Our first day in Cusco at 3,400 meters and our first task was to find a laundry. Yes, the hotel does it if you do not mind paying a small fortune. Alternatively, two minutes around the corner ‘Betsy’ (not convinced that is her Peruvian name) does the laundry based on weight - ours came in at just under 20 soles (about £5). I’d take my washing to her every week if she lived in Teddington! It was all clean, dry and folded by 8pm - excellent service.
We are on the Diamox tablets and drinking water virtually by the gallon. So far we have not been too badly effected by the altitude apart from a slight headache. The main problem is walking up hills and there are a lot here in Cusco - we sound like Puffing Billies and take ten times as long to get anywhere! The sights are amazing though - many women pose for photos with lambs or baby alpacas in colorful outfits for 1 or 2 soles. I don’t have a problem with this - they are giving visitors like myself a chance to get a good photograph and they are earning money to help keep the family.
Thanks to a suggestion from my sister Hester who lived here for a few months a number of years ago when she worked with a charity, we headed to the San Blas district. This is a great area full of artisan workshops and craft stalls. This particular lady is hand weaving fabric which is then made into bags. I have found it easier to say in Spanish - here is a little present (some coins) as it seems a bit mercenary otherwise with people making things - she seemed pleased and we kept waving at each other around the market.
