Lima - Cuzco

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We transfered early to the airport this morning.

The bus took us through the coastal road of Lima. Basicallt Lima sits on top of a cliff - of which looks very unstable as it seems to be made up of mainly shingley stones.

We flew out with LAN Peru (which is acctually Chilean but in Peru they´ve added the "Peru" bit to make Peruvians feel better about flying with their arch rivals.) Its a really great airline in fact I swear the plan was brand new.

Once arriving in Cuzco (3500m above sea level) we all transfered to the hotel which is located on the avenue de la Muerta (translation "I will murder you" apparentlly).

Once there we got another talk about the trek and sampled some coca tea (really nice, supposed to be a great remedy for altitude sickness and a strong stimulant - stronger then coffee)

That afternoon myself John and Rachel went out into Cuzco to have a look around. Cuzco is lovely place full of old Colonial buildings but very touristic. The problem in Cuzco is that everybody is either trying to sell you something (kids selling postcards ect) get you into there restaurants or polish your sandels!! After a while I figured the best technique was to not make eye contact, make out that you were increadibly disappointed in the seller, give a quick "Obi wan kenobi - these aren´t the droids your looking for" wave of the hand and utter the words "no gracias".

After wondering around for a short while the altitude sickness finally kicked in. The best way to discribe it is its rather like having done the hundred meter race, but your not hot and swety.

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