Saturday, Sept. 6, 2003 - 3:14 p.m.
A Ticket to Puno
I took it easy the next day, mostly just ran errands, like returning the rented backpack and checking e-mail. I knew the ozzies were staying in town a little longer and thought about hanging with them. But time is ticking by, each day I'm spending money on food and lodging. I decided it was time to continue on and bought a ticket to Puno for the next day. Here is where my journey would become solo, at least starting out. I hoped to meet up with other travelers in Boliva and maybe even reunite with the ozzies in about a week.
That afternoon I went to the market with the guys and bought some more CD's of Latin music. I bought too many that I now have to carry for the remainder of my travelers, but it's all so good and so cheap! I couldn't resist.
Soon it was time to say goodbye to Ross and James, their bus left Cusco at 6pm. It's been exactly a month since I met them on the bus out of Cuenca and asked them if I could cross the border with them. We didn't know at that time I would be joining them the entire Peru-segment of their round-the-world journey. I was sad to see them go. Hugs and well wishes and then they were gone. They are headed to Mexico next, then up to N. America, the West coast from LA to Vancouver BC, Toronto, NYC and back to England. I've given them a mile long list of places for them to visit during their brief 4 day visit to Seattle. That eve had dinner with Trent and Paul (who's leaving for Huaraz tomorrow, a 24 hr busride).
Soon I was trundling along on a bus out of Cusco headed for Puno. Felt nervous and out of place, all by myself. But it helped that I've been to Puno before and knew what to expect. I noticed I was one of only a few gringos on the bus, the rest were all locals. As we drove through the golden hills and mountains I had a lot of time to think. I thought about my family and friends and how much I miss them. I thought about how much I'm looking forward to returning home to Seattle. I thought about the reverse culture shock I inevitably will experience. I thought about having to get a job once I return home and what my prospects are in the employment field. I thought about the excitement, adventure and fear of traveling alone. I keep telling myself I'll meet other people I can travel with. Maybe on the bus into Boliva. Maybe in Copacabana and if not that, then definately in La Paz.
