Cusco

Yesterday we were up early to take a taxi to Lima airport; we got a small taste of the capital city's infamous traffic. We flew to Cusco, elevation 11,200'. Our airline was Peruvian Air, and the legroom was the most meager we'd ever experienced. I tried a glass of Inka Cola on the flight—fluorescent yellow, with strong notes of bubblegum.

We met Ken at the airport shortly after arriving. He had his own adventures in the Brazilian rain forest, meeting with indigenous tribes and officials. 

We spent the day wandering (a little bit) of the city, enjoying the markets. 

Above the main plaza by our hotel flies the flag of Tahuantinsuyo, representing the four quarters of the Inca empire (according to Lonely Planet).

We walked Ken to his hotel and ate a light dinner nearby. The waitress tried to warn me off, but I had a fantastic macerated chili Pisco Sour (as described on the menu—probably it was made with chili-infused pisco).

We got winded just climbing the 4 flights to Ken's room. I brought a fingertip pulse oximetrer, and we amused ourselves trying to increase our oxygen saturation through various types of breathing.