We had a look around Aguas Calientes as we walked to a local restaurant that was on the second floor of one of the many shoulder-to-shoulder buildings all tightly packed together along the narrow valley floor of the town.
Our lunch was a superb, deliciously spiced local 3 course meal of soup, unusual salads, tenderly roasted meat (maybe guinea pig but no one could identify its source) and crunchy vegetables. Fresh fruits were served for sweets with tea and coffee to follow. Having not eaten since 7am we were surprised how well we had managed to tramp "all over Machu Picchu" without feeling hungry. It's amazing how high altitudes 'take away one's appetite'! We did drink loads of water and nibbled on some nuts that we'd ferreted in our backpacks but we think our appetites were satisfied by the wonderful sights and experiences we had enjoyed on the mountain tour. Without warning, during our 3.30pm meal the rain clouds bucketed down with such fury, that we thought that we might need to slosh through high water courses to get to the station.
It was still raining heavily as we left the restaurant at 4.30pm and it soon became dark as the clouds filled the valley. Tourists were scurrying along wet footpaths, jumping puddles and huddling under awnings to keep out of the wet. We thought of all the tourists high up on Machu Picchu, walking in the mists and rain. Later we learnt that once the clouds had emptied loads of water, they descended lower into the valley and the sun once more shone on expectant and fascinated tourists who also had a satisfying tour of the Machu Picchu citadel complex.
We finally made it to the station which was really over crowded with tourists awaiting the arrival of their trains. We had quite a while to wait as the trains were running late due to the stormy weather so we decided to explore the markets which surrounded the station precinct. The markets had a fascinating display of touristic memorabilia which was replicated across the many stalls. Water dripped down the tented roofs and dripped on our heads at times but this was part of the patina of a Peruvian market in the rain. I spent my time choosing and haggling over the price of a pair of Machu Picchu decorated oven mittens. They were brightly coloured but not particularly thick enough to protect my hands when carrying hot items from the oven. I went from stall to stall trying to find a thick pair but every 2-3 stalls had the same type and range of colours so I bought a set as a decorative, not practical item to remember our 4 day Peru trip. Whilst waiting amongst the crowded railway station we were entertained by some local artists who sang or danced for the crowds. We really enjoyed listening to South American tunes being played on a pan flute by a local musician. The beautifully uplifting melodies had such a soothing effect on the crowds, that we didn't notice waiting for 50 minutes for our train.
When the train arrived we were allotted our booked carriage and settled into our seats for a sleepy trip back to Ollantaytambo station. However we didn't get any sleep because for the whole trip were entertained by the cabin crew. Firstly they presented some Peruvian songs, dressed in their national costumes. Next they put on a fashion show of locally sourced, exquisitely designed and crafted clothing for both men and women. The crew took turns in wearing and displaying different garments. The carriage aisle became their catwalk and they did it in style. Dome of the llama and alpaca jackets, hats, dresses and scarves would have been suitable for a Paris fashion show. Ken chose a two-way extremely light but incredibly warm jumper. It has been woven in fine baby alpaca wool and can be worn as a blue jumper or a fawn coloured jumper when reversed. It wasn't cheap but it is a unique early birthday present full of reminders of our special time in Peru. 
We arrived back in Ollantaytambo station at about 7.30pm and we were all ready to, "flop into bed" but our resourceful guide Jamie had one more surprise for us. We were ushered into an upmarket restaurant, adjoined to the station platform. Here another huge meal was prepared and placed before us. It was difficult to consume all that was provided as were so tired by now and still quite full from the huge lunch we'd eaten only 3 hours earlier. We felt embarrassed for the proprietor who may have assumed that we didn't like the food but we did best to reduce the huge servings we were huge given but most of us were unable to tackle the third course. The beetroot-juice smoothie was a big hit with nearly everyone who ordered it, so we may start a fad in Australia when we get home.
After thanking our host we climbed into our coach and headed for a hotel in Cusco where we were sleeping for the night. The trip took at least 2 hours and we were very bleary-eyed as we finally climbed into bed at 10.45pm. What a long, action packed full-on day we had had on our day trip to Machu Picchu.
We were asleep within minutes of showering and 'flopping into bed". Tomorrow would be our last day in Peru before returning to the Sea Princess to continue our world trip.
