I needn’t have worried about being fed on the Madrid to Lima leg. Soon after we departed they served dinner. I did try saying “pollo por favor” to indicate I wanted the chicken option but my attempt wasn’t recognised. Also unsuccessful was asking for apple juice they gave me pineapple juice instead. Close in one sense I guess. One can’t blame the air hostesses their job is not all smiles and demonstrating how to fasten seat belts. They have to deal with blocked toilets which happened on this flight.

I had weakened and wasted money on an upgrade to premium economy. I walked past my seat to start with it looked better than I expected. I did manage to doze off several times which was good, there was a bit more space. One gains by being able to board earlier and leave earlier (so get to passport control sooner). The main benefit from premium economy may be psychological - but I think I will at least check on these adventures how much more expensive premium economy is for the long haul flights.

Madrid as night looked like pieces of jewellery scattered in the dark. I didn’t see ribbons of light as one would in London from the great highways. Before arriving in Lima they did a bit of perfunctory spraying of the cabin, not as disturbing as some flights I’ve been on. Memo to self - keep a USB lead on one so one can charge devices on flight.

Entry to Peru was simple, questions just about first time to Peru and why was I there and for how long. Scanning fingers and thumbs. My main bag appeared quite quickly! And there was a reception committee waiting for me who safely saw me in the dark pre-dawn to the Villa Barranco. I probably muffed up tipping them, wasn’t sure how much and in the dimness couldn’t see what the notes were I had.

Breakfast at the Villa Barranco is a sweet affair on the roof. One is serenaded by building work going on nearby. Just hope the builders stop work in the evenings. I arrived so early it was the night watch who saw me to room 16. Monica on the day shift kindly helped me book for the Magic Water Circuit this evening, the price at 139 Peruvian Sol was much less than the Audley Team quoted at 220 dollars.

Monica was even more help when I failed to use the room safe properly. Finally I set off for lunch at the Intro Cafe Bar (a random choice but I liked the pumpkin soup) and to see the Jade Riviera Museum. I really respected some of the art. At neither place could I use any of the Peruvian currency I had got in the UK, just too large denominations. Finding my way back into the Villa Barranco was a little challenge as the gate you use isn’t on the street Google Maps takes you to. Audley didn’t think an E-Sim was so needed but for me I like having Google Maps to hand if I walk around a strange place. So I installed an E-Sim from Airalo onto my iPhone. I also had an afternoon expedition out to a nearby Scotiabank to get smaller denominations for the 100 Peruvian Sol notes I had ended up with.