Hi from Cuzco, 3500 metres

I'm using the hotel computer. Would have lots of extra photos but they are in K's laptop. I just heard really bad news. We were supposed to go to Machu Picchu tomorrow by train and we paid extra to stay at an ecological luxury hotel near Machu Picchu with gardens, eucalyptus saunas etc. Well, we will make it by train tomorrow to Machu Picchu and see that, but on Monday there is a train strike so we have to come back to Cuzco tomorrow evening and probably won't be able to stay in the hotel we wanted, not fare!! All these other hotels are basic standard hotels, but we thought we would pamper ourself with one night in a really nice hotel, especially as it calls itself a eco-hotel. Monday morning we were planning to see Machu Picchu at sunrise.... So apparently we would have an extra day on Monday here in Cuzco and that is not something we really need... (big sigh). K will here more news in half an hour, so let's see what happens..

Yesterday I was suffering from high altitude sickness. Felt nausea, dizziness and headache. Bought some pills and drank some coca tea (doesn't get you high ;), so today's been better. Yesterday we visited Cuzco city and some Inca ruins and had an awful dinner at this hotel. Today we went to see more Inca ruins, visited a local market and had a nice buffet lunch. Yesterday we were with a bigger group, but today's whole day trip was in a big van, 2 guides and a driver just for the two of us! Or yeah, we also visited a lama/alpaca farm, cute big animals. Have photos of them too :) This is one of the Inca sights we visited: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ollantaytambo

Cuzco has been much of a touristy place than Lima. Everybody especially local people are trying to sell you something. Here apparently people are less well off. But at least not beggars, everybody is trying to offer something for money.

Well this for now, will go and find out what will happen tomorrow and Monday... Hope you all are well!