Buenos noches!
So I'm far away from Hampi Land and feeling tons better but man, I never expected the altitude to be kicking my a** this much!! They sent me away with my own personal mini-oxygen tank and a good amount of drugs for me to take (all Vu-poo approved) for the next few days (and a $1000 US bill which thankfully my insurance is paying for) but I immediately started feeling the affects as soon as I got back to my hostel. But all is well, its just gonna take me a little longer than expected to get acclimatized. Oh, don't know if any of you were still thinking about my Traveller's D, but luckily I don't think I ever had it! I think that was just a mini side effect of the altitude-sickness. So yay to no more diarrhea!
So about my day, I got back to my hostel and spent an hour or two relaxing in the computer/TV lounge and sent out a few emails for my excursions for the next few days. I hope to book a nice, relaxing horse-back riding trip throughout the Sacred Valley (fortunately, the Sacred Valley is about 500 feet lower than Cuzco) for a day or two starting tomorrow or Monday. And then hopefully booking another 2-3 day kayaking trip in Puno/Lake Titicaca and its surrounding areas. Unfortunately, there's not enough time for me to head to Arequipa anymore. :( But that's okay! Bc my 4-day Inca Trail departs this Saturday, which I know will be the absolute highlight of my trip. Despite the near freezing temperatures at night and rainfall, I know it will be worth every moment!! [Insert: really cheesy smile.]. Also spent some time perusing the outdoor markets and took a few more pictures.
So the other weird thing here is the weather. Which I expected before I even booked my trip. But I didn't expect it to be this extreme within one city. A good example would be: the first day I got here to Cuzco just a few short days ago, it was hot enough outside that I could wear a tank top with rolled up jeans and flip flops. But today, I had to wear my snowboarding hat, hiking boots, fleece and full winter coat. Crazy! And then if you really, Really wanna think about it, just about 5 days ago, I was laying out on the beach in my bikini and sweating. Craziness.
I had dinner tonight at one of the most "gringo" spots in town called Jack's Cafe. I'm usually more about trying new stuff but it was nice having a normal American meal - toasted sandwich stuffed with smoked trout (almst as good as smoked salmon), avocado, red onions and lettuce with a little bit of chive cream cheese And french fries. Oh and some more coca tea to help with the altitude. And then ended it with some ginger tea and cheesecake. They also sat me down with a super nice retired couple from NY named Nick and Robin. Had a nice time chattin it up with them (meghan - Robin actually read Story of Edgar Sawtelle! She said it was amazing). The other thing I noticed tonight, was the amount of other single women sitting here just like me! Sittin by themselves sippin their coca tea with book in hand, possibly contemplating their next major life decision - its really a lot more common than you think! Girl power!
Okay. Good night and I love you!
Aileen :)
PS
Pic attached is of a little girl dressed in traditional Peruvian dress with an alpaca!! There are kids and adults dressed like this alll over town posing for pics and looking for tips afterwards. I am a sucker and this is the 2nd time that I couldn't resist. So cute!
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