Yetti’s Pacific North West Exploration & Expeditions Picture heavy
- Thread starter Pacific Northwest yetti
- Start date
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
It was a day of mixed emotions, sore muscles and road conditions of every type. Thunder clouds and storms formed in front of us. And we played hide and seek with the rain and lightning strikes the closer we got to Cusco. The last few hours it was steady rain we were in and out of.
Today was the day, that we were all very lucky*. Lucky we did not kill or injure anyone, let alone ourselves.
As toward the end of the day, our guide had gotten lost, Panicked.. And taken us through 8 blocks, of a Sunday market. Instead of keeping a cool head and pulling up, or out a map. As this, now busy, and pedestrian and vender filled street, was his normal route. Despite two forms of GPS he also had on his Moto.
I was in the rear and flipped up my sun and clear visor. And continuously apologized, ( I tried, and did my best) as we all (5 fully loaded large motos) duck walked through this extremely crowded, very obviously not currently meant for traffic street. Ducking under vendor tarps, and doing our best to dodge the kids, dogs, and all the wares hanging off the vendor charts.
Many bad words were spoken in our direction, as we shamefully perpetuated the American traveler stereotype. This marked would have been hard to walk through, it was that tight.
When this was brought up to our “guide” his response was a paltry “if it was not meant for vehicles, it would have been blocked off”. After we had all returned to Cusco, and the motos we had unloaded in the pouring rain. And questions/concerns had been brought up. I stepped back out into the rain, to let it cool my head back down.
We made it back into Cusco, as it was getting dark… It had been a long day, one where more than once I needed to step away to keep a cool head.
Unloading our kits, pulling our electronics and throttle locks off.
Finished moto route
But don’t fear, the adventure is not over yet!
The next story is long, and explains how, and why- we were inside an armored convoy in the middle of lima with helicopters shadowing us.
Today was the day, that we were all very lucky*. Lucky we did not kill or injure anyone, let alone ourselves.
As toward the end of the day, our guide had gotten lost, Panicked.. And taken us through 8 blocks, of a Sunday market. Instead of keeping a cool head and pulling up, or out a map. As this, now busy, and pedestrian and vender filled street, was his normal route. Despite two forms of GPS he also had on his Moto.
I was in the rear and flipped up my sun and clear visor. And continuously apologized, ( I tried, and did my best) as we all (5 fully loaded large motos) duck walked through this extremely crowded, very obviously not currently meant for traffic street. Ducking under vendor tarps, and doing our best to dodge the kids, dogs, and all the wares hanging off the vendor charts.
Many bad words were spoken in our direction, as we shamefully perpetuated the American traveler stereotype. This marked would have been hard to walk through, it was that tight.
When this was brought up to our “guide” his response was a paltry “if it was not meant for vehicles, it would have been blocked off”. After we had all returned to Cusco, and the motos we had unloaded in the pouring rain. And questions/concerns had been brought up. I stepped back out into the rain, to let it cool my head back down.
We made it back into Cusco, as it was getting dark… It had been a long day, one where more than once I needed to step away to keep a cool head.
Unloading our kits, pulling our electronics and throttle locks off.
Finished moto route
But don’t fear, the adventure is not over yet!
The next story is long, and explains how, and why- we were inside an armored convoy in the middle of lima with helicopters shadowing us.
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
Hell, I am enjoying reliving it as I type this up from my office. I am working hard; at looking busy.Love going on your trip with you from my recliner, you've saved me a lot of money too!
Glad you are enjoying it.
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
Cabrito:
It can always be worse. And I generally keep and feel that mindset to the core. Everything is relative. The last day was a rough one, it did not help that I had a bit of a gut ache. And had done something to my hip. So, I was unable to stand for a lot of the rougher stuff, or just to stretch like I normally would. The wet, soaks into my joints and give me a lot of trouble. So, I was sore everywhere, physically and mentally.
Prior to this I had never ridden with anyone in this group before. I had never met Andi’s brother-in-law. I knew Andi’s dad just from the small town we are from. But had never spent much time with him. Andi and I know one another well, and have worked in emergency services together for 10+yrs. But had also never ridden together. Most of their family riding experience is road cruisers, or dirt bikes. My only experience is Adv bikes. It all worked out, however.
But to fly into a foreign country and see if we all mesh? Maybe not the wisest, however we all got along swimmingly. So, the trip was fun, and the < enjoyable, or troublesome parts we all just shed off. To be honest, I was very worried I would not be able to keep up with all of them. They grew up riding, and I have only been on a moto a few years. But I have come to learn (been told) my short moto experience has taught me a lot.
Its weird how life works out sometimes. Do any of us ever end up where we expect or plan?
It was still a great trip, and once back in Cusco we were on our own again. And the 4 of USA good group. And we were all feeling it, as well as accomplished and having our freedom back.
Nov 11th, Cusco
We had a list of things we wanted to see, and had a since we lost a almost 2 days of our time at the beginning of the trip we had some figuring to do. That morning, we sat down at breakfast ( At Casa Elena, https://www.casaelenacusco.com/ )
Case Elena*
Casa Elena, was nice. Many travelers there, and only about 3 blocks away from the Plaza De Armas. This was included as part of our group ride cost. I don’t know what the rates were, but I can say Elena was very nice to work with. Her prices are in USD, and she only takes cash. Or at least that’s how it was with us.
The four of us had our maps (Phones) out and were picking a plan. We wanted to see Salineras De Maras: the salt mines of Maras. Moray: Ag Circles. And that should wrap up the day. Some other sites would have to wait for another time.
Elena, offered to hire a car and driver for us. (This ended up being about usd $300, for the day). That would be able to take us to the places, we wanted. So we let her know to book it, and all went to our rooms to grab bags, water, passports, etc.
Its at this time as we are meeting in the casa Elena courtyard, a member of our group says they can’t find their passport. ( Nov 11th, in Cusco, We fly out of Lima at midnight Nov 13th, and I start a new job Monday Nov 18th)
A few of us head up and double check every bag, pocket. And all come up empty, even flipping (gently) the mattresses, stripping the bed and checking pillowcases. To no avail. Our car and driver are waiting for us up front. So, we all head down and hope passports wont be needed for any of the tours today.
(Note* to others, get cash in Cusco at this point) The places today we learned wont take card, but most places along the route did)
We all pile into the van, and are on our way.
AbleGuy
Officious Intermeddler
Absolutely Epic!
Thanks so much for all of your efforts in putting together such a great, entertaining thread of updates.
You seem to have successfully created a truly unique lifestyle/career that allows you the freedom to get out and experience some of the more rugged, wild and beautiful places in the western hemisphere.
Here’s hoping your engagingly shared adventures help encourage other younger members to consider making a similar bold choice.
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
Our first stop was Chinchero, (none of us really remembered asking for this stop on our tour, our previous guide has added it to our list without us knowing). Our driver let us out and let us know he would park in the lot below and where to find him. We wandered around the old city center, but none of it struck our fancy. There are some ruins here, Centro Arqueologico de Chinchero. The entry price seemed high, and none of wanted to see it. So we headed back to the van.
Loading up, we got back on the road and continued our way. I asked where we were going next, the driver said “maras”. Looked like it was the next town on the map. So, we kept chatting. Got into Maras and the Plaza De Armas, he stopped to let us out. We asked if there was an ATM. There was not. I asked why we stopped here, and his reply “guides name: said to take you on the normal route.” Apparently, he found out we had booked a car and driver and wanted to “help” We reaffirmed, let’s just go to the places we want to go, and listed them. And we are off!
With about an hour-long drive to Moray, or the Ag circles.
Picture number 1 is a small scale model.
“Moray[1][2] (Quechua: Muray)[3] is an archaeological site in Peru approximately 50 kilometres (31 mi) northwest of Cuzco on a high plateau at about 3,500 metres (11,500 ft) and just west of the village of Maras. The site contains Inca ruins, mostly consisting of several terraced circular depressions, the largest of which is approximately 30 m (98 ft) deep. As with many other Inca sites, it also has an irrigation system.The purpose of these depressions is uncertain, but their depth, design, and orientation with respect to wind and sun creates a temperature difference of as much as 5 °C (9 °F) between the top and the bottom.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moray_(Inca_ruin)
Previously I had mentioned that some of the ticket prices for things did not make sense. We were fine with tourists’ prices being higher than those for locals, or students. I wish I remember the exact wording, but I don’t. As it did not translate. But the gist, and the important. Something that no one mentioned to us, not even the “Guide” we had for the motorcycle part. Is that they have tickets that are like 150 soles, about 50/usd. That are for MULTIPLE sites. However, the way the signs say it, is along the lines of tickets 1 entry, 30 soles, or Tickets tourists 150 soles. So we would just ask for ticket, 1 persons. Which works, but* This site only had the 150 sole tourists’ tickets, so we all lined up and got our tickets. When they were handed to us, they had entry for multiple sites. NOW we know…and also why looking up prices in the internet always gave us a huge range.
This site did not take card, (even though the window had a visa sticker) so it cleaned us all out of our cash.
Loading up, we got back on the road and continued our way. I asked where we were going next, the driver said “maras”. Looked like it was the next town on the map. So, we kept chatting. Got into Maras and the Plaza De Armas, he stopped to let us out. We asked if there was an ATM. There was not. I asked why we stopped here, and his reply “guides name: said to take you on the normal route.” Apparently, he found out we had booked a car and driver and wanted to “help” We reaffirmed, let’s just go to the places we want to go, and listed them. And we are off!
With about an hour-long drive to Moray, or the Ag circles.
Picture number 1 is a small scale model.
“Moray[1][2] (Quechua: Muray)[3] is an archaeological site in Peru approximately 50 kilometres (31 mi) northwest of Cuzco on a high plateau at about 3,500 metres (11,500 ft) and just west of the village of Maras. The site contains Inca ruins, mostly consisting of several terraced circular depressions, the largest of which is approximately 30 m (98 ft) deep. As with many other Inca sites, it also has an irrigation system.The purpose of these depressions is uncertain, but their depth, design, and orientation with respect to wind and sun creates a temperature difference of as much as 5 °C (9 °F) between the top and the bottom.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moray_(Inca_ruin)
Previously I had mentioned that some of the ticket prices for things did not make sense. We were fine with tourists’ prices being higher than those for locals, or students. I wish I remember the exact wording, but I don’t. As it did not translate. But the gist, and the important. Something that no one mentioned to us, not even the “Guide” we had for the motorcycle part. Is that they have tickets that are like 150 soles, about 50/usd. That are for MULTIPLE sites. However, the way the signs say it, is along the lines of tickets 1 entry, 30 soles, or Tickets tourists 150 soles. So we would just ask for ticket, 1 persons. Which works, but* This site only had the 150 sole tourists’ tickets, so we all lined up and got our tickets. When they were handed to us, they had entry for multiple sites. NOW we know…and also why looking up prices in the internet always gave us a huge range.
This site did not take card, (even though the window had a visa sticker) so it cleaned us all out of our cash.
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
AbleGuy, Thanks!
At first, I started posting as a way for me to “pay it back” for those whom I have gleaned so much information, and inspiration from. Now, I find myself going back to my own thread, and fixing the errors from typing so fast, or just to relive old memories. If this site ever goes down, I hope we can download or save our own threads somehow. Print it into a coffee table book, not that there is an easy way to do that. Or it would be very expensive for the formatting and many pages.
It’s been, and adventure. With this new job, I am having to re-introduce myself a lot. And I am one who believes if your actions don’t speak for you, you probably have nothing to speak about. I find myself telling my story and thinking. “Wow how is that even possible. I lived it and found it hard to believe.”
Had I known, I could do this long ago, my life would be different. However, needed the experience to market myself well enough to do the things. And for what its worth, no family, or kids, just the Dog and I. That can also make a difference. As well as there is also plenty of “down, not exciting” times. They just don’t get posted. A lot of office time lets me take the time to write this stuff down.
This new job has me in a senior regional position, for the western half of the US. With the ability to work remote, so things may change. And evolve, but my crystal ball probably works as well as yours. I would be honored if my life, or this thread makes a difference for even 1 person. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask away.
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
The ag circles were cool, each one a test plot for crops. And of course, built in drainage, and steps into each circle. More phenomenal before “their” time engineering, or……the rest of the world was just really slow.
All of us are aware of a few things, we are out of cash. Someone is missing a passport, and since its November 11th, the Consulate and the embassy are closed for all American and Peruvian holidays. Sooooo, between each site we are doing a lot of googling on our phones and trying to work our way through the Gov’t websites to get a clear answer. We also learn, the police only do reports for a stolen passport. Not lost. The individual who lost their passport, we can break it down to somewhere along the road on our way back to Cusco, in the rain. Possibly even in that little very friendly store, but if they had found it. The one where we were all trying to get rid of lose change, and showing the owner all the pictures on our phones of the trips so far. They have no way to get it to us, in time. Even if they were to turn it into the local police.
We all get back into the van, (we also have lunch reservations to get to) And head into Urubamba, to find an ATM. And as its on the way to the salt mines. Our driver is a nice guy, chatty, Spanish speaking only. But we all work it out.
Also* Spanish, probably like many other languages varies from region to region. State to state ands country to country. For example, in Peru. Farmacia, (Pharmacy) was usually called Boticas. Bancos Atomatocos ( ATM’s) were usually called Cajero Banco. Somethings are different no matter where you go, at least in my experiences thus far.
We all pile out in front of a bank and walk in as a group to the ATM’s. We tend to stand together and move together. And even group around a single ATM. In case someone missed the English prompt or has ATM questions I can help them with. Its important to recognize, this makes bank guards nervous. And the ones here seemed especially so. We tried to not do that this time. And each met back out on the sidewalk, outside the van.
Pile in, and away we go!
The salt mines I was excited to see,
All of us are aware of a few things, we are out of cash. Someone is missing a passport, and since its November 11th, the Consulate and the embassy are closed for all American and Peruvian holidays. Sooooo, between each site we are doing a lot of googling on our phones and trying to work our way through the Gov’t websites to get a clear answer. We also learn, the police only do reports for a stolen passport. Not lost. The individual who lost their passport, we can break it down to somewhere along the road on our way back to Cusco, in the rain. Possibly even in that little very friendly store, but if they had found it. The one where we were all trying to get rid of lose change, and showing the owner all the pictures on our phones of the trips so far. They have no way to get it to us, in time. Even if they were to turn it into the local police.
We all get back into the van, (we also have lunch reservations to get to) And head into Urubamba, to find an ATM. And as its on the way to the salt mines. Our driver is a nice guy, chatty, Spanish speaking only. But we all work it out.
Also* Spanish, probably like many other languages varies from region to region. State to state ands country to country. For example, in Peru. Farmacia, (Pharmacy) was usually called Boticas. Bancos Atomatocos ( ATM’s) were usually called Cajero Banco. Somethings are different no matter where you go, at least in my experiences thus far.
We all pile out in front of a bank and walk in as a group to the ATM’s. We tend to stand together and move together. And even group around a single ATM. In case someone missed the English prompt or has ATM questions I can help them with. Its important to recognize, this makes bank guards nervous. And the ones here seemed especially so. We tried to not do that this time. And each met back out on the sidewalk, outside the van.
Pile in, and away we go!
The salt mines I was excited to see,
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
The salt water comes out of the ground at about 90F, salty as can be.
en.wikipedia.org
The salt mines have changed quite a bit from my understanding, I should ask my brother if he did them when he did the Pan Am. My understanding is you used to be able to wander all over, and even sit in some like a hot tub. But after C-19 that all changed, there is a longer trail that gets you to the far side. But keeps you away from them. We were only here for about 30 mins, if it was possible to explore between all the little evap ponds and such, I could have spent a long time. These salts are still harvested and sold for food consumption.
(The top, the guard shack is where you buy tickets prior to even descending into the canyon, cash only)
We followed the little trail and stopped at the vendors along the way. Each picked up some salts for home, and Inka Cola for the road. Funny enough, the girls down here took credit card. Some of the gals had to climb up on a chair to get service for the card readers though.
I always chuckle at the “safety” practices in countries that are not “EU”, or “1st world”
& the practices, differences, perspective are good for my professional side. 😉 maybe I should write these off as work trips.
Salt Mines of Maras - Wikipedia
The salt mines have changed quite a bit from my understanding, I should ask my brother if he did them when he did the Pan Am. My understanding is you used to be able to wander all over, and even sit in some like a hot tub. But after C-19 that all changed, there is a longer trail that gets you to the far side. But keeps you away from them. We were only here for about 30 mins, if it was possible to explore between all the little evap ponds and such, I could have spent a long time. These salts are still harvested and sold for food consumption.
(The top, the guard shack is where you buy tickets prior to even descending into the canyon, cash only)
We followed the little trail and stopped at the vendors along the way. Each picked up some salts for home, and Inka Cola for the road. Funny enough, the girls down here took credit card. Some of the gals had to climb up on a chair to get service for the card readers though.
I always chuckle at the “safety” practices in countries that are not “EU”, or “1st world”
& the practices, differences, perspective are good for my professional side. 😉 maybe I should write these off as work trips.
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
Back into the van, and to the next destination. This one was recommended to us by Elena, and she had made reservations.
We continued to plan, for the passport situation. However can only do so much with limited service. So we made the call, to rebook flights from Cusco, to Lima the next day (Nov 12) to give us as much time as possible. I had no intention of leaving my friends in country, & Since the US VP, and US VP of safety (My new boss) were flying into meet me for my 1st day. We did not have much wiggle room, and they had been very patient with me to get started there. Hiring me almost 2 months prior, but I gave my then current employer, 1 month notice, and they allowed me to burn vacation time. And “working remote” for my last day, in country. Some tight planning.
Restaurante Tunupa
https://tunuparestaurantes.com/
“Tunupa Valle Sagrado offers an immersive culinary experience in the heart of the Andes. It stands out for its fusion of traditional Peruvian, local and international dishes with a colonial-style decor. In addition, it organizes cultural events, such as live music and folkloric dances, creating a complete experience that celebrates the cultural and gastronomic richness of the region.”
Casa Elena, organized all this for us. So we had reservations, I asked the guide to come with us. He did not really want to, so I asked him again at the reservation desk. He said no, we sat down. I assured him, we wanted to treat him to lunch with us. Maybe lost in translation, I am not what I would call fluent.
I sent a txt to Elena asking if she could convince our driver to join us. About 20 mins later we saw him by the door and waved him in.
This is a fancy place, each table has two servers assigned to clear plates, get drinks, and they stand about10 ft from your table and wait. The girls assigned to ours were nice, friendly and we all had fun teasing one another. This is a buffet kind of place. Nice though, fancy, no idea the costs. Not somewhere any of us would have picked as a group. And it was an experience. It was one of the few places we saw no locals participating, which I kind of hate. Even places like Machu Picchu had locals, and prices specific for them that were lower. I believe it ended up being something like 60& usd/plate. But we paid separately for the tours and dinners, and laundry when we checked out of casa elena. So not sure, but no wonder he was nervous at first. The average monthly income in Peru is about 1500 soles, or 500$usd.
The girls assigned to our table, were astonished when I dragged our driver over and asked him to sit down, and that it was our treat. They thought it was so cool we included him. And seemed to enjoy my Spanish, giggling when I would ask for the correct way to say something. They know their job and were hustling and got a big tip and thanks from me. They also helped our driver feel comfortable. We appreciated all he has been doing. I later learned; this is unheard of. Which is stupid, I think.
He also had a great meal and said he had never been somewhere so fancy before. We all chatted about his family. And local history. He was slightly embarrassed and honored, but gracious.
We made it back to Cusco, to pack up, sleep and try to get to Lima the next day. I mean, surely a driver’s license ID will work to fly in country……( it was even a “real id”) …….
Cusco, Plaza at night. & and googles route we took that day
We continued to plan, for the passport situation. However can only do so much with limited service. So we made the call, to rebook flights from Cusco, to Lima the next day (Nov 12) to give us as much time as possible. I had no intention of leaving my friends in country, & Since the US VP, and US VP of safety (My new boss) were flying into meet me for my 1st day. We did not have much wiggle room, and they had been very patient with me to get started there. Hiring me almost 2 months prior, but I gave my then current employer, 1 month notice, and they allowed me to burn vacation time. And “working remote” for my last day, in country. Some tight planning.
Restaurante Tunupa
https://tunuparestaurantes.com/
“Tunupa Valle Sagrado offers an immersive culinary experience in the heart of the Andes. It stands out for its fusion of traditional Peruvian, local and international dishes with a colonial-style decor. In addition, it organizes cultural events, such as live music and folkloric dances, creating a complete experience that celebrates the cultural and gastronomic richness of the region.”
Casa Elena, organized all this for us. So we had reservations, I asked the guide to come with us. He did not really want to, so I asked him again at the reservation desk. He said no, we sat down. I assured him, we wanted to treat him to lunch with us. Maybe lost in translation, I am not what I would call fluent.
I sent a txt to Elena asking if she could convince our driver to join us. About 20 mins later we saw him by the door and waved him in.
This is a fancy place, each table has two servers assigned to clear plates, get drinks, and they stand about10 ft from your table and wait. The girls assigned to ours were nice, friendly and we all had fun teasing one another. This is a buffet kind of place. Nice though, fancy, no idea the costs. Not somewhere any of us would have picked as a group. And it was an experience. It was one of the few places we saw no locals participating, which I kind of hate. Even places like Machu Picchu had locals, and prices specific for them that were lower. I believe it ended up being something like 60& usd/plate. But we paid separately for the tours and dinners, and laundry when we checked out of casa elena. So not sure, but no wonder he was nervous at first. The average monthly income in Peru is about 1500 soles, or 500$usd.
The girls assigned to our table, were astonished when I dragged our driver over and asked him to sit down, and that it was our treat. They thought it was so cool we included him. And seemed to enjoy my Spanish, giggling when I would ask for the correct way to say something. They know their job and were hustling and got a big tip and thanks from me. They also helped our driver feel comfortable. We appreciated all he has been doing. I later learned; this is unheard of. Which is stupid, I think.
He also had a great meal and said he had never been somewhere so fancy before. We all chatted about his family. And local history. He was slightly embarrassed and honored, but gracious.
We made it back to Cusco, to pack up, sleep and try to get to Lima the next day. I mean, surely a driver’s license ID will work to fly in country……( it was even a “real id”) …….
Cusco, Plaza at night. & and googles route we took that day
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
Let’s take a minute to address the Moto’s we used. Honda CB 500X’s. They were fine, did what we asked. We were limited more by individual riders’ skills. OR at times when doing climbs or passing the lone 300 in our group struggled.
The company we rented from; I would recommend them.
https://cuscomototourperu.com/
I used a smaller tank bag, then the Patagonia trip. And went with my Giant Loop tank bag. Its been great, and is small, easy to remove or flip open for access into the fuel tank. They make a great product.
https://www.giantloopmoto.com/?gad_...e-qzqkGSDUqOplDU755FEnN5Ei977FahoC1UkQAvD_BwE
They are also a Bend Oregon company. And we tested a lot of their gear at Adventure Medics.
The backpack is an Osprey Volt 60L. (Now discontinued) And is the same one I used in Patagonia. And generally, abuse hard. Its held up very well. They also have a great Warranty program.
https://www.osprey.com/volt-65-volt...&color=Mamba+Black#color=Mamba Black&size=O/S
The Rok straps were new to me, but worked well enough. They were new to me, one of them started to wear through. Where it was strapped against my flipflop. I would use them again.
https://rokstraps.com/pages/rok-moto
I used the “cherryPic Junction EZ cruise” it’s a throttle lock, same one I use on my V strom. I just bought another, never used it the entire trip this time. A lot of convoy riding.
I also used a battery tender SAE, to USB adapter to charge a brick every time I was riding. And to charge my phone and tablet. As well as I could use the brick at night to charge other devices. I was expecting to not have outlets that I could use, it was hit or miss. I also had an adapter from another Lat Am trips I used for the 240/v plug.
Andi borrowed a Goal Zero Flip charge brick; it did not survive. The little flip out part broke easy. I had never used it before either, so don’t know if that’s to be expected or not. I have a kind of large but thin Goal Zero brick that looks like its copper. I have used it a long time, no complaints. I can’t seem to find the model number on their website. So assume its been discontinued.
Any questions on any part of the kit, I used. Or any other members from the group, let me know.
I find this system works very well. Noted though, we were not camping. So had no need to carry more than snacks, or sleeping bags, stoves,etc.
The company we rented from; I would recommend them.
https://cuscomototourperu.com/
I used a smaller tank bag, then the Patagonia trip. And went with my Giant Loop tank bag. Its been great, and is small, easy to remove or flip open for access into the fuel tank. They make a great product.
https://www.giantloopmoto.com/?gad_...e-qzqkGSDUqOplDU755FEnN5Ei977FahoC1UkQAvD_BwE
They are also a Bend Oregon company. And we tested a lot of their gear at Adventure Medics.
The backpack is an Osprey Volt 60L. (Now discontinued) And is the same one I used in Patagonia. And generally, abuse hard. Its held up very well. They also have a great Warranty program.
https://www.osprey.com/volt-65-volt...&color=Mamba+Black#color=Mamba Black&size=O/S
The Rok straps were new to me, but worked well enough. They were new to me, one of them started to wear through. Where it was strapped against my flipflop. I would use them again.
https://rokstraps.com/pages/rok-moto
I used the “cherryPic Junction EZ cruise” it’s a throttle lock, same one I use on my V strom. I just bought another, never used it the entire trip this time. A lot of convoy riding.
I also used a battery tender SAE, to USB adapter to charge a brick every time I was riding. And to charge my phone and tablet. As well as I could use the brick at night to charge other devices. I was expecting to not have outlets that I could use, it was hit or miss. I also had an adapter from another Lat Am trips I used for the 240/v plug.
Andi borrowed a Goal Zero Flip charge brick; it did not survive. The little flip out part broke easy. I had never used it before either, so don’t know if that’s to be expected or not. I have a kind of large but thin Goal Zero brick that looks like its copper. I have used it a long time, no complaints. I can’t seem to find the model number on their website. So assume its been discontinued.
Any questions on any part of the kit, I used. Or any other members from the group, let me know.
I find this system works very well. Noted though, we were not camping. So had no need to carry more than snacks, or sleeping bags, stoves,etc.
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
Notes*
Morning, 5am ish
Cusco Peru Nov 12 2024. Flight from Lima to US, Nov 13 @ Midnight.
Three of us would be leaving today, and the fourth would stay in Cusco another day. Everyone’s plans got a little buggered once a passport was lost.
We had an early flight from Cusco to Lima. The thought process being get into Lima ASAP, so we have as much time as possible to get a replacement passport. In this case, I did not book this flight. Elena booked them for us as she got better rates in country. All other flights, I booked for the group personally. So booked the earliest flight out.
A taxi called by Casa Elena (Should have used an uber, I had been booking Uber XL’s as we have a fair bit of kit with all 3 of us) met us out front bright and early, a very tiny taxi. It took some tetris as the poor driver looked worried when we carried out 6 large bags. After packing the luggage around all of us, as well as holding luggage on out laps we were good to go.
Traffic was not bad, we got to the airport in decent time. It was going to be sad leaving Cusco, it’s a pretty cool city. All of us had a lot on our minds. Once at the airport we started to unload all the kit. We shuffled toward the doors, and presented our tickets to the guards to get into the baggage check, and check in area.
We were planning on each checking 2 bags. The system does not like this, so you do the self check in. Then do the self bag check, after self tagging. Walk up to the self-bag counter, scan 1 bag. Greet light put on conveyor, scan bag 2. System errors out. Red flashing screen and alarm. Even we specified two bags checked each on the check in kiosk. We had this same issue on our way to Cusco from Lima, so knew what to expect.
After the red lights and alarms, a gate agent come over and walks up to the help counter. And there they confirm, re tag the second bag and place it on the conveyor. We do this for all 3 of us. And now at the help counter, they start the process to print our boarding passes.
We had discussed all 3 of us just using our state issued ID. They allowed this for 1 of us but not the other two. We explain ( all in my Spanish, and a mix of English) as more gate agents came over to help. That 1 passport was lost, we were only flying to Lima and that we are going to the Embassy to replace the lost one. They state
Gate Agent: , “ this cant be done, have to have passport.”
Me: “ Other tourists next to us are using state issued id”, and you let me do it why not the other person”
Gate Agent “ its not supposed to work like this, can not fly without a passport”
Me” “we cant get a replacement, until we get to the Embassy in Lima”
Gate agent: “ This is problem, do you have police report?”
Me “ no, the police said the only do reports for passports that were stolen not lost”
Gate agent, “if you have the embassy send us an email, saying you can fly. We will let board, but you cant board this flight. Will need to be a later one”
The Embassy is not even open yet, so we tell them we will wait. They put in a request for our checked bags to be retrieved. We go and find a seat and camp out. Its probably about 7am, and the Embassy opens at 8am.
8am, call the Embassy.
Embassy “ we don’t send emails anymore, its not secure. Try “x “ airline, I don’t think they check ID. But we are ¼ staff the next few days, so you need to have everything ready and be at the gate as soon as you can be. Once you get here we can help though, and maybe put a rush on it. Good luck”
We are sitting across from the airline “x” desk, They however don’t open until 10 am, and the websites are not that helpful.
Wait till 10am. We don’t want to leave the airport, or the check in area. As they wont let us back in, unless we have tickets.
10am, an agent goes and sits at airline “X” desk. Two of us head to the desk, as the third keeps an eye on the gear.
Me “ My friend lost their passport, and we have to get to Lima the Embassy is expecting us. Can my friend fly with the driver’s license, we can show you the copy of the stolen passport, and we both have ours”
Gate agent “ it depends, if my boss is not watching yes. If he is, hard to say. Sometimes yes sometimes no”
Me “ Does your boss normally show up at a specific time’?
Gate agent “ not anymore, could be anytime now, but I think I know something. Waves over another agent”
Second gate agent “ I see, yes that is a problem. But, with a police report you can fly. Will be ok”
Me” The police said they only do a report for one that was stolen”
Agent two “with a report, we can let you in and fly, but only way. There is a police station in the airport go talk to them”
Primary Spanish with some English mixed in.
Two of us head back to the bench we had claimed and look up where the police station is.
LatAm agent walks over to us, and has someone deliver our bags. Asks how its going,
We explain the Embassy said they don’t do emails anymore. She replies “ They sent us one yesterday)”
- For story continuity, I don’t remember exact times for the following flight saga. Twas a long day, I do remember we were at the airport a few hours before the consulate or embassy were open.
- These next few sections will be wordy with no pictures.
- I know my wording on persons on the trip with me is ambiguous, this is by design. But may make some of the narration a little clunky.
Morning, 5am ish
Cusco Peru Nov 12 2024. Flight from Lima to US, Nov 13 @ Midnight.
Three of us would be leaving today, and the fourth would stay in Cusco another day. Everyone’s plans got a little buggered once a passport was lost.
We had an early flight from Cusco to Lima. The thought process being get into Lima ASAP, so we have as much time as possible to get a replacement passport. In this case, I did not book this flight. Elena booked them for us as she got better rates in country. All other flights, I booked for the group personally. So booked the earliest flight out.
A taxi called by Casa Elena (Should have used an uber, I had been booking Uber XL’s as we have a fair bit of kit with all 3 of us) met us out front bright and early, a very tiny taxi. It took some tetris as the poor driver looked worried when we carried out 6 large bags. After packing the luggage around all of us, as well as holding luggage on out laps we were good to go.
Traffic was not bad, we got to the airport in decent time. It was going to be sad leaving Cusco, it’s a pretty cool city. All of us had a lot on our minds. Once at the airport we started to unload all the kit. We shuffled toward the doors, and presented our tickets to the guards to get into the baggage check, and check in area.
We were planning on each checking 2 bags. The system does not like this, so you do the self check in. Then do the self bag check, after self tagging. Walk up to the self-bag counter, scan 1 bag. Greet light put on conveyor, scan bag 2. System errors out. Red flashing screen and alarm. Even we specified two bags checked each on the check in kiosk. We had this same issue on our way to Cusco from Lima, so knew what to expect.
After the red lights and alarms, a gate agent come over and walks up to the help counter. And there they confirm, re tag the second bag and place it on the conveyor. We do this for all 3 of us. And now at the help counter, they start the process to print our boarding passes.
We had discussed all 3 of us just using our state issued ID. They allowed this for 1 of us but not the other two. We explain ( all in my Spanish, and a mix of English) as more gate agents came over to help. That 1 passport was lost, we were only flying to Lima and that we are going to the Embassy to replace the lost one. They state
Gate Agent: , “ this cant be done, have to have passport.”
Me: “ Other tourists next to us are using state issued id”, and you let me do it why not the other person”
Gate Agent “ its not supposed to work like this, can not fly without a passport”
Me” “we cant get a replacement, until we get to the Embassy in Lima”
Gate agent: “ This is problem, do you have police report?”
Me “ no, the police said the only do reports for passports that were stolen not lost”
Gate agent, “if you have the embassy send us an email, saying you can fly. We will let board, but you cant board this flight. Will need to be a later one”
The Embassy is not even open yet, so we tell them we will wait. They put in a request for our checked bags to be retrieved. We go and find a seat and camp out. Its probably about 7am, and the Embassy opens at 8am.
8am, call the Embassy.
Embassy “ we don’t send emails anymore, its not secure. Try “x “ airline, I don’t think they check ID. But we are ¼ staff the next few days, so you need to have everything ready and be at the gate as soon as you can be. Once you get here we can help though, and maybe put a rush on it. Good luck”
We are sitting across from the airline “x” desk, They however don’t open until 10 am, and the websites are not that helpful.
Wait till 10am. We don’t want to leave the airport, or the check in area. As they wont let us back in, unless we have tickets.
10am, an agent goes and sits at airline “X” desk. Two of us head to the desk, as the third keeps an eye on the gear.
Me “ My friend lost their passport, and we have to get to Lima the Embassy is expecting us. Can my friend fly with the driver’s license, we can show you the copy of the stolen passport, and we both have ours”
Gate agent “ it depends, if my boss is not watching yes. If he is, hard to say. Sometimes yes sometimes no”
Me “ Does your boss normally show up at a specific time’?
Gate agent “ not anymore, could be anytime now, but I think I know something. Waves over another agent”
Second gate agent “ I see, yes that is a problem. But, with a police report you can fly. Will be ok”
Me” The police said they only do a report for one that was stolen”
Agent two “with a report, we can let you in and fly, but only way. There is a police station in the airport go talk to them”
Primary Spanish with some English mixed in.
Two of us head back to the bench we had claimed and look up where the police station is.
LatAm agent walks over to us, and has someone deliver our bags. Asks how its going,
We explain the Embassy said they don’t do emails anymore. She replies “ They sent us one yesterday)”
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
Maybe now 10:30 ish
Also,
we had investigated a bus ride. Would take a very long time and could get us to Lima but not in time.
Private charter flight, not available. Or upwards of 15k. I am sure, there was a private pilot somewhere in Cusco that could do it, but I was unable to find anything at the moment.
Renting a car, will be about 2 days.
So Bus, and/or renting a car were our back up options if we could not get all of us on a flight today. And pushing our out of country flights 1-2 days as a last resort.
I look up that there is a Police station, (red arrow) that almost shares a parking lot with the Cusco airport. I thought I remembered there being a security fence along the parking lot.
I was asked to take the persons who lost their passport, and myself. As I have the best Spanish of group. + I don’t mind. To find the police station, explain our situation, and see what we can do. The third person stays with our pile of gear and claimed bench. (we weren’t leaving that bench/our gear without a watcher , it was in a nice little alcove, and had some fake trees around it.)
Yall know how hard it can be to find prime seating in an airport?
We start walking out the door, I make sure to talk to the door guard, say hello, be nice, ask how he is. (really, I just wanted to make sure he remembered us, so he would hopefully* let us back in with out tickets later)
There is a security fence, but it has a few gates open...that lead right onto the runway, aircraft maintance as well as the lot that is shared with the airport..... so, lets wander through that way.
Cant really tell from the picture, but the police station has an outer fence around it, with an inner courtyard, and small buildings around the outside. Cool design common architecture of the area. We get about 10 feet from the steel bar gate at the front, and are asked to stop by a young officer.
In not great Spanish, “ I say my friend passport is no more, and we don’t know where it is…. Kind of” I could have done slightly better Spanish the this, but it gets the point across, + they all speak slowly to me when they reply. And keep the conversation pretty easy.
Something like “ Mi amigo no mas el passaporte” Donde , no say”
The officer, says with a very serious face “ No bueno” and motions for us to follow him.
He gets to the big gate, takes out a key the size of a small dog. Open it, and motions for us to go inside the courtyard. HE then closes the gate behind us and locks it.
Inside, there are four napping dogs, not a one of them even opened an eye. 2 jail cells, one with a dog in it. I really, really wanted to take pictures of this but thought better of it. I habe no idea what the dog did to be in jail, but the door was closed and he was sleeping on the cot.
We stood out there for about 20 mins, with various officers peaking from around doors to look at us. Then duck back inside.
We just kept smiling and saying Hola.
Eventually someone important gets there, and we are asked to follow them through the little building and into a office. Now the entire police force is following us and chatting back and forth with much excitement. But they all seem happy, so not worried.
Luckly, police forms all over the world pretty much all want the same info. SO a lot of it I had pre typed, and was able to speak clearly with, or show them on my phone. I am the only one answering these questions.
And about 20 mins in, the other persons with me, makes a joke about dumb gringos in almost perfect Spanish.
We all turn and look at him…….as I try to think of how to say “they only know how to say that in Spanish” As a vison of this entire thing going south very fast flashed before my eyes.
Here we are, filing a false, ish police report. Since it was not stollen, it was lost. And we needed these wonderful officers to go for this entire thing. As it was it was “stolen between espinar and Cusco” But we have no idea who “stole” it, or where it was stolen.
Then everyone started laughing, and away we went back to the paperwork, Spanglish, and acting out specific words. There are still the entire police station in here with us, and they are all trying to help. Finally, the boss, smiles and hits print. And we all smile and stare at one another.
Also, some very beautiful lady cops in this station…..maybe another time.
A few mins later, someone comes in with a form. Now the room get very serious, as the boss pulls out 8 different stamps. Really 8 different stamps, some looked real and important, some looked like dinosaurs. And proceeds to stamp and sign under all of them.
Then he looks me straight in the eye, and says many things in Spanish I do not catch. I say
“ Lo siento, No entendo” Im sorry I dont understand”
I clarified, what about immigration, and need more?
Another officer does the almost exact same speech,
Me “ Look confused”
Officer pulls out his phone and types up. That this form may not work, we may need to get it certified by immigration in the airport immigration office, but it depends on what airline. And who is working that day.
After asking a few more questions I understand, and we thank everyone for their time and wish them all a great day,
Back through the office, as everyone waves at us.
Back through the sleeping dogs,
Back past the sleeping dog in jail- this time he was watching us though.
To the gate, where the officer outside again gets the key the size of a small dog. Opens the gate and releases us back into the wild.
Also,
we had investigated a bus ride. Would take a very long time and could get us to Lima but not in time.
Private charter flight, not available. Or upwards of 15k. I am sure, there was a private pilot somewhere in Cusco that could do it, but I was unable to find anything at the moment.
Renting a car, will be about 2 days.
So Bus, and/or renting a car were our back up options if we could not get all of us on a flight today. And pushing our out of country flights 1-2 days as a last resort.
I look up that there is a Police station, (red arrow) that almost shares a parking lot with the Cusco airport. I thought I remembered there being a security fence along the parking lot.
I was asked to take the persons who lost their passport, and myself. As I have the best Spanish of group. + I don’t mind. To find the police station, explain our situation, and see what we can do. The third person stays with our pile of gear and claimed bench. (we weren’t leaving that bench/our gear without a watcher , it was in a nice little alcove, and had some fake trees around it.)
Yall know how hard it can be to find prime seating in an airport?
We start walking out the door, I make sure to talk to the door guard, say hello, be nice, ask how he is. (really, I just wanted to make sure he remembered us, so he would hopefully* let us back in with out tickets later)
There is a security fence, but it has a few gates open...that lead right onto the runway, aircraft maintance as well as the lot that is shared with the airport..... so, lets wander through that way.
Cant really tell from the picture, but the police station has an outer fence around it, with an inner courtyard, and small buildings around the outside. Cool design common architecture of the area. We get about 10 feet from the steel bar gate at the front, and are asked to stop by a young officer.
In not great Spanish, “ I say my friend passport is no more, and we don’t know where it is…. Kind of” I could have done slightly better Spanish the this, but it gets the point across, + they all speak slowly to me when they reply. And keep the conversation pretty easy.
Something like “ Mi amigo no mas el passaporte” Donde , no say”
The officer, says with a very serious face “ No bueno” and motions for us to follow him.
He gets to the big gate, takes out a key the size of a small dog. Open it, and motions for us to go inside the courtyard. HE then closes the gate behind us and locks it.
Inside, there are four napping dogs, not a one of them even opened an eye. 2 jail cells, one with a dog in it. I really, really wanted to take pictures of this but thought better of it. I habe no idea what the dog did to be in jail, but the door was closed and he was sleeping on the cot.
We stood out there for about 20 mins, with various officers peaking from around doors to look at us. Then duck back inside.
We just kept smiling and saying Hola.
Eventually someone important gets there, and we are asked to follow them through the little building and into a office. Now the entire police force is following us and chatting back and forth with much excitement. But they all seem happy, so not worried.
Luckly, police forms all over the world pretty much all want the same info. SO a lot of it I had pre typed, and was able to speak clearly with, or show them on my phone. I am the only one answering these questions.
And about 20 mins in, the other persons with me, makes a joke about dumb gringos in almost perfect Spanish.
We all turn and look at him…….as I try to think of how to say “they only know how to say that in Spanish” As a vison of this entire thing going south very fast flashed before my eyes.
Here we are, filing a false, ish police report. Since it was not stollen, it was lost. And we needed these wonderful officers to go for this entire thing. As it was it was “stolen between espinar and Cusco” But we have no idea who “stole” it, or where it was stolen.
Then everyone started laughing, and away we went back to the paperwork, Spanglish, and acting out specific words. There are still the entire police station in here with us, and they are all trying to help. Finally, the boss, smiles and hits print. And we all smile and stare at one another.
Also, some very beautiful lady cops in this station…..maybe another time.
A few mins later, someone comes in with a form. Now the room get very serious, as the boss pulls out 8 different stamps. Really 8 different stamps, some looked real and important, some looked like dinosaurs. And proceeds to stamp and sign under all of them.
Then he looks me straight in the eye, and says many things in Spanish I do not catch. I say
“ Lo siento, No entendo” Im sorry I dont understand”
I clarified, what about immigration, and need more?
Another officer does the almost exact same speech,
Me “ Look confused”
Officer pulls out his phone and types up. That this form may not work, we may need to get it certified by immigration in the airport immigration office, but it depends on what airline. And who is working that day.
After asking a few more questions I understand, and we thank everyone for their time and wish them all a great day,
Back through the office, as everyone waves at us.
Back through the sleeping dogs,
Back past the sleeping dog in jail- this time he was watching us though.
To the gate, where the officer outside again gets the key the size of a small dog. Opens the gate and releases us back into the wild.
Last edited:
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
11:30ish
Cusco Peru Nov 12, 2024. Flight from Lima to US, Nov 13 @ Midnight.
We walked away from the police station, with a much-needed feeling of a win. And no shortage of trepidation.
Would this work?
Can we get back into the airport?
Can the Embassy rush things?
Why are they running short staffed?
Where can we get everything printed, and pictures, and are we missing paperwork?
To name just a few questions.
We joked about guarding that single piece of paperwork with our lives. About making it into a necklace and keeping it on our persons. And how many stamps were realy needed, were they messing with us?
As we stepped back through the security fence, nothing happened. We stood in line outside the terminal and watched as everyone in front of us showed their tickets or did not. Those with them, went in; those with no tickets, OR flights that were more than 3 hours away were not allowed to pass. When we were up, we smiled and said Hola, and were waved in. Whew, ill take it.
Smiles all around as all three of us met up at our bench alcove and gear pile. Two of us, headed back up to the desk of Airline “x”.
Me “ we have the paper and would like to get three tickets and fly into Lima as soon as possible”
Gate agent “ what’s your flight number for check in?”
Me “ We don’t have one, can we get 3 tickets to Lima”
Gate agent “ we don’t sell tickets here”
To be fair, you probably can’t buy tickets at the counter anymore in the states either. I haven’t tried.
I wave the third member of our group up and purchase three tickets from their website on my phone. I notice, that on the website you can select what type of ID, so I check “driver’s license/state issued ID” , For all three of us and put in the respective numbers.
15 mins later. Flights to Lima purchased for 16:00.
Me “here, are the ticket numbers”
Gate agent “Passports please,”
Me “here are our ID’s, and the form from the police, and a photocopy of the lost passport, as well”
Gate agent Looks confused, calls over the other agents ( We made sure to stand in the line, with the gate agent we had been dealing with). Then says “ ok,” keys in some info, hands us our passes.
They collect our checked bags and sends us all on our way.
We all work our way through the airport and bid goodbye to our bench. That has now been claimed. We get through TSA with fuss, with just handing the TSA folks our state issued ID’s.
And now we, wait some more.
I book a VRBO close to the Embassy in Lima. It was the 1st headline on the listing, so this must happen enough.
And we continue to fill out the online PDF forms, all the same forms and requirements as an initial passport application. As well as pull open maps on my phone, and check the route, and area between our VRBO and the Embassy. We will not make it to the Embassy today, so try to pre prep as much as possible. And our 4th member who was not continuing with us. Was also checking up and working things from their end still at casa Elena and had made a few phone calls to the Embassy as well.
We are all tired and hungry. Grabbing some empanadas from a kiosk inside the airport secure area. And settle in some chairs along the wall.
Eventually 16:00 rolls around and we all board.
It was bittersweet saying bye to Cusco out the window. And, all knowing our trip and time together was soon ending. IF, we could even get out of the country. But it could always be worse, and we had the tools to work the problems one at a time.
45ish minute flight I think, it was uneventful. Landed in Lima, and back at that very crazy and busy airport. No Ubers allowed to pick up, so we grabbed a driver from the curb. Or he to say grabbed us. And helped shuck all our gear to his car. The Embassy is in a fancy part of Lima and was about an hour of drive time through traffic, until we got to our VRBO.
Unload everything, drag it all into the building. I was a little worried about this, as after I booked it. The confirmation email said to give them 24 hours’ notice, so they could get our info to the security at the front desk. And obviously this was not able to happen, and I had not heard from anyone.
I knocked on the glass door and waved to the gal behind the desk. She buzzed me in and recognized me name when I explained who I was, and why I was there. Handed me keys and we all headed up to the room.
Probably about 1600 now.
Two of us went downstairs to find some bottled water, from a market close by. After delivering it to our apartment we all went back downstairs and walked directly into a chilly’s right across the street. Oddly enough, none of us had been to one before. It was not bad, but mainly was close, and we were all starving. The server was nervous around us. And kept trying to switch between English, and Spanish. I let her know Spanish was ok, and that helped a bit. But it was all a bit clunky.
After eating, I wanted to do a route check between our apartment and the Embassy. (I am taking no chances, and I have this habit. Its always treated me well, I even do it 1st thing when I get to airports between gates) so we walk through the malls, stores, and streets. Locating banks, ATM’s, and looking for places to print, and get Picture ID; s. We ask a few roving security guards, as the ones on the map are no longer there. They point us in a different direction and away we go.
Apartment red x. Embassy labeled,
This was obviously, the fancier, diplomat, American, well to do family part of town. As there were also Coach, and many designer stores in the mall between us and the street over. Polo and Hunt club, and a private school with very tight security.
We walk to the front of the Embassy and pass multiple places on the frontage road that advertise passport forms and pictures. Score!
We have a plan.
We take a little longer to get to know the area, and all head up to bed. With the plans of being at the gate, with all we need when they open at 8.
Cusco Peru Nov 12, 2024. Flight from Lima to US, Nov 13 @ Midnight.
We walked away from the police station, with a much-needed feeling of a win. And no shortage of trepidation.
Would this work?
Can we get back into the airport?
Can the Embassy rush things?
Why are they running short staffed?
Where can we get everything printed, and pictures, and are we missing paperwork?
To name just a few questions.
We joked about guarding that single piece of paperwork with our lives. About making it into a necklace and keeping it on our persons. And how many stamps were realy needed, were they messing with us?
As we stepped back through the security fence, nothing happened. We stood in line outside the terminal and watched as everyone in front of us showed their tickets or did not. Those with them, went in; those with no tickets, OR flights that were more than 3 hours away were not allowed to pass. When we were up, we smiled and said Hola, and were waved in. Whew, ill take it.
Smiles all around as all three of us met up at our bench alcove and gear pile. Two of us, headed back up to the desk of Airline “x”.
Me “ we have the paper and would like to get three tickets and fly into Lima as soon as possible”
Gate agent “ what’s your flight number for check in?”
Me “ We don’t have one, can we get 3 tickets to Lima”
Gate agent “ we don’t sell tickets here”
To be fair, you probably can’t buy tickets at the counter anymore in the states either. I haven’t tried.
I wave the third member of our group up and purchase three tickets from their website on my phone. I notice, that on the website you can select what type of ID, so I check “driver’s license/state issued ID” , For all three of us and put in the respective numbers.
15 mins later. Flights to Lima purchased for 16:00.
Me “here, are the ticket numbers”
Gate agent “Passports please,”
Me “here are our ID’s, and the form from the police, and a photocopy of the lost passport, as well”
Gate agent Looks confused, calls over the other agents ( We made sure to stand in the line, with the gate agent we had been dealing with). Then says “ ok,” keys in some info, hands us our passes.
They collect our checked bags and sends us all on our way.
We all work our way through the airport and bid goodbye to our bench. That has now been claimed. We get through TSA with fuss, with just handing the TSA folks our state issued ID’s.
And now we, wait some more.
I book a VRBO close to the Embassy in Lima. It was the 1st headline on the listing, so this must happen enough.
And we continue to fill out the online PDF forms, all the same forms and requirements as an initial passport application. As well as pull open maps on my phone, and check the route, and area between our VRBO and the Embassy. We will not make it to the Embassy today, so try to pre prep as much as possible. And our 4th member who was not continuing with us. Was also checking up and working things from their end still at casa Elena and had made a few phone calls to the Embassy as well.
We are all tired and hungry. Grabbing some empanadas from a kiosk inside the airport secure area. And settle in some chairs along the wall.
Eventually 16:00 rolls around and we all board.
It was bittersweet saying bye to Cusco out the window. And, all knowing our trip and time together was soon ending. IF, we could even get out of the country. But it could always be worse, and we had the tools to work the problems one at a time.
45ish minute flight I think, it was uneventful. Landed in Lima, and back at that very crazy and busy airport. No Ubers allowed to pick up, so we grabbed a driver from the curb. Or he to say grabbed us. And helped shuck all our gear to his car. The Embassy is in a fancy part of Lima and was about an hour of drive time through traffic, until we got to our VRBO.
Unload everything, drag it all into the building. I was a little worried about this, as after I booked it. The confirmation email said to give them 24 hours’ notice, so they could get our info to the security at the front desk. And obviously this was not able to happen, and I had not heard from anyone.
I knocked on the glass door and waved to the gal behind the desk. She buzzed me in and recognized me name when I explained who I was, and why I was there. Handed me keys and we all headed up to the room.
Probably about 1600 now.
Two of us went downstairs to find some bottled water, from a market close by. After delivering it to our apartment we all went back downstairs and walked directly into a chilly’s right across the street. Oddly enough, none of us had been to one before. It was not bad, but mainly was close, and we were all starving. The server was nervous around us. And kept trying to switch between English, and Spanish. I let her know Spanish was ok, and that helped a bit. But it was all a bit clunky.
After eating, I wanted to do a route check between our apartment and the Embassy. (I am taking no chances, and I have this habit. Its always treated me well, I even do it 1st thing when I get to airports between gates) so we walk through the malls, stores, and streets. Locating banks, ATM’s, and looking for places to print, and get Picture ID; s. We ask a few roving security guards, as the ones on the map are no longer there. They point us in a different direction and away we go.
Apartment red x. Embassy labeled,
This was obviously, the fancier, diplomat, American, well to do family part of town. As there were also Coach, and many designer stores in the mall between us and the street over. Polo and Hunt club, and a private school with very tight security.
We walk to the front of the Embassy and pass multiple places on the frontage road that advertise passport forms and pictures. Score!
We have a plan.
We take a little longer to get to know the area, and all head up to bed. With the plans of being at the gate, with all we need when they open at 8.
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