Nearly 2 years ago, professors Bryan and Eric began talking about where we would like to run a trip. We quickly settled upon Machu Picchu as a dream destination that offered many educational opportunities. We submitted our grant application in March of 2024. Students registered for our Travel Writing course in October . Our class began in January 2025. And finally.... After all this planning, buildup, and anticipation, we awoke this morning knowing that this was THE day when we would at long last reach out final destination.
After breakfast at our hotel, we donned our ponchos for the 30 minute drive to the train that would take us there:
We boarded the train, which had comfortable seating organized into tables of four:
After a ride of 1:45, we arrived at Machu Picchu Pueblo, the town that accommodates tourists. We had a buffet lunch while being serenaded by the ubiquitous Peruvian pan flute singer playing covers of American songs:
Thus fortified, we boarded a bus that drove upward back and forth through a series of switchbacks that provided increasingly spectacular views as we ascended:
Access to Machu Picchu is tightly controlled. Upon arrival, they scanned our passports and timed tickets and we set off on our hike to the top. The views became breathtaking, with jagged teeth-like mountains looking over the impossible-seeming terraces and buildings:
Along the way, we learned about the history and engineering of the site.
It is difficult for me to convey the magnitude and beauty of what we saw. So I won't try. I will instead leave it to the students who were asked to describe the site in just one word:
Sam- genius
Ben- epic
Kylee—extraordinary
Erilynne - stunning
Chelsea - Bonita
Joel - unique
Alec - satisfying
Ella - awe
Leah- pachamama 😃
Eric - Whoa!
Bryan—speechless
After about 3 hours of slackjawed gawking, we made our way back to the bus, the town, and to our hotel for one night. After a 2 hour break, we had dinner at a local restaurant:
And...good news! Because we knew this would be a highlight of the trip, we booked a second day at Machu Picchu tomorrow!
And just as I struggle to describe the beauty of what we saw today, I'm finding it difficult to express how grateful we are to everyone who helped make this happen: my partner in adventure Prof. Bryan Partridge, everyone in NEC administration, the parents who entrusted us, and most especially to the students who have melded into a self-supporting group overflowing with empathy, kindness, cooperation, and respect. I salute you all!
From Machu Picchu,
Prof. Eric Simon
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