One week in....
After a long flight via Madrid (no in-flight entertainment = poor show for an 11 hour flight) we arrived safely in Lima around 7.30am local time. We´re about 6 hours behind London, so 1.30pm UK time! Lima´s a massive city (5 biggest in South America, thank you Lonely Planet) so we set about looking round about 8am!
Thanks to G we we´re in the district of Miraflores (the Marylebone of Lima).... A short walk through the centre took us to the Pacific Ocean and some stunning views and a first chance to mix with some of the Peruvian locals (Si... Hola... Gracias...). Lima is a cool city with a very colonial and Spanish feel to it espcially around the historic centre. We tried our hand at a few of the local delicacies, Ceviche (raw seafood and fish salad thing), Grilled Alpaca, Inka Cola, Pisco Sour (made with grape brandy), Chicha (strange purple maize drink) and of course Cusquena = ´the Gold of the Incas´. The buses are mental, even if you don´t want to get on the bus you will likely get thrown or talked onto one!
50 odd hours in Lima had us takling our first long distance bus journey. 20 hour plus to Cusco which (highly recommend Cruz Del Sur if anyone does it - hot meals, films and near lie flat beds!). Departing at 3.30pm on Friday got us to Cusco at midday on Saturday, through some very dizzying and windy roads. Cusco was the ancient Inca capital and sits 11,000 ft above sea level, the city literally (´Mikey´) takes your breathe away. The place is AWESOME!
We have already taking in all the Peruvian vibes, the markets, bright colours, music, dance, folklore, we cannot get enough (just not the roasted guinea pig yet)! The locals are all really nice (Si... Hola... Gracias...). The altitude is the only bother as it can sometimes leave you a little out of breathe, however we are drinking a lot of coca tea which is the local tipple and cure.
Today we started our training for the Inca Trail (4 day 3 night trek) with some Bear Grylls style Inca Ruin exploration. Hard to climb but well worth every breathless minute of it, and damn good practice for what is now feeling like it could be a 4 day onslaught.... Macchu Picchu.
Adios Amigos!
A&G
Hi guys, thank you for such a full blog of what you are up to - it's fascinating to read. By the time you pick this up I expect you will have done the Inca trail and we look forward to reading all about it. Portugal's around 28 - 30c and we keep hearing about their trade with South America so keep thinking of you. Lots of love M&D xxx
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