Lima and Nazca

We planned on just passing through Lima, which we had heard was just the armpit of Peru, and get on out way to Nazca, but Connor´s eye infection took a turn for the worse and he needed to see a doctor. We ended up staying a night and in the process, actually found some fun things to do. Resigned to explore the gargantuan city (complete with skyscrapers and Malibu-esque beaches), we chatted up the hostel keeper for some things to do. He informed us that the annual food festival, Mistura, was taking place that night. This festival is a culmination of the countries best chefs, restaurants and purveyors showing off their shit. Theo and I were like kids in a candy store! Free pisco shots everywhere! Free Chocolate! Free Pisco Sours! It was really cool to see all the regional foods and teas (mostly of the Coca variety). They had displays of the 100s of varieties of corns and potatoes that seemed to span an entire city block. Unfortunately, as I reached into my pocket in order to capture such a sight, there was no camera to be found. I´d been picked. Well, I was bummed, but I didn´t let that stop me from enjoying some delightful foods (steak and alfredo) and drinks (one huuuuge pisco sour).

The next day we goofed around town while waiting for our night bus to Nazca. We saw some other ruins which our tour guide, despite working there and even growing up on the very site of the ruins, knew nothing about them except the process of excavation and restoration.

That Night we took a night bus to Nazca. Since it was only a 6 hour ride, we arrived around 4 in the AM. Luckily a nice hostel keeper was there to round us up and let us sleep the morning away for free. In the morning we found a cheap flight tour of the Nazca lines. We went to the airport and waited about an hour for our plane to arrive. We finally got to board the TINY 6-seater plane. NEVER again. It was the smallest plane I´ve ever been on and DAMN that was a rough ride. I immediately felt sick for the entire half hour flight. The lady in front of me puked. It was cool seeing the mysterious and alien art of the Nazca lines, but totally not worth spending the money just to feel sick and watch someone puke.

That night I made dinner and boarded our bus to Cusco. Worst bus yet. SO cold, uncomfortable and smelly. But we finally made it to Cusco!