Lima to Cusco - Transcending the Permacloud!

It was so nice to finally rise above the permanent cloud cover in Lima. It was especially nice to have such a beautiful sunrise as the first thing that I saw above the clouds. The layer of clouds was flat and looked like water surrounding the mountains/islands. The mountains looked even cooler as we approached Cusco and got into higher altitudes and brighter sunlight. I was able to see a number of glaciers and glacial lakes, which is great considering that they may not be there for long! One of the programs that I am going to be studying is working with rural communities to make plans for the coming water scarcity. There isn't much rain around here, so once the glaciers are gone there will be trouble.

The approach to Cusco was interesting. One minute you are flying, the next you are on the runway. It sort of appears beneath the plane unexpectedly! There was a bit of confusion and my "guide" and I never found each other at the airport, but I took a taxi to the hostel, checked in, and then set out in search of breakfast. I had to walk much further than anticipated and accidentally veered off course (I was aiming for the Plaza de Armas), but I finally managed to find a cafe. The server made fun of me for ordering so many things, but I was so hungry by then and in need of both juice and coffee. I took one of the empanadas with me to eat for lunch and walked around looking for the plaza. I didn't find it and the altitude was getting to me, so I headed back to the hostel.

On the way I found 3 women with some kind of baby animal (goats?) who suggested I get a photo with them. Why not? I tried to talk with them, but they only spoke Quechua so the only thing we could figure out together was the price for the photos. After that I headed back to the hostel and spent the entire day doing class prep and resting. I think that the altitude makes your skull expand, because my eyes feel like they are going to fall out and when I shake my head I can feel my brain moving around. Cusco isn't as high in altitude as the Sierra Nevado del Ruiz, but I was only there for a few hours. I should get used to it pretty soon, though, and if not there is always coca tea!