Thursday, May 22
San Blas, Cusco
2.44 miles
270′ ascent
209′ descent
It’s a fitful night of sleep. Struggle and unrest. No air. I’m out of breath. It’s gotta be the room. It can’t be the elevation because I was absolutely fine when I arrived nine days ago.
I’m used to the early wake-up routine and try to force myself to sleep in. I get out of bed just before 6:30 am and take a shower. I plod the 5 flights of stairs to the buffet breakfast (because gotta keep fit lol) and get a table with a wide view of Cusco. Sadly, it’s not on their list to fix the special gluten-free breakfast for me again so I eat lots and lots of eggs and a little fruit. The hiker hunger has really kicked in and I’m still so hungry. I break down and grab a roll and some jam plus make a mocha to take back to my room. I add peanut butter to the mix and have second breakfast. I daze out on my phone for a while before gathering everything back into my suitcases and bags. I “checkout” of my dungeon no air room just before 10 am and I’m informed that my new room is ready.
Yahoo! Hallelujah! I arrive at a new balcony room that is slightly different than the one I first had. I walk out onto the balcony and breathe deeply. I am saved. I am reborn.
I sort stuff and plug in some batteries and gear to charge. About 11:45 am I head out to do some souvenir shopping and to look around a bit. I look for handmade pouches and locally-sourced chocolate and pop into many different art stores. There’s one oil painting in particular that I really like but don’t buy it at first. I search through many different art galleries but nothing else catches my eye. ChocoMuseo is a wonderful little shop that offers classes, lots of samples and they speak English. I buy a bunch of bars but they don’t have any bars with sea salt from Maras. I tell them I will return after my next trek. I get a bulk discount on a bunch of handmade pouches.
After nearly 3 hours, I return to Muru Homely Hotel and admire all my purchases. I boil some water for lunch consisting of oatmeal with peanut butter and cheese. Dinner is more of the same as I video chat with folks and post some pictures online.
I reorganize all my gear and prepare for tomorrow’s early departure. I brought extra hiking clothes and switch out the dirty for clean. I force myself for an early sleep just after 9 pm.
Journey Return 