I should have used this pic earlier.... HI! I'm BAAAAAAACK! But knackered. Still, for all you lovable little munchkins and manky old tweed fuddy duddies I shall continue on where I left off. Machu Picchu was wicked and no, I did not fall off (`darn...' I hear you mutter). I ran off by myself (which I probably shouldn't have done) but I wanted to explore! I discovered that between two boulders there was a pillow and some vegetation set out like a bed. There was also the ash on the wall as if from a campfire. Unfortunately I was then discovered and paired off with someone who only wanted to sit with the bloody llamas. I dragged her (naturally) as far as I could - her protesting most of the way (she *was* one of the semi-sickies) and ducked into every hole/crevice I could find while she remained on the path about 100 feet away tutting and telling me that it was just a hole. *Actually* it was a miniature cave system that doubled as a compost heap. HA! We sauntered near the guides as often as possible and learned about the sun gate, the fact that there are/were 16 fountains in Machu Picchu and that the llamas were donated by the government. When I was satisfied we'd seen enough we went to sit by the llamas. Eventually we met up with some of the group and discovered that at the entrance (near the toilets) it is possible to purchase a bacon butty. Fairly soon afterwards I departed for the toilet. They had run out of bacon butties but I did buy an icecream. Oh the luxury! I got back to my pair-mate and the llamas and we settled down to just relax; we had another couple of hours to go before we left. After about half an hour my teammate mentioned that where we were sitting/sunbathing was apparently (according to a passing guide) where the Incas sacrificed their women and children. At 13.00 we caught the bus back to Aguas Calientes and hung out for a little while. At 16.20 we caught the train back to Ollantaytambo. By the time we arrived it was dark and we were shattered. Maria (from Hostel Andenes - the hostel we had stayed at previously) had booked us a taxi so we clambered in and set off. Half an hour later we realised we'd left a teammate behind. It was sorted fairly quickly - we rang Maria who found the missing girl and got into a taxi with her to come to us. Meanwhile we bought chocolate and cola as comfort food and protested that we couldn't go and meet her at the train station. It was alright in the end - she wasn't too panicked or upset and had been in a populated well-lit area. We have since reinforced the buddy system and number off at EVERY opportunity. We won't be leaving another person behind in the loo. Maria was invaluable and I recommend her hostel if only because she has been she a help during and long after our stay. We got to Cusco and some of us went to a restaurant to eat and bring back food for those who were sick. We eventually got to bed past 12 after staying awake for about 20 hours. I was sleeping on the floor again with another girl but personally I was so tired I barely noticed. Yesterday we had a lie in till about 10, then after breakfast moved into different rooms so that all of us had beds. (YAY!) I had my first hot shower since arriving in Peru. It was scalding and made my year. I still remember it... We had a rest day but did a small acclimatisation trek to sexy woman (sacsayhuàman), which is some ruins. Only 20% of the original are still there because the Spaniards pulled down a lot of it to build in Cusco. Cusco apparently used to be built like a puma with sexy woman as the puma's head. Only the fortifications - the puma's teeth - remain. We ate out again for 8 nuevo soles per person for a 3 course meal and hot drink (5 sol = 1 pound) Today: If "Lessa woke, cold" in 'Dragonflight' then Annabel woke freezing. Believe it or not it's quite cold in the mountains. Word that we had an ensuite that HAD HOT WATER had gone around and we were woken by someone pleading to have a shower. This person then proceeded to use up all the hot water which left unsuspecting me shivering when I went in after her. But she did give me some shampoo so I forgive her. There's only about 3 of us (including me) who haven't been seriously ill - if only for 24 hours. Most people are well or on the mend now but our leader has succumbed to a cold and simple fatigue so today 9 of us and our Chemistry friend were the only ones to trek (out of 14). Typically we got lost. After climbing up and down multiple big hills/mini-mountains I feel well and truly acclimatised and kept up fairly well. The sun was out and I found it easier going than Dartmoor but that could be due to a lack of bogs/hail. I think I'm getting a tan! Woot! First ever... I think... We're going out to eat again tonight - we're getting more budget from WCE for medical expenses anyway. But I'm knackered, I'll tell you that much. Tonight I think I'm going to have the grilled trout for main and a coca tea. In this internet cafe the music has comprised of Queen, Grease, Natalie Imbruglia and in the background we can hear 'Fairly Odd Parents'playing on TV. And the restaurant yesterday they went through the Coldplay and Robbie Williams albums. Good taste if you ask me. :) Overall I feel tired but happy. I feel like I've achieved something and I'm getting along well with my group. My morale is high. No one and nothing has really bothered me so far. We're discussing making a banoffee pie. My toothbrush has broken at the head. b*****. Missing y'all. Ciao!