And the Adventure Begins

We´ve only been in Peru for about 2 full days now, but it feels like so many more. After 2 days, 5 flights, 1 tropical storm, and a few delays we have made it to Peru. We had a fast, but fun day and a half in Lima. We saw and experienced all sorts of things, including crazy taxi rides, pre-Incan ruins, massive cathedrals, catacombs, a protest parade, crazy markets, the beach, and so much more. We´ve sampled some pretty interesting food from super touristy Americanized restaraunts to local haunts with drunken blind men (I´ll let Derrick tell that story). Lima is a busy, exciting, and diverse city which was a good start to our trip, but we´re excited to be in Cusco now with it´s slightly slower pace.

Early this morning we caught a plane and arrived here in Cusco which is at about 12,000 ft. It was a beautiful flight that felt like it just kept going up and up and up. We flew over some pretty impressive mountains with glaciers, but here around the city is mostly dry hill sides. We took it kind of easy today to avoid sorroche (altitude sickness) and we seem to be adjusting just fine. We did watch a cool Peruvian dance competition, checked out a very large cathedral and monastary, visited some markets and had a delicious pizza dinner. Yes Cusco is actually known across Peru for it´s Pizza, we have the italian munks to think for that. Tomorrow we´re headed out to our first set of Inca Ruins and then Wednesday we start the Inca Trail! So far the trip has been amazing. The Peruvians are very hospitable and friendly. I think it´s going to be a great month!