Cuenca is at 8,200 ft elevation.  When we were young, we skied at that altitute all Winter.  Now, it is more of a challenge to walk 5 miles of hilly city at that altitute.  Breath sometimes comes a bit too fast, or the head is a little too light after standing up quickly.

Cocaine to the rescue!  Well, actually a tea available on many street corners made from a tincture of cocaine.  It is a wonderful cure for all things that bother you from the altitude.

I found a street urchin selling cocain derivatives near the Parca Calderon — the central park of Cuenca.  Most of his wares were mosquito repellant, which isn’t much use at this altitude.  But he did have the tea I was looking for.

“5 Dollars, senor.”

“No. <shake my head> Too mucn. <walk away>”

“4 Dollars for you. Special today.”

“<shake head> No. Tres Dollars ($3)”

“Ok, OK. For you, Tres dollars”

And so, I have the altitude sickness cure I need for $3 (which is actually about the right price, FWIW)