As I was writing before... Santa Cruz trek - 10th - 14th October

A great (quite tough) few days, trekking every day for 6 hours ish in all sorts of weather, altitude and steepness!! It was a real challenge in places but so rewarding. Our guides were great - they provided us with delicious meals throughout the day and each evening by candlelight in our cosy food tent. Every morning we had things like pancakes and coca tea to help with the altitude. During our walks we saw incredible scenery and it was amazing trekking through some really remote villages and seeing the way people live. At night it was freezing though so must buy some thermals!!

Returned from the trek on 14th and checked back into our warm hostel and enjoyed basic comforts like hot water and a toilet!! Also loved blow drying my hair (For those observant ones of you you will notice a change in hair style - you will be thrilled to hear my hairdryer works in Peru!!). Met up with the group in the evening and enjoyed sampling some Pisco sour with them!!

16th - 17th Huaraz - Lima - Cusco

Spent a long time travelling! Left Huaraz on a bus at 11 am and arrived in Lima at 8ish that evening. The journey wasn´t too bad - unlike other bus journeys the passengers consisted only of humans - no chickens, cockerels or hens this time!! Felt bit sick though as travelling for hours on switchbacks down the mountains - oh well! Arrived hours later in Lima (crazy place!!) and boarded a taxi straight to the airport which we then waited at from 9ish at night til our flight which was at 05.40!! Fun!! Thank goodness for McDonalds and Starbucks! Flight to Cusco was only an hour though so went straight to our hostel and slept for a bit.

17th- now Cusco

Spent a great few days in this gorgeous place full with tourists, restaurants, cafes, beautiful buildings and lots of lovely shopping - heaven!! Stayed in a great hostel with a balcony overlooking the main plaza which is bustling with activity all day and in the evening the cathedral and restaurants are all lit up - v pretty! This evening we are meeting with our fellow trekkers for a briefing about the Lares trek we start tomorrow which lasts until 23rd and takes us to Machu Pichu - v excited!

Hope you are all well - missing everyone tons but only 7 months to go!! Loving it here but will be sooooo excited to see you all! Have lots of plans brewing!! Keep us informed on what you are all up to - love to hear what is going on at home!!

xxxx