Machu Picchu is high on my Bucket List, so I was very happy to read about Jesse Katayama's story. He went to Peru in mid-March in order to visit Machu Picchu, with the intent to spend only a few days in Peru. Then, the pandemic hit and not only was he unable to visit the famous world heritage site, he was stranded in Peru.
Peru has had 33,305 coronavirus related deaths so far and the highest per capita Covid-19 mortality rate of any country in the world. International flights have recently resumed but to only seven Latin American countries. Last Saturday, Katayama was able to visit Machu Picchu, with the special permission of the Peruvian government, before returning to Japan. His entry came thanks to a request he submitted while stranded in the country, according to the minister of culture, Alejandro Neyra.
Sometime in November, Peru will reopen Machu Picchu for tourists, permitting only 30% of its normal capacity of 675 people per day.
Nice to hear a positive story, hopefully Katayama gets back to Japan safely.
ReplyDeleteI saw this report on TV and thought how wonderful that he was allowed to visit, a memory he will treasure.
ReplyDeleteGood for Jesse! I read about him on the Australian ABC site. He seems like an interesting young man.
ReplyDeletePamela: It is so good to hear that even if it was open for one person it is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day.
Catherine
He will have a good memory of that visit!
ReplyDeleteCool Story!
ReplyDeletexx, Carol
I love a happy ending and this is a very happy one. I can't imagine being stranded so long. I'm glad he was able to "complete"his trip.
ReplyDeleteImagine being stranded in a country for months, and still not being able to see the one thing you came for! I'm glad he got to go.
ReplyDelete