I will skip over our three days in Lima as they were relatively uneventful, and get straight to our arrival in Cusco.
At 3300m above sea level Cusco is our first real experiecne at high altitude and it's quite bizarre when the plane only seems to descend for about 5 minutes. For the next few days we report a range of symptoms and ailments including tingling feet and hands, headaches, shortness of breath and severe hangovers... all of which are attributed to the altitude. Coca tea became our favourite beverage though and we soon felt fine.
I am instantly in love with Cusco. Here I will let some pictures tell the story, but I found Cusco to be one of the most charming cities I have visited. Clean and compact with quaint cobblestoned streets, tree lined plazas and scattered with brightly dressed indigenous people. I would love to spend a few months here.
We were extremely comfortable and enjoyed the vibe at the Loki Hostel. And also very excited to spend some time with our old Vietnam buddies Phil and Harry, who have taken up residence as the Loki's star barmen.
Christmas passed by in a blur of roast dinner and red wine... seedy nightclubs and late clubs. Such a beautiful city, great friends... a good time was had by all.
A highlight was on Christmas Eve when local disadvantaged and orphaned children came to the hostel to receive presents from Santa (... a swearing smelly, extremely hungover barman who shall remain nameless).
The kids were adorable and so excited when their name was called out. They were also very cuddly when bribed with lollies... except for the terrible twosome who ignored the rain and wrestled non-stop on the grass... before proceeding to drop their daks and pee all over each other!
(I think the undisputed winner was the little fella in the maroon jumper who managed to kick out his opponents leg out without falling over!!
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