I wouldn’t blame you if you’re not. I certainly haven’t been around. I plead vacations, with the excuse that I was leaving occasional posts and pictures on Facebook. Then I got sick.
I went to Peru for a few weeks.
Peru won.
I did try to be careful. Bottled water everywhere, even for brushing teeth. No eating unpeeled fruit or uncooked vegetables. Well, mostly.
There’s no telling where I picked it up, but it wasn’t just me. Illness crept through our group of ten, one person at a time. In fact, I made it all the way home before illness struck, two days later. Himself got sick our last day in Peru and the poor guy had to maneuver through airports and planes while practically unconscious. That was bad enough for me, I can’t imagine what it was like for him.
I think we’re over it. Our strength is back and we’ve started weeding the yard again. Taking short walks. Housework and other chores are easier. I may even have the strength to write this post.
Peru was… interesting. Gorgeous, of course, and amazing in many ways. It was challenging for us. Altitude sickness was a problem – I needed oxygen while hiking the Incan Trail, which was scary. We did the one-day section, up to the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu. We spent more than two weeks above 6,000 feet, most of it above 10,000. I learned that, while I love mountains, I prefer them of reasonable height. I have new respect for sea level.
Here, have a few pictures. The lake is Titicaca, the town is Cusco as viewed from the Sun Temple. The group picture is on the Incan Trail after reaching Machu Picchu, which you can see in the last photo. Wild, huh? I’ll post more pics later!
Marlene Dotterer 
Still here. Glad you had a chance to get away but sorry you and the hubs got sick.
Thanks, Angela. In some ways, this trip has crippled my wanderlust. Ready to stay home for a while.
Sounds like a great trip. And all-too-familiar. Though the problem in our group was primarily altitude sickness. I escaped that problem by drinking a lot of coca tea.
I drank the tea and chewed the leaves. Also had medication from Kaiser. I’m sure it all helped, but I could really tell a difference in the way I felt after being back at sea level for a day or two. That’s when I realized how hard my body had been working to get enough O2.
Of course I’m still here! Sorry you were sick, but wow! Peru! So cool! Was it a bacterial stomach infection? Because flies and contact with anyone who’s already sick can spread that easily. It’s quite contagious. Beautiful pictures. I would never have the guts to go so high, by the way. I have a healthy fear of heights and hiking up a mountain sounds like torture to me lol.
Fortunately, we didn’t HIKE that high! Ouch! We flew into Cusco (11,000 ft) and drove to the other places. Most of our hiking was limited to 1k -2k feet, up or down. That was hard enough! There were a couple of nervous moments, but most of the trails seemed very safe.
Yeah, it was bacterial. Nasty stuff – it really weakens you, and you’re right – super contagious. I think only three people in our group escaped it entirely.
I’m so sorry it was that. It’s seasonal in my neck of the woods, and I once worked downtown, near the docks, when the flies that carry it are everywhere in the rainy season. Was there for 14 years and tended to get it every year. Got used to recognizing the symptoms and just loading up on Enterogemina & liquids before it got too bad. Most likely it wasn’t the water or the food, but flies that could have landed on whatever you ate. After that, it would pass from person to person. Or it went from someone who didn’t watch their food and water to everyone else.
Okay, a 1000f I could live with lol. Just glad you’re back and safe at home.
You poor thing! I can’t handle high altitudes which is sad because I love the mountains. The bacterial stuff is rough though. It saps your strength for weeks afterward. You might feel stronger, but give yourself time to get back to your old self.
Sorry you were so sick…missed you! I have exciting news! I sold my place (closing Friday) and am moving to KS. No more of the nasty winters I’ve had here. Last December Shay bought a house with a semi-in-law set so we can live together 🙂