Cusco

We spent the day in Cusco kinda relaxing, walking around taking in the sights, acclimating to the elevation. Lisa is struggling a bit w altitude sickness so we are taking it slow. Peacticing my Spanish and using "NO Gracias" more than I would like to the street vendors. How many llama key chains does one person need?

Of course, Lisa is well enough to shop and we chilled for lunch in an incredible bakery drinking coca tea and sampling the baked goods. The favorable exchange rate is nice for the most part. The alpaca clothing is unbelievable, the styles very modern. Unfortunately, Southern California weather does not warrant more alpaca clothing. As Lisa said, " that's okay, I can buy more silver jewelry!" She has picked out some lovely pieces.... I am glad to see her having such fun.

Dinner with the group tonight, a nice buffet with traditinal and contemporary dishes. Some of the group is still experiencing the "Cusco Cleanse" but most are back to normal. Interestingly, the hotels have oxygen available for guests and you can buy canned oxygen at the pharmacy, heck you can buy most anything at the pharmacy....

8 hour bus ride tomorrow as we head to Lake Titicaca and Puno. We say goodbye to one of our guides, Edson. He is an extremely bright and articulate young man. Very polite and patient, he is a perfect example of the Peruvian people with a kind and gentle soul. While very proud, he respects others and treats them as if they are his family. A true gift to humanity and I am honored to have met him. 

We will reach over 14,000 feet above sea level.... Holy crap! Sunday we visit the floating Uros Islands. Hard to believe there are less days ahead of us than behind us on the trip..... It is an adventure, for sure.

A few pictures from today in Cusco.

Brad