Cusco is a city in the Andes (3300M) and was once the capital of the Inca empire. It is a beautiful city with a mix of some Inca buildings, a strong colonial feel all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes. It is also the base for all tourist trails to Machu Pichu as well as other treks! I arrived early Saturday morning and again was greeted by a man standing at the airport with my name on a sign (I could get used to this). Loki hostel in Cusco is a stunning 450 year old building.

My cousin Rachel is also travelling in South America and this is the first time our paths crossed - she was waiting at my hostel for me, so we headed down to the city centre, she took me to the markets where we got a 2 course meal and a drink of juice for S2.50 (about 65p). It was awesome, then we just walked around the city for a while longer, and eventually I returned to my hostel fordinner and yet another early night! I think the combination of a bit of jet lag, my recent lazy lifestyle and the altitude had left me quite tired.

The next day was Sunday - the day Aoidin was coming to meet me (how popular did I feel all of a sudden). I got up early having shaved my beard into a tash as promised and sat at the door waiting (I was also wearing a poncho made out of a blanket and sunnies - people were giving me funny looks). She arrived and went straight to bed (she had been travelling a very long time). At lunchtime we met Rachel again and returned to the market for another cheap lunch and this time we also left with some alpaca goods (I got a hat and a hoodie). Again we just wandered around the city - Cusco is a really nice place just to wander around! We returned to the hostel for dinner and you guessed it another early night (don't worry we were about to buck the trend).

So having had a few lazy days in Cusco we decided we should immerse ourselves in some culture. Rachel had already departed for her trek to Machu Pichu. We first went and sorted out our Inca trail (we had already booked but needed to check in and pay the balance). Then we went to the market for lunch (this time we splashed out and had a massive steak for S.9), after that we went to Qorikancha and old Inca site on top of which a church has been built.Then we decided we should walk up to see the cross on the hill overlooking Cusco, This was in fact not possible so instead we headed for the big white statue of Jesus on the hill (Cristo Blanco). We found the path (with a little difficulty), we were soon chased by quite a vicious dog, he eventually backed down after I stood my ground (and Aoidin screamed). Then we began the climb which was more difficult than we had assumed and both of us were wearing sandals - ah well in for a penny in for a pound. I don't think Cristo Blanco was keen to have us visit that day as when we were climbing the hill a large hail storm started (apparently a relatively rare occurrence in Cusco) but we powered on, the hail stones were bloody massive though and they hurt! We eventually reached the top and soon after the hailstorm stopped! We then returned down the hill using the paved road (I think you were meant to pay to go that way). Then even though we were soaking wet we decided we hadn't had enough culture and we went to the Inca museum. To be honest it's a fairly boring museum (it's a lot of pottery and stuff and almost all the writing is in Spanish) with the exception of the Inca mummies which are cool! Than after all that culture it was time for some relaxation so Aoidin treated us both to a massage (massage places are ubiquitous in Cusco). Then after all that relaxation it was time to pollute our bodies with alcohol!! We returned to the hostel where we ate dinner and then joined the pub quiz (I was very excited about this - I love pub quizzes). We joined another team - there actually ended up being 9 of us - ah well more brains to use. During the quiz happy hour began and Aoidin and I had some vodka and lemonade with and added extra (some of the Po10C I'd taken from South Africa). This was probably the first step on a slippery slope! We proceeded to win the quiz and got a free t shirt and a shot of disgusting Pisco sours - this was the second step on said slippery slope! Anyway needless to say we had a lot of fun, danced on the bar, hit the Irish bar in town (I know how cliché), picked up some friends, hit a club and then ended in Mama Africa's - lot's of drinks were drank and lots of fun was had! Good times.

Tuesday morning (actually afternoon) was less good times but that's the price of awesome fun! On Tuesday all we managed to do was eat lunch, have another massage, go to our pre Inca Trail meeting, come home pack and go to bed.