THE UNKNOWN PERSISTS

“In a world of diminishing mystery,
 the unknown persists.”
- Jhumpa Lahiri

On July 24, 1911 American archeologist, Hiram Bingham

got his first look at  

Machu Picchu, 

an ancient Inca settlement in Peru that is now one of the world's top tourist destinations.

Tucked away in the rocky countryside northwest of Cuzco, 

Machu Picchu is believed to have been a summer retreat for

 Inca leaders, whose civilization was virtually wiped out by Spanish invaders in the 16th century. 

For hundreds of years afterwards, its existence was a secret known only to the peasants living in the region. 

That all changed in the summer of 1911, 

when Bingham arrived with a small team of explorers to search for the famous “lost” cities of the Incas.

I wonder if Juli (from last post), who lives in Peru, has seen this mysterious city?

No, Ghost of Mark Twain, I am not calling Juli a peasant!!

(Darn that Mark -- always trying to get me into trouble)

As Wynonna Earp, whom we both love, said last episode --

"Single mothers are superheroes."

By the way, 

Wynonna Earp 

has been picked up 

for a Third Season!

But back to 

Machu Picchu

The excited Bingham spread the word about his discovery in a best-selling book, 

sending hordes of eager tourists flocking to Peru to follow in his footsteps up the Inca trail. 

The site itself stretches an impressive five miles, with over 3,000 stone steps linking its many different levels. 

Today, more than 300,000 people tramp through Machu Picchu every year, 

braving crowds and landslides to see the sun set over the towering stone monuments of the  

“Sacred City” 

and marvel at the mysterious splendor of one of the world’s most famous man-made wonders.

Would anything Man has made today survive abandonment for 400 years? 

What do you think?

Why DO I Love Wynonna Earp So Much?

Here's Why: