Abancay to Cusco

October 28th Abancay to Cusco

As i drew back the curtains I could see it had been raining and that the dark clouds were touching the rooftops of the taller buildings in the city. Knowing that I had to climb out of the city I put on my wet weather gear, which was only the second or third time I'd worn it. Geting out of Abancay was difficult with the busy traffic, made worse by the extensive roadworks taking place. I followed my nose and the partial direction of my navigational aides - but as many roads were closed and diversions were in place the dreaded GPS were not much use.
I just wanted out of the city so didn't even attempt to get fuel. I soon started to climb and after about 5 miles I stopped and topped up my tank with the jerry. I had plenty to get me ther as today was around 115 miles and now my tank was nearly full. The road up was tricky as I had entered the clouds and visibility was poor. The road continued upwards for 20 miles in a thick mist. As I reached the summit at 4000 metres and started to descend the mist cleared as if by magic and the temperature increased from a cold 8 degrees to 17 degrees almost instantly. I'd had no views on the way up but was rewarded by magnificent views at the summit and down into the valley below. It is much greener in this part of Peru and obviously more fertile, with fields heavily cultivated. Pigs wander with dogs, sheep and cows and they are numerous.
It was another spectacular days riding and by 1.30 was entering the outskirts of Cusco.
Cusco is a tourist town with all the shops, restaurants and amenities you associate with such a town. It is attractive and allso very busy with weekend visitors and of course western visitors like myself on their way to Machu Picchu. There are lots of other trips such as rafting and hiking and even mountain biking. I think I would struggle on a bike, as I am breathless just climbing stairs. I can feel the effects of altitude, so I hope I'm able to climb the mountain tomorrow. I begin at 4.40am and catch a train up the valley to the next town, then a bus and a walk. I'm hoping the weather is better than today's as the only wet weather gear I have is my motorcycle stuff - and that is rather heavy. That will take up most of Saturday and Sunday I will spend looking around the sites of the town.

Back streets of Cusco

It is cold here in the mountains, but when the sun shines it can be very warm - knowing what to wear is a piece of guesswork. So I spend most of my time being either too cold or too hot. Being a tourist town, also makes it more expensive than most parts of Peru. I think two days will do for me. It is strange, but doing activities isnt quite the same by one's self, so I have not been tempted by what is on offer. The other thing I've noticed about travelling solo is there are fewer opportunities for laughing. For me that usually involves laughing at other people or teasing them - so on my return I think I will have to get my fix big time - so be careful folks!!!