Day 6 in Peru

 View from Wayna Picchu

We woke up at 5:30 am to catch 6 am bus.  Buses are supposed to run from 5:20 am and every 20 mins, but it seemed like whenever bus was full and it was leaving and there were more than 6-7 buses that we saw that were coming down.  Getting to Machu Picchu is a key, because it gets super crowded by late morning.

We decided to hike up to Wayna Picchu, that's the peak behind Machu Picchu.  If you want to do that you need to buy tickets early, because they only let 400 people in a day.  I believe you can buy Machu Picchu tickets without any problem, but I bought both tickets at the same time through travel agency.

OK, enough about logistics.  I won't try to describe Machu Picchu, because I am not a good enough rider to describe what I saw.  It was pretty magical and everyone should experience that.  Made me cry as soon as I saw the glimpse of the sight.  I have to say, Machu Picchu definitely has to be one of top three places that I have ever been to.  The other two are - Pyramids of Giza and Ankor Wat. 

Day 5 in Peru

We woke up early for our 8:25 am train to Aguas Calientes. We were advised to be at the station by 7:55 am so we left hotel around 7am. It took us about 25 - 30 min from hotel to Poroy train station. We bought vista dome round trips but there are more expensive train tickets and cheaper ones. Train ride was supposed to be about 3 and half hours but it took about 4 hour or more with longer stop and etc.

We checked in at hotel and were immediately happy that we didn't choose Aguas Calientes as our base. This town is literally for tourists only and as expected things are very expensive. Plus town is very small. We had late lunch then decided to relax because tomorrow we would have to get up very early.

Our plan is to get on 6 am bus to Machu Picchu.

Things to know:

1. Buy your bus tickets early. We bought our bus tickets for tomorrow as soon as we checked in at hotel.
2. Bus starts at 5:20 am and runs every 20 min but it seems as soon as bus fills it leaves.

We are off to Machu Picchu tomorrow morning.

Day 4 in Peru

As much as we love Cuzco, we wanted to explore what's outside. Since we are not doing 3 day hike through Sacred Valley, we don't get to see what's between Cuzco and Machu Picchu. But we don't want to miss out on everything right?

So originally we hired a car to take us to Pisac market, Pisac ruins and Ollantaytambo and it was going to cost us 180 soles, approx $68.

On the way to Pisac, our driver also took us to a place where they rescue animals. We got to see deers,  condors (one condor hit Chris in the head) and guanacos (llama's cousin).

We went to Pisac ruins first, which is a pre- inca ruins. It was a good place to test our strength and get ready for Machu Picchu.

We went to Pisac market after but were not that impressed. Sundays are supposed to be the time to be there with bigger market and lots more locals but we went on Tuesday so there were only souvenirs.

After the market and lunch we were already too tired so instead of going to Ollantaytambo which was an hour and 45 min away from where we were we decided to just come back to Cuzco. Since we didn't go to Ollantaytambo our driver only charged us 130 soles.

Ok. Dinner. Remember we ordered guinea pig yesterday for tonight's dinner?
We went back to the restaurant for dinner. Chris had the whole guinea pig by himself. I had one bite and it was slimey. Michelle didn't have any. They brought us a displayed one with a head and feet attached for photos then served us one without head and feet. Now I can say I have tried one. Does one bite count?

Leaving for Aguas Calientrs tomorrow. That's as far as we can go with train. Don't forget to buy your tickets early. Our train was full. You can buy tickets on Peru Rail's website and pick up tickets when you arrive in Cuzco. In our case, I bought tickets online then picked up tickets when waiting for our connecting flight in Lima airport. It's just a regular print out so I don't understand why I can print at home but I was just happy to have one less thing to worry about in Cuzco. There are a few offices in Cuzco so if you don't have time in Lima airport don't worry.

Obviously if you are part of a tour everything will be taken cared of. My old self would have waited until I got to Cuzco to worry about train tickets but Egypt changed me. After Egypt fiasco I try to take care of basics before leaving home.

More to come from Aguas Calientes.

 We stopped at wildlife sanctuary on the way to Pisac.  They rescue animals that are in danger.  This Guanaco was a cutie. 

 There were a few condors, one of them hit Chris in the head while flying. 

 The valley were something else...  on the way to Pisac. 

 Pisac

 Cuy!!!

Day 3 in Cuzco

We finally checked out San Pedro market today. Chris always gets very excited at markets or grocery stores wherever we go so it was nice see him acting like a child.

The market was divided into many sections - ie, potato sections, dairy sections, meat sections and food court like sections.

We didn't have a meal there because we had had a meal before getting there but we decided that we would like to go back to the market before going back to Lima for a lunch.

We have one more full day in Cuzco tomorrow and we are trying to decide what to do tomorrow. On Wednesday we have an early morning train to Aguas Calientes so we wouldn't want to do anything outrageous tomorrow. We are thinking of going to Pisac tomorrow. There is Pisac market there that we want to check out plus the ruins.

We pre-ordered guinea pig today for tomorrow's dinner. I will report back tomorrow. Couldn't leave Peru without tasting cuy!!!

We ordered at restaurant called Parhapapa. A few blocks from our hotel and was recommended by our hotel.

By the way, we love our hotel. It is on a hill so the walk is rough but it's worth it when eating breakfast outside every morning with amazing view.

We are staying at:

La Morada Suites
Kurkurpata 230
Cusco, 84

Each unit has a kitchen which was the big selling point for me. This time we are staying at a separate unit from my sister, Michelle, but when we come back from Machu Picchu we have a two bedroom unit booked.

Breakfast and airport transportation included. And we saw other units and hold up to 5-6 people. So this would be ideal for big families.

Day 2 in Cuzco

We are finally feeling better on day 2 in Cuzco. Yesterday was something else with altitude sickness. But a kind traveller from the hotel that we are staying at gave us her altitude sickness medication so we are feeling so much better and we walked around all afternoon. People are so nice and food is great. 

Too bad I can't drag photos thru my iPad. But I will post photos when I get back home. 

We are going to Aguas Calientes on Wednesday then off to Machu Picchu on Thursday. We have been talking about this trip for years so I can't believe we are here. 

If anyone is planning a trip here, definitely get ready for altitude sickness so pack your medication. Also weather is crazy. It's hot in the afternoon and freezing at night. 

With altitude sickness under control (a little), we walked around Cuzco today. 

Tokyo, Japan

Chris was in Tokyo, Japan (without me) to hang out with friends, eat some sushi, and drink some sake.  And if those things were his mission, his mission was a success.  Last time he was in Tokyo was in 2002, so he had a packed schedule for 3 days while he was there.

His main objective was to eat some awesome sushi.  Last time we were in Tokyo together (more than 10 years ago), we couldn't afford good sushi, so we only had Kaiten sushi.  So this time he was determined to eat some serious sushi.  He chose Sushi Dai in Tsukiji Market.  Look at these photos!!!  I just want to lick my computer screen.  

It was 3,500 yen during lunch for 9 pieces of chef's choice plus two rolls & miso.  If you want to get the same quality of fish, it will cost 25,000 yen in Ginza.

I have to disclose the information that he waited 2 and half hours for this.  This is coming from a guy who hates waiting, which is a big problem in New York, and he said it was worth the wait.

Another thing, we both don't like Uni that much - actually refuse to eat it, but he said it tasted like butter.

So if you are in Tokyo next time and have a few hours to kill, check out Sushi Dai. 

Sushi Dai
Tsukiji Market Part 6 Bldg. 5-2-1 Tsukiji-shijo, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan

81-(0)3547-6797

Dominican Republic

My friend, Christina, and I were in Dominican Republic for a long weekend.  January is a busy time at work, so I needed a break from it all.  It was a nice get away and it was nice to be in a warm place with good food and lots of spa time.  Casa Colonial was beautiful and service was wonderful.  Thanks to my friend for a relaxing vacation.

Casa Colonial
http://www.casacolonialhotel.com/

Pinotxo Bar

Michelle's friend recommended Pinotxo Bar, so we had to check it out. It's right inside of Boqueria market. We were lucky enough to grab two seats, because after us sitting down, people were waiting.

They have small dishes that they serve. It's perfect before/after shopping. We were there for later breakfast.



Address : La Rambla, 91
Zip code : 08001
City : Barcelona - Spain
Area : Ciutat Vella
Opening hours : 6am-4pm Monday to Saturday
Prices : From 3 to 10€
Phone : +34 93 317 17 31
Metro/Bus : Ramblas

La Boqueria Market

Since I wanted to go to Spain for food, we couldn't miss La Boqueria Market. And it was definitely more than my eye can handle. We were surrounded by meat, vegetable, and seafood and the color and smell were incredible. Photos don't do any justice, so I won't even bother posting more photos than three. You just have to see and smell it yourself. I just wanted to pick up a leg of jamon and a case of tomatoes and get on a plane.




http://www.boqueria.info/index.php

Ohla - Gastonomic

Michelle and I both had a list of restaurants to check out but Barcelona turned out to be (as you would expect) a kind of city that you can just walk into any place and have an incredible meal.

Ohla hotel was one of places. Ohla hotel's restaurant on ground floor was not too far from our hotel (walking distance). So one day we were walking by and said we would come back for dinner.

Our Venezuelan waiter with American accent was very helpful and food was fantastic.
We ended up going back for second time.

Iberco ham and sardine

The most amazing shrimp I have ever had. I can't remember the name now, but they were from local bay

Dublin Bay shrimp - it looked more like spiny lobster to me and this was the reason why we went back the second time because first time we went there, they didn't have this

Ohla Hotel, Barcelona

Via Laietana, 49 - 08003 Barcelona - Spain

Phone: (+34) 933 415 050

Jamonisimo

Jamonisimo - was on my list. My search online made me believe that Jamonisimo was a restaurant with selling jamon on the side. Boy, was I surprised. It was actually the opposite. It was s jamon shop with two tables in the back.

And there was only one lady who was working there and she didn't speak any English. Because we were not having any issues with not speaking Spanish, we didn't have a phrase book with us either. Don't ask me how and why. We waited a while but got to sit down and had some salad and some jamon.

The lady cut jamons right at the spot - just with knife, no machine.
If you are in Barcelona, it's a stop you must make, but don't expect a good service, just stop by for some unbelievable meat that you come to Spain for.





http://www.jamonisimo.com/
Provenza, 85
Barcelona

Cava Sangria

I like the idea of drinking sangria, but most of the time, it's made of red wine. Since I don't really drink red wine (don't ask me why), I always have to find something else to drink. I know there is white wine sangria, but not that many places to make that.

So when I saw cava sangria on the menu at this restaurant, I couldn't wait to try. Sorry, I can't find the name of the restaurant. It was part of a hotel... I will keep trying to go through my receipts.

It was so refreshing and a perfect glass for a perfect afternoon. I was looking online for recipe online and it seems like everyone knew about cava sangria except for me. So if you can't find a restaurant or bar that make it, you can make it yourself!!!

Cervecería Catalana

One restaurant that was recommended to us was: Cervecería Catalana. It's a tapas bar but also with outdoor tables. It was known was one of the best tapas place and it definitely didn't disappoint.

Here are just a few photos and every dish we ordered was delicious. I still dream about them.... especially cuttlefish...




Cervecería Catalana
Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 236 (Barcelona)
Between Rambla de Catalunya and Balmes.

More photos from Italy, then after...

Italians know how to do breakfast. Sugar and chocolate!!!

Ok. This was the breakfast bar at our hotel in Sorrento. You can imagine my shock when I walked in with messy hair and PJ's...

Look at all the stuff I brought from Italy. 23.5kg of my bag was filled with mostly food...

Amalfi Coast

We took a small cruise starting from Sorrento to Positano, then to Amalfi. You know some of us has one place that he or she really want to go once in life - that place has been Amalfi Coast for me. Water was really clear and the ride to both places was incredible.

Italians are so blessed. They don't even have to leave their country to enjoy breathtaking view and amazing food.

As the trip coming to an end... only thing that I can think of was 'how the hell am I going to eat Italian food ever in New York?'
This trip has definitely made me an Italian food snob and I will never be able to eat Italian food at home... (maybe except for at Mario Batali's restaurants...)

Pompeii, Italy

The reason why I chose Southern Italy to visit was Pompeii. I couldn't visit Italy without seeing Pompeii. And Pompeii didn't disappoint.

It was only a short train ride from Sorrento and we were there for 5 hours. If it wasn't so hot, we would have stayed longer. But being there 5 hours, I don't think we even saw half of it.

Capri, Italy

From Sorrento, Capri was about 30 minute cruise ride. Once we landed, we didn't understand why Capri was so popular... it wasn't until we took a tram up to top of the hill, we realized it was a getaway for the rich and famous.

It was really breathtaking and we understood why someone would come to Capri to get away from it all. It was definitely quieter than Sorrento and you could really relax for a month or two without anyone bothering you.