Lima to Cusco...

Sunset in Lima
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28.12.05

We arrived at Heathrow thanks to Steve, only to find a possible delay on our first flight! Luckily the delay was only short, and after two flights and 14hours flying time, we arrived safely at Lima! Abdias, the hostel owner, picked us up from the airport and locked us in our taxi! This turned out to be the scariest taxi ride we have ever had but we arrived at “Backpackers Family House” hostel safely. The hostel itself was by the coast with a sea view. It was late at night but we walked along the front through some lovely parks. Our first Peruvian meal was at Pizza Hut, as we had no soles!

The journey begins in deepest darkest Peru....

Plaza, Cusco
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29.12.05

We walked along the coast and sat in the park to have our supermarket breakfast! The weather was lovely with clear blue skies! In the afternoon we visited an archaeological site, Pucllana. It existed between 200 and 700AD and built by the Lima culture. Jess happened to be wearing her “Brooklyn” top from topshop, which confused an American couple greatly when they found out we were from Stourport, England! Got some good tips from them for the yucatan peninsular in Mexico.

Our new friend, Chewy
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We saw a stunning sunset over the sea. Highlight of the evening though was a delicious 2 course Chinese meal with beer for 2.50 each, bargain!!!

30.12.05

Jess’s Birthday!!! We took an early morning flight to Cusco following another scary taxi ride.

As we came into land at Cusco the views of the mountains were stunning. As Cusco is at a high altitude we were advised to take it easy for our first day or so, otherwise risk suffering from altitude sickness. We spent the afternoon exploring the town centre and relaxing in the main square. Saw several benches and thought of Lisa and Florida, makes us laugh every time ( you had to be there to appreciate the joke!)

View from the hostel
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We headed back to our hostel in the evening for a BBQ with cervesa and a bottle of vino tinto to celebrate Jess’s birthday. We made a new friend that night in the resident dog “chewy” by giving her some of our steak, which hurt a little as Damian thought the steak was the best he ever had!

31.12.05

Had our continental breakfast in the hostel bar, bread rolls and jam! The views across Cusco made up for it though! Also took us about 4 attempts to work out which tea was closest to good old Yorkshire tea!

Inca site of Sacsayhuman
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We hiked up to the inca site of Sacsayhuman (pronounced “sexy woman” by Abdias, which amused Damian greatly!). The stonework was impressive, and there were great views over Cusco. Some of the rocks weighed over 130 tonnes and were fitted together better than Ash or Dad(Dermot) could have done! The site itself is believed to be a great sanctuary and temple to the sun, though it was also used as a fortress against the Conquistadors (Dad (Peter) will know all about this!)

Saw in the UK New Year in our favourite restaurant (its hard work this travelling lark!). The Peruvian New Year celebrations were wonderful, with fireworks and music, unfortunately Damian missed most of it as he was in bed by midnight with a high temperature. Much like last New Year in Washington!! Typical!!

1.1.06

Serious business of trekking begins! We did a 24K uphill round trip on just a banana for breakfast (had to re-think our budget after all the wine & beer!) We visited the inca sites of Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomochay. It was hard work but well worth it for the sites and views. The countryside surrounding Cusco was beautiful, birds were singing as we walked along, it was a bit surreal after leaving the UK winter behind. Damian struggled and blamed it on the altitude sickness but due to Jess’s exercise regime (with Leah’s help!) she was fine, and barely drew breath!

Crashed out for the rest of the afternoon and then got soaked in a thunderstorm on the way to mass. Damian got told off by a “jobsworth” Franciscan monk for putting his feet on the knee rest whilst trying to dry out his trousers!