Mystical Machu Picchu and Magnificent-Russia!
                     
Year 2007-2008 found many AKMG families in Machu Picchu & Russia.

In fall of 2007 many members explored the famed Machu Picchu. The changing landscapes of Peru from the mountains, to the valleys, rivers, and rainforests was an exhilarating trip for all.  Preparation to go to Peru was exciting, as we had to equip ourselves with knives, flash lights, first aid kits, and specific medications to combat mosquitoes and altitude sickness – we felt we were preparing for a journey to a far away land to explore a land of jungles and mountains! 

After a brief halt in Lima, “City of the Kings,” we went to Cusco, the mountain town at the elevation of 11,000 ft.  Here we experienced the tranquility brought on by the cocoa leaves and cocoa tea. A descending train journey from the heights of Cusco along fooththeills of Andes brought us into Machu Picchu.  This was a moment of pristine beauty, the lofty mountains on one side soaring into the blue skies with the roaring Urubamba River ferociously flowing through the canyons in the foothills of the mountains on the other! 

We had the opportunity to visit the old Inca civilization tucked between the Machu Picchu peak (old peak) and Huyana Picchu (young peak) many times from here!  They appear to be made of stone blocks placed on the mountainsides and blend completely with the mountain landscapes.  They tell a story of their own and include old Inca dwellings, fortress, and temples of sun and Condor.  There are large areas of terraced square grounds cut along the mountainsides – almost like large steps – a place for agriculture and farming in the old Inca days.  As you lean against the mountain sides, with the clean crisp mountain breeze gently brushing your face, the musical melody created by the sounds of nature in the mountains, and with the sight of large clouds looming above the mountains, dancing in circles around the mountain peaks, you are sure to feel the rhythms of nature run through you!  The mountains come alive in the morning ray of sun and by dusk the stillness of the mountains lends itself into the dark night.  This is a spot of magical and spiritual wonder!  Language of the Incas blending with the rhythms of nature can only be experienced and cannot be retold, as one has no words to describe the wisdom or spirituality experienced at Machu Picchu.  The sheer physical beauty mesmerized some of us, and for others it stirred a spiritual cord!

Leaving the mountains we travelled into the Sacred Valley of the Incas and shopped in the Pisac market. There were large valleys cropped beautifully against the mountain slopes, inhabited by the local folks who are typically very friendly with cherubian round faces, welcoming smiles and, dressed in typical native attire! 

The last few days found us in the Amazon Jungle after a brief river journey along the Tambopata River from the Port Maldonado airport.  It is full of rivers, lagoons, and swamps.  We had the opportunity to visit the garden of herbal medicinal plants. We experienced the thatched cabanas illuminated only by candlelight, the noise of the jungles and rainforest provided us with music!  A six-mile track through the jungles brought us to the Oxbow Lake to experience some boating and water life in the jungle. 

Peru is a complete world in itself - a land of contrasting experiences - a land of jungles, peaks, rivers, and ancient ruins – you are sure to experience it all during your trip, all in a brief seven days and as you depart this land of mystical, spiritual wonder you are certain to feel the deep yearning within you, a desire to revisit this amazing land again!

After having explored what is completely a land that is “God’s Creation” in Peru, in spring of 2008 – we experienced what was a land that is “man’s magnificent creation” – Russia – a land of Tsars, palaces, beautiful parks, churches, and buildings – all man’s creation, yet, a wonderland in its own merit!

Our trip to Russia greatly exceeded all expectations for many of us.  We landed in Moscow airport in the wee hours of the morning and the airport was an anti-climax!  Moscow city, built in circles, was crowded and the circles grew wider as we stayed for three days there.  We were finally engulfed in the circles as we visited the amazing metros of Moscow, the Red Square, the Kremlin and the Armory.  The sights and colors around       Kremlin Cathedral St Basil’s Cathedral   the baroque palaces and the domed cathedrals of Moscow city, will be etched in our minds forever! 

After an overnight train ride through the countryside of Russia we found ourselves in St. Petersburg, the great city created by Peter the Great, on the banks of the Neva River.  This was built to mimic the city of Venice but in my opinion the recreated city of St. Petersburg surpassed the original Venice by leaps and bounds!  St. Petersburg has a never ending array of buildings on either banks of the Neva River, one building literally runs into another, holding hands, and interlocked together, as if ready to start a dance or processional march.  The majestic buildings are only interrupted by bridges (mostly draw bridges) that connect the banks of the Neva River.  The city of St. Petersburg stands out today, majestically, as though it has been untouched and unlived, just as a painting on the banks of the Neva River!    We were all spellbound to think how beautifully this city was created centuries ago and amazed to think how magnificently it has been preserved! 

 
The Hermitage Museum situated on the banks of Neva River, stands out today as an architectural masterpiece and is the symbol of Russian prestige & pride!  We had the golden opportunity to visit all the palaces and got a glimpse of the incredible lifestyles of Russian Tsars.  Their palaces told a story of   Hermitage Museum their glorious pasts.  We also had the opportunity to see the famous Russian Circus, classical and modern styles of celebrated Russian Ballet and enjoyed authentic Russian cuisine!  As we left Russia, we had a better understanding of the Russian history – from the Tsars régime through the communist Russia and to the emancipated modern Russia of today.    All of us have returned with an entirely different concept of Russia – a Russia that is beyond imagination – it too can only be experienced firsthand; as words are too futile to describe the emotions felt by all!

I want to express my thanks to Dr. Roy Verghese who took the initiative to arrange a very informative CME session during the Russia trip!

I wish to acknowledge George Palamaltam and Discovery Journey for arranging these trips for AKMG families!

Radha Menon  M.D.
AKMG President
Rmenon@aol.com