We left at 7:30AM and visited a few sites along the way. The first stop was a beautiful church in the town of Andahuaylillas. No pictures were allowed inside.
After the tour, I had a few minuites before the bus left, so I sat in the square and wrote a bit in my journal when a cute dog befriended me (notice my alpaca hat from Cuzco - helps keep me warm).
The landscape was beautiful.
I sat next to a young man (Tom) from Newcastle, England. He just graduated from university and is traveling. He's been in Cuzco for a month and he's had the worst luck - broke his ankle paragliding in Lima and had to spend a week in the hospital in Cuzco followed by crutches, had his wallet stolen, and had a taxi driver drive off with his backpack! Poor guy... but now that his ankle is better, he's continuing and I hope some of my good travel fortune has worn off on him.
Then we had our 2nd stop at Raqchi - which is the remains of the Temple of Viracocha, which was once one of the holiest shrines in the Inca empire. It was mostly destroyed by the Spainish.
Then we continued and stopped for lunch.
There were llamas hanging out close to where we had lunch... they´re very domesticated.
And we continued the drive...
Reaching the highest point (a mountain pass called La Raya) on the journey today (14,200 feet).
Back on the road again...
Fourth stop at Pukara for a small museum tour (no photos allowed). Then we arrived in Puno around 5:30PM and I checked in at my hotel (Miski Wasi Inn). I didn´t have a reservation, so I was happy that there was a room available!
Also, it´s freezing here!!! So I splurged and got a room with heat... haha (a deal at $20). Tomorrow morning I´m taking an early boat to the floating islands and spending the night with a local family. I´ve heard from Dutchie (Rene from the trek to Machu Picchu), who visited Lake Titicaca before, that the houses are very primitive and there´s no heat and one night is enough... so I´ll be freezing my bum off tomorrow night. Please think of me when you´re sitting by the pool or turning your AC on because it´s too hot outside.
After checking in, I headed to Restaurant Don Piero for dinner. I was the first person there and later there were more backpackers (from Ireland and Japan) and a Peruvian band played some music. I had Trout a la Don Piero and a glass of white wine... yummy! It came with avocado, bananas, a fried egg, rice, and french fries.
So that's been my day and it's time for bed because I have to be up and ready to go at 7AM. Signing off for a few days.
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