Just enjoying a few free days back in Cusco after returning from M Picchu. The ruins really are as spectacular and magical as people say. Despite it being the rainy season here and hours of torrential rain ahead of our visit to the site, when we arrived at the ruins at about 7.30 in the morning, the clouds cleared and the sun came out and we were able to see MP in all its glory. The visit included a very informative guided tour plus lots of free time o just walk around and take it all in. Definitely one of the highlights if my trip so far.

The trip on the train from Ollantaytambo to MP town was like stepping back in time. The train station is terribly quaint and old fashioned and the train company is linked with the Orient Express so all the staff are very smartly dressed and you are welcomed as you board your carriage and are served with refreshments along the way. If only south west trains could follow their example!!!

Its my lat day in Cuzco today and tomorrow we head to Puno and Lake Titicaca. Have really enjoyed all the good bars and restaurants in Cusco. Last night I sampled a Piscopolitan which is a Cosmo where the vodka is replaced with Pisco. It was very nice. Tonight we are trying a restaurant which specialises in alpaca steak, another thing to tick off the lost. I tried another Peruvian delicacy last week, roast guinea pig. It was ok but not my favourite, tastes a little like duck. To be honest being served guinea pig is rather off putting as it is put on the plate, fried, and whole ( with a little parsley to garnish). Nothing is done o disguise what you are eating and as some of you will know, I have never been a fan of these little furry creatures.

In fact I had a run in with a load of guinea pigs last week when on an innocent shopping trip in the side streets of Ollantaytambo, one of the little towns in the sacred valley. The sign said pottery workshop so I walked in expecting to see a load of ceramics. I was met by about 30 to 40 ginger guinea pigs running and squeaking around the workshop. Some of them were so fat they looked like small cats. Well I have never exited a shop so fast in my life. The so called potter ran after me trying to coax me back in to secure a sale but I was having none of it. The thought if trying to shop with them running all around me was too much. I have since had a more successful shopping trip in the lovely artisan shops back in Cuzco. It has confirmed to me I will never be able to live in Peru as in local households, especially in the mountains, it is quite normal to keep guinea pigs for food and they live in the same room as the family use to eat,cook and sleep!

Off to Puno in the morning which includes a Homestay with a local family on the islands. Am looking forward to that just as long as I don't have to share a room with any guinea pigs!!!