Discovering the Andes 9recommended Huancayo because it was where tourists
went to see the "Sunday Fair," that city's main feature,
in addition to the lovely climate, good food and things to
buy, and, most important of all, a relaxing atmosphere
conducive to a few days' rest. We planned to leave right
after work Thursday evening and to return the follow
ing Monday afternoon.
For the next two days, I looked forward to an idyllic,
honeymoon-like weekend that would take me away
from my fellow human beings. My body was hyperten
sive from living in large cities such as New York, Los
Angeles, London, Paris, Rome where people bumped
into each other on crowded streets, elevators and trains.
I was also tired of hustling waiters, catching the 5:09 to
Babylon, battling congested traffic and living with the
fear of being mugged. The weekend in Huancayo with
Nancy promised a little rest and made me feel at ease; for
a few days I could throw aside the suit and tie, forget
business and have some fun.
About half an hour before departure time on Th urs
day, Nancy called and said she couldn't go. Something
about her aunt. Blast it. Not for a minute did I believe her
story. Angry and hurt, I went out driving to a local resort
and stopped at a night club, where I drank and brooded
about my ruined weekend. Before I knew it, I was very
drunk.
Later, as I drove back to the hotel in my inebriated
condition, I remembered that the car rental company
had told me the rented car I was driving had already been
prepared for driving conditions in the Andes Mountains.
Rather than let this sudden change in plans spoil my fun
and long weekend, I thought, I would make my wa y to
Huancayo by myself.
By 9 o'clock Friday morning I had gotten a few things
together and was driving towards the mountains alone.
It was dark and gloomy when I left Lima, but the sunless