Luke

Will be in Charleston this weekend. Is it prime time for the azealas/dogwoods both in Charleston and Savannah?

Mary

Luke,

Just talked to Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation on the phone yesterday, as we are arriving in Charleston Sunday. They told me that that the azaleas are almost at peak, but not quite yet so I believe we've timed it just right, haven't we?

Then we're on to Savannah on Wednesday, and I'm really anxious to see St. Bonaventure Cemetery all in bloom!

Maybe I'll see you in Charleston - even if I won't have a clue!!! Where are you eating in Charleston? We already have our reservations at Magnolia's Uptown and Anson! Can't wait. Have a great trip!

Luke

Mary: Thanks for the great news. Looks like our visits will coincide with the height of the bloom! I plan on eating at S.N.O.B., Peninsula Grill, Magnolia's and Alice's while in Charleston, with the obligatory lunch at Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House during my shorter visit in Savannah. Enjoy!

Marinita

Dear Fodorites,

I am new to this forum, looking to travel to Peru/Macchu Pichu ruins alone this coming month of April. For those of you who have traveled there already, alone or with company, please advise about your perceptions regarding the safety I can expect as a single female traveling to this part of the world. I speak fluent Spanish and have traveled to other LatAm countries in the past but never alone, and never to such remote areas as Macchu Pichu. Any tips would be of great help, especially if you've taken that same journey alone in the past. Many thanks, in advance,

Marina

Doh

Not sure if you mean to hike there but I would recommend it (if you like that sort of thing). It's been a couple of years since we hiked the Inca Trail, but my impression was that most everybody joins a guided tour (i.e. a group of hikers led by a guide, and very often accompanied by a porter to carry food/camping equipment). In fact, IIRC, this may be a requirement, so while you may start off alone, you won't be travelling alone. This is even more true because everyone camps in the same places, so even if you end up hiking more or less on your own during the day, at night there will be almost a "tent city"-- and Macchu Picchu itself will seem almost overrun with people by the late morning (when tourists arriving by train rather than foot start arriving).

Cusco is a lovely city and we never really felt unsafe there. There are a lot of travellers around so you may be able to find agreeable travelling companions. In short, my sense is that you should be fine (normal precautions applying).

On the other hand, we were told to be very careful in the capital and did not spend much time there at all.

UKUKUK

I hitchiked and walked to Machu Pichu and did not take the Inca Trail. I would never advise a girl to hitchike by herself but I encountered no problems other than I got dropped off on the edge of Cusco on my return and it was not a part of Cusco where many foreigners dare venture.

carapulca

Hello Marinita
I just traveled to Peru last year on June it was very funcy we were thre girls in peru 22225 years old and didn't have any kind of problem with any one April its good tiem to travel in Cuzco becouse before is raining season and latewr up June until August is high season, we were in an ice and cheap accommodation in Miraflores so if You are goign to need any kind of help drop me on line
[email protected]

fab

I travelled by myself throughout Peru in 97 (as single female) and did not have any problems. I was also lucky to meet so many foreigners and tag along here and there. Cuszco is v safe in the Plaza de Armas area, where most hotels are located. I remember paid $10 for hotel room w/ breakfast in a cute B&B. I also walked into a travel agency and booked a couple of day trips w/ them (wish I remembered their name...) including a rafting in the Urubanba river - so much fun! I was a whimp and took the train to MP, but have heard it is a more magic experience when you get up there after the Inca trail (probably because you are so exausted!). I am not into camping, so train was the right choice for me. If you decide to do the trail, do w/ a group (you can join a group when you go to the travel agency). I also suggest you go to Arequipa, the white city, for a couple of days as it is v charming. Have fun!

jdbird

My sister and I traveled together in Peru last month. We felt very safe, more so than I expected, lot's of real police in the cities. We got less unwanted attention than on our trips to Europe. One day at MP my sister was sick and I hiked the ruins alone. I stopped short of one peak because I didn't feel safe (as in falling off the mountain), so you might want to hook up with hiking partners for strenuous hikes. PS I have nothing but good things to say about the DR at the first aid station near the entrance to MP...but that's another story.