Tired out in Ollantaytambo

We had another overnight journey last night, 11 hours! Despite the wonderfully roomy VIP seats, you are still on a bus and it was a bit of a bumpy ride, so none of us got much sleep.

I also ended up having a minor panic attack, which wasn't great. I think the route to Cusco took us very high and it just brought back all my anxiety with my lungs, especially when I felt a sharp pain. I had a bit of a cold sweat on and had to focus on not hyperventilating, which worked after a few minutes. I probably sat for three hours counting my breaths before relaxing, and I think at that point we had headed down again. The bumpy roads and the dry air, which made you feel like you had to drink every few minutes, kept me from a solid sleep though.

Once we arrived I have to say I felt much better. Not 100% as it's still high, but better than I was. We all could feel it a little.

As there is a train strike we took a taxi to Ollantaytambo, which took two hours through some of the most stunning mountain scenery I have ever seen.

We headed out of town past lots of stray dogs (who were very good at crossing roads) and dilapidated but busy shops and ended up on quieter roads up in the mountains. We drove past lots of Peruvians in traditional dress, colourful clothes or large hats. Many were carrying goods or children in wraps around their backs and the farmers could be seen with donkeys tending to their fields. The taxi driver explained it was potatoes up high and corn down low. The contrast between the farmed land against the mountainous snow capped backdrop was incredible. The mountains here were even a contrast to those in Arequipa, much more green, with forests covering many of them. A truly stunning drive.

We were tourist trapped a little on route as the taxi driver stopped for 15 mins so we could see local women weaving clothes and cloths. It was really interesting though to see all the natural dies, soaps and wool that they use and to see them actually making it. The woman spoke a little fast though so we didn't catch all of what she said, except the jokes about using the bones of tourists that don't buy things lol...Rich thought it was rather 'humorous' lol. We were served some nice mint tea and then I couldn't resist purchasing an alpaca jumper. So soft and one of a kind!

We are just sat in a cafe now where we have had yet more delicious food for lunch and I got me my first cup of English Breakfast Tea!!!!

Now off to explore the ruins!Read more