Whiling the afternoon away...

I have spent the past four hours (and counting) in front of the computer on this, my last day in Cusco. Feeling my brain going comfortably numb through the achingly slow process of uploading 367 pictures, including a few videos which isn´t helping matters. It would be nice to send some in real time I think and also, my dad keeps harassing me for photos, so here I am. I am a good daughter and also I can relate. Blog notwithstanding, visuals do tell a gabazillion words.

And besides I have some time to kill. Checked out of the Hostel Santa Maria this morning but my Arequipa bus doesn´t leave until 8:30 pm. Was hoping to visit the Inca Museum and also Qoricancha ruins before I go (and maybe also get an aromatherapy/swedish/hot stone massage because the woman on the street said 1 hour only costs 20 soles ($8 US) and what could be better before a long bus ride). But we shall see what time I have remaining when this photo thing is finally done. My consolation is the big open skies of Patagonia where I am guessing I will be computer-free for much of the next two weeks.

Meanwhile, behind me, it is raining again. The Internet cafe has an open glassfree storefront and I am sitting closest to the street and can feel the breeze coming in and smell the rain, which has predictably poured almost every day here in Cusco - such a far cry from the hot summery sun of Arequipa. Meanwhile, I am also getting really hungry. (Oh YEY, less then 50 more photos to go!!!! Well, I´ve wisened up and deleted the videos for the purpose of this upload. So things are moving along less painfully.)

Next I write will mostly likely be from Santiago, Chile where I will be spending Thursday-Friday eve. I am staying with Patrick, who we met on the Inca Trail and who believes in sharing his couch with world travelers (see www.couchsurfing.com - what a great idea!). He´s from Texas and is spending the year teaching English in Santiago - also such a great idea, I think. Hmmm so much to think about...

Besitos.

ps. Whitewater rafting on the Rio Urubamba yesterday was beautiful, if wet and cold. And yes there are pictures... ! :)