Post written by Laura Cococcia. You can follow Laura on Twitter.

Here I am, sitting in the library of my fab eco-retreat, writing from Machu Picchu.

It took a full 24 hours to get here, without delays. I knew this going in. But I thought I’d provide a quick snapshot of the actual trek – it’s just too cool to ignore.

1. Flight from JFK to MIA. Watched five episodes of 30 Rock. For those of you who know me, you know I haven’t watched TV in about 4 years … until now. Thanks to my good friend for the recommendation – I love Liz Lemon. Thanks also to American Airlines for the upgrade.

2. The longest layover at MIA. It simply deserves it’s own little space since I was here for about 7 years. Or so it seemed.

This is my least favorite airport in the world – I’ve been to approximately 40 airports to date.

My sister and I have a running joke – whenever one of us is at Miami Airport, we call the other to lament about the crazytown that it is. She lives in the Cayman Islands so it’s an inevitable stopover when she comes home.

Good news: One of the Admirals Club guys gave me a ride in one of the carts from terminal E to D. They are about 16 miles apart.

3. Flight from MIA to Lima. Uneventful, had some wine, tried to sleep. Unsuccessful, but I’m not complaining.

4. Flight from Lima to Cusco. Definitely slept on this flight. It was one of those naps when your head bobs up and down and hits the person next to you. She was really nice about it. Drank Coca Tea #1.

5. Drive from Cusco to Ollanta train station. R., my personal tour guide and driver, is my new best friend. We talked for hours. He agreed to do an interview for TJCC, which I’ll post later this week. I have a few other interviews lined up, so stay tuned. If you have any questions you’d like to ask folks here, send me an email (lauracococcia@gmail.com). Full credit goes to you here on the site.

I bought him lunch and gave him a hug. He was that nice. Coca Tea #2.

6. Train from Ollanta to Machu Picchu. Gorgeous, awesome, breathtaking. We also passed many poverty-stricken areas, which had me thinking about how lucky I am to be able to afford this time away in such a magical, historic place. More to come on this later. Coca Tea #3.

7. Arrival at hotel. Included a walk, hot stone massage and exquisite dinner.

8. Now. I met a new friend today and we’re about to play Scrabble. I’m pretty good at Scrabble. Maybe it’s because my mom used to compete in tournaments. I have no idea, but I’m glad to have a new friend. We’re going to use English and Spanish words, so I may not win, but I’ll try. Coca Tea #4 to come.

On Hugs

I give a lot of hugs. I hug Matt (my dentist), Coby (my hairdresser), my coworkers (all lovely) and people I’ve just met that are simply awesome. The Admirals Club guy, my personal guide, the massage therapist and Joaquin, who showed me around the hotel / retreat, all received a hug today.

Maybe it’s because we always hugged at home. Or maybe it’s because everybody needs one.

[Note: This last part has nothing to do with Machu Picchu. Just an observation. And I'm really tired, but so so glad to be here.]

More to come soon, friends. Day long hike tomorrow to see, smell and touch the land.

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