March 21 – Word of the Day: Paciencia (Patience)
We had to get up at the crack of dawn… well okay no it was still dark out… to head to the airport to catch our flight to Lima in order to get to Cusco. We knew they´d make us go through customs in Lima so we were surprised when our luggage was MIA upon arrival. I asked someone for help and they told me that there would be more luggage coming and to be patient. Patience is a good lesson for me because most of the time I´m all about efficiency. We waited… and we waited… and finally 20 minutes later our baggage came through along with a few others. Good thing customs was quick and we had a longer layover! Soon we were on our way to Cusco.
Upon arriving in Cusco, the transportation from the JW Marriott picked us up and they were kind enough to stop by the bus station on the way to the hotel so we could purchase our bus tickets for Machu Picchu tomorrow. Cusco is located in southeastern Peru and its elevation is around 3,400 m (11,200 ft) so most people get elevation sickness. I kind of thought we´d be fine since prior to the Galapagos we had spent time up in the Andes mountains, but nope, elevation sickness got me.
Upon arriving at the JW, they urged us to drink the Coca tea because it helps relieve the headache and pressure associated with elevation sickness. It worked like a charm! Upon their recommendation though, we decided to take it easy to help our bodies adjust to the altitude. I went down to the spa to enjoy the relaxtion pool, hot tub and sauna and read Chelsea Handler´s latest book – Uganda Be Kidding Me. J (crazy guy) went to work out… not exactly taking it easy.
They told us to eat light for dinner so we just had some appetizers since we´d be leaving at 5am the next day to head to Machu Picchu.
andyoumaysayimadreamer 