Day 64: Tuesday, December 4th

Cuzco, Peru

Stayed at Ecopackers Hostel- night 2

Dear Obiwan,

Today I felt a little better than yesterday, however I was really feeling the altitude! My heart was beating very quickly and I barely had an appetite. I had an alright breakfast at the hostel and went exploring Cuzco! I had 2 missions in mind: find Healing House and book Machu Picchu Jungle Trek!

On the way to mission number 1, in one of the main squares there was a special units of the military display going on. Including the dog force! Here are some pictures:

After this random display I found the Healing House that Josh (my brother who you hate with all of your heart and try to maul whenever he is around), told me about. Healing House is a center for Yoga, Reiki, massage, and other healing therapies! The place was beautiful and had such incredible vibes immediately! I asked about staying there and the amazing woman at the front desk, Emma, said that I could stay next week after I returned from Machu Picchu! So I booked 6 nights for next week and COULD NOT WAIT. I also booked a message for tomorrow and ALSO CAN NOT WAIT. I am in so much pain from head to toe!

Here are some photos of what it’s like to walk around Cuzco:

After walking around some more I found a restaurant and had the worst pasta carbonara of my life…Itay taught me how to make this and I just, I just don’t understand how it tasted the way it tasted? Maybe it was also because I was sick? But the server was definitely offended and I just said that I was sick and had no appetite, which was partially true!

After my gross lunch I found the travel agency Matt and Steve told me about and booked my Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu for this Thursday (in 2 days)! Finally back at the hostel me and the really sweet Russian girl, Natasha started talking and talking. First – SMALL WORLD, kinda- the guys I met in Arequipa who told me about the Jungle Trek agency they used- Matt and Steve were just hanging out with Natasha here in Cuzco!

After freaking out about both meeting Matt and Steve she told me that she was traveling the world to volunteer and explore. She told me that she was volunteering at a wild animal reserve for a few weeks and loved it and it sounded like very hard work (making cages! Amongst other things). We also spoke at length about her dilemma. She was volunteering for 3 weeks right now at a school. She was frustrated because she was told she would be teaching English and having a role in the school, however she was only sitting and either doing nothing or the young kids would braid her hair. She was taking an awful 2 hour bus to and from this place to work for 2 hours. Talking with her seemed to really help give her some needed clarity on this trying situation, it felt good to help :).

Day 65: Wednesday, December 5th

Cuzco, Peru

Stayed at Ecopackers Hostel- night 3

Obi today I went to Jack’s Cafe for the first time. It was about an 8 minute walk from Ecopackers in the historic neighborhood. My dad and brother told me I HAD to go there and I AM SO GRATEFUL. It was the first breakfast in…possibly my entire trip with REAL AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS TOAST. Toast that is THICK and buttery and just so delicious it was emotional. It was both white and wheat bread. The staff were warm and friendly as well!

Oh ANOTHER RANDOM military display going on in the square again?!:

After my healing breakfast I had my healing massage from Gregory at the Healing House…Obi it was one of the best massages of my entire life. He has a history of working with people with disabilities in massage back in Canada and we spoke at length about our past jobs. He also told me that after getting divorced he was traveling through South America and then when he wasn’t looking or meaning too…FELL IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE FROM HERE! It was such a romantic story. Besides great conversation he helped my chronic pain immensely and some of my random new pains.

I wanted to have some chocolate at ‘Museo del cafe’ that I saw walking around that looked like it had amazing views and amazing chocolate cake!

Here are some pictures of the cake, the view, and oh finger update picture!:

The cappuccino was amazing but the cake not too much, very dry, sadly. I might try something else another time because this place should have amazing chocolate, I think they just had an off day.

Alright my lamb, I need to REST BEFORE the start of my MACHU PICCHU Jungle Trek tomorrow!

Love you Obiwan,

Carly