Peruvian friend

Once we'd done Machu Picchu there wasn't much else to stick around for in Cusco, the place was getting a bit tedious with the constant hounding from touts trying to drag us into bars or sell us massages. Colin and I did find a great little place to have a sauna, jacuzzi and massage for a total of about 60 Soles each (under a tenner). After a heavy night on the town, you can't beat this for a hangover cure; it was perfect. While waiting for the massage, we went and waited in the TV room. There was a rather Asian looking boy watching a documentary on Fidel Castro in the room already. We sat back on the reclining seats and he came and sat with us. I asked where he was from and his name and eventually if he could get any 'pura' meaning pure coke. I told him we had tried some in Lima and Cusco but so far it had been shit and my friends had high hopes for Peru. He said his name was Luis and he could help, and we arranged to meet after the massage.


The massage was amazing and after we both felt completely inebriated. Sure enough Luis was outside waiting for us. We all jumped in a cab and headed out of town. First he decided that he would show us some other accommodation options, starting with an unfurnished flat, which cost $100 per month. Thanks but no thanks I told him, trying not to sound rude. We then drove to his student dorm where we found a small messy room with posters of John Lennon, Che, Jim Morrison and Fidel on the walls. The place was very small. He then proudly showed us his student card proving him to be a student of architecture. We soon left and went round the corner where we bought 1 Sole burgers from a stool. I asked about the pura but he kinda said we would have to wait. He then told me that we could meet his friend; a girl who was easy were his words as far as I could translate, I repeated 'Chica facile?' He replied 'claro.' I cracked up at this random offer of a girl! We got back in a cab which he insisted on being 3 Soles the cab said 3.50 so we got out again. Another came by, who agreed on the rate and we drove back to the square. We went back to the hostel and where the other boys were waiting for us and were excited by the prospect of pura. Arthur expressed some concern at us bringing a stranger back to where were living. He then told us of a story told to him by a friend. Apparently his mate (lets call him Fred) had befriended a Peruvian guy (ratty) and they'd hung out together for a week or so. Fred then arranged for Ratty to pick him up a load of coke. Ratty did this and all seemed fine. Although, a day later Fred got a knock on his door. He opened it to find a load of armed police. They rushed in and knew exactly where the blow was hidden. He basically got fucked by Ratty. This story kinda made us feel a bit stupid but I assured Arthur that I thought it'd be fine. Louis then told us he knew where to get good chicken for very cheap so we followed him to a restaurant. It was probably the worst grease-filled, cholesterol-ridden, excuse for fried chicken I ever ate.

Afterwards, he informed us that he wouldn't be able to get the shit until 2am due to the police being everywhere. Our confidence was waining. We ended up in Mama Africas - a local gringo hangout where the doorman sell expensive but shit coke. Luis asked Nefs if he could buy him a drink, Nefs then gave him some coins which he hand to me. I bought the beer and gave it to him. Just then the barmaid called me back and said I'd given her a Bolivian Pesso. Nefs said he was certain it was a 5 Soles coin. I argued with the barmaid and eventually she gave in. She then realised that Luis was involved and restarted the dispute demanding the money again. At that point it became clear what had happened. Cheeky little swine had switched the the 5 Soles coin for a Boliviano when Nefs had handed them to him. He knew I wouldn't notice and that he himself wouldn't get away with it. I then paid not realising. I was not happy and could not be fucked with Luis anymore, but he wouldn't go. He just followed us everywhere and I not being a cunt, didn't have the heart to tell him to fuck off, nor did anyone else. I guess there was still some doubt as to what he had done.

2pm came, low and behold the pura didn't. He then went to the toilet and tried to buy some shit off the bouncer! At this point I knew he was a shit-talker so we left him in the toilet.

Next day we're preparing for our trip to Nasca. I walk out to watch the parades of children and men in balaclavas to the sound of trumpets; this sounds surreal and it was, but it was beautiful and jolly. I'm standing there watching and guess who rocks up? Our Peruvian friend. I ask him if he knows where the Inca Museum is and he shows me. All along the way he's giving me commentary on what we're seeing. I understand almost nothing but nod all the same. When we get to Museum I realise it's 20 Soles for entry and he looks at me all helpless and needy-like. I tell him I haven't enough money and we make like a tree.

I then go back with my companion and find the boys in the square. We all go for some breakfast and Luis asks if we want any shit. I knew what was coming. He asked me for 10 which I hesitated on giving him. Nefs then remarked "Just do it, mate, it's like 1.50!" I thought fuck it, I'll pay 10 Soles to get rid of the cunt and sent him on his way, arranging to meet him in the afternoon at the hostel. He never came.