Cusco!

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La Carnaval de Cusco

Cristo Blanco

Hola!

The 26 hour bus ride to Cusco was at times miserable, and at times more miserable. I got to see plenty of the country side and absorb a sense of the Peruvian landscape, but a bus crossing over a mountainous landscape using excruciatingly twisty, curvy roads at night does not sit well with my stomach. Anyways it was part of the experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have over 45 hours of busing ahead of me anyway.

The Cusqueñan landscape is marvelous. I´ve seen my share of mountains in my lifetime, but the majestic hills populated with Peruvian houses, farms and villages is a truly unique sight. I often reflect upon the words of a good friend, something along the lines of "Though I will see plenty of towns and ports unseen, the hope in the voyage lies in returning with new eyes."

We came in the middle of a small Carnival celebration, where children (and grown ups) wage water wars with spray foam, water ballons, and super-soakers. Needless to say, we were immediately caught in the line of fire when we arrived, check out the videos.

Tomorrow at 4:30 am, Karen and I depart for a 5 day, 4 night trek to Machu Picchu. It´s the rainy season and there's an ascent of over 4,500 feet (highest point more than 15,000 ft). I say with a bit of regret that I have a tendency to chase after extremely difficult and rewarding journeys. This one should be totally above our heads. It should be loads of fun.

jw

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Photos

Mountains of Cusco
The surrounding mountains around Cusco are beautiful.

Cusco
One of the most charming and beautiful cities I have ever seen.

Casualty of War
I was not spared in the Carnival water wars.