Today was the day we had to leave Ollantaytambo. First Susan asked if we could stay two more weeks. I think she likes traveling. So we got up. Mom and I packed up our bags last night after dinner. Decided that we needed to figure how we were going to fit all the new stuff in. Well we figure it out then went to bed. Got up early so we could take our time and low and behold the sun was shining. What a gorgeous day we woke up too. We did our morning routine then I went to pay the bill for our stay. I paid, came back to the room and figured out they only charged me for one room, not both. I looked at Mom and said I would be right back. Well I wasn´t, Susan came by at one point and I told her to go get Nat and Mom and get some breakfast. Why, because I was having the darnedest time getting them to let me pay more. Yup the receptionist did not understand at all or couldn´t figure out what she had done wrong. I really wanted to pay them more... really, finally after a half hour and several discussion with a couple people the regular receptionist came up and was like OH you want to pay for the other room. Finally got that done and off to breakfast.
We got to sit in the garden for about an hour and feed the llamas while we waited for our driver. Nat and I took lots of photos of the different beautiful flowers and I got some wonderful photos of a hummingbird having it´s way with multiple buds. Then off to Cusco with the driver who had taken us to this lovely town. If any of you ever want a small quiet gorgeous relaxing time then you go to Ollantaytambo and stay a few days.
The sky continued to be blue and the sun warmed us all as we gasped at the high peaks that have been hidden most of our stay. Glaciers and snowbanks all along the top jagged tops of peaks that reached up into the sky far above our 13,000 feet.
Back to our hotel in Cusco where the doorman once again gently helped Mom into the place and we were warmly welcomed back and given two rooms since our quad room was occupied by people who did not get out due to the general strike on Monday. I guess the airlines are still working people into flights since most flights are full due to tourism.
Oh and since I was figuring everything out I figured out that somewhere yesterday after noon or this morning while I was dealing with trying to pay for our rooms that I lost my ATM card. So I spent the next half hour calling my bank and getting it blocked as well as canceled and a new one sent to my home. Thankfully no one had used it since I had yesterday morning. But I had to go back to the room and say the magic words. ¨Mom can I borrow some money¨. Yeah she gave me some. Well she let me keep ahold of her ATM card which I have been very careful of since. Trust me this a first for me. I have never lost a card. I am getting tired and this is how I can tell. It takes a lot to negotiate travel for 4 people and figure money out and do all of it in rusty spanish. But luckily we are leaving tomorrow for Lima then heading out late tomorrow night for home.
We spent the next couple hours repacking and redistributing our pacels and clothes and whatnots so we could all get our suitcases closed. Then off down to the plaza along the narrow streets in and out of shops for some last minute shopping. We had a list of to buy items and to do items. Today is the 800th year that the Franciscans have been in Cusco. We ran into all the boys and girls schools parading around the plaza with bands, monks, nuns and teachers. All dressed in their school uniforms with flags and banners and being a bit bored and a bit proud.
Had our early dinner at Jacks, good food and fun talk and the doggie on the corner who kept coming in to get a piece of bread. Then back to the hotel to finish up and write this blog.
We got to get up at 5:am to dress, have some breakfast and head off to the airport. We have a 8:am flight but here you have to show up 2 hours before or they can´t guarantee you will get on your flight.
You all have a good evening.
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