Jaseandrach

Choo choo train We were excited about our First Class train ride from Cusco to Puno and we weren't disappointed! We arrived at the station nice and early and seated ourselves in two huge armchairs looking out the window. We enjoyed a light breakfast as we watched Cusco disappear and we drove past farms and small villages in the mountains. Mid-morning we were invited to the Observation Car for a free refreshing Pisco Sour whilst watching the fashion show. Two ladies in black catsuits and an embarrassed-looking guy, modelling alapaca sweaters, hats and shawls were sashaying down the car, which was very amusing. The guys on board really seemed to be enjoying the show, especially Jase with the video camera, getting very close up shots of one particular lady's pert bum! The Observation Car was gradually ... read more

The train to Aguas Calientes We got up early and waited patiently for our pickup to arrive, but it never materialised! So we quickly grabbed a cab, which flew down the narrow cobbles of Cusco and got us to the train just in time! Only Backpacker class today, but it was comfortable enough thanks to the distraction of the stunning views of the valley. It was a curious train journey because the train had to repeatedly zig-zag backwards and forwards up the hill. As we got closer to Machu Picchu we caught glimpses of the trail and people trekking, which made us a little envious, as it was such a beautiful, sunny day. After 4 hours we arrived in Aguas Calientes and were directed to our 1 star hotel - living it up today! Actually it ... read more

High up on a mountain top Rach woke up feeling dreadful, with a high fever, sore throat and stuffy nose. We headed off on our overnight trip to the Colca Canyon. Our first stop was at a little restaurant and market where we tried coca tea for the first time. The leaves of the coca plant (which are also used to make coke - the legal and illegal kind) are steeped in hot water and are said to relieve altitude sickness and give you energy. Surprisingly it was Jase who really liked the brew, rather than Rach, the usual tea belly. We bought some cute woollies off a little lady and then continued our journey high up into the Andes. We stopped at the highest point, 5000m on top of our mountain, where frozen snow flakes ... read more

Flight over Nazca Lines In the morning, depsite our camp guides obvious hangovers, we got up at 6.30am and Jeejo drove us perilously fast across the sand dunes. We breakfasted in the hostel and caught a bus to Nazca. It was incredibly hot as we drove to the little airfield for our flight over the Nazca Lines. Despite our sensible strategy of not drinking much the night before, the stifling 40 degree heat in the Cessna cockpit before take off made Rach feel queasy. Not often airsick, the Nazca flight is notorious for pukers due to the thermals providing a bumpy ride over the pampa. It didn´t help circling each pattern twice to ensure we got good photos. Jase managed to spot all the shapes and Rach all bar two, due to nausea. Some were easier ... read more

After the earthquake We caught a bus from Lima to Pisco and watched Highlander in Spanish on route. A taxi took us to our hotel in Pisco, a city devastated by a huge earthquake back in August. It was incredibly sad to see so many demolished buildings and only half of people´s homes left standing. Lots of people seemed to be living in pre-fabricated houses provided as temporary housing, but they were just glorified sheds. Still they looked more comfortable than the makeshift shanty houses and dusty tents inhabited by others. We only walked around the centre for a short while, the church was a bit sad, because only the two pillars remained, and a huge piece of tarpulin had been erected to shelter the congregation from the sun or rain. Ricardo advised us to stay ... read more