I am going to die.
My passport came in the mail today. I'm going to Peru in three weeks.So I'm going to Cusco, Machu Pichu, and Lake Titicaca. This is going to be a trip via boat, plane, and train. It seems like there are a lot of fun things to do and see.I got to thinking that I had better read up on where I'm going, so I found out all this from the U.S. State Dept.
SPECIFIC HEALTH RISKS: Visitors to high-altitude Andean destinations such as Cusco (11,000 feet), Machu Picchu (8,000 feet), or Lake Titicaca (13,000 feet) should counsult their physicians. Travel to high altitudes could pose a serious risk of illness, hospitalization, and even death, particularly if the traveler has a medical condition that affects blood circulation or breathing. Several U.S. citizens have died in Peru from medical conditions exacerbated by the high altitude.In jungle areas east of the Andes mountain range (cordillera), chloroquine resistant malaria is a serious problem. Cholera, yellow fever, hepatitis, dengue fever and other exotic and contagious diseases are also present.Peru is an earthquake-prone country.Inter-city bus travel is dangerous. In 2001, several inter-city buses were held up at night by armed robbers, who forced passengers off buses and stole all their belongings.Bus accidents resulting in multiple deaths and injuries are common, and they are frequently attributed to excessive speed, poor bus maintenance, and driver fatigue.That happened yesterday, Peru bus crash kills 37.But I won't let little things like the potential for death keep me from having a good time. For example, this looks safe.
SPECIFIC HEALTH RISKS: Visitors to high-altitude Andean destinations such as Cusco (11,000 feet), Machu Picchu (8,000 feet), or Lake Titicaca (13,000 feet) should counsult their physicians. Travel to high altitudes could pose a serious risk of illness, hospitalization, and even death, particularly if the traveler has a medical condition that affects blood circulation or breathing. Several U.S. citizens have died in Peru from medical conditions exacerbated by the high altitude.In jungle areas east of the Andes mountain range (cordillera), chloroquine resistant malaria is a serious problem. Cholera, yellow fever, hepatitis, dengue fever and other exotic and contagious diseases are also present.Peru is an earthquake-prone country.Inter-city bus travel is dangerous. In 2001, several inter-city buses were held up at night by armed robbers, who forced passengers off buses and stole all their belongings.Bus accidents resulting in multiple deaths and injuries are common, and they are frequently attributed to excessive speed, poor bus maintenance, and driver fatigue.That happened yesterday, Peru bus crash kills 37.But I won't let little things like the potential for death keep me from having a good time. For example, this looks safe.
