temple of the Sun
We saw several different alignments
around the site. We focused on different imitations of the larger mountains that were
aligned to be similarly shaped with different unfinished stones around the
site. It was very interesting to note
these resemblances, because not much has been published about them. It was also
clear to us that the top peak of Machu Picchu Mountain was aligned in a straight
line with Wayna Picchu Mountain. From everything that we experienced today, it
is clear to me that the Inca’s were very detailed in their construction with
this site. I’m sure there are several other things out there that have yet to
be recognized.
Imitations from stones
Some other of the unfinished stones
in the sites could have potentially been used for sacrificial purposes. In the
picture below you can see that the stone is slanted to align with the downward
slope of the mountain. This was so the blood could drain off, similar to the terraces
and other drainage systems that were used for water. This was a little disturbing to
me.
The last place we went to before
leaving on our first day was the Inca Bridge. This was one terrifying hike, because
the Inca Trail along the hike contained very few railings. The trek along the
path was also at a height that made me nauseous. However, it was incredible to
see, because the wall that constructed this part of the trail was built in the
middle of a very high part of the mountain. It really is fascinating to think
about how the Incas would have constructed something like this. When we got to
the bridge, it was very small, but the site to see was breathtaking.
Machu Picchu has been one of the most
unreal sights I have ever experienced. Even though we were tired and completely exhausted,
everything we saw the first day proved to be well worth the wait.
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