Salt, beer and a train trip

Today is a full day isn’t it. First stop is at the Maris community.

To belong to this community you must marry someone, or be a descendant and work the land continuously. They produce textiles but their main industry is salt. They gather salt and make salt based products.

They certainly produce some incredible products. I bought some salt spice mix and a tshirt. What did you buy? There was so many products, it would have been easy to spend a fortune. Next a demonstration of the local drink Chicha de Jora. This is a bit like apple cider vinegar and is made from fermented red corn.

The corn kernels are soaked in water until they grow roots. The corn is then ground and fermented in water for 3 days and then tested. I don’t think I could drink 15 500ml glasses a day. Could you? The addition of fruit makes it must more appealing. The waste feeds the Guinea pigs.

Oops it is getting late. We might miss the train.The bus is racing through the town of Ollantaytambo.

The scenery is quite spectacular. We are travelling through the valley between the mountains. There are small farms, the river , terraces and the famous Inca walking trail. 3 days and 2 nights…mmmm not for me.

We are here in the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo from where you take the train to Machu Picchu. It’s checking in, looking at the town, retail therapy and…eating.

Up the stairs , it’s retail therapy time. Let’s check out all the shops. Most of the jewellery here is local silver and you pay by weight. It is amazing how heavy earrings can be.

I think we have exhausted the shops. Most of them have the same products for sale. Time to eat and then rest. Another busy day tomorrow