Dear God: Please don´t let me lose my contacts!!

---

These past three days have been a whirlwind of activity once we left Lima for Cusco. Things were going well as we boarded the plane on time and were heading out to the runway. Then all of a sudden we started to turn back to the airport in the plane and heard squealing with the breaks. All I could think of, ¨this is what I get for booking a flight with a discount airline that is one third the cost of the more reputable airline...¨ Well, needless to say, we were only stopped for about half an hour while they fixed what they needed to and we were on our way to Cusco!

Cusco is a city in the Andean Mountain range and is well over 3000m in elevation. Before one goes to Cusco, you are always reminded to take in consideration the altitude and take some altitude sickness pills (diamox). I had filled out the prescription, but did not actually take the drug. I felt that since I had experience at this altitude - both hiking and skiing - that it wouldn´t be a problem. While it definitely has not been a problem, initially I did feel a difference. I only experienced a slight lightheadedness and dizziness when walking up stairs. (I hoped this wasn´t me just being out of shape as I have a four day trek on the inka trail to complete!) But after drinking copious amounts of coca tea (local remedy) and waiting it out - I have acclimatized.

The coca leaf is highly versatile as it is used widely all over Peru for altitude, energy, and of course the source of cocaine. In one leaf there is less than 0.001% of the drug so it is impossible to ever get ¨high¨from tea, candy, or chewing the leaves. But it is not legal to bring it back over the border, so don´t expect to get any samples!

For this leg of our trip, Kristina and I had booked a tour that included the trek on the Inka Trail. You have to book in advance with an organized group in order to hike on this trail to Machu Picchu. We have felt slightly pampered with all the driving around, excursions and meals that have been included so far before our actual trek begins! I guess this is what we have paid for though.

On the first day we went on a city tour where we saw sights such as the Cathedral and Qorikancha. We also ventured out to around Cusco and saw other archeological sights from Incan and Pre - Incan times. Some of these sights include Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, Ollayamtambo, and Sachsayhuman to name a few. I won´t go into detail about these sights but check out some of my pictures.

One of my favourite parts of the sacred valley tour was watching how alpaca (smaller version of llama) wool is cleaned and dyed and spun to make garments. We watched this in the small town of Chinchero high in the Andes.

Today has to be one of the highlights of my trip so far. We went white water rafting on the Urumbamba river and had an amazing time! We were in class 3 rapids which weren´t too tame, but not too dangerous either. About partway through the run down the river we stopped in a calmer part by a bridge and jumped into the river. I though I was going to lose my contacts the jump was so high and the current so strong. It was a crazy but exhilirating experience!

Anyway, I am starting my trek tomorrow on the Inca Trail and will be hiking for four days. I am very excited about this part of our trip. I will let you know how it goes when I return!

---

Comments

[Uncle Hermann, Aunt Gina, Steven and Sarah]

Take Care!
Hi Laura - cool pics! Take care of yourself! Love Uncle Hermann, Aunt Gina, Steven and Sarah