The Navel of the World
Sunday, 14 August 2005
We arrived in Cuzco, the navel of the world in the maldruga this morning and there is not much air here. To talk and walk at the same time is a supreme effort...
Before we got here we were in Chivay which means "where we make love" in Quechua. There are hot springs there which are absolutely wicked, you get to sit outside under the andean stars at sub zero temperatures in a outdoor swimming pool which is at a constant temperature of 38C. They even serve beer! We met a load of asorted gringos including loads of brits on the tour we were on and had a great time talking rubbish and eating Oreos with them. In the time honoured tradition the tyre on our bus burst on the way back, but wierdly, we hadnt even got settled into the freezing desert when it was time to get back on the bus again.
Condors are huge man. Theyre wicked. I reckon they could easily kill a small child. But they eat dead things like vultures, so I suppose they wont.
One of the wierd things people do around here to maek cash is dress up in traditional costume and dance around when they see a tourist coming, then if you look at them for too long or take a photo they ask for una propina. It was very sad to see them up at 6 am yesterday morning dancing around in an abandoned village for photos of the traditional 6am dance folklorica. Another version of this is to get an cute animal to hang with in you traditional gear. Llamas and eagles are very popular for this.
On August 16, 2005, Seb Halse (Horse) said:
Hello my dearest Webbs,
Love reading your website and enhancing my poor knowledge of geography and the world. I am constantly bemused by your crass photos, and thank you for your strange monkey email. Sorry I didn't respond. I've got a new job as Marketing Manager for Norwich Union (now called Aviva), which I'm starting next week. Looks like an amazing role which I'm very lucky to get, so I'm here in Thailand on an organised tour. I have done plenty of de-lousing (it said so on my calendar) and avoided must of the ping pong ball action (although I must admit every man and his dog have offerred). But the sun is shining, and my moon tan is slowly fading. You'll be happy to know that effortology is at its finest. I've managed to move from the pool to my room, then back swiftly to the bar pool. But tomorrow I'm riding elephants (not in that way Dan!) and also going white water rafting.
Anyway lots of love. Peru pics are great.
Seb.
On August 16, 2005, Seb Horse said:
P.S.
I've also got some great trailer trash pics for you. I downloaded them before I went, and I will send you them in about a week
: ) Seb.
On August 16, 2005, catherine said:
Wicked! Being trailer trash was deffo a highlight of the trip. We have been trying more strange meat recently including Alpaca. It is strangely nice. Congrats about the job! Climbing the corporate ladder, you suit wearer you.
On August 16, 2005, Dan said:
Yeah, nice one on the job and holiday action, Seb. It seems Norwich Union didnīt get the letter I sent them about you being a twat. Oh well, good luck with it!
Where are you in Thailand?