Cusco, Peru Day 1

I’ve arrived in Cusco and my first day in Peru. So far, no altitude sickness. I’m grateful for that since, from the last several days, I already feel like I’m in an altered state of consciousness.

I touched down, checked into my hostel, and immediately went to the Western Union office, where cash was waiting for me. I am now ok on the cash front. No word yet from my bank on my claim.

My first impressions of Cusco are good. As the flight landed, I got a view of the countryside, which is stunning. Jagged mountains, the countryside dappled like a quilt made in earth tones, th town made up of red clay colored roofs and nestles in a pocket created by the mountains. And once in town, the feeling is relaxed, mellow, and easy. The squares and are pretty with brightly colored flowers and green stretches of grass. The people colorful dressed in either traditional garb, like you see in this picture, or in modern clothing. The buildings are quaint or impressive, made out of stone and stucco.

I still can’t eat. It’s been two and a half days and I’ve had water and two cups of juice that I was served on the airplane. The thought of food makes my stomach churn sickeningly. I hope for a full and uninterrupted night’s sleep tonight.

The hotel bar is blasting techno and the Israelis and Australians are already drunk and loud and it's only 7:30pm. I hope the sound doesn’t carry to my room.

All I want is to curl up in a ball underneath some warm covers and read my book. I guess these last several days have really left me feeling pretty raw. It’s all still resonating in my head and body. It’s like I’m looking over my shoulder every second, wondering who is going to hit me with the next big earthshaking surprise.

I’ve emailed a guide to see if/when I can catch a trek up to Machu Picchu. We’ll see what I hear back.