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The World's Saddest Sandwich

I was excited to see the Nazca Lines were on our itinerary. I had seen them referenced on many of my father’s UFO shows like Ancient Aliens. I was less excited when I learned we would be spending all day on a bus to get to said Nazca Lines. Even though you have to fly to see the Lines, there is no commercial airport in the area. The only way to get there is by bus. A. Very. Long. Busride. We boarded the double decker spacious bus and were assigned our seats. When they announced our expected arrival time, it was actually 2 hours later than our itinerary listed, making it a 10 hour bus ride from Arequipa to Nazca. It’ll be okay, at least they’re going to serve Snack Lunch and Dinner. It was a long and flat drive. There were no stops along the way to stretch our legs and no scenery to enjoy. 

Arequipa to Nazca - bring many books
Arequipa to Nazca - bring many books (Rachel Shull)


 I felt like I was being silently scolded each time I walked the shaky distance to the back of the bus to use the toilet. The intercom announced lunch was about to be served with perfect timing. The hostess handed me what can only be described as the world's saddest sandwich. A dinner roll with a single piece of bologna. 

Tastes like disappointment
Tastes like disappointment (Rachel Shull)


Now realizing the definition of “Snack Lunch,” I battled with the weak wi-fi to keep myself occupied until Dinner. Imagine my dismay when a few hours later I was handed the exact same thing for Dinner! I was not pleased to say the least and was officially “hangry” by the time we reached the town of Nazca - just in time to watch the last bodega close shop for the night. 

Luckily my primitive instincts kicked in and helped me sniff out a life-saving street food vendor that served me a mixed meat hoagie stuffed with french fries and peppers. I was saved.

The next morning we were told it was too foggy to do a fly over just yet, so we headed to the cemetery nearby. Our guide showed us many uncovered skeletons and taught us what little knowledge we have about the ancient people of Nazca. We headed back to the airport and waited for our flight to board. 

Excited to see the Nazca Lines.... look at those naive faces
Excited to see the Nazca Lines.... look at those naive faces (Karen DiGangi)


The 12 passenger propeller plane flew at dramatic angles to give each side a view of the Lines. While the concept makes sense, the execution of such flying was enough to make my stomach churn. I looove roller coasters but this 30-minute thrill ride left me pasty white and craving ice chips. 

Each pictograph is much smaller than I imagined. I only got this photo on a Hi-Def camera after some editing: 

There's a monkey down there somewhere
There's a monkey down there somewhere (Rachel Shull)


I want to say the long bus ride was a small price to pay to see the archeological wonder that is the Nazca Lines. I want to say the destination was worth the journey. I WANT to say these things...but you know what the Rolling Stones say….

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