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Hello everyone,
Happy birthday Luke! Congratulations on the new car Mamma and the samples Dadda! Hope your all in the party mood!
We said our sad farewells to all at the Lima hostel yesterday; we headed for the bus station and had to wait about an hour for a bus which was stopping at Nazca. It turns out that on our buses to and from Ica we had unknowingly got away with a ticket for 1 between us! The bus left at 12.55pm and it was an even better bus than the last one! It had fancy foot rests and leg rest things. They bought round chicken and rice (my loss, Harriets gain) and drinks. They put on several films, including the Spanish dubbed Warhorse! I sat entranced and luckily I know the plot well enough that it didn´t matter that I couldn't understand a word! Harriet slept a lot of the way again. It was a long, hot journey. We stopped in Ica again to drop people off but we didn't have to change coaches. Then the funniest thing happened: we were convinced we must have missed the Nazca stop as on the maps it is relatively close to Ica but we'd been driving a couple of hours through mountains with no civilisation in sight. The bus had stopped briefly after leaving Ica and we presumed this must have been the stop, as they don't announce where you are. We resigned ourselves to the fact that we were heading for Arequipa and praying that our bags hadn't been unloaded at Nazca. So we were shocked but pleased when it pulled up and a sign said Nazca. We hadnt booked a hostel but I'd made a note of one that looked good, so we got a taxi there and luckily they had beds! We were in a dorm with an older Australian guy who was very friendly and chatty. We booked our flight over the Nazca lines for 9am the next morning. We mooched to the main square and I was able to withdraw cash for the first time since we arrived! However, Harriets card is not letting her withdraw any money: she tried again today at different banks with no success, so its lucky mine is working! Nazca is a small town in the middle of the desert, on the edge of the Andes. We come back to the hostel and sat on the rooftop terrace chatting with a lovely Dutch couple and the Australian before heading to bed and getting a good nights sleep!
Friday:
Up and out for Harriet to try her card, to no avail. Then we got picked up at the hostel and taken to the airport. We had to wait around for 2 hours at the little airport, but we watched a documentary about the Nazca lines and the theories behind them. They are thought to be from about 100BC, when the people created them as part of their offerings and worshipping to the gods. It is very hot here, so I sat outside for a bit too. We got called for our flight, it was us and 3 Germans. The plane was tiny! We were sat in seats according to our weight to balance the plane and luckily for me I was in one of the back two seats on my own so I could see out of both windows! The two pilots went through a map of the shapes we'd see and then we took off. It turns out Harriet paid about 50 pounds to sit with her head between her knees for the entire flight and for the pleasure of puking into a carrier bag!!! Haha! I must admit I felt rather queasy as the plane tipped from one side to the other so people on each side could look at the formations. The formations include a spider, dog, parrot, astronaut, whale, tree, etc. My pics haven't come out great, so look them up on the internet if you don't know what they look like! It was a beautiful view from in the plane and the lines were impressive, but I'm not convinced some little Peruvian didn't think 'oh I know how we can con 1000's of tourists to come here and spend money!'. Plus, from up high they didn't look that big- I think I could of made them! We was in the air for what Harriet described as the worst 40 minutes of her life. Four hours later and she says she still feels like she has the worst hangover and is currently asleep on the couch. We got a taxi back to the hostel and Harriet laid down for a bit, before I dragged her up to find the bus station as we needed to buy tickets for our overnight bus to Arequipa. We also grabbed some lunch while we were out. We hadn´t eaten since Harriet had the chicken and rice on the bus yesterday; we both seem to have lost our appetite. I had a nice avocado salad and a vegetable omelette with rice. Harriet had potatoes and cream, then chicken and rice. However, whilst walking around Harriet had seen some whole chickens for sale alongside the road and she says this has put her off, so she is now going to be vegetarian for the rest of the trip! Could be interesting as she is not as flexible with food as me, so she may well end up not eating anything. She picked at her food, but reckons she still felt sick. Auntie Vic, I think you would struggle to eat here! Harriet has given up looking for chips.
I bought a new traditional style bag and purse to replace my nicked ones. Just chilling now until our bus at 11. I'm heading out for a walk and to explore, while Harriet recovers. I think we may both be starting to suffer from altitude sickness; hence, the loss of appetites, queasiness, tiredness. It's not a good start, as most of the trip is going to be at a considerably higher altitude. Harriet bought some tablets from a pharmacy and when we get to Arequipa we can buy some coca leaves, which is meant to help.
Enjoy the party! Have fun caravaning Grandad and Maggie!
Speak soon!
- comments
Auntie vic Ohhh hello no food and sickness! Maybe my love Yarmouth 80's weekender seems like a good choice??? I ain't s***eing ya today was asda tesco morrisons asda tesco! Apparently benny said me and mumma spend too much time in supermarkets I must admit in last tescos I was like I'm losing the will to live!!! But with mand at my side we are ready to par Tay . Boys are still out at the pub so now I have no legal dependants I feel a little odd !! What I'm gonna do Jason!! Ohhhh I love your blogs xxx enjoy xxx
Auntie vic Ha ha I can't write s h I t e I n g you
Paul Ah, I wondered why I'd heard of Nazca! Flying over the famous lines must have been something else and sorry to hear that Harriet spent most of her time looking into a carrier bag. Assuming you're still at Nazca, it's only 600m above sea level, so altitude sickness seems more than unlikely. It's more likely to hit you above 3,000m. Or perhaps I've simply misunderstood something. Anyway, I'm green with envy, always having wanted to see those lines!
Alex Oooh supermarket envy! I just hunted out a local supermarket and it didn't even compare to Londis. Thanks for that Paul, after losing my lonely planet I'm a bit lost and after going through some mountains on the bus yesterday I was convinced we must be high and using that to excuse the queasiness!
Mum Hi babe, So you're on the road again! The plane trip sounds both terrifying and wonderful and certainly a box ticked in things to see in the world. Poor Harriet I know when I have suffered from seasickness it is horrible, but hopefully she managed to see some of the sights! You must both try to stay hydrated even if you're feeling queasy. How funny that Vic and I were sick of the sight of supermarkets yesterday and you're pining for one! I picked Alisa yesterday and dropped her off, she text me later to say things had gone very well, she said she would let you know. Sophie and Benny are here for the party and send their love, we are waiting for the Debster crew shortly! Take care and enjoy yourselves! Love you xx
Jan Hope Harriet is feeling better now. Bit worried that her card hasn't worked! Let me know if she wants me to do anything? Vegetarian! Harriet! That should be an interesting experiment as she's so picky! So good to be able to read your blogs and keep up with all your news. Love to both xx
Alex Just a quick update as we've been so busy and we need to be up at 2.30am as we're off trekking Colca Canyon! We had a good overnight bus journey. 10 hours but I slept like a baby for 9 hours of it! Bumped into a girl I met at Hicachina (the one I run down the dune with) when we were getting on bus. She tagged along to our hostel in Arequipa and we all went out exploring! Arequipa is my favourite place yet! Overlooking two giant active volcanoes! We down a fantastic free tour if the city for 3 hours. Me and Sian are doing a 2 day, 1 night trek. While Harriet is doing 3 days, 2 nights which means she can do it at a more leisurely pace and spend another night in the canyon with the locals. Me and Sian are aiming to climb El Misti (the volcano) the next day, which is a two day, 1 night hike too. But we'll see! It does the blog won't be properly updated for a couple of days. Hope you all had a great party!! I was thinking of you all! Thanks mum for doing that stuff with Alisa! Harriet's card is still not working so I'm now the money provider; good job we come together! She is feeling a lot better and was back on chicken at lunch! Speak soon! Take care! xx
Paul Lonely Planet suggests you shouldn't miss the Monasterio de Santa de Catalina in Arequipa, it being one of the most fascinating religious buildings in Peru, and Zingaro's sounds like a wonderful place to eat. Apparently Colca is the world's deepest canyon and Misti is 5,822m high. That's a serious altitude, Alex, especially if you're not acclimatised and are going to the top? Have a great time!
Auntie vic Well done Paul for being the lonely planet guide. Good shout. Ohhhhhh al the par Tay was brill. I looked amazing! Check Facebook later to find out why. Luke really enjoyed it maybe a little too much. Was a tad sick outside the neighbours house (shame) when we got home but settled in bed with a towel and a bucket!! Disco Brian amused Soph with his dj quips. Chris sent a bag of fancy dress which was really funny. Debs cake was amazing as was mummas customised cupcakes. Soph missed her dancing partner but Natalie joined her so she didn't macerana and Saturday night alone. Food was lush and company fantastic so all in all a successful do. Enjoy your trek. Loves to both and your new following xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Paul Now I'm curious to see what Auntie Vic looked like! Lol.
Luke Hello Alex, Luke here, just wanting to say a very big thank you for my birthday card and the money. I really did enjoy my birthday! I hope you and Harriet are both having a brilliant time out there! Speak to you soon, keep trecking xx
Dad Just to let you know mission accomplished in the bottom related stakes - and envelope in the post!!! Heard from Coby and Bas and they have arranged a weekend of events for us - and Marijke is happy for us to use her flat in central Amsterdam next week.Sorted out AA cover and car insurance today. Umpires AGM tonight at club tonight and going to ITFC with Ian tomorrow - be like old times (I think the seats are near press box so will have chat with me old chums). Racing at Great Yarmouth on Wednesday, but no speedway this Thursday with play-off meetings following two Thursdays. Will be packing. You are presumably up a mountain or whatever right now - enjoy. Hope Harriet's bank card works again soon - must be frustrating for her. x .
Auntie vic Ha ha ha al has just seen that even tho she wasn't at the party her outfit and shoes were.... I heart the internet xx
Daniel Glad to see and hear that you are finally getting to enjoy your travels and are now beginning to experience the positive travel adventures that you wished for. After everything that you have been through so far then the rest of the trip should be a wonderful breeze. We are not that far away from you now (only a 12 hour flight!) We are all well and pass on our best wishes. Keep up the good work with the blog it gives us something enjoyable to read at the end of a best evening. Take care x
Auntie Debbie Hello from Surrey!!!!!! Just Love Love Loving the blog darling!!!!! Made me giggle as Harriet was not a vegetarian for very long!!!!!! Had the most amazing party weekend thanks your lovely Mumma and Auntie Vic although we were a few soldiers down!!!!! I don't think you and Harriet could ache any more than Vic and I did after bouncing around like Tigger on the dance floor (giving it large and showing off just a tad)!!!! Xxxxxx
Auntie Debbie Uncle Hughie keen to know how you get on at Machu Picchu as it's on his wish list!!!!! Can't believe just how adventurous you both are!!!!! Amazing experience and great how your meeting like minded fellow travellers!!!!!! With Loads of Love XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX