New and exciting raw fish dishes are available here in Peru. Ceviche. It's raw fish soaked in lemon juice, served with yam and onion. The lemon juice sort of cooks it, but it is still pretty raw. Tastes fabulous, but both brother Benjamin and I got sick. When we told a Peruvian we were ill, she said we should avoid eating the ceviche, since we can't handle the bacteria in it like the locals can. When I told her we had eaten it every night, she laughed. I laughed to, then ran for the nearest toilet. I was very happy when I could eat again, because the food is absolutely delicious here.
We are currently stuck in a town called Aguas Caliente, which is the tourist town at the bottom of Machu Pichu. The scenery and ruins around here are really amazing. The only way in is to hike the Inca trail, or by train. We got here on a one-way ticket for an extra train they seem to have added. They don't appear to add extra trains going back. With the additional 500 people a day arriving from the Inca trail, there are loads of tourists stuck here. Stuck in the most expensive place I've been in Peru yet, which is still pretty reasonable. This place gives a whole new meaning to the word tourist trap. Oh yeah, and the trains are most likely going on strike. In any case, there are worse places to be trapped.
Can just imagine what it must be like wondering if Benjamin will get out in time to catch his flight home. Happy travelling!
Posted by: Ute | July 14, 2004 at 11:39 AM
Oh so you are in Peru now. About the fish, sounds like it needs to be cooked. At lease eat with some ginger like eating Japanese sushi. If you don't have ginger, some garlic will do. I'm not sure I can eat it everyday, though.
Hope you guys get out of stuck. If you want, I'll call a helicopter from the Canadian International Rescue (non-profit) to help you out. So miss Canada, my home country.
Posted by: bl | July 16, 2004 at 11:49 PM