Day 3 — Uh Oh!

Sunday — April 5

That I am writing this post is a good sign, but a good portion of the earlier part of the day is a blur for me. One minute I was listening to Vidal telling us how the church in Pisac had been damaged during the 1950 earthquake, the next I was urgently asking, ¿dónde está el baño?, por favor (where is the bathroom please). Sensing my dire need, Vidal did not stop to ask any questions as he led us to the nearest facilities. What followed would be TMI — too much information — so I’ll cut to the chase.

I have little recollection of how I got to the van after my GI episode, but I do know that I managed to do so under my own steam. The next thing I remember distinctly is being prone on the seat, chills racking my body, and Mui handing me a Cipro pill and a bottle of water. As the van headed out of town, I could hear Vidal and Mui speaking — words like saltines and Gatorade peppered their conversation. We must have stopped at a store before leaving Pisac as a bag with these essentials was soon within easy reach. I took a few sips of the Gatorade to start replenishing my electrolytes, told Mui and Vidal not to forget to stop at the overlook for a view of Pisac, and dozed off again to the sound of chuckles from the men in the van.

Mui filming at the overlook above Pisac.
(photo by Vidal)

When I next opened my eyes, we were at the foot of the steps leading up to Los Apus. Once in bed, I knew I’d be sleeping the rest of the day. I didn’t want anyone hovering over me, so after promising to have the front desk call them on Vidal’s cell phone if need be, I sent Mui and Vidal off to explore the main market in Cusco.

By the way, I am sure that my GI problem has nothing to do with anything I ate in Cusco. I had symptoms a few days before we left on our trip, but I chalked them up to the stress of preparing to go on a trip during a particularly busy time at the office. Had I paid more attention and started the Cipro then, I probably would not have had to endure today’s unpleasant incident.

I’m glad that I listened to suggestions from friends to get a prescription for Cipro from the doctor before we left on our trip. I'm also very glad that Vidal was with us when I had my GI episode. True he’s not a doctor, but he’s well versed in the treatment of what some call “travelers illness” — he has to be since he guides people on the Inca Trail where medical help is not immediately available. His calm demeanor helped soothe both Mui’s and my frayed nerves and enabled us to deal with my “little emergency” in a very practical manner.

Next Up: Day 3 — More Local Color