21 Junio

It took 2.5 days to get to Cuzco. I will write more soon. The lines of protest stones across the roads lasted up to 50 km. We walked up to 25 miles with our packs on. It was one of the most harrowing experiences of my life, as psycological as physical. Every time we came to another town we thought we might find real transportation or the end of the strike lines. But no. We took motorcylce cabs, regular motorcycles, bike carts, local trucks, and finally a bus. We were adopted by some Peruvians also trying to get to Cuzco that we met on one of the local buses. We never really felt in danger, other than by the darkness and unknown. We slept one night in an outside restaurant and awoke at 3 a.m. to keep walking. It is truly an experience we will never ever forget. Romantic in many ways, once you forget the complete pain and despair that happened throughout. We felt very lucky to travel with our German friend Thomas. We will stay in Cuzco for a while to let our feet heal before even considering walking for fun on the Inca Trail. There is no way out of Cuzco but to fly or walk again anyhow. Thomas left for the Inca trail today and we pray for his blisters.
Cuzco is overwhelmed with visitors for the largest festival of the year, Inti Raymi. It will be fascinating to see the indigenous event, but the crowds are really annoying.

More soon!

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