I shall not go into much detail about how rotten I felt this morning. I arrived in the lobby ready to leave with a bandana tied over my nose and mouth so to somewhat limit the spread of germs. Everyone was so sweet digging into their personal stores to share decongestants and lozenges. We hauled our luggage down the block and waited for the bus. When it finally arrived our gear was quickly stowed, seats were settled and we were on the way to Puno on the shore of Lake Titicaca. Cusco and Puno are also the Peruvian version of states or provinces. I sat in the front single seat and had a comfortable view of the road and a bit of fresh air from an open window. We travelled through beautiful countryside which Nury said was the most beautiful highway stretch in South America.We made a couple stops along the way including at the highest point of 4335 meters. Puno is at 3830 and for perspective, Whistler Blackcomb top elevation is 2240.
There was so much to see and I saw much between naps. It was tough to see dogs hit by vehicles, one still alive Squished in our lane. We also came across a recent rollover of a tanker truck in a corner in a railroad track.
Julianca is the city before Puno which we fly out of to head back to Lima. It is heavily under construction, very disorganized and I an glad we had a good driver!
I was thinking on the drive that everyone here seems to work constantly. No matter how early we were on the road we saw people at work. Last night in Cusco there was a protest on the church steps in the square. It was hospital workers who are terribly underpaid and have not been treated well by the government. It was peaceful but adamant.
The first view of Lake Titicaca was exciting As it has previously just been an answer in Trivial Pursuit. It is the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world. It is bordered by Peru and Bolivia.
We arrived and unloaded at our hotel, Casona Plaza. It is nice with a pleasant lobby area and many helpful staff. We are on the 4th floor and are grateful for the elevator in this one as the elevation makes everything laborious.
The whole group went out for dinner where I was served a tea the locals use when they have a cold with Pisco in it. I wandered with the others to the market to get water for tomorrow. It seems that is all we do, seek water. I also purchased 12 postcards which I am going to hand out and have everyone pass them around and write email etc on for our group souvenirs. We are already talking about a reunion next year at hotair balloon fest in New Mexico. We have all noticed how happy our group is together compared to the others we see.
There was also talk of a bunch coming up to do Lake Louise and Banff. I also suggested the Road to the Sun in Montana.
After dinner some went shopping but I am going to tuck myself in as we have a full day on the Lake tomorrow. It is cold here this evening and the wind is eerie. I wish to awake feeling better. Buenos Noches! My friends
MB in Puno
09.25.13
triumphgal 