201 days since selling up. David Jones recording.
We had two fun packed days in Miami, going to our favourite places. Mine is the Starbucks on Miami South Beach. Paul's is the tapas restaurant in Espanola Way - Tapas y Tintos - but sadly no salsa classes this time. We also also went to both of our favorites Jerry's Diner. Have you noticed the pattern? Food and drink always seems to be involved. We also stayed in a reasonably priced art deco hotel on the sea front "The Winterhaven". We eventually got a seaview room as booked, but because of some difficulties were upgraded to a slightly better room on the top floor. Ours is the one top floor left window.
From Miami we then flew on Taca airlines to Peru via Costa Rica, which actually is a really pleasant flight and easy transfer. We arrived in Lima, a mad bustling "shanty town" of a city covered in desert sand. We were met at the airport by the two lads from the hostel and their beat up old car to take us to our room for the night. Everyone was very friendly and helpful and our room was cheap basic and clean, but we did have an ensuite and cable tv. We ordered pizza for supper and stayed in the room, behind the locked gates. This suited me as I had managed to get a cold in Florida and wanted to rest before our flight to Cusco the next morning. I have posted pictures in the album.
Cusco is 10,000 feet above sea level and the air is thin. You notice as soon as you get off the plane. You feel light headed, almost drunk and really breathless. We again were greeted at the aiport and taken to the fabulous Casa San Blas, with stunning views of Cusco. We had our coca tea to help with altitude sickness and lay on our own double beds and soft white linen duvets. trying aclimatise.
I have included lots of photos in the album. But the view is just stunning and you can lay in bed and see the view. Which is really handy when you have a thumping headache and feel hung over! Who needs alcohol!
Then as the lights of the town come on room service deliver a hot water bottle to warm up your bed. It's just wonderful!
We have only been in Cusco two days the first of which was spent, lying around. Apart from a mad taxi ride up into the hills looking for a railway station to get our peru rail tickets. The driver mis-understood which station we wanted a before we knew it we were heading out of the town over the mountains. Luckily Paul's spanish came in useful as always and we got the taxi driver to turn round and take us back to Cusco.
Today we went for a gentle stroll around the town. Looking at the ladies in there brown top hats and colourful dresses, leading Lamas or lambs around, always looking for a photo opportunity. Cusco is a very beautiful city.
Over the next few days we hope to vist ancient Inca ruins and the famous Machu Picchu. We have booked our tickets on the Orient express train for Wednesday.
I am sure we will have lots of tales to tell.
Such Fun!
By the way my cold's getting a little better and I no longer have a headache from the altitude. Paul I think needs another day to adjust.
O I remember it well!! Have you adjusted yet? Are you going to dance salsa!! There are lots of clubs, one near the top right hand corner of the square, I think close to McDonalds, also close to a lovely cafe where you can sit and watch the world go by as you over look the square. xxx
Posted by: Jane | 11/15/2010 at 08:02 PM