Amazon to Lima

Woke up to a serenade of jungle sounds. Such a lovely wake up call! A little later there was added something sounding like fighting monkeys. 

Lay there and listened for a while, what a great finish of the first part of this trip. Tomorrow a new adventure starts, new country, new group. 

When leaving the bungalow "Homer", the lodge parrot sat on the veranda as saying goodbye to us.

After breakfast we took the boat downstream and back to town. To the office to repack and off to the airport. 

The flight took us from the jungle in Puerto Maldonado via Cusco to Lima. Back where everything started. 

A last dinner with the group, a few drinks, hopefully some sleep will finish this part of the trip. 

Tomorrow morning, early, I'm off to the airport again. This starts to look like my job days. :)

See you in Equador! 

Amazon jungle

Amazon Jungle

The last adventure on this part of my trip is the Amazon Jungle. 

We flew from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, a flight of 35 min. I thought it would be a tiny little plane going there, but it was surprisingly an Airbus A380. 

When arriving in the jungle the heat and the humidity slaps you in the face. Phew!

We got taken to the travel providers office to repack our luggage and only bring a small bag with the essential stuff for a few days in the jungle.

After a 2-hour boat ride in a speed boat we reached our lodge. An Eco lodge.

We are four (2+2) in the bungalows. Here is running water. The water is warmed with solar panels, meaning, no sun - no hot shower. 

The bungalows has no electricity. Candles and lighters are provided. The main area; dining room, bar, reception have electricity four hours a day starting around 5.00pm. 

First evening after dinner we took a short walk in the dark. We found some insects to bugger with our torches. 

After a short (hung in the bar last night) but really good sleep it was time for an early star to explore the jungle. 

The boat took us a short distance upstream where we got off and had a walk to a lake . We again saw some insects, a small little frog, plants etc, but the best part was when our guide managed to get a tarantula out of her nest. Really cool!

During this walk the rain in the rainforest got worse and worse. By the time we got to the little lake the rain was quite heavy. From the barge on the little lake we managed to see some birds; stink bird, heron (white), kingfisher, macaw, toucan and some other small ones, most of them in a very far distance.

On the other side of the lake we took a walk to see two very big and very old trees. The rain was now so heavy it was difficult to see anything. We headed back to the barge, over the lake, cross the vegetation back to our boat, and back to the lodge. 

Before lunch we had time to dry and get a bit cleaner.

After lunch a few of us sat chilling on the porch when one of the guides came running asking us to come. There was monkeys in the trees. Small saddle  tamarinds. It was awesome to see them jumping around in the trees. 

After a while we had to leave though, because it was time to go visit one of the local fruit farms. 

It wasn't really like a farm that thought of, it was more like a piece of land looking like a forest of mixed fruit trees and plants. We got to taste most of them too.

In the evening we went for a tour on the river in the dark to try and spot caymans. Our guide was amazing. By sweeping a strong flashlight along the river banks ha managed to spot the eyes and the boat took us really close. 

It was an amazing experience to be on the river with only the stars as lights (except for the searching torch) and surrounded by the sound of the jungle. 

On return dinner was served and than some of us sat in the bar for a while before we headed back to our bungalows for a last night in the jungle.

Cusco

Today was a recovery day after the trek and for some a hard night out last night.

We all have very stiff and sore legs. Some went for massage to make it better.

I spent the day mainly walking around town, organising money and looking in shops and markets.

I also went to the Inca museum. A museum that could have been really interesting if it had been looked after a bit better. There are some really great items, but the information is bad and mainly in Spanish. 

Late afternoon a big part of the group went to the cinema. I didn't want to see Hobbit, so I stayed at the hotel. So did my roomie. We took a stroll around town and brought,some,take away pizza back.

Then it was time to pack bags again. Tomorrow we move into the jungle.

The Inca Trail

The Inka Trail

It's here, the day I've been looking forward to with mixed feelings. Very excited but also a bit worried. Will I make it? 

We had to weigh in our luggage. Max 6kg to be carried by the porters. Our own day bag can weigh whatever, that one we have to carry ourselves. Mine was over 12kg (scale only got to 12)!! That was including almost 2,5 litres  of liquid and my camera (can only blame my self for having such a big camera)

We are 10people in our group. We were taken to the first check point called "82km" for passport control and stamp of course! Then it all started!!

First day is a hike of 11 km in mixed terrain, going from 2800-3000m.

Not too bad, but pretty hard. 

Second day was worse, it is the worst of the four days. A hike of 9km only, but going from 3000m via 4200 to 3600 is hard, I can tell you that. Even harder in rain. I was so shuffed when I reached the campsite that day! I made it, the hardest part of the trail was done, climbing "Dead Woman's Pass"

Day three, Christmas Eve, started a little bit earlier than yesterday. At just after six we left the camp for a 16km hike to our last campsite. The first two hours were really hard going up, only a hundred meters or so in altitude but it was very steep steps. After just a few minutes I struggled, I had no control over my legs, I got no respond. But with a lot of willpower and a few tears I made it. Then we had to go down, down and down 1100meters in total. It was all uneven steps and slopes of wet uneven stones suppose to be flat. That is not done for me and my eyesight. Having trouble measuring distance makes it very difficult going down these stairs. I had a hard day, but I made it.

Day four, Christmas Day. The wake up call came at 03.20. It was time to get a good position in the queue to get in to the national park and reach the Sun Gate for sun rise. We got a pretty good position. Gate opened at 05.30 and our last 5km started. About halfway we reached the Sun Gate. The clouds hadn't managed to rise so it was thick as a glass of milk. Disappointing!

We continued to the "post card spot" but still same thing, clouds.

I didn't even wanted to think the thought that we were not to see this miracle place due to weather. 

However a bit later it did clear up and in front of us we had this magnificent place, Machu Picchu. What a feeling.

We were guided around parts of it and was then to explore our selves.

I left just in time for the rain to arrive. 

The group met up in a restaurant in town before taking the train from there. Mission was now completed and at the hotel we had a Christmas dinner waiting.

In our group we had as mentioned 10 hikers and also one guide, one assistant guide, 18 porters, a waiter and a chef. 

The porters are amazing. The organise everything around the campsites, meals and carrying all the stuff this same way as we hike. 

The rules now is that every porter can't carry more than 30kg. But hey, that is a lot on this trail. This poeters are amazing, they more run than walk with their big packs on their bags. Our youngest porter is 19 and the oldest 80!! 80, can you believe it?! 

The experience was amazing. The trek was very hard at times but in the end it was well worth it.

Sacred Valley

Today we left Cusco with only a small little bag each, all we are allowed for the trail. Today we started our adventure towards Machu Picchu. No trekking today though. We had a look around Sacred Valley.

First stop was a community where G Adventures (the tour operator) is running a local project for the women, a weaving and sewing studio.

We learnt about the different icons on the their materials. We also got shown how they make and die the alpaca and Llama wool. All with natural plants and materials.

We got to feed the Llamas and Alpacas, however they had probably got fed already, since they started to spit on some of our group. Not me though.

After some view point stops we reached our next stop, an Inka Ruin. It was awesome to wonder around this ancient place with so much history. It was steep and hard too! 

For good reasons, they always put the storage areas for the crops on the top. Why? Because this is where the wind blows and keep the crops fresh longer.

After a great tour around the place it was time for lunch.

Lunch was at another of G Adventures projects. We were given a fantastic lunch with only local dishes. Very nice and very generous! 

It was a bunch of very full people that stepped back on that bus making the last bumpy ride to. The hotel in Ollantaytambo. 

Here we made the last physical activity for the day, another Inka Ruin. It was massive and fantastic to explore. Me and two of the group spent quite some time exploring this awesome place before heading back to the hotel.

A good dinner, an nice shower and an even better night sleep is all that's standing between myself and a great adventure... 

Puno to Cusco

There is not much to tell about today really. 

We are half way through the tour and today we went from Puno to Cusco, a bus ride of about eight hours.

We stopped at the highest point between these cities, 4435m where also the Andes meet after a split and split again. 

Late afternoon we arrived in Cusco and had a wander around town. It's a quite nice town centre around the main plaza. Looks a lot like other places we've been though.

We had some time to gear up, because tomorrow we leave Cusco for the Sacred Valley, and then it's time, time for the trail.

Before dinner and packing for the trail we had a briefing, this is now going to happen. I hope I'll make it! 

The little bag of thinks I can bring is now packed. I'm a bit nervous, but very excited. 

I might be able to make contact tomorrow, but if not I'd like to wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Titikaka Lake to Puno

Day 10 Titikaka Lake - Puno

I woke up rather early after a chilly night. We were told to be ready by 7.30. Today we were meant to help with the shores on the farm. My family wasn't really good at trying to tell us what to do. I went to the kitchen and then I was welcomed in. I wasn't asked to help or do anything until I asked.

Breakfast was as uncomfortable as dinner last night. Sitting there at the table by our selves overlooking the rest of the family coming and going.

After breakfast it was quiet for a long time and only smiles were exchanged. 

Finally we were asked to come with to look after the animals.

First we fed the cows and the donkey, and then the sheep were to be taken for a walk and later taken two or three at the time to a different place where they should stay and feed for the day.

We were now meant to help in the garden or on the fields, but instead we got standing on the beach while our man talked to a neighbour. 

After at least half an hour we were asked to move a pile of big rocks closer to his garden. I was now rather frustrated so I just put my head down and carried this stupid rocks. Let's see how the body feels tomorrow.

Before we left we had to survive yet another meal. The lunch was so big I couldn't finish it. 

Finally it was time to say good bye and get back on the boat heading back to Puno.

I'm not sure what I feel about things like this. It is suppose to be genuine and give some insights to the culture, and I partly enjoy it. However, it doesn't feel genuine. For example, the part of the house we stayed in was so much higher in standard then the parts the used for them selves, which we didn't get to visit, apart from the kitchen. Anyway...

Back in Puno I had a lovely and warm shower, then I just shilled for the rest of the afternoon.

For dinner tonight we ordered the most famous dish of them all from Peru, guinea pig. Luckily we only ordered one for the table.

I never thought I would react much, but hey, that was difficult. I kind of lost my appetite when this little thing came in, cut open and butterflied, a bit of aluminium foil around the feet and head with teeth, laying on a bed of vegetables and ironically enough, a red sauce.

I tasted it, but it was difficult to eat after that first sight. Don't know how to describe it since I had to force my self to eat it. But hey, I did it!

Titkaka Lake

Day 9 Titikaka Lake

We were told to be ready at 8.00 am for pick up. Around the corner stood five cycle taxis to take us to the harbour. When we reach the harbour our boat was ready to leave, our group had our own boat. 

First stop was an Uru floating island. They didn't pick the closest most touristy ones, so we had to go for almost two hours before we reached our island. 

They told us how these islands are built and how they live there. Imagine living on a 200m2 reed island floating in Titikaka Lake your entire life. It was very interesting to see though. We also got to go for a short trip on one of their reed boats. 

After the visit, we continued another hour and a half to the island Taquile. Here we had lunch overlooking the lake and the Bolivian mountains. The people on this island, 2000 inhabitants, are very good at handicraft. The men are knitting and the women sawing and weaving. The things they make are amazing. One very important item is their hats. The colour of your hat tells all about you, if you are single or married for example. The men making this hats have a competition of who is making the best one. The one holding water the longest is the winning one. They are so tightly knitted it is incredible.

On this island we got to test our fitness in the altitude again. A walk straight up from the harbour was rather difficult when it comes to breathing. Going down we took a different path, and going downhill is always easier.

The boat took us to our final destination for the day. A small village on the tip of the peninsula of Puno. This was to be our home for the night. We were to spend the night with a local family. 

First we met and greeted our family, then there was a football game, tourists against locals. We were three tourist groups here today. The locals won most of it. And my group is the least sporty group ever. 

It was now time for some local dance, not only were the locals to dance for us, we had to dress up in their costumes and dance with them. During the dance session the rain came, and turned into hale. But of course we had to finish the dancing before we could shelter. 

It was a rather heavy rain so. We stood there waiting for it to ease a bit so that we could go home to our families. 

Me and my German roomie ended up in a family with 7 children, the two youngest, a pair of twins, were only two weeks old.

It was a bit acquired to be guests in there home. We couldn't communicate very well, and it felt like both sides felt that way even if the family is used to have people staying there. They have even built a room with en suite, that is in better standard than their own home. 

For the first hour we sat in hour room having three of the kids running around us like maniacs showing their toys and wanting to play with us.

Luckily we got called for dinner. In the kitchen they had set the table only for us two. The rest of the family ate in shifts in the corner of the little room. Not very comfortable. Food was good though.

After dinner they asked if we were tired and I said yes, I couldn't stand sitting there looking at them any longer. 

So it became an early night. Outside the storm was really hard, thunder and rain. It is a bit cold, but I think I'll keep warm.

Chivay to Puno

Today was mainly a transportation day. Going from Chivay to Puno on the Titicaca Lake. An approx 6-hour drive. We started early and made a few stops along the way, just short stops for views, using toilets or having a cup of Coca tea. One stop was a bit different though. We passed here a few days ago too and made a brief stop, but today we made a proper stop at the very highest point where you can get by car in these mountains. It is 4910m. It was chilly and the air is very very thin. It was a great experience though, even if it only lasted for a few minutes. The trip felt long today. Most part of the road was in pretty bad condition so it was a very bumpy road too. Our guide played some great oldies in the bus which made it a bit easier to cope. After check in we went for lunch and then to the local market. Tomorrow we are going to visit and stay with families on an island in the lake and we are bringing some supplies for them. A short look around town before I headed back to the hotel for some rest. You need to rest when you are on these altitudes. Right now we are at around 3650m. The lack of oxygen makes you tired and you are asked to take it rather easy. It was just a small group of the group coming for dinner. And an even smaller group going for drink before bed. We found a really cool bar for that night cap. Time to hit the sack getting ready for an adventurous day tomorrow.

Colca Canyon

Alarm was set for 05.00 to go see if we could spot any condors at the beginning of the canyon. A freshly baked roll and a cup of coca tea later we were on the move.

The drive to the viewing spots were amazing. So stunning it's breathtaking, more than the altitude gives. 

To spot condors you need to catch them around 7.30 in the morning when they stretch their wings to get ready for today's flight to catch food. 

There is a bit of a battle between the condor and the albatross, of whom actually is the biggest bird. The albatross wins by length of wingspan, however the condor is bigger in body mass. The condor belong to the family of vultures. They don't hunt, they eat dead animals. 

At the first spot we saw one baby flying away in a very far distance and one bigger one sailing away the wrong way.

After spending some time there, we moved on to a new spot. At first nothing happened, but then there was a couple of birds circulating below us, and after a little longer there was even more. So in total we saw at least six.

Happy to have spotted this rare birds we went for a walk along the edge of the canyon for about 3km. Our guide stopped and showed us different plants and told about the life in the rural communities in the wally. Very interesting.

On the way back we stopped at two jaw dropping viewpoints, and in a small community called Maca, where we visited the little church.

Back in Chivay we were ready for lunch, some time to walk around the small town and a little bit of rest before we went to a Thermal hot spring bath, where we soaked for a good hour. Nice and relaxing!

And then when you need a good shower, there is hardly no warm water left... Anyway, I got cleaned and I had a nice dinner after that.

Bedtime is early after long, but great day, and a new early start in the morning.

Arequipa to Chivay

We had the morning kind of free today. Our guide went with the ones that wanted to some good places for buying Alpaca.

So first I had a bit of a lay in. I didn't sleep very late, but I didn't have to get up either. Which was kind of nice. Breakfast was served on the terrace and it was a beautiful morning. This morning was also the one when I had my first coca tea. It wasn't very nice, but not too bad either.

I joined the Alpaca group and I did some small shopping.

Then I joined a few others and we went around town a bit more and had lunch before it was time to return to the hotel for departure.

Today was climbing day. We were going around the vulcanos in to a small valley village called Chivay at the one end of the Colca Canyon. This trip ment a four hour bus ride up and down mountain roads. Going from approx 2500 to 3650 m, via a spot of 4900!! The highest point you can reach by car.

Our first stop was at about 4000m where we had a cup of Coca tea, this time with mint and a dash of sugar. Not too bad actually. 

On the way we saw wild Vicuña and domestic Llamas and Alpacas. Beautiful animals.

After a quick stop at the highest point we started our trip back down to the village that will be our home for the next two nights.

We had our first power failure of the trip. The electricity went for about 10 seconds. :)

You can really tell we are higher now, not only is it a little bit pressure on head and breathing, but it is also pretty cold. Days will be fine, but mornings and evenings from now on will be chilly, even cold.

Dinner tonight was accompanied with traditional music and dancers. A very touristic set up, but nice to watch and especially listen to.

It will be an early night tonight, tomorrow morning the alarm goes of at 05.00!

Arequipa

Day 5 Arequipa

The bus ride was smooth, I managed to sleep most of the way. 

When it got light I watched the amazing landscape we travelled through. 

We were climbing up the mountains and the views are astonishing.

We reached Arequipa just after 9.00 am, and were taken to our hotel. Luckily our rooms were ready. But it was no time for resting anyway. After a refreshing shower our guide took us around to show us his home town, and pointed out what to see. He went of to see his family and the group divided up depending on what everyone wanted to see and do.

Some of us started with lunch on a roof top restaurant overlooking the main square, where today it was some Tim of parade with orchestras and people dancing in local costumes (mainly from Puno).

Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru, after Lima. The population is around 1 million. The city is surrounded by three big, still active volcanos. The highest one, Misti is 6000m. There is a lot of earthquakes in the area. Tremors going on daily, and small quakes now and then. Luckily the big ones are more rare, latest one was 2001.

Due to the earthquakes the buildings are not allowed to be more than 3 storage high in the city. So the building where we had lunch was one of the highest and gave a nice view of the city.

After lunch (I had Alpaca btw) the group splitter again and some of us went to a museum to learn the story of Jurgitha, a Nasca girl born approxy 550 years ago and found in the crater of Misti 1995. She had fallen out of her tomb when the vulcano erupted. 

In the are more tombs with children was found. These where all sacrificed to their Gods. 

Jurgitha is approx 13 years old, and was very well kept. When she was found she had been out of her tomb for around two weeks, so her face, that was exposed to the sun was dried out, however the rest of her was frozen. She had apparently become frozen straight at her death why her insides are still kept in very good condition. She still has liquids in her body. 

She is still kept frozen to try and keep her for as long as possible.

This found was great, not only for Peru, but for the whole world.

A very interesting story to learn.

After the visit to Jurgitha, I attended a free walking tour around town. A tour that was suppose to last for 2h30min, but took over three hours. Very interesting. The guide didn't just tell boring stuff about the buildnings we past, he told a lot of great stories about how the people lived and still live, what different ceremonies they have etc etc. we got to see Alpacas and Llamas too, and ended the tour with a taste of cacao tea (no, not coca) and a piece of organic homemade chocolate.

After another traditional dinner bed was calling. It was nice to crawl in to a bed tonight...

A day in Nasca

Another day when I had to get up early, but it was no problems - because I was going to experience one of the highlights on this trip, the Nasca lines - from the air! 

Six of us went flying, only one ca back with a face not in a greenish colour.. - me!! 

A bumpy 30 min flight in a small little Sessna was totally worth it. This is the only way to see these lines and I had to do it. 

It was really cool. There are so many of them. There are many stories too, about how they got there etc. I bought a little info book, so I will read it and get more information, at least from that one source. True or not, it has to be my truth now.

After the flight we had some scheduled spare time which was great for all of those that didn't feel so well to have time to recover before we move on.

It was a good time for lunch and then chilling in a hammock under a mango tree. 

In the afternoon we went to what must be the windiest place on earth, a place in the Nasca desert where they found tombs and lots of well kept bodies. They call them mummies even if they are not real mummies. They are not blamed and the still have their intestines. 

It was a very interesting visit and the guide was very good.

After they grave yard we visited a pottery where a family makes ceramic pieces as the people did long long time ago.

Back at the hotel it was time for drinks and cake for a girl that had her birthday. On top of that we had dinner and then it was time to cross the street to the bus station. We were to board a night bus to Arequipa. We sat there waiting and waiting. The bus that should depart at 10.30 pm finally arrived and we left Nasca at midnight.

Just to make yourself comfortable and let the bus rock you to sleep.

Paracas to Nasca

Day 3 Paracas to Nasca

Today was an early start, which doesn't bother me too much since I still have trouble sleeping in the mornings anyway. This morning I even woke up with a very runny nose and a sore throat. Straight away I decided to ignore it, had some meds and moved on.

First activity of the day was a boat trip to The Ballestas Islands. Rock islands with a rich bird life and sea lions and penguins. Peru's mini Galapagos they call it.

On the way to the islands we stopped where there is a phenomena in the sand dune a shore. It is in a shape of a candelabra, and is very similar to the Nasca Lines, just in sand.

The islands themselves were awesome and we saw some great birds and animals out there. 

After the trip it was time to pack up and move on. A new mini bus arrived and is to take us to Nasca. 

First stop was outside Ica, on a wine farm. In this area they grow wines, asparagus and some other fruits.

At the wine farm we got to taste six different Piscos and some wines and other odd drinks. I'm not and will never be a Pisco fan. 

Pisco is kind of a national drink in Peru. It belongs to the brandy family. 

I will for sure have a few Pisco Sours though. They are refreshing.. :)

When tasting was done we moved on to next adrenaline activity - sand boarding and sand buggies. Since I have done this before, have no interested in doing it again and want to save my back for the trek I saved my money and hade a chilled afternoon. I found a corner with a good breeze in the restaurant, since it is far too hot outside today.

When the group got back and had had a late lunch, we departures for a 2h30 min drive to Nasca. It started out as calm as it can on these crazy roads, and watching the desert landscape passing by made me sleepy and the heat to that made me doze off a bit. However I got a brutal awakening when we started to climb up and down the mountains...

We made it just in time to get a glimpse of what is in for tomorrow, the Nasca lines. There is a watching tower, and we got there just as the sun set.

It was really something, and I'm now looking forward to tomorrow even more. Tomorrow is going to be one of the highlights on this trip.

After checking in to the hostel and had a refreshing shower, we went out for a traditional meal, grilled chicken and chips Peruan style. Really simple but really nice.

No drinks needed tonight, everyone is tired so early bed is on the agenda.

From Lima to Paracas

Day 2 to Pisco/Paracas

With a tiny bit of nervousness I went down to the reception to get my luggage. And yes it was there, and in good condition. Even the "priority" label was still there unharmed! 😊 Not sure I like the "Flying Blue" kind of Priority service that much... Anyway, my luggage arrived and my travels could start. 

After a chilled morning packing up and doing some shopping for the road we were packed in to a min bus that took us to Lima bus station. Here we boarded a bus and started our travels, going south along the coast.

I learnt that Lima has grown from 8.5 to almost 10 million inhabitants in the last few years, mostly being people moving in to the city from the country side. However the city doesn't grow on height it constantly spreads out. So it took a good hour on the high way before we reached the outskirts of the city.

Apparently parts of Peru is the driest desert on earth. The coastline, between each the Pacific and the Andes is just sand, and very very dry. We traveled along the dunes for hours. This is also the area for chicken farming.

Every here and there there are green valleys where farming is possible. This due to the water coming down from the melting glaciers. 

Today Peru is a self contained country when it comes to food. All they have to import because they are not able to grow enough themselves is soya beans for making oil, sugar and wheat, however due to the melting glaciers it is a question of time before they cannot anymore. They have already lost 47% of the glaciers.

After a good 4 hours on the road we reached the town of Pisco. In 2007 there was a big earthquake in the area (7.7 on the Scale, lasted for just over a minute) most of the area was destroyed, and is still today an area of construction. Due to this we didn't stop in Pisco but got in to a small mini bus on the bumpy road to Paracas just down the road on the cost. 

A small village where fishing and producing fish oil is the main business, which is easy told by the smell. 

It has also always been a resort village for wealthy people from Lima. And today, after the earthquake it is even more so. This little village has 5, 5 star hotels.

Ours is not one of them, but it is a very nice place.

We arrived just in time to miss the sunset. I managed to, from the balcony outside my door see the top of the sun disappearing behind an island.

So instead of watching the sun go down I took a stroll along the beach front, where we short after had our dinner. Seafood of course. 

Part of the group ended the evening with a Pisco cocktail in a local bar...

I am doing my best to try and get some photos uploaded, but it is difficult. I will keep trying and hopefully share some with you while I'm still here.

A day in Lima

Day 1 Lima

Today is a day of my own leisure in Lima. So after breakfast I hit the streets, without a map. Two things needed to get sorted, money exchange and to buy water. I started to look for a Money Exchange, but all I found was men in blue wests standing in the street corners with piles of money in their hands. Apparently you can change money with them, however I was a bit so so about that and continued my search. Instead of finding a Money Exchange I found the Pasific! Suddenly the ocean was there in front of me. 

I took a stroll along the "beach front" which is not really by the beach, but very high up from the waterfront. 

It was pretty and full of exercising people, joggers, men in suit pants and shoes doing push-ups, ladies on yoga mats, and a lot of dog walkers. 

When I reached the dead end, I turned around and walked the Sam way back, about halfway when I turned on a different route, continuing my search for somewhere to exchange money, and finally I found a bank that helped me. Gosh I like plastic cards... 

With the right money in my pocket and some water bought I headed back to the hotel to cool down. It is hot in jeans and walking shoes... 

All I wanted to do was relax under the fan.

Before I left the hotel this morning I asked them about my room. On the trip we are sharing, however I had an extra night booked since I arrived a day early. I wanted to know if I was to move in to a shared room or if I kept my own one more night. They looked at me in a very funny way and said I was staying. Great!

So here I was, just getting relaxed and comfortable by the fan when the phone rings.... It was from the reception. It was time to check out?!? Suddenly I had to change room anyway.

Luckily I don't have so much stuff to carry since my luggage hasn't arrived yet.

In my new room I found my new roomie. I girl from Germany.

She had planned to go to the Larco Museum, showing Peruan history through art, so I joined her.

We had a great afternoon ending with a late lunch at the restaurant there.

Back at the hotel we had a little nap before it was time to meet the rest of the group...

We are a group of 11 + our guide. No relationship couples, just friend couples. 5 from UK, 2 Aussies, 2 Swiss, 1 German and myself.

We had a short introduction, got some important information and signed some papers - then we went for our first dinner, and first real Peruan food. Of course I had to have Cebuiche. Hade it with a sauce of yellow pepper, onion and peanuts. Great! 

On our way to and from the restaurant we passed the cat park. A park where as it says there is a lot of cats. And when I say a lot, I mean A LOT.

Back at the hotel I got to know that my luggage was to arrive at midnight!! Yay! But since I don't want to be woken up from the little sleep I get, I said I'll come fetch it in the morning.

It is now just after 6.00 am and I'm a bit nervous to get down there, what if it didn't arrive, or if it isn't my bag, or if it is destroyed in any way... 

It'll be fine I know!! 😉

Will be great with some new clothes.

By lunch time today we start our journey. We're taking the local bus to Pisco, but that is another story...

Arrival in Lima

Slightly delayed, we left Amsterdam for a 12-hour flight to Lima, Peru. I am grateful for a little extra spend on an attracted greater comfort. Unfortunately I have not enough Miles with Flying Blue to afford an upgrade to the front of the cabin, but it was good nonetheless. After lunch, snack, supper, five films and a short afternoon nap, we finally set the wheels on the ground. The local time was 19:00 and the temperature 24c.
Passport control was smooth and I got a great position by the luggage carousel. So I thought! And many with me. We had all looked at the carousel next to ours, however it was a surprise when ours started to turn the other way. And it was great fun watching the people who thought they had a great position by the star, now realising the were at the end and how they took their big trollies and run around the whole thing. I thought the thing with a carousel was that it was going round and round... After almost an hour watching bags going round and round my fear became truth. I lady came looking for me, and in her hand she had a piece of paper saying my luggage was not loaded from Amsterdam! 
Well not exactly the start I was hoping for on this 4-week travel around.
Crossing fingers and toes that it will arrive on the next flight from Amsterdam, same time tomorrow. Probably a good thing that I decided to arrive a day early.
After a wasted hour by the carousel and without luggage I stepped out to the chaos in the arrival area to find my transport. I was still hoping it would be there and not given up waiting. But there amongst all the people I found a small man with a small sign with my name on it! 
And one more name, so the waiting continued for almost another hour before he decided it was time to leave.

Out in the humid, balmy Peruan evening. We drove along heavy trafficked roads. The city was lite up by all signs for stores, advertising, neon everywhere and Christmas decorations. It is no doubt what time of year it is. It is a lot of light and a lot of flashing light.

While going down the streets I tried to fel the atmosphere. Was it similar to anywhere else i have been? The traffic gave flash backs to India, just a bit less chaotic and with nicer cars. The whit mini buses hooting gave a slight feeling of home sickness - to SA. But I decided this is a new experience in a new continent. I watched everything pass by and i enjoyed while I was trying to stay awake. It was now close to 24 hours since I left Esloev.

To my big relieve the hotel was just that, a hotel. Meaning towels and shampoo in the bathroom, things that are essential when your luggage is gone.
After struggling to open the door to my room, had to visit the reception an extra time just to get to know "chip up, not down" Yes, I was tired!
I got inside but couldn't get the lights to work. I got the TV started and that helped me find my way around and do what I needed to do before I crashed in bed, tired, a bit annoyed about the luggage, but mainly happy and very expectant....

Ready steady go

Dear all!
Since the Travel Journal I usually use is not working I will try and keep a "normal blog" for my coming travels.
To make it easier for me I will use the same one for both my English and Swedish readers. Starting in English and follow in Swedish.

I'm sitting on the couch waiting. The flat is prepared to be left alone for a while. Next to me I have two backpacks that will be my company on my trip. 

This trip will make a dream come true and I am looking forward to tick some posts on my "to-do-list".

I will do my very best to keep you updated on my trip! But please don't be disapointed if the updates doesn't come that often... I will spend a lot of time in areas where I don't think internet is first priority.

Hej alla!
Eftersom Resdagboken verkar ha packat ihop totalt (ber om ursäkt för de typ 15 mail som vissa kan ha fått gällande min första uppdatering) Så för att undvika det tänkte jag att en "normal blog" kanske kan funka.

Jag sitter just nu på soffan i en lägenhet förberedd för att lämna ensam ett tag.  På golvet står två packade ryggsäckar som ska bli mina kompanjoner på resan. En resa som ska bli en "dream come true" och jag ser fram emot att bocka av min "att-göra-lista".

Jag ska göra mitt bästa för att hålla er uppdaterade! Men snälla bli inte besvikna om uppdateringarna inte kommer så ofta.... Jag kommer att tillbringa mycket tid i områden där internet inte är första prioritering.