Rest before the final adventure
After 11 hours of sleep we slowly got up and headed down to the kitchen to make ourselves breakfast. We cut up fruit that we bought the previous day (white tomato looking things with purple stripes), made some instant coffee and bread with jam. We talked with a couple from S Africa who now live in Panama and a Canadian dude. The couple wouldn’t stop talking but I guess that’s what happens when you travel when you’re retired.
We headed out for a day of shopping and relaxation. The weather was perfect once again- very warm in the sun and cool in the shade. We went to San Pedro market, an indoor market with lots of food, meats, and some tourist crap. We walked around town some more and another parade was going on. I still have no idea what all the parades are for. In all we got some walking sticks for Machu Picchu tomorrow ($40 for 4), Alpaca gloves, sweater, scarves, Sacha Inchi nuts that are supposed to have a lot of good Omega fats for the hike (per the S African couple) and other excellent items. Hungry and it was only 1030, we headed back to the large market and got some soup with a huge chunk of Cordero (lamb). It was delicious and just what we wanted.
On our way back to the hostal we stopped at the Wayki tour office, the group we are touring Machu Picchu with. They showed us the map and what we can expect each day. The highest we’ll reach (Dead Woman’s Pass) is only 13.5k, not the 16k that we previously though. We almost saw another kid get hit by a car, I can image that’s a common problem down here. Back to the hostel for some cheese we found at the market, avocado, crackers, and a taste of Inca Kola (taste like cream soda/Mountain Dew)- not good. We saw outside and relaxed while we ate our nutritious lunch.
The day we pretty chill. After shopping we relaxed at the main square- Plaza del Armas. There’s no shortage of peddlers there but they don’t really bother you too much. If anything it’s only because Andy will egg them on to mess with them- good thing we wasn’t up for it today. He’s not feeling well which isn’t good since we’ll be camping outside for the next 3 nights. I’m still not over my cold but it’s not causing me too much harm. Guess I’ll finish the rest of our vino tinto and call it a night early- we have to be ready by 545am for the two plus hour bus ride to the gate to start our hike. We are so ready! Talk to you in 5 days when we’re on our way home to sunny CA!