We have arrived in Peru - first to Lima where we spent a short night before heading back to the airport to continue on to Cusco the next morning. Our flight was delayed for quite some time because of fog both in Lima and in Cusco - a very unusual weather pattern.
Cusco is the old capital of the Incan Empire and so is nestled in a valley high (11,600 feet) in the Andes. It makes for quite an exciting landing! Our guide and Heather's friend Puma met us at the airport with several others in his family. Puma is a young man of great enthusiasm, energy, and laughter. He is also deeply a part of his own indigenous spiritual heritage and knows so much about the spirituality of his country. I look forward to learning so much from him.
We have spent yesterday and today getting used to the altitude. Today we wandered through the Plaza des Armes. There are many vendors on all the side streets selling brightly colored hats, sweaters, trinkets, and so much more. Be careful not to catch the eye of the seller. He or she will be at your side in a minute ready to sell you everything they have!
I did do my first bargaining transaction in Spanish however - a pair of alpaca socks. Listening to those language tapes paid off!
We are all having a wonderful time. It's terrific having this time for us to reconnect as a family. Over the next few days we will be exploring the Sacred Valley on horseback and then traveling by train to spend 2 days in Machu Picchu.
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