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We boarded the bus late at night from the busy terminal at ariciba, and as i did so i had my picture taken by a member of the bus company staff. When i asked what this was for i was a student and its part of his project. I found out that this was not the case, but they take the pictures of all the passengers for identification as there are many accidents and the odd robbery on this route through the desert and mountains. But our journey went without hitch apart from the terrible movies that were played in Spanish (bend it like Beckham).
Arrived at Cusco at 07.00 the next day. The terminal here was tiny and just enough room for two bus's. As soon as we got off the bus we were harassed by men saying they have transport and accommodation, but we opted to make our own way to a hostel called the point, and not to go with any of these. We walked out onto the main road and flagged down a taxi, which were in abundance even at this time of the morning. The hostel was in the center of Cusco town and close to all the bars and sights. Point turned out to be a great hostel and the staff were very friendly and helpful. There was always great food on offer throughout the day, and the bar was very cheap too. I met up with friend that i knew from the start of my trip back in Rio, so joined by the Irish group and a few others that night we went into town to explore the many bars and clubs. It must have been a great night as i can't remember much other than i was last home at 08.00. I do remember that the peruvian's were very friendly, and we had no problems from them. Although it was clear that there was a big issue with drugs being sold on the streets. And even though i had no trouble there it was made very clear the next day that it can be a very dangerous area. As i was told a couple from the USA had opted to take one of the offers from the gents at the bus depot for a lift. Only it turned out to be a nightmare for them, as they were kidnapped, beaten with metal bars and threatened with a gun, the man was also told that they were going to rape his girlfriend if he did not give them their cash cards and pins. This ordeal lasted 6 hrs and cleaned their accounts of something like 3000 dollars. This is becoming a common practice in Cusco, But i found the area and the town to be one of the best so far, and i am not the only one, as many who visit here stay for weeks on end.
I only stayed for a couple, Joined by the Irish guy Ed that i met in Arica we headed to the lost inca city of Machu picchu. There are many ways to get there but we took the cheap option of local bus, then train.
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