Cusco, Peru

Day 5, June 29, 2009

We left Lima this morning and arrived in Cusco, Peru by 11:00am. Going from sea level to 11,ooo ft. is pretty rough on the body. I had been worried about the effects of altitude sickness. When we arrived we were given cocoa tea. This is from the leaves of the plant that the locals uses to battle the effects. It worked... for a while.

After checking into the hotel, we took a bus ride to Cusco´s Main Square. Here we walked around looking at the beautiful buildings. Walking around was slow going. It was difficult to breath, but we managed. We had to breath deeply through the nose and exhale through the mouth. This helped to.

Next we went went to lunch at The Inka House. Here I was pleasantly surprised by being serenaged by an Andean 5 piece band. They were terrific. The entire restaurant sang Happy Birthday to me and the band sang a Mexican birthday song called, Las Mananitas. Later I bought their CD and had them autograph it. Our entire tour group ate chocolate cake and lucuma ice cream. The food was delicious too.

Afterwards we went to the Temple of the Sun. I made 85% of the tour and then the altitude brought me down. I had to sit and do my breathing exercises while the others proceeded without me. I felt better, but still not 100%.

Then we went to the Silver Jewelry Factory and had some more cocoa tea and I was up shopping in no time. I purchased 2 pairs of earrings. I have already worn both of them. The factory was were local artisans are taught and practice their craft. It´s amazing what they have to do.

We went back to the hotel, rested, and had dinner. During dinner a wonderful harpist played for us. I bought his CD.

Overall it was a wonderful birthday.