Dream Trip 2009

Great Travel Moment

It was an early misty morning in Machu Picchu before the trains unloaded the hordes of tourists that would invade the ruins. There was a hush in the air, almost reverent. We had the place all to ourselves. It could not be more magical. Then our guide pulled out his quenos and started to play a haunting Incan melody as wisps of mist swirled around him. Chills ran down my spine. We watched entranced as the music transported us back in time. I did not want that moment to end. And it didn't for a long time as we followed the flautist around the ruins. Later, my husband bought the quenos for $20 and it hangs in our living room, a reminder of that moment. It is our own magic flute.