Walking Around Cusco

Temporarily satisfied with seeing Incan ruins, today was another "light day" touring Cusco. On the agenda: visit a few churches, markets, and time permitting- a museum or two. Because our days seemed to mostly start at Plaza de Armas, we had already tracked down two: the Cathedral of Cusco aka Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, and Church of the Society of Jesus. Church services were always going on so we didn't get a chance to visit inside. Continuing on our jaunt, we passed by Church of San Francisco and the Church of San Pedro, both which had a live marching band getting ready for processionals down the street. 

Margo was in some need of butt paste (hiking is hard work on wee bums!) so I detoured to a pharmacy while the others peered inside the doors for details. Busy with preparations and/or services, we missed these as well. No matter because we arrived to the San Pedro Market, which was full of entertainment and colors. Stacks of bamboo, buckets of juice, and piles of vegetables were everywhere. Then we wandered inside the tarp covered portion, and even Margo was distracted from her bottomly discomforts (man it's dry here. In Cusco, I mean) to stare at the products on offer. The cool morning weather meant glorious smells of fresh meats, produce, and breads. 

Walking back toward the Plaza with efforts focused on getting lunch, we turned onto a pedestrian street attracted by sounds of traditional drums and flutes. We walked right into a tiny courtyard where the musician was playing in full-on Incan dress. Of course the herd of alpacas totally eclipsed this experience as the kids rejoiced and begged to feed them. Donation in the pot, the kids stuffed corn husks in their faces, squealing with joy. It was all good and fun until the alpaca lady tried to put Deets on an alpaca. Neither the creature nor he were impressed. Taking this as our cue, we had one other church in mind: San Blas aka Saint Blaise, patron of throat illnesses, animals, wool combers, and wool trading. Seems appropriate. Up the steps we went, where- yes the church was closed. But no matter, we were waaaaay overdue for lunch so we stopped at a volunteer run cafe right on the square: The Meeting Place where proceeds go to local charities. They make big-ass yeasty waffles, and killer mango lassis. I ate so much I felt drunk. To walk off the food stupor, we made our way home for an early evening. Tomorrow would be another epic travel day to: MACHU PICCHU! Estimated time of departure: 4:15 am...

 Many vendors serve the juice
in a plastic sack with a straw instead of cups.

Outside the San Pedro Market.

Bamboo and coconuts.

Fresh and cool air running through the market.

Gizzards? Feet? Beak? All included.

Margo wanted to know why their eyes were still open.

Alpaca feeding time.

Shaggy.

Margo, Em, Deets and Josh.

Planning.