Itinerary

Sat 9
15:30	Transfer to the Airport.  Assistance on departure flight.
16:45	Arequipa / Juliaca Aerocontinente - 1277
17:15	Upon arrival in Juliaca, assistance at the airport and transfer to Hotel Isla Esteves in Puno.

Today was my rest day.  I didn't have to catch my plane to Juliaca until 15:30 and had to be out of my hotel room by 11:00 so I just hung under an umbrella by the pool.  Which was actually nice.  I had a very good breakfast which felt good after yesterday.

The weather was nice - not too hot with a slight breeze.  I read a lot and took a few naps.

The plane ride was very short - 45 minutes - and I got a window seat.  We flew right beside Misti Volcano and I got to see the top.  That was kind of exciting.  The view changed from very rocky to more flat.  I sure bet this place is gorgeous in the rainy season - nice and green.

I know why Arequipa felt so familiar - the scenery was like Drumheller except a lot more rocky!

Juliaca is more like the prairies - very flat.  Once we landed in Juliaca we had an hour bus ride to Puno.  Puno does not have an airport.  Thank God the bus ride was nice and smooth.

Puno is on Lake Titicaca and the hotel I'm staying at is on an island on Lake Titicaca.  Unfortunately I arrived at 18:30 and it was dark so I could not see the lake.

I had dinner with Antonio and his mother - Lolita.  From what I got from them the lake is very green.  I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow.  I have a two hour boat ride and I'm looking forward to that.

I've been taking my medication and drinking a lot of water.  I have had a bloody nose for the last couple of days but Antonio had the same so I don't feel so bad.

I'm going prepared tomorrow.  Taking Gravol just to be safe.  I've been taking vitamin C and Jacki's AD-C like there is no tomorrow.  So I'll take that with me tomorrow.

This hotel is very nice and what I can see from my window, I'm on the lake side.  Should be nice in the morning.

I had alpaca for dinner tonight and it really didn't taste like anything.  It was good though.  I had this great chicken soup as well.

The guide that met us at the airport seems nice.  He will be with me all day tomorrow and I guess I'll be with a new group - a group of Italians.  Too bad I won't be with the Spanish people I've been with up till now as I'm getting to know a few of them (who can speak English).

Next time I travel it won't be alone.  It is too hard.  Especially in a country where I don't speak the language.  I am having a good time but I'd like to share that with someone.  Guess I've learnt my lesson.

The last two hotels (same chain) have this weird habit of knocking on your door around 21:00 to give you a chocolate and card that says Buenos Noches (Good Night).  Strange but nice.

Yesterday I bought an alpaca/wool sweater to keep warm.  My sweater I brought was just not enough.

The hotel room is very small compared to the others I've stayed in so far.

I did some laundry and am going to bed early again tonight.