BootsnAll Travel Network



Archive for November, 2005

« Home

Puno

Wednesday, November 30th, 2005

I must have pissed the Inca off somehow, because after my last entry I got REALLY sick. According to my Lonely Planet guide, I think I had Cholera. Not really, but I am taking antibiotics and missed a whole day of tourist stuff because I was in bed. My hotel was great – they took me to the pharmacy and let me stay until I went to the airport (about 5 hours after checkout time).

If crucifixes on the side of the road mean the same thing in Peru as they do in America, there are a lot of ghosts walking the highway between Juliaca and Puno. I got here night before last and watched silly crime dramas on the english speaking chanel because I still thought I was dying. I found out I wouldnt be able to spend the night on an island because my flight leaves too early for me to get back. I thought it was funny that the road was a toll road. One official toll when you enter the highway, and a second not so kosher toll once you get to Puno. They have to make their money somehow.

Yesterday I went to Uros (the floating islands) and Taquille (another island in Lake Titicaca). It was well worth the whole $12 for the full day trip. I found out an outsider can visit Taquille, but cant buy a house or open a business on the island. I guess thats how theyve preserved their culture (besided the kids begging for “un sole” for a picture). The Uros are really amazing. Im afraid theyre ruined because of the tourism industry, but Im really glad I got to go. Both nights here I ate in a place recommended by the hotel. Im not going to take any more chances with the comida.

I noticed when I went white water rafting that the people in the small villages were dressed in traditional clothing. Ive seen the pictures, but thought it was just for tourists benefit. Its actually real. People were leading their donkeys and herding their sheep, which was amazing.

Today I was supposed to go to some ruins between here and Juliaca but there is some kind of government protest going on so I couldnt. I am going to be able to get back to the airport, but we have to take the long way. Im not sure what were avoiding, but Im glad my hotel arranged the transfer for me. I went on a short city tour and finally did some shopping. I know some people live to haggle with vendors in the markets, but thats not really my thing. I have got some cool stuff, though. Right now Im avoiding the square, because I think there is some kind of protest going on.

Im sure youre all suprised to hear the internet access is a bit sketchy in the Andes :). This is taking forever! I leave for Lima in about 30 min. so Ill catch up later.

Mas Cuzco

Sunday, November 27th, 2005

Stuff I forgot last time: Puerto Maldondo looks just like Thailand, except in Spanish. They even have tuk tuks, but they call them taxi chulos. Also, Visa is widely accepted here but Mastercard is not. Just a tip if you live on debit cards and yours happens to me Mastercard like mine is. I know there is more stuff I forgot, but I forget again.

Yesterday I went to Machu Pichu. Getting up at 4:30 didnt end up being a problem because I never got to sleep. My hotel room was right by the street and it was SUPER noisy all night. Needless to say I changed rooms that morning. It rained more when I got to Machu Pichu, but even the clouds couldnt make it less impressive. Dont worry, I have TONS of pictures. I do think its somewhere you need to spend the nigth so you can be there without the thousands of tourists. The guide kind of rushed us through the tour and it was really crowded. The last train stop before Cusco, you can take a bus that takes 15 minutes rather than one hour. I thought about it, but stayed on the train because I had a ride (from my hotel) picking me up. Im glad I didnt. The view of Cuzco from the mountain was totally worth the extra 45 minutes.

Today I felt totally relaxed and happy. Im not sure if its emotional or the lack of oxygen to the brain. Im still sure that Im 10 feet tall and bulletproof, so I cant understand why a thing like really high altitude would make me a little breathless :). I went white water rafting and it was pretty cool.

Tomorrow I go to Puno (Lake Titicaca) and Ill write more.

Cuzco City

Friday, November 25th, 2005
If I didnt know any better, I would think "Madre de Dios" means "muddy river" in English (it really means "mother of the gods"). Really, I made it to the rainforest yesterday and it was beautiful. But it ... [Continue reading this entry]

Finally Here!

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2005
The greatest thing that can happen to a person in the world (or above the world, anyway) is to get the whole row by yourself on a flight. Thats exactly what happened during our "short" six and a half ... [Continue reading this entry]

18 Hours!

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2005
I'm finally excited!! We told my nephew I'm going to the rainforest and he asked me if I would bring him back a pet from Pet Smart. I'm not sure he gets it. :)

One more week!!

Tuesday, November 15th, 2005
Wow! Its getting close to time to go! I think I've done most of what I have to do. The biggest challege is going to be packing this weekend. As most of you know, there is ... [Continue reading this entry]