Moving on from Cusco

I have spent 2 weeks based in Cusco and I have now packed up all my bits (extra unneeded things have been allowed to be kept in storage) and am moving on. I'm on a very rickety old minibus (compared to the luxury 2 story one with a toilet I was expecting). The driver is a nutter and is overtaking everything despite then having to do an emergency stop for every speed bump every 500m! I'm being shoved from side to side while trying to write this....but getting there!

2 week summary

Everyone I have spoken to says Cusco is fab. So I guess it's better than the other towns and cities I will see. I suppose the urine smell is just on the outskirts and I can take a deep breath in each time a car passes right? The children are all dirty but seem very loved and well looked after. The street dogs all live in harmony with no fighting, and I learned that all the honking is for them. They know to get out the way. The weather is very unpredictable, as is with all mountainous places. It's in the Andies. "Where are the Andies? At the end of your sleevies!" Thanks for that one Dad. In the morning it can be beautiful and very hot, maybe 30 degrees. Then without warning, dark clouds appear and it's torrential rain for 2 hours!

I have taken to wearing NO makeup, long sleeves and I walk in the shade when there is sun. My facial hair probably needs LOTS of attention but without even looking closely in a mirror I don't know. Or actually care. I will probably look like Santa Clause when I get back! What has happened to me? I am too busy and excited to miss anyone. I am enjoying being alone. I am keeping myself to myself and not interested in chit chat with other tourists (travelers? Which one am I?)

I need to stop going on these tours. They have been amazing but those of you who said I would come back skinny are so far wrong. The food is amazing! And I've been supplied with 3 full meals a day. Buffet breakfast.....having to fight the flies off...3 courses, sometimes 4 at each of the others! All gorgeous. Also I need independence. I feel too protected and everyone is speaking English so it's all a bit too easy.

So despite all the tours available on every corner I have opted to find my own way to Colca Canyon and try to see these magnificent birds on my own. Watch this space....

Ok so the bus ride was ok. The guide was VERY enthusiastic and excitable. He thought he spoke better English than he did and laughed at all the jokes he made that we didn't understand. The driver was MENTAL and the back end of the bus slid and skidded all over the dusty bumpy road! We stopped loads for breaks and the 8 hours sped by (literally) without much interest. I'm now in Chivay. It's similarly touristy to Cusco. I found an Irish bar and felt immediately at home when I walked inside. Get this tho. In Cusco the local beer is Cuscena. Here, close to Arequipe, it's called Arequipena....lol! Gonna stay here till my zip line video is uploaded then head to hostel. Laters xxxx zipline update...no go