(Sort of Major) Crisis in Cusco

Hey Guys.

SO! I have some bad news to report and I might as well start with that and then tell you about the rest of our time in Cusco. Yesterday Allison wasn´t feeling well (another minor crisis in itself) so post breakfast Steph, Les and I went on a walk by ourselves. We were trying to head up above the city where there is a giant statue of Jesus but we didn´t really know where we were going so we were just wondering through some of less touristy streets in Cusco. As we were trudging up this hill a bunch of dogs started barking at us (which isn´t actually that unusual - there are tons of dogs every where and most are really docile). Unfortunately this time, unprovoked, a large white pitbull started chasing us and VERY unfortunately Steph got bit in the leg. We managed to scare the dog off by picking up rocks and trying to air kick at it and then run around the corner where we could inspect the damage. Needless to say we were all in a bit of shock and an examination of Steph´s calf showed two bite holes with blood trickling down her leg and some other scratches. NOT GOOD. The only thing we had was hand sanitizer so we washed it off and immediately went to an internet cafe where she was able to phone her insurance, confirm her coverage and head to an english speaking doctor. LUCKILY Steph had bit the bullet and got amazing insurance but unfortunately she hadn´t gotten the rabies vaccine which was what we were all worried about. After talking to the doctor and realizing the peruvian regime of postexposure vaccinations was one shot for the next 5 days (no Machu Picchu then) plus the fact that our vacation was over in one weeks time Steph has made the hard but totally reasonable decision to go home. She´s OK and in pretty good spirits but it was definitely one of the scarrier moments of any of our lives and I think going back to Canada is exactly what the doctor ordered!! Send your love her way OK?! She heads out on her mission home in an hour and then we leave for Machu Picchu tomorrow morning.

Other than that very scary and isolated incident we have really enjoyed Cusco! There is a LOT of good food with menus that actually say ¨we wash our vegetables with bottled water¨- the temptation for fresh veggies was too much for me and I caved and ate a couple of salads. We have spent a LOT of time just reading in the sun and shopping. Since this is the last stop we have loaded up on woven goodies and have filled our bags to the brim. The french boys have decided to hike the Salkantay trail with us to Machu Picchu and it will surely be a great trip. Both Allison and Leslie have been hit with another bout of TD but we are hoping the drugs will be fast acting and they will be just fine for the trek.

Since not much can top that first paragraph I´ll just end the post here. We are SOO sad to see Steph go but we all think that its the best solution. SIGH! Anyways keep her in your thoughts and she starts the long journey home!!

Lots of love!!!!

HALS! xoxoxo