Another very early rising this morning. They took us to the airport at 6:20 A.M. so we could catch the 8:30 flight. Yet, the day did not start well. When we got to our gate, we were informed the plane would be delayed because of technical difficulties.
We had to wait, and then they switched us to a different gate. Two hours later, it looked like we were going to take off at 10:30. Everything was going well until we were over Cusco. The captain told us we could not land due to strong air currents. So, we had to circle the city until given the green light or until the fuel got to the point when we would have to return.
In the end, we had to return to Lima. Ugh! To be so close to Cusco but not be able to land. A lot of people complained when we got back because they had planned tours and reserved hotels in the city. They told us our flight would be ready tomorrow at 12:20 A.M. We were able to get LAN to put us up in a hotel for the night
Not all was lost though; we made lemonade from the lemons we were given. We stayed at the airport hotel with plenty of other people stuck in the same situation as us and so made plenty of friends that way. We also took advantage of being in Lima to go out that evening to downtown and to the famous Parque de la Reserva, where they have built incredible fountains. We took in a dinner and show of Peruvian food and folklore music and dances.
It was truly fantastic. The colorful outfits, the Andean music, the delicious food. I recommend the aji de gallina. Too good for words. There were a ton of others that I can’t remember their names. Back at the hotel since tomorrow we have to get up very early to try and reach Cusco again. The legend will continue.
Our thanks to PromPeru for all their help during the flight problems.
