IV: Return of the Jeni: Sun Sets on Gringa

(South America 2003, IV)
Hello fans!

So, as tomorrow is the fourth and I begin my voyage home, this will be my final email to you all. The last week has been pretty great and there is lots to tell.
So after our Ecuador expeditions, we got the hell out of dodge (after a somewhat lengthy plane delay). We arrived in Lima, Peru only to find the crazy woman at the hostal we had called 6 times to confirm wasn't awake or open to receive us. We found shelter (the same location we are staying tonight) and got 5 hours of sleep before we awoke to go back to the airport. We also found that we have fleas (we think)! I like to think I have strong will power, but when two of the largest flea bites start itching in the middle of the night, I´d like to see even the most war hardened, prison camp surviving soul resist the temptation to scratch. There are many things that are blissful, but on the top of the list is scratching a penny sized flea bite. We made it in time to meet Kevin (Tina´s PDA intensive hubby for those who don't know). I must say he was a welcome addition to the group. I was complemented by a very efficient and toothless airport attendant saying I was pretty, and he hoped Kevin didn't mind him telling me so. As if Kevin was the most affected person by this comment. I fear airport attendant man may have been my knight in shining armor, but I guess I will never know. We flew out to Cusco from there. Cusco may be one of the coolest cities we have been in. While a little touristy, it is very safe and managable. Our hostal was nice, though I must admit I was a little disappointed (and thrown off) when I discovered our toilet had no seat. But I survived. We spent the first day making plans for the rest of the week, and did some serious shopping. They have some awesome deals and awesome wares in Cusco; I did not come away empty handed (though I am curious how all the shit I bought will get home with me). The following day we went to Machu Picchu. For those who are planning to travel abroad in the near future... GO THERE. It was great! Magnificent even. To think it was constructed so long ago and with none of the technologies of today....breathtaking. The next day we hung around Cusco, saw some creepy religous paintings in churchs, and some more local Incan ruins. We ate alpaca, which might be the best meat ever. We also saw a child, bum exposed, pissing in a gutter while being proped up by her mom. After our time in Cusco came to an end, we headed to Puno, which consisted of a 7 hour bus ride with no toilet! Now, those who know me, know my bladder and know that it doesn't hold much. Between my brain telling me I need to go, and the bumpy, half cracked asphault, half boulder road reminding me how much it hurts that I have to go, it wasn't a pleasant trip. In fact, I am fairly certain that I contracted herpes from one of the toilets at a bathroom stop that was made. This was accompanied by the old man who needed to read aloud to himself sitting behind me and the oujii board horror movie they showed in the dark. I was glad to arrive in Puno. Puno itself is on Lake Titicaca, so the following afternoon, we hoped on a boat and set out to the floating islands. They are these islands that are about 3 meters deep and are made of reeds and literally, they float. They were created by the Uros people to escape the Incas. At many points walking around these islands, I felt as though I would fall through. Another highlight of this trip was when we looked over at Kevin on the boat, and all these Peruvian people were having their picture taken with him. In fact throughout my time in Puno, and Peru in general, I found myself staring at the oddly dressed people (the women wear brightly colored skirts, top hats, long braids and carry their kids on their back). But as weird as I thought they looked, I apparently made an even weirder impression on the children who as they passed me holding their parent´s hand would stare and shout with glee ¨look! A gringa!¨. And I thought I blended in. I guess my blond hair, sun burn and fleece jacket gave me away. Or maybe my failing attempts to speak spanish. Anyway, we made our way back to Cusco (same bus, same bathroom situation, same level of enjoyment), stayed a night and headed to the airport today for Lima. Alas, disaster struck at the airport. Poor Kevin lost (or rather threw away) his ticket. Paper tickets are popular, and pricey, and he had to obtain a new one for a not so pleasant price. This included a trip to the airport police station to file a confused police report (confusion on both our part and the police officers). But we made it on the plane, made it to Lima, made it to our hostal and made it to the internet cafe!
So here is where I leave you friends. I hope you have had your fill. I will be home the 5th (Tues.) I am excited to return to many things. Consistently hot showers, drinking water from the faucet, being able to eat vegetable without a groan from my gut, no sleeping sacks, flushing toilet paper, toilet seats, and glorious, warm sleep. That is the short list. But I am also a little sad to leave my adventures behind. In entering the workforce, this may be one of the last times I can take a vacation of this length, so Im glad it was so great. I hope you enjoyed my adventures, and are convulsing and foaming at the mouth with jealousy!
Take Care Friends
Jenny