After a fairly early rise for breakfast and transit back to the airport to make the last of our flights into Cusco, we could do nothing but laugh when we got to the airport to find that our flight had just been delayed some two and a half hours! Many hours later, finally arriving at Cusco Airport, we were quite dazzled by the surrounding mountains; so large and yet seemingly so close! Transferred to our hotel with our local guide, Jaime, he managed to make seven very weary travellers laugh and smile all the drive long!
Post hotel check-in and freshen up, a lovely walking tour was guided by Jaime, introducing us to local history, both modern and ancient, to the culture of the people in Cusco and to the local way of life, before we enjoyed a street performance on our way back to the hotel. As we had travelled from Australia in two groups, tonight was our first official meal as team MND NSW, and what a night it was. Tears flowed, hugs were shared, hands held as each member of the group introduced themselves, their story and their reasons for taking on this challenge. Although it was a very emotional night for all of the team, it was also very positive and an exceptionally devoted team walked out of the restaurant together, not only ready to take on the Inca Trail that awaits us, but ready to support each other every single step of the way too!