We were scheduled to have high tea at the Belmond before being taken to the Hiram Bingham train for our return to Cusco. Fortunately we knew the best place to lounge in the shade surrounded by birds until our appointed time. The garden behind our room from the previous night.


Chatting with other travelers and a quaint mint tea reminded me of my time in Spain with my cousin Virginia. We had dinner more than once at a Moroccan restaurant in southern Spain that always finished with mint tea and sorbet. Travel seems to remind me of travel. Funny that way.

As we prepared to board the bus departing Belmond Sanctuary Lodge we had a few small bits of rain coming down. As we bid farewell to Machu Picchu it responded with a flash of lightning and crack of thunder shook my chest. Dusty smiled at the timing.
Our bus of train travelers was driven back down the mountain to near the station. After a brisk walk to a lounge area we were met with refreshing towels and a lovely purple cocktail. I asked if our luggage had arrived from the hotel and learned it had not.
We went down to the train and a porter was on the phone with our, fortunately, nearby hotel from last night. We were invited onto the train and shown to our private table already set with crystal ware and fine place settings. We were told we would be notified upon the arrival of our luggage. About three or four minutes later I was asked to come out and confirm the bags were there. Dusty finally relaxed.
The Hiram Bingham representative asked if all was well and I said we were happy with everything except having to leave our cocktails at the reception area before getting to enjoy them. He immediately had new drinks in front of us.
The train was elegant in every way with highly polished wood and brass. This was a definite upgrade from our economy train trip out.
When asked if we would like something as we got rolling out of the station I had another Virginia travel deja vu. We were offered cava. Spanish sparkling wine. When Dusty and I visited Virginia with my mother in Barcelona nearly every day ended with a glass or two of cava and good times. Cava it was.

Dinner was served in courses with small treats between that took nearly two hours. All was to high standards and exposed us to more than one new experience.

When we finally got to the other end of the line we were met by our driver from before, Michael, and a guide for the evening drive into the old town of Cusco. Our hotel, Palacio del Inca, was built on and around an Inca structure. Some of the original walls still visible in many parts of the hotel.

It was nearly 11:00 by the time we got to bed, but we did and all our luggage made it.
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