Machu fucking Picchu

It is official, there are two wonders in this world - not seven.

The first one is, well, me:

It is still under discussion with the authorities, but my face may actually be the 3rd Wonder of the World - that explains why I can't show it yet

And the second one is Machu Picchu (this is the typical picture of Machu Picchu, but this one is mine - I took it):

mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine 

It really is an impressive place. At first I thought that I was going to be disappointed by Machu Picchu as it seemed to be extremely overrated. Everybody was talking about how wonderful it was, the same way people usually talk about me.

But no, it was really as beautiful as people say. Maybe even more.

Here are a few images of the intelligent, beautiful, seismic-resistant architecture of the Incas:

The Incas loved terraces, they had three types of them: for agriculture, to avoid land slides and for decoration.

This is not Machu Picchu, it is a place called Moray. What you see is an experimental agricultural laboratory for the Incas. They created microclimates on each level of these terraces.

We still don't know what Machu Picchu exactly was. It may have been a school or a spiritual university. The Spanish had not reached it, which is why it is so well preserved - well 80% had to be restored because nature had taken over it - but it wasn't destroyed or built over. 

By built over I refer to the Spanish conquistadores who built churches on top of the wonderful Inca temples. Almost nothing is left of these temples in Cusco, there are just churches now. Actually, the Spaniards use to put local symbols inside the churches to lure the local people into getting in and praying. Which is why you can see a sun, condors and pumas in the Andean churches.  

Back to Machu Picchu. What is most stunning about it - on top of the amazing architecture - is its location. It is surrounded by green, tall and wonderful mountains. It literally is the nicest scenery I have seen so far.

So yes, I admit it; these guys were geniuses - and let's not forget that they were only around for a hundred years. The Incas do deserve all the attention they get. Chapeau bas.

I highly recommend visiting the place. You fly to Cusco, which was the actual Inca capital - it's a lovely city - and it's only a few hours from Machu Picchu. There is plenty to do in the city and around - plus there are many restaurants, bars and clubs of excellent quality.

The city really looks like an Italian village as all the roofs are all covered with these mediterranean-style tiles. 

You cannot die before having gone to these places. So if you're planning on killing yourself, put that on hold, fly to Cusco and visit the region. That's an order.