Cusco

Aside from the religious tension, Cusco is like the Jerusalem of South America. The city has been built and rebuilt many times- by pre-incans, then the Inca, then the Spanish and finally once more by modern day Peruvians. Beneath the colonial architecture that dominates scene lie ancient stone foundations of enormous proportions. Proportions which defy our notions of what humans are truly capable of.

 

It seems every building is or has been, at one point, a cathedral or monastery. One hostel claims it is the home of conquistador Fransisco Pizarro's niece.  Green, fountain-clad plazas dot the city, connected by narrow cobblestone streets and surrounded by wide paved roads. Women in bright dress clutching baby llamas prey on the wallets of cute-animal addicted women. Various hawkers and shoe shiners wander about, hassling anyone whose gaze implies foreign blood.

 

 

It is a beautiful city with a thriving community and an excellent culinary scene. Though seemingly authentic, one can't help but feel a slight tinge of Disney World due to the overwhelming number of tourists and overall cleanliness of the central district. As the takeoff point for Machu Picchu, and arguably the most important historical city in all of Peru, it should be expected.

 

We spent four days in this city on the frontier of the jungle, adjusting to the altitude prior to our journey to Machu Picchu. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes, it is the first truly green city we have had the chance to experience. After months of roaming deserts and mountains and plains it almost feels like home.

 

 

 

Today I begin a two week bartending gig in Cusco. We made it to Machu Picchu, and the group has finally separated as Russell, Sonal, and VJ fly to Lima. I'm a bit behind on writing due to all the activity. That update will be coming soon.

 

Also Russell got puppies.