Peru
Peru. Last day in Buenos Aires good breakfast but had to get
my own mile for tea. Appalled to get a bill for $33 for laundry when the items
were taken from the bathroom and brought back in tissue paper but we never
asked for them to be done! Marissa sorted it out. We walked to and from Teatro
Colon and enjoyed the tour. It would have been able to see the auditorium lit
up but we did see a lighting rehearsal for Macbeth on stage. The decoration is
impressive and it is the largest opera house in the world seating 3000! We had
lunch in the room (the cold tortilla from last night). Walked through the
crafts market to the fine art gallery which has Impressionists and moderns and
a useful survey of Argentinian art. Did a drawing back at the hotel and left at
4.15. Long wait at LAN counter to checkin and not together. Security thorough
and passports slow. At least we got the flight but no chance to spend our
remaining pesos. Marissa had to ask a lady on the plane to move so we were
together. Ravioli instead of chicken. I felt sick but was OK and got some
water. 5 hour flight. Laptop again had
lost its charge. Slept a bit and ears hurting. Landed at Lima and long wait for
some luggage and then it all had to be scanned again. Coach to the Marriott.
Clocks back 2 hours so now my watch date has to be changed.
12th floor of Hotel Marriott – able to charge up
laptop. No time to get to Mass although we did pass a church a couple of blocks
away. Good breakfast and no sign of my named strap so it cannot have been on
the case when we arrived. To airport and LAN group worked well. Flight left
late so did a drawing of animals from the Zoo. 2 hour flight and arrived at
Cusco in good weather. Local guide and drove up for a good view of the city and
lovely mountains. At Chincheros saw demonstration of weaving and tried guinea
pig – bit like rabbit. Bought scarves. The hotel is lovely at Urubamba and had
a nice meal of soup, trout and dessert but not very big portions.
Monday 5th beautiful morning and had a swim in
the outdoor/indoor pool with views of trees and mountains. Good breakfast
including eggs benedict and cappuccino. With local guide to main town
Ollantayambo on the Inca Royal road from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Walked round
the town and went inside a typical Inca home. A long drive but lovely scenery
to market town Pisac where we bought gifts in the market. We returned to
Urubamba for a very nice meal at Gloria and Herman’s and saw their little
chapel. They have been married for 55 years walked back to the hotel and had a
swim and short sauna. Carefully packed cases as we only take an overnight bag
on the train.
Tuesday another great day and had a swim and good breakfast
eggs benedict and cappuccino. Coach to Ollantayambo station to get the
Vistadome train with superb views and they gave us a snack. We were opposite
Julie and Peter and said nothing – concluded that she is a snob! Our overnight
bags were taken to the hotel while we walked to get the bus. In the process
bitten on arms by mosquitos and wishing I had long sleeves and not a Tshirt on.
Amazing small bus trip up to the entrance to the ruins of Macchu Picchu and
lovely weather, I had bought a poncho as I had misplaced my rain jacket (it was
in the case). We managed well with the 2 sticks and got to the high point above
the temple of the Sun but did not do the last climb to the top which was
sensible. We returned to the lovely hotel Inkiterra where we had an excellent
meal in the restaurant. We had our own separate chalet in the trees.
Wednesday Donna and Ron had trekked up to the ruins the day
before so went early in the morning for an explore. We opted for a nice
breakfast and a nature walk with the guide at the hotel ecocentre. They are
trying to save spectacled bears. We saw birds, butteflies, orchids and many
trees we would have missed. More bites. Back on the train and the same silent
treatment from her ladyship. There was a fashion show and a dancer dressed in a
mask – I found the Peruvian pipe music too loud. Coach from the station to
Cusco with superb views and an old palace hotel. Bathroom is small. Our cases were in the room. We went to a
restaurant in the main square with folklore dancers and Liz danced. The music
was terribly loud and resorted to turning my hearing aids off! Buffet – I had a
slight headache so kept off alcohol and did not so much.
Thursday tummy loose. Went to spa but it was not open at
7.30. Had breakfast and did walk round
the town in which we visited the huge market and the wonderful cathedral. I thought we were never going to get to the toilets as people messed about changing money and having a shoe shine! Lucky to see procession of the Virgin with bands and dancers in main square. We
then had a lovely meal at MAP the best chef in town – I could not eat all of my
lamb. I went round the excellent museum of PreColumbian art and we both went to
the Inka Museum which is old-fashioned but has some good items. We bought
little bull ornaments – people put them on their roofs for protection. Had a
lovely spa, sauna, steam room with eucalyptus, 3 showers, Jacuzzi. Marissa got
us cream for the bites.
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