Ok, so we´re here in Peru. We've tried to upload our 180 pics for you all, but having difficulties, so perhaps tuesday we might manage to try again...

Left Chile after a day at the vineyards- Concho Y Toro- a really good day out, wandering the grounds and cellars and even enjoyed two tasting sessions. Came back with some souviners- 2 wine glasses each, so we´re tryin our best to get them home in one piece!!

Early morning travelling arriving at Lima, gettin a bus straight to Huacachina- the oasis in the desert. Arrived there late, so tea and then bed. We had Wednesday (10th) in Huacachina, going on a trip on a sand buggy out into the sandy dunes. We even got chance to try out sandboarding- great fun, if a little dangerous! Sand dunes amazing, although as you can imagine, sand in all sorts of places!

Wednesday evening, we got a bus back to Lima, arriving about midnight, then taxi straight to airport where we camped out at the airport (to save ourselves paying for accommodation- cheap skates!!) Arrived in Cuzco about 8am, having spent the night awake! Was greeted by a nice Peruvian band, and the start of the altitude effects!

Taxi to hostel then pretty much spent the day in bed after sorting tickets to Machu Picchu, both feeling the altitude sickness!

Friday, spent the day travelling to Lake Titicaca on a very up market bus for us, with 50plus couples!! Felt very muc hlike the tourist!! We stopped in various places along the way, including old Inka ruins and a traditional Inka house. We met some llamas, alpacas and guineapigs (that live in the kitchen!!)

Arrived in Puno, went out for dinner with Ben- the only other guy our age (ish!) we met on the bus.

Early night, as early start again for the trip on the lake. WE both thoroughly enjoyed the trip- stopping at two islands on the lake. The first, a floating island, one of 51 on the lake, which is made entirely of reeds from the lake. Every 2 weeks, they have to re-layer the ground with the reeds to avoid rot, and every 100years, they have to completely rebuild the island. Bizarre, but cool!

The second island, a long 2 and a half hours away from first island, we enjoyed lunch and a traditional song and dance routine by the locals. The vies from the island included Bolivia, the Andes and the vast lake- quite stunning. Interesting culture of the people of this island, for example the woman has to grow her hair in long plaits and then cut them off when she falls in love, and gives them to the husband as a gift, which he makes into a belt with alpaca wool (see pics when they arrive!)

Back on the boat and back in Puno, we enjoyed watching a parade through the streets- of ladyboys and music, quite a picture! (Although we didn´t have the camera at the time, oops!)

The same night, we travelled back to Cuzco on the night bus, quite an uncomfortable journey and little sleep! So now, we´re back in Cuzco, and have an early start tomorrow (leave at 3.30am!) to get to Machu Picchu...

Until then...

Lots of love,

Rachibaby and Ciaraboo xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx