We were up bright and early and headed for the 
Andean Explorer Train 
from 
Cusco to Puno near Lake Titicaca. The train ride was anything but boring. The scenery was ever changing and then there was food and entertainment.
The first section of the trip was leaving Cusco, the busy city center gradually gave way to the suburbs and eventually the countryside.
The first major region was around the community
of CiCuani. 
Mid morning there was entertainment in the form of a fashion show - women only (very sexist), 
musicians 
and a dancer
in the bar/observation car.
From here we climbed steadily to the highest point at La Raya at 4319 Metres above sea level.
Here we were allowed a 15 minute escape from the train to experience the rarefied air, take a few pictures
and be accosted by a multitude of local merchants selling much of the same items, but a few different items like these Alpaca hats and slippers.
We saw herds of Alpacas for the first time.
Then back on the train for a delightful lunch which was served with precision and coordination.
That, however does take time, so the food though delicious was a bit cool.
Next major centre was Ayouiri
which we sped through with great ease. By now it was time for more entertainment
in which a few of our fun loving Canadians got involved.
Thanks to Joanne and Alan for pictures.
Next major point was Juliaca, the introduction to which was very interesting as the train seemed to run into something. Not surprising as on both sides of the tracks were huge junk yards. As we progressed through the town, we ran over good that were placed between the rails.
As we passed, the merchants returned to their products and continued their activities.
After Juliaca the land changes again and we were into a very flat valley with mountains in the distance on both sides. During this time we were served a delightful afternoon tea with snacks and the crumbliest shortbread this writer has every encountered.
Then we were onto the last one hour into Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca
Not really ready for another big meal.
Andean Explorer Train 
from 
Cusco to Puno near Lake Titicaca. The train ride was anything but boring. The scenery was ever changing and then there was food and entertainment.The first section of the trip was leaving Cusco, the busy city center gradually gave way to the suburbs and eventually the countryside.
The first major region was around the community
of CiCuani. 
Mid morning there was entertainment in the form of a fashion show - women only (very sexist), 
musicians 
and a dancer
in the bar/observation car.From here we climbed steadily to the highest point at La Raya at 4319 Metres above sea level.
Here we were allowed a 15 minute escape from the train to experience the rarefied air, take a few pictures
and be accosted by a multitude of local merchants selling much of the same items, but a few different items like these Alpaca hats and slippers.
We saw herds of Alpacas for the first time.
Then back on the train for a delightful lunch which was served with precision and coordination.
That, however does take time, so the food though delicious was a bit cool.
Next major centre was Ayouiri
which we sped through with great ease. By now it was time for more entertainment
in which a few of our fun loving Canadians got involved.
Thanks to Joanne and Alan for pictures.Next major point was Juliaca, the introduction to which was very interesting as the train seemed to run into something. Not surprising as on both sides of the tracks were huge junk yards. As we progressed through the town, we ran over good that were placed between the rails.
As we passed, the merchants returned to their products and continued their activities.
After Juliaca the land changes again and we were into a very flat valley with mountains in the distance on both sides. During this time we were served a delightful afternoon tea with snacks and the crumbliest shortbread this writer has every encountered.
Then we were onto the last one hour into Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca
Not really ready for another big meal.
1 comments:
Hey Barb, Hope all is well.
i was wondering if you could please pass on a message to my mom (Pat) for me? I want to know whether to come and pick her up from the airport, or whether i need to come and pick her her up from your place after you all get back from the trip on the 22nd of novemeber. Can't remeber if she said that she would be taking the limo back to your place of not??? Anyway Hope everyone is having a great time!!!!!!!!
Thanks Trevor Thomas
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