"Stop here and hold hands," instructed Gary.

Rather bemusedly, we did. My right hand grasped Mum's chilly left hand as her right reached behind to S.

"Now shut your eyes."

We closed them.

Another cool hand, Gary's hand, took my left and tugged gently, silently beckoning me onwards.

Slowly, we all shuffled forward, giggling nervously as our hefty boots scuffed the uneven, dusty ground. A few people brushed past, laughing at us good-humouredly.

Anticipation tickled our bellies.

"Now stop," he said. "And keep your eyes closed - no cheating!"

We obeyed.

I heard him line Mum up to my right, followed by S. I felt his hands cup my face and tilt it ever-so-slightly to the left. I saw a pale light slowly illuminate the insides of my eyelids.

Those fluttering fingertips of anticipation increased their pressure.

"Okay, now. One... two... three... Open your eyes."

And we did.

My exclamation was hushed. Muffled in a soft exhalation - like the site itself, shrouded in an early morning mist that was just seconds away from being whisked out of sight by the sun's first rays.

*oh*

Machu Picchu

It's a sight - a perfect first sight - that I'll never forget.

And yes. I shall go back.