Itinerary

Tue 19
10:30	Upon arrival in Lima, assistance at the airport and transfer to Sheraton Lima Hotel & Casino.
20:00	Transfer from Hotel to the airport.  Assistance on departure flight.
23:10	Lima / Houston, Texas Continental Airlines - 1650

Well this is my last day/night in Peru and I have to say that it was definitely worth it.

Now I know what this place is all about I'd definitely come back.  I know what to do and what not to do.

First I'd start off in Cusco.  That way I could easily drive to Lake Titicaca, stay for a night and come back.  Machu Picchu was great and maybe the next time I'd do the Inca Trail.  As long as you go slow and have lots of water, you'd be fine.

I don't know if I've written this already, but I found out we were very lucky to catch the train out of Machu Picchu when we did.  I guess after we left the workers who were striking were in the main square picketing.  They then went to the train station and literally cut the train tracks, stopping all trains from coming and going.  The people who were stuck there had to be either bused out (YUK!) or flow via helicopter.  It took them all night and the rest of the next day to get everyone out.

I tell you we were lucky.  We just missed getting stranded at Machu Picchu and the problems in Puerto Maldonado.  There three people got shot by arrows.  I guess they get pretty violent when they strike there.

I'm sure glad we got to go to Iquitos.  That was definitely worth it.  Even the stifling heat and humidity, I could definitely go back.  The guide who picked me up at the airport this morning said that you can go on a weeks cruise on the Amazon River and it is amazing.  I'm going to have to save some money and come back.

I had a wonderful trip and would do it all over again if I had the chance. I've learnt some Spanish and plan on taking a course when I get back home. The scenery and climate was wonderful and next time I think I'll come back in their summer so I can see everything when it is green and lush. I would definately recommend going to Peru to anyone. I think I've left my heart hear and have a new outlook on life. I found what I was looking for when I first came here. It was a wonderful experience I'll carry with pride the rest of my life.