Starting to Take Shape

Yesterday was a day of lounging around Cusco, sort of needing a day off from the overnight bus ride and trek. Spent much of the day trying to organize the rest of my trip. I had it all figured out until the five-day trek I was planning on leaving on on Monday became unavailable (that whole language barrier prevented a proper explanation for me). I was wandering Cusco at night, a little depressed because I was afraid I´d lost my only chance to hike to Machu Picchu. Alas, I strolled into the last trekking shop I found in Cusco (and there are plenty), and lo and behold they had just organized a trek leaving Monday. I booked it on the spot (after a bit of haggling), and now I´m off tomorrow at 0445 for a five-day trek into the Andes, the Jungle, and Macchu Picchu. (Note: this is not the famed Inca Trail, but an alternative trek and I am totally fine with that.)

I get back around 8 pm Friday night, and I am planning on flying to Lima on Saturday. From there I think I´ll spend a couple of days in Huaraz exploring the Cordillera Blanca, and then a couple of days up North in Trujillo. From there I plan to bus back to Lima, then off for 5 days in the jungle. That is, unless things change, which they probably will.

***

Today is election day across Peru for local and regional offices. Yesterday, the entire country is supposed to be dry so that everyone shows up to vote on Election Sunday. (Citizens are fined if they fail to go to the polls.) Found an Irish-English bar (is there an appreciable difference?) that made everyone drink their beers out of coffee mugs. Go Democracy!

Another odd thing about this bar? A six pack holder with this on it was hanging behind the bar. Soy de Cleveland, cerveza de Cleveland!