Storm Over The Andes on January 1st 2006
I’ve never been in the middle of a storm at 3400m before. One is rather close to the celestial action. The lightening is right in your face and the thunder is like nothing you have ever heard before. A portent for the New Year? Of course not, I gave up superstition years ago. Off into the jungle for a couple of days…
Choice of the hour comes from Café del Mar… Northern Lights by Lux. Controversial given where I am, but there you go.
A bit later. Bloody Hell. It just struck me I hadn’t played Teenage Kicks in Cusco on this of all days. Consider that wrong righted. Also – just stopped smoking.
Tags: Travel
JohnnyBoy
January 2nd, 2006 at 6:20 pm
Dear Martin,
I do hope your companions are wearing Kevlar garments if you have REALLY stopped smoking… What happened, did the lack of O2 exchange area in your pulmonary circuit start to worry you? Still AAOx4? LOL take care. Regarding the electirical display at altitude, was up the the White Mountains in July camping at 9000ft and had a similar awesome experience. Was in the middle of trees too – not good.
January 3rd, 2006 at 4:07 pm
You’re being so closed to Heaven ,has reminded me that I did not give you the Rosary Beads. Still never mind you can use your fingers!! Happy New Year from the Hall Family..
January 3rd, 2006 at 4:26 pm
Dear Martin
Elaine just passed me your blog details so haven’t yet had a chance to read all your stories. However, i did want to quickly comment on Peru, before you move on.
I enjoyed your description of NYE, I’d love to have expereinced that although I’m afraid of fireworks. i went to Peru last year, and also had my drinking ability severely curtailed by the altitude. I went on the usual circuit; Lima, Arequipa, Puno, Lake Titicaca and Taquile Island,Cusco, Machu Pichu, all crammed into a fortnight with no time to adjust to the altitude, so I envy you.
Culturewise, I particularly enjoyed the San Francisco church in Lima, Santa Catalina in Arequipa, and Machu Pichu , obviously, although the experience was slightly marred by a fellow tourist choosing that moment to confide in me about his painful divorce, (social workers! )
I loved Cusco Cathedral, and there is a really nice man, and excellent guide, who is writing a book about it: he gave me a fantastic guided tour. You should be able to locate him at the nearbye museum ((Museo Inka, I think)
Best food experience; Ceviche in a little cafe in Lima. Worst drink: Inca cola.
Favourite markets:Arequipa and Pisac. All Train journeys were stunning too. Got sick of the Pan Pipes.
Have fun!
Love Lucy x
January 4th, 2006 at 3:21 pm
Thanks Lucy, for all the tips – was at the Inca Museam today – useful to note their ancestors were the Chavins. Train journeys start soon…
Aunty Mary – is that a deliberate additional ´d´ there?
Gillian – too right about the lack of available oxygen – haven´t killed anyone yet.