Preparation days

Right, we've finally got ourselves some proper web access and can do a quick round up of what has been going on with the trip so far.

27th - an aeroplane-themed day, long flights from UK to New York and then New York to Lima. The flight over Peru was particularly exciting with the mountains jutting through the line of clouds and a vast wilderness of mountainous terrain stretching as far as the eye could see. I couldn't help thinking "we've got to drive over that lot" as we flew past.

28th - arrived in Lima first thing after having flown over the staggeringly impressive (but somewhat daunting) Andes. Discovered on arrival, after about 25 laps of the baggage belt that our bags would not be joining us. We convinced each other that it would be fine, and that we could get by without the stuff we've spent the last couple of months accumulating specifically for the trip. We carried on.  Further complication was created when none of my cash cards were being accepted - thus scuppering the 'plan b' of buying all new gear. These things are sent to challenge us.

In the afternoon Chris and I wandered up into the centre of Cuzco from our hostel, which was nicely situated in the "strangle-rape" quarter of the town (nice). We were advised to take taxi's everywhere.

We did some excellent shopping, procuring emergency pants (yellow and tight), various anti-dying pills (altitude effects were very prominent; breathless and pounding headaches), toothbrush, socks etc.

In the evening we sampled Pisco Sour (local cocktail) to regrettable excess with fellow competitors, many of whom were very likeable and would prove good buddies to convoy with.

29th - up at 6 am, took a 3hr train to the Machu Picchu area and then cleared our heads with a simply stunning 2.5 hour walk through the jungle, in the rain, to the ruins at the summit. It was an unforgettable experience. We got back pretty late, but still left time for another unforgettable experience - our dinner. After selecting a small, basic eatery, we were served up some really gorgeous meat, served on a kebab skewer, with potatoes. We had no idea what the meat was, but it was probably guinea pig or alpaca - very tasty and we decided to order more. This is where things took a turn for the worse. They´d clearly run out, but we couldnt understand the alternative we were being offered. It turned out to be the digestive system of an unspecified animal, utterly disgusting in texture and not too hot on taste either. Chris and I acted out our own slightly embarrassed version if the bushtucker challenge, heaving and wretching over our food until we could try no more. Sheepishly we retired to bed, but not before discovering that our bags had made it to us!

30th - today. We are off now to collect and work out how to drive and mend our mototaxi. More soon, hopefully with some pictures too.