Nothing exciting to report - I think Mick Jagger has left Cusco. I had failed to grab that once in a life time shot, oh well. I managed to pick up a Spanish paper in the market earlier today which had a double page spread about Mick visiting Machu Picchu. I can't help but feel how lucky we are. Although there was a slight drama and things didn't run according to plan at least we were able to view the magnificent ruins in peace. Poor old Mick had to view it in the pouring rain whilst the monuments lay under a shroud of mist before all the tourists arrived at 6.30 am. I wonder if he got any satisfaction? I guess he tried!. I was glad the day worked out fine in the end and that Ju and myself had beaming smiles across our faces. Machu Picchu definitely had more tourists there than in 2006. This may be due to the graduation pilgrimage I spoke of in Thursdays blog. It may also be due to the fact it's 100 years since it's discovery and this has been advertised on TV all over North America and Canada.

I had planned to take Ju up Wayna Picchu yesterday but unfortunately you have to book tickets 3 months in advance. It was a shame as last time I was there the only restriction was the number of people allowed to climb it. I guess with all the rain and the volume of people this was probably a blessing in disguise. I remember hearing stories of people falling off and dying last time I was here. The route to the top from both sides is a perilous journey - I would have spent most of my time worrying about Ju. One point along the narrow path there is a 1000 meter drop down one side. I remember running out of energy and clinging to the cliff gasping for air - I felt quite nervous at this point, however the reward to the top was worth it.

It's been a slower paced day today waiting around for our bus this evening which will take us to Puerto Maldonado. The trip should be 10 hrs starting at 9pm tonight. We were told it's a comfortable sleeper bus - we shall see. Julia was not feeling well. I popped into town and bought her some cough sweets. I managed to get to the market we visited at the start of the week. I bought some apples, bread, cheese, sunflower seeds and some Coca sweets for Julia to help with her sickness. I think it's the bug I had at the start of the week. Hopefully going down to a lower altitude and into a warmer climate will make her feel better.

The evening eventually came and we boarded the bus after some confusion over the tickets. Apparently we needed to pay a departure tax - nobody had mentioned this fact to us. We boarded the bus and to my surprise it was really luxurious. The seats were massive and reclined to an almost horizontal position. There was a TV screen and an electronic display which gave the speed and cabin temperature of the bus. This is what it must feel like to travel in first class on British Airways... we stowed our rucksacks under the seats and settled for a comfy ride.