Hola from Huacachina!

Hola from Huacachina!

So we stuck to the itinerary and decided to leave today after an awesome stay at Bed and Breakfast Tradiciones in Miraflores. It´s a great place to stay if you´re in Lima and they are so very helpful. We slept in a it, mostly Eva as she is fighting a cold and took meds to help her sleep. And when we woke up, we had breakfast brought up to us. We had buns with butter and jam as well as tea. We both skipped the orange juice as we weren´t sure if we should drink it at the time. I took a sip cause it looked to refreshing! Esp since it´s was hot in the room. A tip: bring tablets or whatever to make the water drinkable as you should do this while brushing your teeth...in case.

In the process of checking out, Angelo, the owner of the bed and breakfast was so immensely helpful in giving advice and tips on how to get to Ica then to Huacachina. He also gave his card if we needed some help along our journey in Peru. It was like having a papa around ,) Here´s what we did based on his advice ....

We took a taxi to Soyuz bus terminal for 8 Soles. Angelo helped get the taxi and negotiated the price for us. He mentioned that it´s impotant to sit on the right side of the bus and that we should sit in the seats past the 3rd row. Apparently based on previous situations, these are the ¨safest¨ seats to be in. We got lucky as the lady at the ticket counter gave us seats 15 and 16 which is the 4th row on the right (It cost us 30 Soles each for the tickets). I can see why the right as it gives you a visual on your luggages in the luggage storage of the bus and it's not the driver's side which things would happen. This storage frequently opens and closes as passengers enter and exit the bus (there are many bus stops along the way). He said to keep an eye on your on-board luggage (up at the top or on your lap or the floor). If putting it on the floor, tie it to your legs so if you fall asleep, you can feel if someone takes it. Throughout our 5 hour or so ride to Ica (my ass was terribly numb from sitting for so long), it was safe but you can never be sure so keep your guard up. Better to be safe than sorry as they say. 

Also, drink in sips because this bus only stops for passengers - no bathroom breaks so manage your liquid intake :) Leave your tickets on the straps in the seat infront of you like the locals do. This way if you sleep, the ticket man can check your tickets and you will be undisturbed. The ticket checking happens quite often. During our ride, he checked it about 6 times. There will be locals selling snacks and drinks as well on the bus so you can buy them or take your own snacks with you. The buses also play movies (sometimes in English and other times in Spanish) but it´s nice to have as an option if you don´t want to sleep, look out the window or listen to music. Just be prepared for the long ride.

When we arrived at Ica, we have all these taxi drivers hounding you for a ride. We took the first guy who asked us as he seemed nice and he was. His name was Edgar and he spoke some English which was helpful. His patience with our little Spanish was helpful as well (though Eva did a great job practicing her Spanish!). Angleo mentioned that the taxi to Huacachina should be no more than 5 Soles so make sure of that when and if you go. The ride to Huacachina took about 5 minutes in this tiny taxi and the town is just so comfy to be in. The locals are so nice. You´ll see lots of tourists around this time and it´s a nice change. You´ll also see the magnificient sand dunes that surround the lagoon and the town and can see people sand boarding on it. Can´t wait as we plan to do that tomorrow, should be fun but I feel like both knees are a hurting a bit from yesterdays dash at LAX. Hopefully all will be well esp for the Inca Trail Hike. 

I´ll keep this short and hopefully I can put up some photos in a bit as I am at an internet cafe and connection can be slow at times. Miss having internet access at the palm of my hands :( but will manage :)

Hope everyone is well :)

More Photos