Friday, March 28, 2008

Day 3: Puno to Cusco, Peru

Must every day start at 5am? Today we take a 5 hour bus ride from Puno, Peru on the shores of Lake Titicaca to Cusco, Peru through the Sacred Valley.

First thing, we miss our bus. They just forgot to pick us up. On the steep side of the road, we wait for a touring bus from Peru. We meet up with the bus an hour late...8:30am instead of 7:30am.

The scenery is stunning. Click on the photos for a larger image. It's the end of rainy season and everything is a different shade of green. You can see why the Incas considered this the Sacred Valley. It's lush with greenery and surrounded by magnificent mountains.


This trip is more leisurely than yesterday. We make lots of stops to see churches, shop and walk around. Everywhere we stop they have set up shop.


We lunch at a buffet in a small town with tiny roads at right angles. Something about stuff in pots floating around in broth makes me nervous. They say it's chicken, but I've heard stories of guinea pig and alpaca. I make mine vegetarian. The salads are beyond compare. Beets, fresh hearts of palm, carrots, fresh lettuces and eggs adorn my plate every night.

I'd love to have one of the baby alpaca rugs. They are so soft and fluffy, but I'll have to carry that bitch for 10 more days. Laziness in this altitude overwhelms me. I refuse to carry anything more than I have to and am leaving crap behind each time we overnight somewhere. I do buy a pair of alpaca slippers for someone, probably me or the dogs.

Alpaca, sheep and llama graze by the sides of the road all the way to Cusco. We are met by Rocio at the bus station and she takes us to our hotel. There is no elevator and we're on the third floor. I need an oxygen tank.

We make plans for tomorrow with Rocio at an excruciatingly slow pace. She speaks little English. We speak almost as much Spanish. Somehow she is focused on me and thinks that I understand her best. The menfolk are getting antsy and I wish that she would talk to them. But apparently, I'm her favorite.

She will pick us up and take us to the train station to head towards Machu Picchu tomorrow morning at 6am. I know. It's always too damn early.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

First comment!! YESSSS!!! Great post. I can see two pics this time! Both look like market places. I would be spending sooo much at those places buying crap I don't need. Then, like you, I'd leave something behind and wind up coming home with about 1/2 the stuff I bought. Too early? Yes. But you did it and aren't you glad you did?

Keep 'em coming

FMD

Akelamalu said...

Oh WOW the photos are fabulous and you are so lucky being there. I so want to go to Machu Picchu!

Thanks for taking the time out from your holiday to visit me and comment. I'll be back to read more of your adventures. :)

Dana said...

I am a HUGE Fan of architectural photos. I'm having a lot of fun traveling with you RLL!

Ken said...

The pictures show so much....altitude ....and the text lets me hear you wheezing in the background.
I,m enjoying your trip very much!

Real Live Lesbian said...

FMD: Yes, I am really glad that I went...for a thousand reasons.

Akelamalu: Thanks...you should, it's an amazing place!

Dana: So you like the church ones? Glad you're enjoying OUR trip!

Micky-t: You are absolutely right about the wheezing!!!! Glad you're along for the ride!

Real Live Lesbian said...

Oh and for the inquiring minds that read the comments...I have mono. That's why I've felt like hell since I've been back. At least now I know the reason and it's not brain damage. Really, I was starting to wonder!

Raven said...

Lovely photos... looks like a wonderful trip. My niece was in Peru last year... you might enjoy her post about it. http://hightechsurvivor.blogspot.com/2007/04/back-from-peru.html

Hope you are feeling better.

Thanks for dropping by Raven's Nest

Biscuit said...

I'm having the best time with your pictures and living vicariously through you. what an awesome experience!

R.E.H. said...

Have I told you I am in awe of all those wonderful pictures? Well, I am!

Absolutely beautiful scenery... I knew I wanted to go 'round these parts some day, but now that is no longer just a want... it is a need!

Can't wait for more!

Leighann said...

My favorite way to travel is through other peoples pictures! BAHAHA!

Thanks for getting all the shots for me though ;)

Anonymous said...

RLL,
Sorry to hear about the mono, my 15 year old just went thru a bout with that and it seriously sucked. According to his Doc, it's not as bad as it used to be and goes away much sooner than before with some good antibiotics and rest. Get your fluids and vites too! Hope you get well soon, meanwhile, the rest of us can just envy your trip and live vicariously thru you.

Take care,
FMD

Sleepy Scott said...

Great stuff! Love the pics!

Raven said...

Gods those pictures are gorgeous. I'm living vicariously here, I doubt I'll ever make it to South America...so this is my traveling.
Lot's and lot's of rest...I had mono about 20 years ago...not fun. Is your girl tesing you about who you were kissing in South America...cause if she's not...I will.
Hope you feel better soon!

Pink Icing said...

Fab pics

I trust the shedding of your possessions, Paul Mitchell mousse et al, has been a cathartic experience!

Rick Rockhill said...

Oh my gosh SUCH beautiful photos! The hills/mountains are just incredible. Nice pics of the church too

Freakazojd said...

Wow, wow, WOW. Those pictures are absolutely gorgeous. To be honest, I'd never thought of travelling there before but now I'd love to go, altitude wheezing and all. Stunning scenery.

I'm sorry to hear about the mono! I got that when I was in high school and when my darling mother heard the diagnosis, she said "Mono?! Who have you been kissing?!" Nice, eh. Not "Ok, let's make sure you get lots of rest so you can get better soon!" So, RLL, I hope you get lots of rest and loving care so you can get better soon. :)
xo

Jeff B said...

Mono! Didn't anybody warn you about kissing those cute, furry little alpacas?

Bwahahahaha

Loving your photos.

Jen said...

I have to say, I am truly jealous of all the beauty you were able to surround yourself in for 2 weeks.




Mono? Guuurl. That just bites. And, let's hope it doesn't take you months and months of recovery. Brain damage would've been worse.

g-man said...

Excellent pictures!! I am really enjoying your tour of Peru. :) Bummer on the mono. I hope you feel well soon. :)

HUGS!

Diva said...

The photos and memories are wonderful!! I hate that it was so hard to breathe, but it sounds like you really enjoyed it other than that...
well, that and the mystery broth...
I'd have starved.

Ginormous Boobs said...

How gorgeous...you are giving me so jealous with your tales of travel.

captain corky said...

5 is way too early for any morning to start! The pics are amazing!

Odat said...

Wow..I'm playing catch up here...and it all looks so beautiful...sorry to hear you're sick! That sucks...get better!!!
Peace

Aunt Jackie said...

Gorgeous shots and beautiful country! I'm playing catch-up, so I will be reading through... :)