Today marks two weeks until we fly home to Austin. That’s like a normal vacation away! I know it will go so quickly. People have asked us how we feel about it and the answer is: ready. Nick can’t wait to get out in the garden, and I can’t wait to cook in my kitchen. We all can’t wait to see family and friends.

Today started with the typical hotel breakfast and packing. We checked out at 10 and walked over to the train station. We booked the slightly more expensive ($30 more) train today because it was the only one available at a convenient time, and the experience was over the top.

They had a band playing as we boarded, with a woman dancing. Nick and I looked at each other like “oh no” because we are both very sensitive to forced live music. Voluntary live music we love, but when it is forced upon us we can’t stand it, especially if it’s loud.

Once onboard we got little snack boxes and water. We played some cards and Millie asked me no less than 30 times why I wouldn’t let her watch something. Sometimes I want to reply with my truth which is “because I’m kinda feeling like a bitch right now”.

The live music continued and they summoned us to the bar cart to watch it. They woman danced while 80% of the patrons had their phones up videoing her. I felt for these performers who have to do this all day every day.

We returned to our seats and they did a fashion show up and down the aisles. We didn’t need any of this but I guess it did make the time go quickly. Before we knew it we were disembarking in Ollantaytambo.

This is a small town in the scared valley of Peru. Our hotel was a 20 minute walk from the train station. We started the walk but it was uphill and on cobblestones, so we took a taxi for the second half.

We checked into our new hotel, dropped our stuff, and then walked right out for lunch. We walked to the main town square and stopped at the first place that looked good. We sat outside in the shade, surrounded by mountains. We could see ruins on each of the mountains around us.

We had a very relaxing and leisurely lunch. Millie drew and then busted out the paints and painted for a while. Nick and I just hung out and talked. Nothing to do, nowhere to be.

She painted the mountains behind me.

And then a very accurate portrait of me in front of them.

We came back to the hotel and rotated through the same things we always do: reading, art, and playing cards.

Then, even though we weren’t that hungry, we went out for dinner. We walked right back to the main square again and had a small dinner.

We watched a mix of tourists and locals walk by. I love seeing the old Peruvian women with big packs on their back, long braids, colorful skirts, and chic hats. Overall we are really loving Peru and it’s on the ongoing list of “places to revisit some day”. Food is good, people are friendly, environment is beautiful, and there’s a ton of interesting history.