From Machu Pichu to Naughty

Issue 9

1. Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas is a well-known tourist destination in Peru. Lesser known is Huayna Picchu, also located in the Cusco region, which towers over Machu Picchu. The Incas built a trail up the side of this peak, with temples and terraces on its top. The peak of Huayna Pichu is 2,693 meters (8,835 ft) above sea level, or about 260 meters (850 ft) higher than Machu Picchu. Only 400 people are allowed to hike Huayna Picchu each day. If you make your way to Machu Pichu, Huayna Pichu is not to be missed. And btw, Machu Pichu means “old mountain” and Huayna Pichu means “new mountain.” Check out this picture from our climb.

   

2. French queen Marie-Antoinette is often quoted as saying “Let Them Eat Cake,” when being told that her starving subjects had no bread. (‘Qu’ils mangent de la brioche’.) Actually, there is no evidence she ever made such a statement. Scholars of folklore have found versions of the same quote, with some variations, across Europe, some even a century before her time. And by all accounts, Antionette was an intelligent woman who displayed sensitivity towards France’s poor. Such a quote would have been out of character for her. 

   

3. The word “Naughty” comes from the Old English “nawiht,” meaning “nothing” (literally “not a whit.”)

4. Latin America is among the most urbanized regions in the world, with about 80% of its population living in cities.