How High-Low can you go?

May 4

Back when we lived in the UK we regularly watched “Have I Got News for You”. One memorable item was when the British, frustrated with European students’ deficiency in this area, were offering queuing lessons. The punchline was that, once graduated, they would then be taught to stand in the queue, roll their eyes and scoff, “Honestly” when someone jumped the queue.

Most airports are semi chaotic arenas at the best of times. Our guide was relatively organized as he got our baggage tags and boarding passes as we were outside resorting and repacking.

Once we ventured inside we figured out to not stand in the “get baggage tags” queue but the “check-in” queue. In saying that I was offered to join the “over 65” queue. Not sure quite how I should have taken that.

As we stood in our correct queue a group tried to push in ahead of us. Well ahead of me. They argued “We are a group and we got in the wrong queue”.

My initial temptation was to reply with that line (from Die Hard 2), “Excuse me but you mistake me for someone who gives a damn”.

However Anthea did not wish for her father to cause a scene so I demurred.

Honestly. 🤨

We were flying from the low-ish lands of the Amazon watershed to the lofty heights of the Altiplano.

As you can see, my heme molecules were initially somewhat naked. I noticed the headache and slight unsteadiness not long after arrival. We had started our acetazolamide and already had the tingling fingers.

In Cusco we were treated to the incredible geometry and skill of the Inca wall builders. You will note I was quite taken with their masonry.

The Spanish constructed square was always a hive of activity and we enjoyed the subtle yellow/orange lighting in contrast to our usual North American light pollution.