Home » Peru » No April's Fool

In our last installment, I believe Wendy was traversing Hawaii with her family. What happened to her? Where has the worldwanderer been? Here we resume with the continuing saga....

No April's Fool

Wendy R
2007-04-21 22:06:43

Displayed times (last time: )

Later we learned, admist the chaos that have of the problems stemed from passengers who had cancelled flights to Miami, while the other half, like us, desperately needed to get to Cuzco. Everyone was nervous and frantic. We knew we only had one day at Machu Picchu, in our jam packed schedule...but one thing I knew for certain was that I was not leaving Peru without viewing Machu Picchu!!

As we waited in line, without any answers the 10:10 time grew near...and then passed. Increased tension mounted with every moment. The flight took off without us.

Eventually we reached the counter. It was decided, after much debate, that we´d be the first and second passengers wait listed for the 1:50 pm flight. This flight was the last flight between Lima and Cuzco for the day. We received the same instructions as before--this time to return at 1:10 pm. Again, we waited.

Returning at 1:10 pm, we learned that there was only ONE seat available...this couldn´t be!?!?!? Then another man tried to weasle in front of us...our agent diligently told him that we were before him, repeatedly. We waited, our stress reaching new levels. Then, at the last minute, we were given the okay...we couldn´t sit together...but we had seats!!! Yeah!! Machu Picchu here we come!!!

I sat next to a charming lad on the plane. After a bit of coaxing he warmed up quite a bit. He shared that he was not eating dinner that evening, as he would be climbing Machu Picchu the next day. Internally I laughed, at his knowledge...and later I learned that Oliver was eight years old and had to attend to memorizing a Dr. Seuss book his mom had chosen for an exam he´d have upon his return to London, post holidays. Too funny.

Once we reached Cuzco, our local guide acknowledged that he had been perplexed when we did not arrive much earlier that day. We shared our saga...so relieved to have made it! The Cuzco airport provided some amusement as well...as I have never been to an airport before where there are llamas. Who knew?

Well, I must cut my tales short, as we are minutes away from massages. We decided we simply must get one, as our hotel brochure stated, ¨A massage is what you need to carry Machu Picchu in your body and keep it in your soul.¨ Who could resist marketing like that? So until the next installment, which may be from Lake Titicaca, or before. I hope this message finds you well!

Love from Peru!!!