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I left for the bus station Monday night in Aerquipa to head to Cusco on an overnight bus. When I got there, they informed the entire group that the bus line was now striking and it would not go. So I headed straight to the internet to try and book plane tickets before they all sold out. Having that experience in Bolivia was no fun and time consuming. So I spent a few extra bucks the next morning on a plane ticket after confirming that the buses were still down.
What do you know? At five oclock the bus lines were suddenly running again and the strike was over. I was upset about the extra expense but now that things are falling into place I am feeling a lot better about it. It was literally a day of sitting around yesterday and those who know me well realize that is not my strong suit. I was stressing myself out from being stressed out.
Got on the plane this am and headed to Cusco. Beautiful backdrop and flight. There was a tour group that was on my plane because of having to change travel plans due to the strike. I
have to say (and no offense to anyone) I am glad that I don´t do the tour thing. I couldn´t stand someone telling me where we were going, that we had five minutes here, that the toilets are on the right. It made me realize that not having direction forces you to learn about where you are and the people you are interacting with.
Got here and met an Aussie and had a bite with him. The burger will display that it was more than a bite. Perhaps my hands were dirty...I didn´t check. I walked around Cusco and it is a bizarre of multiple things to buy. One thing I have really noticed is the wealth discrepancy between Peru and Bolivia. It is drastic.
Started shopping around and found that the rafting tour is going to be a go when I get back from the Salkantay Trail. Tomorrow I leave for four days/three nights which culminates at Machu Picchu. As I was shopping around, I finally decided on a place that was inexpensive for five days/four nights. If you haven´t been to a town like this, you have to understand that everyone is peddling the same thing
and the groups they get are all eventually thrown togehter. So I paid the dude and asked where I was meeting the guide tonight. He told me that they had met with the group last night and the guide would be there at 4:30. I asked where the duffle bag was that we could pack stuff in. He said I didn´t get one since I wasn´t at the meeting last night. I said ok...walked off a little concerned. Then I went to buy a larger SD card and a electronic stores battery supply. As I left, I realized that this is a once in a lifetime thing and that I need to feel completely comfortable with it so I went back and got a refund. I went to another group and for a little bit more money I am getting one day and one night less but I don´t feel like the lady stepping off the scales at the amusement park and the guy guesses the weight. The 4th day is nothing more than hiking along train tracks for the day so no real complaints. I felt comfortable with that group and we have a meeting tonight and believe it
or not, he will have a duffle bag for me. This is important because the more you pack, the more porters they have to hire. Plus I don´t want my bag rubbing against a horse all day. I am super excited and absolutely cannot wait to get to Machu Picchu on Sunday morning. I imagine it will be a 3 oclock wake up call to get to the gate to climb huyana picchu. Only 400 a day get the chance and I am hoping to make it. Sometimes a little extra money is worth the feeling of comfort.
Election day is Sunday in Peru. I learned that if you do not vote in Peru, you are fined the equivalent to 60 US Dollars. I would be irrate if we had two poor candidates and I had to vote for one of them. Hopefully it will be calm and there will be no riots. Hopefully no one will be at Machu Picchu and it will be empty.
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