Blogs from Cusco, Cusco, Peru, South America - page 11

Took a walk around Cusco this afternoon. It was very sunny and a very nice temperature. Can definitely feel the sun's heat when up in altitude. Ate lunch at a local place serving typical Peruvian food. Pedro was happy with the large portion of the lamb chop. Walked the streets and did some people watching. Found a cute dog taking a nap in a rose garden. The textile market was filled with bright colors. Walked back up the hill to our hotel and could tell that we were up in altitude.... read more

Today was an amazing day! I arrived at Cusco and in the baggage claim section I overhear two American accents behind me and I immediately asked them where they were from. “Chicago,” one said. “Montana,” said the other. I learned their names were Josh and Jason. They had too met on their travels, through an Ayahuasca ceremony they did in the Amazon. They asked me where I was staying. “Loki Hostel,” I responded. Josh’s eyes lit up, “I keep hearing about that place. Its the party hostel, right?” “That’s the one!” I replied. I’ve been hearing more and more about the medicine of Ayahuasca, it is gaining quite the popularity. I’ve been on the urge to join in on a ceremony. I hear Mother Aya can really help me internally and spiritually. I have been learning ... read more

Having spent almost two weeks in Cusco (minus 4 days for the Inca Trail), we are starting to feel quite at home here. We’ve done some brilliant walks to Inca ruins, spent hours exploring incredibly colourful markets and been downright lazy in our lovely hostel, Santa Teresa, where Etelvina has done everything in her power to make us comfortable. Tom’s 30th birthday was spent walking up a very steep hill from our hostel to Sacsayhuamán (pronounced a lot like Sexy Woman!), some Incan ruins with fantastic views down over the city. His birthday wishes came true when we made our way to the highest point and the llamas started to appear! In total we were surrounded by about ten of them, including a very unsteady baby. After a few hours exploring the ruins and enjoying the ... read more

Na to, že má Cusco půl milionu obyvatel, tak nepůsobí jako velké město. Spíš připomíná hodně městeček blízko sebe. Kromě velkolepých katedrál jsou tu dvou až třípatrové domečky. Dopravní systém představují uzoučké uličky většinou jen pro jedno auto a úzký chodník. Není divu, že v centru je permanentní zácpa. Dopravu tvoří z velké části taxíky a autobusy. Místní auta nemají a když je mají, tak v centru stejně není kde parkovat. Taxíky jsem neviděl nikde stát a čekat na zákazníka, stačí jen mávnout a nějaký hned zastaví. Taxíky jsou tu levné, ikdyž evropský vzhled výrazně zvyšuje cenu. Řidiči tu často troubí, ale není to jako na Kubě, kde mají asi pocit, že klakson pomáhá zrychlovat auto. Troubí se krátce, pokaždé když na sebe chce řidič upozornit. Například když jede po úzké silničce nad srázem a vjíždí ... read more

When in a foreign and I always like to enjoy the wildlife and in Peru that includes guinea pig, or cuy (pronounced Coo-ee). The best way to enjoy cuy is deep fried and with a couple of roast potatoes. As for alpaca I recommend a stew with tomatoes and onions, then served with rice. However not all of the culinary investigations have been successful. The high regard I held for Peruvian cuisine in my last entry has faded. All of us have had a case of Peru-belly. I think Nathan had a bad empanada one night which laid him low for one day in particular, but kids bounce back quickly. We already knew that it was not advisable to drink water from the taps here. Bottles only for us in South America. Each meal seems like ... read more