Blame it on the Altitude

Last night was very interesting as we slept for the first time at our couch surfing family 's house.  As we were walking up the 100 steps we did not realize what it meant that the train tracks were about 50 feet from the house and wonderful Perurail arrives every few hours blasting it's horn to let you know to get out of the way. Despite the train and the stray dogs barking like it was the Twilight Bark we slept alright, cozy in our sleeping bags.

Waking up this morning it was strange not knowing the election results. No matter what only one of us would be happy so we were bracing ourselves. We went to our favorite cafe in Cusco and found out the results.
One of us was very happy! But mostly Ali is super proud to be from the great State of Maryland where Gay Marriage is now fully legal! Also for all those gamblers out there you can soon go to a casino in Maryland and stalk the Redskins (it's where they spend the nights before home games) 

Unfortunately since we arrived in Cusco, Sarah has been feeling the altitude and as a result hasn't been feeling very well. We decided that it would be best if we did not sleep all the way up on the mountain so we found a hostel where our friend Tal is staying. We walked around Cusco and were constantly bombarded by touts selling little trinkets and watercolor paintings of Macchu Picchu and the gorgeous surrounding Sacred Valley. We did find our way to the San Blas Spanish School where we plan on having some semi private lessons tomorrow and starting next week we will be staying with a family and having class everyday. The Spanish School is so bright and airy with brightly painted walls and smiling and friendly teachers.

Some things we love and have noticed so far about Peru:

- The older men 40+ all dress with such class. Usually black or brown loafers, slacks, a sweater (or our favorite a sweater vest) and for that extra touch of class a very Peruvian fedora.

- The high altitude really makes walking harder.

- The life span of an Incan can be up until 115!

- Peruvians are mostly beaming with this sunny, happy energy. They are outwardly friendly calling everyone Amiga. They have a genuine curiosity about foreigners and want to know about their lives.

- People think Ali's hair is pintura or painted on and they have difficulty believing it is real until she says "look at my eyebrows"

- The sun is strong here even when overcast so Ali got burned obviously but now she has an AWESOME Peruvian hat (photos to come)

-People walk their sheeps and al pacas around on a leash.

- When you haven't showered in 4 days it's not about the water pressure.

That's all for now :)

Xo

A & S