In case you were wondering if we made it to the airport, we did and it was another adventure. Jose Luis, our guide, and Juan Carlos, the driver, showed up looking a little anxious. Juan Carlos was wearing driving gloves. That was a clue. Most of the group was continuing to Bolivia, but eight of us were headed for the airport in a small van to fly back to Lima.
We quickly maneuvered the narrow crowded city streets of Puno and turned onto what pretended to be a country road. We had to make our way around the 48 hour old blockade to reach the airport. The first part of the journey was narrow and winding with deep ruts. Every time we approached another vehicle, tricky maneuvering was required. Then the road ended. Ahead of us was a dried up lake bed/salt flat. If this were the rainy season, our efforts would have been domed. We turned right onto the flat.
Cars, trucks and vans careened on this desiccated lake bed in a blinding storm of dust and salt. I have no idea how Juan Carlos could see where he was driving as we bounced along the ruts and he dodged the other vehicles. At one point, Larry asked if I was outside my comfort zone. I’m not sure I even have one anymore.
Next came the fields with animals and irrigation ditches. And the raised railroad track where we had to get out and walk and the men had to pile up rocks so that the van could get over the tracks. After an hour, we finally reached the main highway. And then on to the airport.
The traffic in Lima was almost as harrowing as the previous experience. I was glad to be facing backward in the CCS van so I didn't have to see what was ahead. So now the new phase of the trip begins. I'll catch up on the rest of the vacation travel as time permits since it appears we have reliable wi-fi here at the CCS house.
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