060807 - Off to The Mirador and Chivay, PER

We rise and shine shortly after sunrise cause it is best to get to the Mirador early before the big groups of day tourists get there. Anxiously we wait to get on the bus. But funnily everybody is lining up in the middle of the street. I am raising an eyebrow because the bus stands right on the plaza. But then the miracle is solve. The bus makes a spin around the plaza. And, indeed, stopps where the people stand. Everybody gets on. Literally everybody. Tourists ad local people, we want to sell their stuff at the Mirador. It is only a short ride.
At the Mirador we don't see anything. Nothing. We wait. Wait. ... And wait a bit more. But around 9am, as the warm air rises from the canyon, the condors emerge and slowly rise above our heads. Impressive. They leave everybody with an "awe"... Some even start screaming in excitement. Man, I know it is pretty cool to see. But this much... ? ;o)
Well, the next bus comes. And we have to get on. But no tickets! So we are the last ones on. But we made it. Only place left is up front on the dashboard. And there is still more people wanting to get on at every busstop. I end up being stuck between all these little peruvians. But it's fun. The busdriver asks me if my eyes are actually the way they are or if I had them painted. And as the batteries in his discman get empty, I connect my I-Pod to his stereo and be the DJ to entertain the bus. Pretty fun ride.
Overnight stay at: Rumi Wasi. Nice patio. But breakfast is louzy.