Back in Cuzco again but only for a day. I am going to Nazca to see the lines. I spent the past two days in an unbeliavably cold village, which specializes in sunrise and e summer feast in honour of the Virgin Mary, of course. The two Californians, Luke and Dave, and me went to see the sunrise only, the fiesta will be next week. We were practically the only tourists there and although the 3000-odd person village was buzzing with excitement in anticipation of the feast, it became quickly evident that most tourist establishments only open for that and most touris perks (such as hot water) are likewise only available in that 5-day period.

Every time there is the opportunity to watch a sunrise I am pretty sceptical, because based on my cost-benefit analysis most of the time it is not worth the hassle. This one though was definitely worth it even if we had to get up at 1.30 a.m. to get to the place in time. It is difficult to describe, but for some reason you can see all sorts of unusual lights and colours as the sun gets up over a valley that is already in the Amazon region. And though I was convinced that this will be the only day when the sun will not fully appear above the clouds, the satisfaction was double when it finally did.

So now I splashed out on a private bathroom with hot water, which I am looking forward to. I will also have to find new friends again, as my Amrican friends are doing the Inca trail next. It was very comfortable to travel with them, because they are both educated, worldly, well-travelled and well-mannered middle-class guys, so it is easy to get along. Familiarity has its advantages. They also happen to be quite interesting, which is an added benefit...