After 16 long overnight hours, and three flights to get to Cuzco, Peru, I got to have the unique pleasure of having headaches due to the lack of oxygen.

However, it is with great excitement to finally be in Peru and to begin my acclimation to the altitude before attempting the Inca Trail later on this week. My friends and I had a leisure day in Cuzco today, and we wandered the cobblestone streets that are surrounded by ancient Inca stone walls.

At the main Plaza de Armas, I discovered this traditional Quechua woman and young girl with two lambs in their arms. For a small fee, they are willing to pose for you so that you can take their photo. After speaking with her a bit, I discovered that the little boy that was with her was hers, but she actually borrowed the little girl from a friend for these photo outings.

Coming from a remote village by a four-hour bus ride, she comes into town every Saturday afternoon and Sunday with the girl so that she can try to make some money from the tourists. In her normal life, she lives out in the countryside and farms the land. It certainly puts into perspective how these Quechua campesinos have to live day by day for survival.

Tomorrow – Chinchero, Moray and Salineras. Ciao Everyone!