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Day 2
So Cusco is a fairly big town and very touristy. There are old ladies (I say old but probably 5 years older than me! (I know the correct English is "I" mum but I'm not going to bother with all that on here. At least I know, right?)) trying to sell me the same gorgeous hand made materials everywhere I turn. Strapped to their back, they either have a MASSIVE pile of the material they're selling, or an offspring! Everyone is wearing jumpers and coats....despite it being 30 degrees! I feel positively naked with my vest top!
I tried to cross the road earlier and because of how traumatised I was after, I pretty much went straight the rest of the time! There is, or seems to be NO right of way for pedestrians. They tease you with the zebra crossings and even the trusted green men that are red and count down in seconds before turning green. Just when you think that's your cue to cross and step off, cars and buses come screeching towards you honking their horns angrily. So I've quickly learned to stand close to a local and wing it when he does!
That's another thing....horns. I noticed it yesterday in the taxi from the airport. Everyone seems to honk their horns randomly it seems. I thought it was aggression at 1st but looking at their faces when they do it they're all very calm with no road rage whatsoever!
Dogs! there are stray dogs wandering around EVERYWHERE! They're galloping (do dogs gallop?) along the streets with the honking cars!
I bought a banana. Most were black but I chose a yellow one. It took me 15 mins and a chainsaw to get into it! I decided it must have been very un ripe but tasted ok...not like a banana tho, more like a mango. I might buy a black one next time.
I booked nothing until Fri (trek up Machu Pichhu) as I had prepared to be ill with either altitude sickness or my stomach but I feel fit as a fiddle so am off now to book a 3 day river boat tour starting from Puerto Maldonato. It's a 10 hour bus ride to get to Puerto Maldonato. But only 80 soles (£16). I can't stay here. Hate towns and cities. (and shopping) Need nature!
7pm update: flight to Puerto Maldonado and bus back booked. 2 night tour also booked. I'm saying no more till I've done it. Day of rest tomorrow. I've probably walked about 100 miles and have seen the whole of Cusco. It ain't pretty by the way. Open sewers and car exhaust fumes are making me light headed! Right, out for dinner. I've changed my knickers and washed under the oxters so all set! That's as good as it gets on this trip I'm afraid ha ha! xx
930pm update: Just back from lovely buffet type meal with entertainment thrown in. Polly enjoyed it more than me....pics to follow. xx
- comments
Anne Lee Sounds fabulous, Pauline. You've already done so much. I wish there were some pictures to go with it too, but for now, we'll have to imagine....
Jennie I can't wait for more!! Smells and sounds and pictures
Andy Sounds brilliant ! Stay safe !
pauline didn't you all see the pictures? They're in a separate bit called "photos" lol. ... or do you mean pics of the stray dogs and open sewers?
Debbie Sounds very exciting and you seem to have done a lot ! Take care and look forward to hearing more x
Susan Omg there you are! I figured out how to see your blogs! You make it sound so interesting! So excited for you, even though Cusco is a dump! Be careful out there and as Andy said, don't talk to anyone!! Lol just kidding, just don't talk to any strangers...