I was up early again today to get myself ready to move to the trek meeting point. Having showered and stuffed whatever I could into whatever space there was, I headed down for breakfast. I had two hours before I had to checkout, so I took my time and had a wonderfully leisurely breakfast. I caught up on my emails and made sure that I had dealt with everything, as far as I could, whilst I was still in civilisation. Eventually though, the time came to leave the comfort of Hospedaje Recoleta and head off the the meeting point of my trek. I thanked Javier again for being such a wonderful host, and Cathy for looking after me so well before I hopped into a taxi for the short drive across town. It felt as though ... read more

Having fallen asleep really early last night, I was one of the first people up and downstairs for breakfast this morning. I hadn't been up for breakfast this early before, and I think it might have upset a few people that their breakfast table was now taken up by me. Nonetheless, I tucked into my bread rolls and jam whilst trying to catch up with what had been going on in the world for the last couple of days. I was soon joined by the Australian couple that I had spoken to yesterday at breakfast, and we began chatting about our adventures and what they had thought of Machu Picchu. It was great to get some advise and tips from people who had just done the trip as I still wasn't quite sure what to expect. ... read more

I had spent much of yesterday watching countless movies in the hostels chilly TV room, exactly as you should do on new years day. Looking out of the window I had been rather glad to have made that choice, as it did nothing but rain for most of the day. I had popped out during one of the few dry spells to get provisions, and the remnants of the night before loomed large over the normally buzzing Plaza de Armas. Broken glass and parts of firework had littered the streets and pavements despite the cities best efforts to clear up after the mayhem. I was also feeling a little under the weather after the mixed burritos o had had for dinner, and staying close to a bathroom had become a bit of a priority. This morning ... read more

Having planned to meet up with Tim and Harrison for a few drinks later today, I was keen to try and do some more of Cusco's culture before entering into the alcohol fuelled madness of New Years Eve that would no doubt reign later. My first priority though, was a hearty breakfast to keep myself going. I had bought some eggs yesterday, and once I had manoeuvred myself into the little kitchen alongside Kathy, who was busy serving everybody else breakfast, began cooking them on the small gas stove. It was a pleasant change to be having scrambled egg rather than butter and jam on my rolls, although it did raise a few eyebrows amongst the other guests once I sat down to enjoy them. Once I'd eaten I began the walk into town and my ... read more

I knew I had woken up later than usual this morning, because the three people I was sharing with had already left for the day. There seemed little point in rushing to get ready this morning, especially with yesterdays events still hanging heavily on my mind. I eventually trudged down the stairs and towards the dinning room, where I arrived just in time breakfast. I didn't feel particularly hungry, but still managed to make my way through the mundane stone baked rolls before heading back upstairs. I poured over the Internet for hours, looking at what there was to do in Cusco and still feeling rather uninspired. All the energy and drive to travel and discover had left me, with the news yesterday. The anger at my situation and the world at large for seemingly causing ... read more

Up at the crack of dawn again this morning, I was showered, dressed and packed ready for a hearty breakfast. I had a ten hour coach trip in front of me that would take me further up the shores of Lake Titicaca and on to Cusco. I had had a craving for eggs for the last couple of days, and I wasn't going to be let down by the hostel again this morning. With an appetite like the seven nation army, I went into the hostels tiny kitchen and fried myself the eggs I'd bought last night. The few backpackers that were up at the same time as me looked on as I sipped my coca leaf tea, with a look on their faces as if to say 'How come he's got eggs?'. After breakfast, I ... read more

Waking up early was the last thing I wanted to do this morning after an awful nights sleep; but having mastered the temperature control on the shower I made my way downstairs for breakfast. I was one of the first people up and about in the hostel this morning, and was very much looking forward to breakfast after my meal last night. Although there were no eggs as had been promised, I made do with the stone-baked bread rolls and copious amounts of tea to keep me going. Having wolfed down my breakfast, I waited patiently in reception for my collection and transfer to the Uros and Taquile islands tour. I didn't have to wait long, but kicked myself when we were halfway across town, realising that I had forgotten to pick up the delicious looking ... read more

After a night of constant clock watching I got up early to prepare to leave La Paz. After I'd collected my clean laundry from reception I had a long, hot shower to wash off the remnants of yesterday. Dressed and ready for the off, I began to clumsily cram everything into my already tightly packed bag. I tried to be ad quiet as I could so as to not wake the rest of the dorm, even though there were yet again people outside that appeared to have not yet gone to bed. I carted my things down to reception and checked out before sitting down to finish what was left of the funny Panettone cake that I had bought for Christmas. Just as I had made myself comfy, I heard my name being called from the ... read more

Having gone to bed ridiculously early last night I woke up feeling hugely refreshed. Unlike yesterday, I had a huge appetite and was ravenous when I went up to the bar for breakfast. I hadn't planned to do very much today and leafing through lonely planet whilst having breakfast confirmed that I had already seen much of La Paz. The only thing that I had considered doing was buying was some waterproof clothing ready for the trek up Machu Picchu. Once I had eaten I took the opportunity, whilst the hostel was eerily quiet, to upload some photos on to Facebook for something to pass the time. I hadn't kept up to date with my travel photos since arriving in Australia and I wanted to make sure that I had something to brag about. I was ... read more

The unmistakable feeling of stomach churning nausea and pounding headache that can only be associated with uncontrollably mixing your drinks was passing over me in waves this morning. I felt like whatever slight movement I made was going to make me violently sick. It was safe to say that I had had a pretty good night last night and my body would pay for it heavily today. I got out of bed to find my clothes in that neat, methodical pile which tells you everything got taken off whilst stood on one spot the night before. Having dragged my body into a hot shower and brushed my teeth, I headed upstairs for breakfast still feeling delicate. As I arrived in the bar I found people in various states of sobriety, some of whom looked as though ... read more