Doesn't that header sound awesome? A couple of Gringos like ourselves traveling to the Andes and the exalted Sacred Valley ... it impresses the heck out of us anyway. Flying from Lima to Cusco was easy, although the flight was very early ... but that gave us the rest of the day to explore. Here's a new one for you: we were welcomed by cups of coca tea at the Cusco airport. Why? Coca tea is believed to help people acclimate with the high altitude. There isn't much taste, but perhaps it helps. Cusco is situated at a soaring 11,152' above sea level, or as our guide says: above the sea.
Of course, the City of Cusco has a much larger population that I expected. When I have expectations of city size, they always seem to be on the low side. Nevertheless, we won't spend much time in the city itself. As usual with Road Scholar, we are whisked off the plane and onto a bus; our luggage delivered to the hotel separately.
The bus we're on wound through hills and valleys, with non-native Eucalyptus trees covering the hillsides. That surprised me, too. Imported from Australia, the trees have taken off! The countryside is lush and beautiful, terraced for crops.
Our first stop on our way to Ollantaytambo, was to an alpaca farm: Awankancha Alpaca Center is called a living museum, where we can see, touch, and watch demonstrations on weaving. Do not ask me to pronounce any of these words, though I did get proficient with Ollantaytambo. Since Jimmy and I have alpaca farms near us in Nevada City, we kind of glossed over these guys, although some of them wore lengthy coats!
Also, I don't believe we'd ever seen a vicuña before (above), very pretty fellow. And I saw my first Rufus Collared Sparrow, below, the first of many.
Turning wood using a foot treadle, left, and weaving, right.
Love the lively colors.
After alpacas, the bus drove to Pisac (or Pisaq) to visit the local handicraft market.
We skipped eating the guinea pig (really!),
opting instead for the cheese empanadas.
While the rest of the group shopped for souvenirs (I'm just not a shopper), Jimmy and I ventured up a narrow "street" to the entrance of the park (below). I continued on up and up, but no way could I have gotten to the top of the terraced area and had time to explore the archaeological area. Jimmy stopped to "talk" with the lady selling lemonade (or something) who was hand spinning yarn. I enjoyed my lone hike, short as it was, and then we both returned to town ... and back on the bus.
* * *
Lunch was a treat. At Alhambra Restaurant and Hacienda, we had a delicious buffet meal, and afterward roamed the grounds, communing with birds, beasts and flowers. Very enjoyable!
Elias toasting us.
Check out the desserts!
Believe me, it was good.
No, I didn't try it. I think Wendell ordered it.
He said it was very sweet.
Wonderful setting.
Shaggy, whatever it is.
Bright colors abound on the grounds.
Even the birds wear colorful outfits.
So ... that was our morning and lunch. Afternoon will be the next post, to a spot on this earth that was fascinating to all of us. By this time, if you asked us if we were having fun, everyone would give a resounding YES!
