“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”– Helen Keller
Cusco is a town of narrow roads and millions of steps. I marvel at the drivers who manoeuvre their cars down the cobbled stoned streets and us pedestrians who jump out their way just in time. Packs of friendly dogs roam the streets with an innate sense of the traffic rules they need to follow. There’s a surprising harmony in the chaotic traffic as people, dogs, children and tourists who really don’t know where they’re going – keep moving.
This morning we walked up this hill and then when we got to what we thought was the top – more steps appeared.
My mission was to find a bench and then–lo and behold – there it was – note the incredible, blue sky and the 2 very, happy girls taking their time to just be and enjoy.
We visited the Koricancha Sun Temple, that had once been covered in gold. It saddened me to think that the wealth and history of such a mighty empire was totally wiped out during the Spanish colonization. I am still intrigued by the Inca’s brilliant construction methods. How did they carve each stone without iron tools? How did they place each stone so that it fitted perfectly without heavy equipment? How were walls reinforced without mortar?
How did they know how to position the infinite window that light shines through forever? Check out the photo below and see the perfectly fitted wall with the infinite window that has been standing for 600 years and survived an earthquake without one crack. Now imagine in covered completely in gold – WOW!
Can you believe there is a Starbucks in Cusco – and no we haven’t gone in yet.
Our first night we experimented with authentic dining at a cheap tourist restaurant – bad decision. Today we lunched at Greens – an organic restaurant – each taste was so flavourful, fresh and deee-lishous! Avocado, quinoa, fresh lake trout and fruit are in abundance.
We also found out that next week on our hike up the Inca Moonstone trail we can expect the temperature to drop to -2 degrees. We rushed out to buy warm alpaca hats.
Actually these didn’t turn out to be Alpaca and are not warm – yet it was a perfect ending to another perfect day!
So how prepared am I for the big hike. I have thought I was until yesterday at lunch Thomas, a seasoned hike leader asked me what trails I’ve hiked. I said “None, this is my first hike.”. His eyes widened (almost with fright) as he answered in a hesitant voice… “I think you’ll be ok”. That’s what he answered – but his eyes said ‘oh no you’re part of our group…’. of course I took no notice, smiled at him and said, “I can’t wait to start!”
Today I learned the value of patience. I didn’t want to go on the tour and walk up a thousand steps because Disnarda told us she was taking us to see some artist’s homes and shops. Yet each place we saw including the artist’s shops was unique, interesting and a new experience that wouldn’t have been if I wasn’t there.
I am also learning the meaning of stamina as a true source of strength – but more about this next week.
And yes – I learned how to say Koricancha – it’s Cory- cun-cha. (Okay – it is an easy word.) Tomorrow we are spending all day at the Paqpachaca Inca Bridge, Tipon, Piqillaqta, and Piñiypampa – a new day, with more new experiences and all outdoors. What a treat!
Adiós
