Read Online Kiss Me, Lynn by Linda George - Free Book Online Page B

waiting for the next car.
    “ Buenos días , Señorita . I hope you slept well.”
    “ Buenos días, Señor . I did, thank you. I’m excited about going to Caral this morning.”
    “Sunshine !”
    “Yes. I can’t wait!”
    The elevator doors opened , and he motioned for her to precede him into the car. It moved slowly, compared with elevators she was used to using in Virginia.
    “I hope all is well at your home in Virginia.”
    “That was my father on the phone last night. He and Mom live in New Mexico—a very long way from Virginia. But yes. Everything is fine.”
    He went on to the highlight of the day’s tour. “Are you familiar with Caral?”
    “Yes. I teach World History. I’ve taught my students about Caral and shown them photos, but actually being there and taking photos of my own will make that study even more meaningful when I get home. It’s hard to imagine pyramids in Peru being older than those at Giza.”
    “Have you been to Egypt?”
    “No, but I’ve read about them and I’ve seen television programs about them that bring them to life. I hope to see them in person someday. But I’m not going inside the Great Pyramid.”
    “Why not?”
    “I’m sometimes claustrophobic. It’s hot in the narrow tunnels leading to Khufu’s burial chamber, and people go in and out through that same tunnel. A friend of mine told me I’d never make it. He isn’t claustrophobic at all, but by the time he emerged from that tunnel, he was gasping for breath and vowed he’d never do it again. I’m content to watch others make that expedition on television!”
    “We won’t be going inside the pyramids at Caral.”
    “That’s a relief! I’d have to wait outside!”
    The car opened on the ground floor. The restaurant was just to the left. They found the others at two tables pulled together. Alex suggested sitting at a third table so there would be a chair for Sharon when she came down. Lynn started to protest, knowing Sharon wouldn’t be down until the last possible minute, but with her new goal of learning everything she could from this guide, she agreed with a smile and was pleased when Alex pulled out a chair for her.
    “They have a nice buffet, with omelets made the way you prefer, or you can order from the menu.”
    “The buffet will be fine.”
    “For me, as well.”
    When the waiter came to take their drink orders, Lynn ordered hot tea. He told her there were tea bags on the buffet next to the hot water.
    “You ’ll want to try Coca tea once we get to Cusco. It will give you energy at the much higher altitude,” Alex suggested.
    “ I read that Cusco sits at 11,000 feet. Should we be having Coca tea now, before we leave the coastal area?”
    “It isn’t necessary . Coca tea helps those who stay in Cusco for several days. The altitude usually affects them at night. Lying flat makes it harder to breathe and to get blood to the brain.”
    “I’ll have to remember to use several pillows!”
    They went to the buffet. Lynn was surprised to find vegetables as well as fruits there, plus sweet breads, and a chef waiting to take orders for omelets. That’s what she wanted. She asked him for ham, cheese, peppers, and tomatoes. While the omelet was cooking, she remembered a warning in her guide book about not eating fresh fruit and vegetables in Peru unless they were peeled and properly cleaned. This was a really nice hotel, so she didn’t worry about her omelet being anything but safe to eat.
    While the omelet cooked, she selected a cup, filled it with hot water, then added a tea bag. In Cusco, she’d definitely try the Coca tea.
    Her omelet was ready. Alex had filled his plate with vegetables and fruits and added a sweet roll. They went back to their table. While they exchanged information and thoughts about Caral and what they’d see there this morning, he glanced at his cell phone several times.
    The third time, he said, “Will you excuse me, please? I have to make sure the hotel has everyone