Tuesday, 8/25

Well, after yesterday, anything would feel a bit anti-climatic. However, it really was a lovely relaxing day. We were catching the train about 10:30 and heading back to Cusco. But with all that time, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and even had time for devotions together and a prayer time for people close to our hearts. With just 4 of us now, we have become this tight little group, sharing stories, laughing a great deal, surviving the climb to the Sun Gate, shopping, and reveling in this shared experience. Blessings all mine . . .
We had some time after breakfast so poked around this charming although touristy little town. A couple more “necessities” were found and then back to the hotel to collect our bags and check out. We made our way to the train station with only one missed turn and soon boarded and were on our way. Lovely cushy seats, snacks again, the incredible mountains and river. This time we had a clown type guy come dancing through the car and he grabbed a couple of women to dance with him – Kathy was one of them! She was a great sport.
A little later a couple of the attendants gave us a fashion show of beautiful (and very expensive!) local clothing. Fun to see so the trip passed too quickly. Have I mentioned that I love trains?!
We got off about half way to Cusco as this is the end of the route and were met with a van for the rest of the trip. I think we were all on overload at this point so we each found a spot in the van and barely said a word the entire way. Some of us dozed or read or just unwound.
We made good time and arrived back in Cusco about 2:30. Back to the same darling hotel where we were reunited with our left luggage. The staff had already put them in our rooms! Such service. Even some shopping items we had gotten at tha

t wonderful market with Wilfredo had been delivered for us. The service and care for us has just been excellent, excepting Uber! But that is mainly funny now.
After reorganizing a bit, we headed out on the town! Alice was on a quest to find this chocolate shop her sister had told her about. On this small, charming square with fountain in the middle, the chocolate shop appeared. It met all expectations and we had fun sampling and buying.
After a little more poking around, I decided to head back to the hotel for some down time but the rest continued the quest for a yarn shop Kathy had heard about. Another success.
Time for dinner! A restaurant just around a corner of the square had been recommended so we headed there. It had an Italian flavor but with Peruvian overtones – local meats and so. Guinea pig appears on some of the menus we’ve seen and it is always the most expensive dish on the menu! It is really considered a delicacy here and usually saved for celebratory dinners. None of us ordered it!
Back to our dinner – it was such a nice place with a very relaxed pace and great service. I ordered mushroom risotto – absolutely delicious comfort food! We talked at length and left a bit reluctantly as this was our last official evening meal. We may have supper in the Lima airport but one never knows how things will go.
Back to the hotel and begin the big job of sorting suitcases and getting everything in. Luckily my small suitcase had been full of things to leave here so I had plenty of room. It didn’t take as long as expected – lots of practice! and Sandy and I were in bed in good time. Last comfortable sleep for two days.
Tomorrow we have much of the day to wander Cusco at will until we leave for the airport at 5. Looking forward to the fun of this last day in this wonderful place with these dear women.