How Not to Start a Trip

That fellow, Murphy, has been working overtime. We made it to Cuzco, and have been enjoying the city as much as possible given the circumstances. But there have been a few challenges. It actually started a few days before we left. I had a minor procedure which left me with a couple of stitches in the sole of my right foot. Not ideal for trekking around the Andes, but it needed to be done.

Then Air Canada delayed Dave & Anne’s flight to Montreal, so they missed the flight to Lima. They did catch up with Liz and me, in Lima, 7 hours later, after being rerouted through Miami. Their luggage was not so fortunate. The suitcases had a lovely 4 day vacation on their own. Thank God for prudent packing in their carry-ons.

At 3,400 m (11,200 ft), the altitude of Cusco is something we’ve all been dealing with to a greater or lesser degree. We kept the schedule light for the first couple of days so we could adjust. We were very careful about wearing masks, drinking only bottled water and so on, but we still all fell prey to the Inca’s revenge, on top of the altitude sickness. I’ll spare you the details.

At least it wasn’t Covid. We weren’t able to do all the activities and tours we booked, and all four of us have spent more time in bed than we wanted, but we’re making the best of it. We managed a chocolate making workshop, an ATV tour to the Inca site of Moray and  simply walking around the city and taking in the sites as our energy levels allowed.

We’re feeling better now, just in time for the government workers who oversee all archeological sites to go on strike. We’ve been told it will only be a one or two day affair. Hopefully that’s true, since we’re supposed to visit Machu Picchu tomorrow.

Despite all that, we’ve been enjoying Cusco. Cusco was the capital of the Inca empire and the reminders of its past are everywhere. Many of the city’s older buildings are built on Inca foundations. Most of the city’s residents are of Inca descent. They are extremely proud of their heritage and the Quechua language. Everyone we’ve met has been incredibly friendly and welcoming. Though Cusco is a tourism center and there are lots of hawkers, the annoyance factor is fairly low. Everyone seems to be very hardworking, and in our week here I have seen only one panhandler, somewhat better than back home.

For more photo’s of Cusco and area click here. Anne has also posted a great selection of photo’s on her Facebook page. Simply click on the button on the right.