Why, oh
why is it that all the temples are located at the TOP of a mountain, or island for that matter? Honestly.
I’m not sure exactly what is going on? All I do know is that apparently the men of isla Amantani have
been drinking since 10am, and will be going until at least 8pm. Yup, we’re just
in time for a fiesta of some sort.
The
playing of music in the town square is calling out to me. While, dang it, my
guide is calling for myself, and all the others on this mad little over-night
tour, to head to the top of the island to see yet another beautiful temple, with yet
another incredible view.
Is this really necessary? He says
it is, and tells us that we’ll have plenty of time to hit the celebration
later. With a wee grumble, we make our way up the steep, winding path…did I
mention that Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world? Don’t
ask me the elevation I’m at, just know that my huffing and puffing is telling
me that it’s high. The trail up is pretty and steadily inclining. I’m
slightly warmed when I see some people playing volleyball…wow, such stamina, I’m
impressed. I also happen to be parched. This elevation apparently is also
affecting my brain as I forgot my water.
I push on though, and finally arrive
at the top. Where, much to my chagrin, I notice that the temple is actually closed
to the public. In fact, the temple is only open one day a year, and that day is
not today. I’m a bit growly: frustrated for the hefty hike and missing out on the
celebration below. However, I plant myself on a rock, gaze out at the lake and
surrounding islands…okay, it is beautiful.
My guide soon starts to talk, telling us how this particular temple is the only one that is still in use. He
explains that the one day it is open is a special day…you’ll
have to forgive me my inability to recollect the name of the day, my ability to understand Spanish was of no use to me with the Spanish-English mixology my guide was
cooking up.
Regardless, I did understand him when he mentioned that this temple, and surrounding grounds, are a good place to “make the meditation”. He said that the mystical energies
were extremely high, and that this temple was in alignment with Machu Picchu, the pyramids in Egypt and the sun and moon temples of Teotihucan, Mexico.
Although I am unable to silence
my mind for meditation (or sleep, or contemplation, or anything for that matter), I thought I might as well give it a whirl, having
climbed so high n' all. So I moved away from the group, sat on another rock and closed
my eyes. I suppose what I was doing wasn’t really a meditation, but it was a moment to
myself. I thought about my dear friend Scott who was going through some
challenging times back home. I wanted him to know that I was thinking of him, sending him
positive vibes. So I envisioned this energy swirling up and out of me and riding the wind into the deep depths of the sky. In my minds
eye I watched it move up and over all the countries separating us. I imagined
it finding him all the way up in Vancouver, Canada, then wrapping itself around him,
whispering in his ear and letting him know how much he means to me. Then I
let my vision go.
Well, not 5 minutes later, still
seated on my rock, I hear a man striking up conversation to a young guy who had settled
himself down a few rocks from myself. The man asked: “What’s your name again?” and the
young guy replied: “Scott.”
I just about fell off my rock. Tears sprang to my eyes and I felt, and still feel, with every fibre in my being that that was the universe's way of letting me know that Scott was thinking of me too.
Party? What party? Let’s talk
more about these mystical energies…
