There are many symptoms of altitude sickness, including headache, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, general fatigue, trouble sleeping and lightheadedness. And I got them ALL! I had two main incidences of it; the first time in Cusco after my second day and then, surprisingly, again when I got to Lima (at sea level.) It was as if my body had been saving the “best for last!”

I had planned to use my last 2 days in Lima as a relaxing respite – to sit and gaze at the ocean, read, knit, contemplate and perhaps try some local cuisine and a few fancy drinks. Luckily, I was able to do all of that (with the exception of the food and fancy drinks…) The place I booked was called “Second Home Peru” and it was absolutely gorgeous. An artist’s home, right on the Pacific, with beautiful views, comfortable rooms and spectacular sunsets. If I had to be “laying low” this was a good place for it.

I sipped tea, ate crackers and sat outside with my knitting. I even had a kitty come keep me company!

The service included breakfast, and the last day, I had a passion fruit…which I had never really eaten before. The ones we might see here in the USA are (as the staff person said) a “little sick.” These were huge, with a hard shell that made them perfect for transporting. All you do is tap them on a hard surface, break them open and scoop the insides out with a spoon. They are delicious!

Soon, it was time to return to reality. I had a long flight ahead of me – 7 hours to Atlanta, an overnight at the airport and then an early-morning flight back to Massachusetts. What a trip…and I’m already planning my next South American jaunt!

When I got home, the bulbs I planted last fall had begun to emerge.