A Fine day in Cusco

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What a contrast. Yesterday we were getting drenched doing our 4 hour trip down the river and today the weather has been brilliant whilst we were doing our tour of Cusco. Temperature in the upper 20s and no humidity. We are in one of the highest cities in the world and they say as we are nearer the sun the hotter it gets. At this height the effects of altitude sickness kicks in and it is important not to rush about but just do everything slowly. Got a bit of a slight background headache but getting use to that. Drinking plenty of coca tea which apparently helps.
Did the Inca Cusco trip today. Cusco was the Inca capital before the Spanish conquered Peru in 1533. The Incas had an advanced civilisation in the 16th century and their buildings in Cusco were apparently magnificent. Unfortunately the Spanish not only robbed them of their gold and silver but set about destroying the wonderful buildings using the stone to construct their churches, convents and mansions in Cusco. So viewing the remains that are left today one needs to use ones imagination. For all those into building their dry stone walling is a delight considering some of the stones weighed over 100 tons.
Finished the tour off by having lunch with 4 of the group. 4 course meal costing £8. That should keep me going for the rest of the day. Apparently the secret is to eat your main meal at lunch time at this altitude and furthermore keep off the drink. Believe it or not I have not touched a drop since arriving in Cusco

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