Everything was remarkably organised and ready to go without a hitch this morning. At 7.45am, Valerio called round to help complete our packing. Typically for Peru, this help included five kilos of giant corn for us to take to Lima. Our bulging cases bulged some more. It was a nice thought though. Punctual Jesus arrived at 8.20am and we were soon on our way to the airport. Things went worryingly smoothly apart from having to pay departure tax for Salvador which we don't have to in Lima, the People's Republic of Cusco strikes again. Salvador was on form , first skiing around the airport aided by Valerio and then charming the security staff so much that they barely looked at the screen as our array of weapons and drugs slid through. Then into the departure lounge and super schmoozer Salvador was at it again. In H. Stern the poshest jewellers in the airport he waved at and hugged the shop assistant until she gave him a pendant of 'Tumi', the Peruvian good luck charm. Next time we will try for a $3000 solid gold necklace for mummy.
He then proceeded to the gift shop where he operated the till for his own purchase of a toy train. As we waited for the flight we bumped into Esther's friend Mirtha, herself on her way to Lima. Once aboard the plane Salvador settled down to sleep, tired after so much smoothie action. We flew south out of Cusco and got some of the best views of the Andes I've ever seen. Our right turn towards Lima was directly over Lake Haucarpay and her legion of ducks and hummers. We are now in Lima and it is absolutely boiling.