Cusco, the Gateway to Macchu Pichi

We made it! I am writing this post from our Hostels patio bar, which is lively at 8:28pm despite the fact that this pair of newlyweds is going to bed very shortly. Oh, it's also in the low-40 degrees farenheit. Did I mention we were at 12,000 ft elevation? 

The flights were long, but uneventful. The last 55 minute jaunt into Cusco was breathtaking as we flew over the arid side of the Andes. If you didn't know, Perù is one of the most ecologically diverse countries on the planet! There is arid coast line, like Lima in the west, all the way to Amazon rainforest in the east. And it's all decided by those behemoth Andes poking up into the sky. 

When we got in, we got shuttled to our hostel by a very kind driver and it was instant culture shock. Not because of the poverty, which is present and visible, but because of the explosions of color and the obviously vibrant personalities (think road rage, but more frantic and less rage-y). We witnessed a car accident and what seemed like an impromptu construction project. Our ride ended with a STEEP downhill drive to our hostel door. Pat and I looked at each other like we were about to go over the flume on Splash Mountian. It was a great start to our adventure.

We came in and rested awhile and then set off for a roam around the city. It's been recommended to me to wander in Cusco (in the daytime only, obviously) without consulting a map, and this strategy worked well for us today, although I think it has more to do with the time of year. See, it is almost the winter solstice, June 24, and it is the most important holiday of the year for people of indigenous descent, which accounts for 84% of the total population, and quite a bit more of Cusco. So they throw roaring festival in honor of the Inti Raymi, who is now a ceremonial stand-in, but used to be the actual God-King of the Incan people. 

So anyway, we step out of our hostel into a literal parade. We don't need no map! We follow the parade of men,women, and children in traditional Andean dress to the main square, Plaza de las Armas, and see an amazing spectacle of tradition. I posted some short videos on Facebook if if you want to see some highlights. 

When we climbed, yes climbed, back to our hostel, we went to an informational meeting for a tour our hostel company is running for free to the festivities tomorrow. Stay tuned for a maybe-not-so-detailed-but-at-least-respectful account of this, the most important  day to the inhabitants of Cusco. 

Things tried today: Lomo Saltado-meat chopped and sautéed with vegetables, Cusqueña-local ale, and Pisco sour-a drink made with Pisco, which is fermented maíz, egg white, and lime juice. All were delicious and will be enjoyed again. 

Well, we're freezing out here and Pat's been whining to go in. :) More tomorrow!