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Oooo my head... Oooo my belly. These have been the two most commonly used phrases over the last 24hrs by Ju and myself. I had felt a little off colour yesterday even before steeping onto the plane and I knew the altitude would only make things worse upon our arrival at Cusco. I had gone to bed early last night feeling shivery and cold to the core. Ju kindly popped out to fetch me a pot noodle for tea which soon warmed me up and had me feeling better in no time.
I awoke early to the distant echoing sound of a goods train tooting it's horn in the valley below us. The night had been cold - just like the nights I had experienced on my previous visit to Cusco in 2006. Nothing has changed much in Cusco especially the altitude. Cusco is at 3400m above sea level, and apparently at this height there is 40% less oxygen. This has a massive impact on the body. Imagine blowing into a paper bag until you hyperventilate - that's what it feels like doing the most simple of tasks like walking up a slight incline or simply lying in bed.
The altitude didn't hold us hostage though. With several cups of Coca tea inside us we were soon up and about taking in the sights of Cusco. During the day we also booked our tour to Machu Picchu and considered which lodge to book in Puerto Maldonado - apparently Mick Jagger is there now! Julia discovered a great little roof top balcony on our hotel. We sat and had lunch there soaking up the Andean sun whilst taking in the beautiful vistas surrounding Cusco. Later that afternoon we did a guided tour of the city -hosted by Ju and her trusted companion the LP. We walked many cobbled streets, with Ju giving a running commentary whilst I photographed or filmed anything of visual interest - which was just about everything. One stop on Ju's tour took in the sights and smells of a local market. We had some juice from a stall which was pretty good, and it only cost a pound, bargain.
In the evening we sat together in the park people watching. We stayed until the evening sky grew dark and the air grew too cold to bear. We watched the City slowly light up and take on a different persona. We had bought a cultural multi pass which allowed us to take in a show which consisted of traditional Peruvian music and dance. The show was enchanting and colourful with a soft melodic backdrop of pan pipe music... which reminded me, I should get my teeth checked when I get back to the UK. What better way to end the evening than with a delicious curry - all you could eat for 15 Solas, £3!
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