Up, Up, and Away (Bienviendos a Cusco)

Before coming to Peru, I went to the UNC travel clinic. I spent about an hour sitting in a room being warned about all the terrible diseases I was going to catch while I was abroad. During that hour I was told to fear different strains of malaria, Dengue fever, typhoid, and of course japaneze influenza (since I´m obviously going to Asia to work rice fields). This is not the first time that my sarcastic attitude prevented me from hearing information about an important subject, in this case: Altitude Sickness. Since I´m living in the Andes, this may have been a relevant part of the hour rant. Whoops...

Well, now I´ve got it. I suppose ascending 2,500 meters in one day might affect one´s body, and now my head is throbbing a little. I feel a bit dizzy and my heart rate seems to be increased. My book says altitutde sickness can result in death, but it says that about everything. With a little rest and some altitude medication, I should be fine.

This morning we boarded a plane from Lima headed to Cusco (see, I knew the plan would come together). I have the privlidge of staying a "quaint" hotel that is costing me $8 a night. This seemed like an excellent deal when I was in Lima (with heat), but now I am concerned about a few things the hotel may/may not have.

Mays:

The hotel may have a particularly "rambunous" couple next door
The hotel may have thin walls
The hotel may face the Andes and have an excellent view

May nots:

The hotel may not have heat
The hotel may not have airtight windows
The hotel may not have hot water (the extent to which is yet to be determined)

For those of us who are not climate buffs, it is important to remember that Peru is entering it´s winter season. Living in the Andes is going to be beautiful but I fear it may be a bit cold. Oh well, thank goodness I have that sleeping bag.

This one is for Mom (see, I´m alive!)