traveltales: A WELL DESERVED MASSAGE

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

A WELL DESERVED MASSAGE

Return from Machu Picchu Trek.

From Agua Calientes we took a train for the hour and a half ride to Ollantaytambo, where we disembarked and picked up a bus back to Cuzco, arriving at the hotel at 9:30 PM. While my son retrieved our luggage left behind, I jumped in the shower. That hot water felt so good and after four long hard days it seemed as if I were also shedding lots of dirt and grime. I was in bed and sound asleep before he got out of the shower. Like hibernating bears, we both slept soundly.

This was during 9/11 and since we were on the trail we did not hear about the attack for three days. The next morning in Cusco we went down to breakfast and turned the TV to the BBC to get the latest news about the terrorist attack on NYC.

I finally made it

One of the young gals on the trip had spoken to our guide about finding a masseuse, and when returning from a trip to the plaza we learned that one would be at the hotel at 3:00 PM. I was the first, followed by my son, and then she moved on to the girls’ room. It was a well spent $25 for the hour-long massage. She really got after those sore calf and thigh muscles. My daypack hadn’t bothered my shoulders much, but she tackled them anyway. I almost felt like a new woman when she had finished getting all the knots out of my body.

That evening as we crossed the Plaza to our street, we saw about 30 riot police on the corner of our street and the plaza. We speculated they must be expecting some trouble with the celebration that was going on.

The following night at 2:00AM we were awakened with sirens blaring shattering the stillness of the night. My son got up, and went outside to see what he could learn. The hotel, located on a hill, provided a good view of the city below. Seeing nothing, he returned to the room to get dressed and go to the lobby to see what the TV might be saying. Knowing the Andes are unstable and prone to earthquakes, he was visibly upset. Then at 5:00 AM the church bells rang, but not normally. They rang and rang and rang. Was that some sort of a warning?

With daylight and never having found out what was going on, we were packed and ready to move north to Puno and Lake Titicaca.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.