Extravagant Day

19-20 March
Cusco, Peru

After our first lie-in in four days, we were excited to see that the mob of trendy GAP students at Loki Hostel had been replaced by fellow mid-20 crises travellers. Maarten went off to Spanish school, so naturally we headed off for the markets. It ended up being a rather indulgent day which resulted in the purchase of 2 paintings (Gayle), a dress each, and a beautiful hand carved wooden frame - now the bain of Nicky´s life as it costs nearly 7 times more to post it home. She has now resorted to dragging it around taped up in various beer boxes - patience is wearing thin and it is at high risk of being dumped on the side of the road. The extravagance of this day has led to scrimping and saving at every possible opportunity - all in the name of the Galapagos Fund.

On our last night we braved the Cusco nightlife with some gringos from the hostel and a Peruvian body boarding champ who we made friends with at the bar. Once at the square, as a gringo you are inundated with free drinks offers from locals trying to entice you to their club. Club number 1 (Up Town), involved a free rum and coke, Gayle salsa-ing with an old man, caterpillar demonstrations and then when the jocks paired off with the girls who would give out, we moved with Scottish Rosie and Kiwi Matt to Mama Africa (apparently owned by a South African). We met up with Maarten and had a fabulous night dancing with our gringo friends and Gayle inviting herself to dance up on the bar.

We left the next evening after a late start and an afternoon of admin. Maarten decided to stay in Cusco for another 2 weeks of Spanish school, so we were back to the fabulous duo.