[ Zoom Map ]

Puno, Peru
15° 49' S 70° 1' W
Jan 07, 2006 22:52
Distance 647km

Choose another map, showing:

• Amazon
• South America (central)
• South America
• The World

Other entries in Puno

Too many hours on a bus makes Dave a dull boy

Text written in: English

From Huacachina Noah and I boarded a night bus to Arrequepa. Now Noah and I always try and reserve two window seats as we both prefer these to the aisle and because its really difficult for us to sit next to each other because we start bickering about space, within about two seconds. Unfortunately the bus was full and an old woman and her granddaughter were sitting together in the aisle in which one of our window seats was located. So we were forced to sit next to eacother for the next 12 hours, which wouldnt have been so bad if there had been movies on or something to distract me from thinking about the fact that noah was crossing the semi-holy line of personal space marked by the line between two bus seats. I tried to let it go, but then the sweating started.

For some reason the windows could not be opened, and there was of course no air conditioning, so I began to feel the stifling heat of 50 bodies in an enclosed space. This is what broke the seal for my ability to stand noah's transgression into my space, and the bickering began. Fortunately it was mitigated by the fact that we were actually able to sleep and by an agreement to split time against the window, but I dont think that I have to say that Noah and I were incredibly happy to get off that bus at 9:30 in the morning. 

Almost immediately and lucklily the bus next to us was departing for Puno in only a few moments. So we bought our tickets and boarded a whole new world of bus travel. As opposed to the cramped sweaty space of the prior bus, we were on the next level of bus. Complete with meal service, our own row of seats, bingo, and movies. Yet despite the luxury, when we arrived in Puno 5 hours later, we were far from well rested. The 17 hours of travel as well as the 3000 meters in altitude change had taken its effect on me, and after only a cab ride and four flights of stairs I lay on the bed heart pounding and head hurting. Its funny how sitting on a bus or a train or a plane can make you so tired, because you literally do nothing for hours on end. It makes you feel like you should have energy yet at the same time all you want to do is go to sleep. Now this is part of the reason I think that americans on the whole dont attempt this type of travel, its hard. Who wants to spend the mere two weeks a year you have being tired when you already spend most of the year that way anyway? In order to get it into your head to do this you have to really really want to do it, and you have to be willing to endure marathons. Not that I am trying to make myself out as some hero, but I just want to make the point that travelling is not always easy or relxing. In fact sometimes its downright hard. Is it worth it though, absolutely? I'll probably get on another cramped bus for another 8 hours in only two days, and if Im lucky noah might not cross the holy plane of personal space.