Day 35- Back to Cuzco

After our trip to Macchu Pichu, we had a much-needed day of rest and relaxation. Jenny woke me up at 8am to tell me breakfast was being served until 10am. I rested another hour, then Natalie and I went downstairs for food. I had to pack my suitcase for Ariquipa//Colca Canyon by 11am and did that after I ate.  I had my own agenda for the day and headed out once I was packed. I wanted to finish up my shopping, so I headed to the larger artisanal mall. On the way there, though, I went to an internet café to check my email for about 20 minutes. At the shopping center, I bought a present for my cousin; two pairs of earrings and a necklace for myself; and a set of shot glasses. The only thing I still want to buy is a photo album, but I want to make sure I can get a good deal on a large one (for 400 pics).

Afterwards, I went out to a Mexican restaurant in “gringo alley” (near the Plaza where all the tourists go). My friends had told me about the place but I’d never gone before. For 15 soles, I got nachos and garlic bread; Mexican soup that had beans, avocado, carrots, chicken; a burrito with chicken, beans and avocado; and a pisco sour. Definitely a lot of food for not much money. I was craving some chocolate after my meal, so I got a slice of mocha cake at a nearby bakery.

I found other people from my group and ate with them, then looked for affordable call center to call parents. They didn’t answer, so I left a brief voicemail for them. Also, I was walking around the plaza when I saw these figures:

Not sure what they’re for, but I think they might be for the Inti Raymi parade...

We had to meet back at the hotel at 4pm to go over specifics for the next few days. Since Puno is off, we’ll be going to Arequipa to see some volcanoes and Colca Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world.

After a bit, I wanted to try calling my parents again. My dad was out of town for a few days, but I talked to mom for about 15 minutes and spent exactly $2USD.

Our train for Arequipa was at 8:30pm but we had to leave the hotel at 7 (or so we thought). I bought food at the supermarket for our 11 hr train ride, but the bus that had to take us to the station didn’t arrive until almost 8pm. Just as well, I guess, since it meant less time waiting in the station (where we saw a baby cow wearing a diaper… interesting). We got on the bus on time (8:30) and I relaxed until I was ready to sleep, but slept very lightly that night since it wasn't the most comfortable busride.