Cusco to Rio

The trip back to Cusco from Machupicchu was a four hour train ride. Bob and I were seated with two young buddies from Texas. One was originally from Germany and the other from Peru. They were bright and clever and the time flew. Reinhardt told us stories of his business of transporting very large objects all over the world. He was responsible for shipping two rail cars that Vancouver leased from Bruge, Belgium, for the winter olympics. Yes, he said it was incredibly expensive for Canada and his company and they are hoping there will be further business out of it. He is a hockey fan and said that his dream would be to get tickets to watch the Canadian Olympic hockey team play and win in Vancouver. No kidding!!!

We had great conversations about everything from Seinfeld to Peru and it's people. Great guys!

The Peruvian rail line provided a fashion show of gorgeous alpaca clothing as well as a performance by a character that could only be described as resembling a Newfie Mummer. Entertainment on the train.....cute idea!

We returned to the beautiful Cusco Novotel and the next morning, flew back to Lima, then on to Rio.

Where other than Rio, would you see people walking along the streets in thong bathing suits without a cover-up? Our hotel was right on the beach and close to the famous Copacabana Palace. The beach is inhabited from early morning until after sunset. Our friend John fulfilled his dream of playing beach volleyball with locals.

We spent one evening at a Samba show. No comment on the bodies (Aaaiiiyeee!) but will say the dancers were spectacular.

Copacabana beach with the famous hotel in the background

Below: The beach view from the roof of our hotel

Above: Uh huh....we did see where "the girl from Ipanema went walking"!

Below: Visit to famous Christ the Redeemer statue on top of the mountain; Margaret's imitation; the train that took us up the mountain and back

Above: Train to and from the statue of Christ

Below: Views from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain

Below: A most unusual cathedral

Below: Several from the Rio Botanical Gardens