The third part of the trip

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It seems like there have been three parts to this trip. First part: bikes. Second: buses and hiking. So here we are, in the final part, which has quite its own feel as well.

A brief summary: A few days were spent in Punta Arenas to plan for the next part. Mark was recovering from strep throat and we both were tired. We researched lots of options, but came up with this as the best. We decided to go our own ways for a bit, Mark heading back to AK and I wanted to continue on, at least to see Peru and the north of Chile. No worries, Szabinski relationship still lives on. However, I could not leave the continent without seeing Cusco and its area while he was tired of not being able to communicate, eat healthy food, etc, etc. I miss him and his sense of humor...he was a great travel partner for the last couple of months.

So the blog continues, but only from the Minski perspective. Sorry if this disappoints, I know Mark typically had a more colorful description of things.

I arrived in Lima on the 01 of feb, around midnight. It really felt like landing on another planet. People are incredibly pushy to sell you things, even after just getting off a plane. My driver took me through some large, seemingly unending areas on the way to the center that looked pretty awful. My hotel was in the center and a nicer one (don´t worry, Mom). I intended to stay another night and explore the city for a day, but after walking around in the smog all morning, quickly hopped on the last flight of the day to Cusco.

Lima was completely different than anything I´ve seen to date. Amazingly old, previously the capital of the Spanish colonies here it is dripping with Spanish conquistador history. I have been reading a book that discussed a bit about Incan and Spanish history in SA...some of it not so friendly. The main square (Plaza de Armas) and the narrow streets around it (where the Inquisition took place, and the belongings of the victims were sold) with pushy vendors...felt almost a bit eerie. Maybe it was all that I had read about Lima in past years, kidnappings, pickpockets, etc. that was influencing my opinion.

I landed in Cusco yesterday afternoon and it too is completely different than anything I´ve seen. It is beautiful and also overwhelming with history. Spanish tiled roofs, ancient Incan masonry walls, Cathedrals built on old Incan temples, narrow stone-paved streets, and brightly dressed Peruvian women leading llamas around. Today, a city tour, tomorrow I hope to visit more Incan ruins in the Sacred Valley, then the next day at Machu Picchu. I´ll keep you posted.

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Photos

Magdelena Island
A short, touristy trip to the island near Punta Arenas to see Magellanic penguins.

Mark, trying to stir things up
The penguins were a bit, docile. Mark tried to create some excitement ...after one came after my shoe on the trail.

Matush
Mark named one of these 'Matush'...

Lima Cathedral
Huge Plaza de Armas where Pizzaron declared Lima the capital. Also, according to my guide book, where the Inquisition took place.

Plaza de Armas, Lima
The plaza, from the steps of the Cathedral.

One of the oldest houses in Lima
I can´t remember the name (I´m terrible with remembering specifics, as you can see).

Lima centro
Sprawling housing areas on the edge (colorful but in generally terrible condition) with a very noticable military and police presence in the center. Not as friendly as the Chilean or Argentinian police, and many with riot gear. Perhaps there was a big protest they were expecting and I missed.

Cusco!
The view from my window...so nice, yes?

The Cathedral, Cusco, at night
I was pretty tired last night, so only managed to walk around the city a bit. But the whole Plaza de Armas in front of the Cathedral was lit up and full of people.

Incan mansonry
Amazing, mortar-less walls.

Comments

[Babbcali]

Round and Profound
Matush has accrued a little extra blubber this winter....although his girlfriends look to be about the same girth as usual.

[Ale]

hello!!!
Laura: si vuelves a Bs As y tienes tiempo te esperamos en Coronel Vidal. Cuidate mucho!!! Un beso grande de parte de todos

[oona Martin]

We're so excited for you! Machu Picchu!?!?! Have a great time. love Oona, Matt and Everett

[Jessie]

Hello!
Hiya Laura - how goes the travels? It has been so much fun reading about your adventures thus far... hope you are well and continuing to meet good people along your journey!