Yesterday, I went on a "self-guided (aka by Lonely Planet)" tour of Cusco and in the process was introduced to many new areas of the city that I had not be exposed to yet. So totally awesome! I went with a group (Brittney- Niagra Falls, Kali- NYC, Andrew- Pittsburg, Brendan and Chantell- Canada) from a differnt home-stay (our house has traveled with them a bit before.) We had yesterday off from volunteering (as well as today) because of strikes. The majority of cusquenians are participating in the strike and not going to work because the government wants to mine and export oil and natural gas from Peru... so, the people here won't benefit from lower prices... ? This is what I have understood from broken spanish/english conversations... It gave us time to explore but also caused for modification of our tour because of safety. The police asked us (very kindly and sternly) to stay near the main square because it wasn't safe for us to venture out into less touristy areas. I think it would have been totally fine but a group of gringos does stick out quite a bit. However, we discovered the San Blas area of Cusco (you can look it up if you like, it's pretty well known) and like many other tourists, I loved it! It is all small cobblestone streets (more similar to alleyways) with resturants, pubs, and shops tucked into every bit of free space. I am still amazed when I duck under a door expecting to enter a teeny space and low and behold a whole courtyard emerges! We spend lots of time just walking around and shopping! My spanish is improving a little and I am having more success with bartering! Yay! Last night I also went over to their house to watch the Lakers and Celtics play... of course, I really wanted to just see what another house/part of town looked like. I was nervous to take a taxi by myself, but my fears were pretty much totally unfounded. On the way there (I had to cross the city, ha which took maybe... 7 minutes) I had the cutest taxi driver. He was about 70 years old and was very patient with my spanish. : ) I think I should seek out more elderly and young people to attempt conversation with, they are much more forgiving. The childern at my placement are so funny when I try to have converations with them, however it is becoming much easier to talk to as well as understand them.
Tomorrow at 4:30am I am leaving for Salkentay, a 5-day hiking adventure around Machu Picchu. All in all, about 35+ hours of hiking in 5 days plus hiking around Machu Picchu itself and climing Huayna Picchu. It will be hard work but I am super excited!
More pictures to come soon!
Love to all!
C
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Carson be smart, travel with a buddy, You have my permission to seek out very old men. 70 is a good age to start with, They have much wisdom to impart. And small children 15 and younger. This is your father. Remember, honor thy father and mother. Carpe Diem. Live it up and thank you for sharing your travels with us. I love you.
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