3 Days in Cusco

June 11

Today we are hailing from Cusco, Peru, one of the cities of the ancient world.  Cusco has served many purposes and taken a variety of forms.  It is the archeological capital of the Americas and you can't be here long without being introduced to the ancient layout of the old city in the shape of a puma.  Our hostel is located just above the back of the great animal, venerated by the ancient world.  Tomorrow we hope to hike 800 ft up to the puma's head where there is an Incan archeological site called Sacsayhuamán, pronounced similarly to "sexy woman" as many English speakers point out.

We have been here two days, mostly acclimatizing to our new altitude of 11,000ft above sea level. The first day we crashed at 6:00PM.  Breathing can take a lot out of you.

Since our arrival we have enjoyed getting the lay of the land.  We have seen a number of large celebrations attended largely by the locals as they celebrate the Sun(?) and the anniversary of the city of Cusco.  I asked on local how old the city was.  He sat there puzzled a bit and finally said, "I don't know. Very ancient."

We have explored and purchased trinkets from a zillion shop and street venders, celebrating when we bargain well and making up for it by paying way too much for other items and supporting the local economy with our tourist naivety.  Nate has had to yank me out of the way of on coming cars on a number of occasions.  It is taking me a bit to get used to sidewalks that vary from 2.5 feet to six inches (I am not kidding) in width.  "This is all I get!?" was my reaction in the first couple hours as cars zoomed past me in a space only inches wider than their side view mirrors.

On the whole we have shopped well, eaten well, rested, read and enjoyed watching the biggest hummingbird we have ever seen in our lives (which feeds right in the gardens outside our room).  Before we leave on our 4 day trek to Machu Picchu, we have a list chores and site-seeing to accomplish.  

Tomorrow we hope to hunt down a very famous painting in one of the local cathedrals: Jesus and the disciples eating guinea pig at the Last Supper.  This is such a telling portrait of culture and faith.  Nathan referenced it once in a sermon.  I love that the native painter illustrated Jesus as meeting us right where we are.  I was hoping to eat some guinea pig while I was here (called "cuy"*), but our trekking company asked that we not do it before the hike, and I don't expect to have time after the hike before our next flight.  

One day left in Cusco.  Head of the puma... Here we come!

*Note: cuy is originally from Peru and is a farm animal prized for its meat

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The view of our hostel from our room.  This is where the hummingbird feeds :)

Out to dinner tonight.  No cuy for us but we did have more pumpkin soup and lomo saltado :). And Inca Cola!  Yum.