It's a little embarrassing to be blogging from one's vacation, but DK and I are way, way too tired to do anything else but chillax to the max. For him, that means watching the World Cup en castellano, and for me, that means checking in with you.
Folks, I'm so head over heels in love with Peru that I'm already getting heartsick over the prospect of leaving next Wednesday night. We had an amazingly smooth flight over to Lima on LAN Airlines (where even in economy they serve free wine with dinner in actual wine glasses!), and our flight to Cusco on TACA was just as nice, though DK and I mostly just gawped at the Andes below. They are mountains like I've never seen before--epic, majestic, mindblowing, out-of-Tolkien peaks that made DK's beloved Rockies seem humble.
My Poladroided photos don't do them any justice, of course. I wish I could have gotten a photo of one mountain pool I saw, which was the most intense agal green I've ever seen.
Despite the prophylactic altitude-sickness medication we've been taking, we both feel the 11,300 feet up that we are. Our friendly hotel clerk immediately brought us mate de coca, or coca-leaf tea, which is easing the headaches and nausea. I actually have quite a taste for it, albeit heavily sweetened.
We're staying in San Blas, the art district in the city center. Our hotel has a public roof terrace with the most incredible views of the city and all its clay-shingled roofs.
I'm actually headed up to the roof now. No matter how tired I am, I can't resist my first view of Southern Hemisphere stars.
But after that, it's lights out and good night from your loyal correspondent.
wow can't believe you're updating from peru, pictures and all. glad to hear you are enjoying yourself.
ReplyDeleteWe felt the exact same way about cusco. we were totally unprepared for just how amazing it would be and we still talk about a) how we wish we'd had one more day there in our trip and b) jumping a plane JUST to go hang in cusco for a few days. I'm sure your pictures will completely reignite our obsession. the altitude is rough, but at least you go down to machu and you will feel great. just watch out on the second trip to cusco because after an intense physical day at the ruins (and a hike up at sunrise hopefully :) the altitude sickness may get you worse a second time. so happy you're loving it. as you can see im totally gushing about peru, i loved it SO SO MUCH.
ReplyDeletep.s. please try cuyo for us and report back. we so wanted to and never had the chance!
Ohhhh, wow, I love this post so, so very much, I'm so glad you actually posted! Hope your altitude sickness lessens - and again, have terrible amounts of fun!
ReplyDeleteOH WOW! Have so much fun! I've always wanted to go there...almost booked tickets for around the same time (ironical!). Can't wait to see more beautiful photos
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