ENTRY #5 - Hotel information

Below is my airline travel information:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2009
Radisson, Seatac Airport

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2009
Sheraton Hotel Lima (114503776)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2009
Sheraton Hotel Lima (114503776)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2009
Gran Hotel Bolivar (Lima, Peru)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
Colonial Palace (Cusco)

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009
Colonial Palace (Cusco)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009
Flight home

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009
Back home!

ENTRY #4 - Travel to Machu Picchu

I figured out how to get to Machu Picchu (without taking a 22 hour bus ride). I am going to fly from Lima to Cusco, stay the night, take the train up the next day, and fly back to Lima on the third day. Although I lose time in Lima, I couldn't travel all the way to Peru without going to see Machu Picchu. The town of Cusco sounds more laid back, with lots of historical character so a couple of days of exploring should be fun.

The train ride goes from Cusco (elevation 11000) t0 Machu Picchu (elevation 8000 feet). Weird, eh? The town sits higher than the historical ruins! Good thing I have altitude sickness pills!

http://www.perurail.com/web/tper/tper_a2a_home.html

ENTRY #3 - Hotel reservations

The time is getting closer, and I've booked my first set of reservations. My first two nights in Lima will be in the El Centro district in the Sheraton Lima Hotel (and Casino) (http://www.sheraton.com.pe/). I wonder what is different about blackjack in Peru.......

I was set on staying in the Gran Hotel Bolivar (http://www.granhotelbolivarperu.com/) but thought it might be best if I went with a somewhat smaller culture shock with a Sheraton. I know, I'm a puss. I'll make it count for my last couple of nights!

UPDATE: As you'll see above, the Gran Hotel Bolivar is my night number 3 lodging! Wish me luck!