Machu Picchu @50 Day 2

October 12: 2017

4AM-UGH!

I had slept pretty well, using my Bluetooth ear plugs, listening to waterfalls. I scrambled to prepare even though I was really just fine on time.

My shower was...an Arctic Adventure. I spent as little time as possible under the shower head.

Wow...was that cold. Bag packed and only my teeth to brush, I found Naitro at the sink and soon LaTrice showed us. Hugs all around and especially for LaTrice as it’s been so very long even though it seems like yesterday. Time certainly flies but connection spans any limitation.

The driver was waiting for us and the drive to the airport was quick. The lengthy line to get to the drop off was insane. It took longer than the drive. Naitro checked her Peruvian Airline ticket and questioned the return date. Hers had Oct 15th. I looked at mine and it also said the 15th. Thank my travel app showed the 16th. ???

Inside, we checked in without issue other then my carry on had to be checked...Grrr.

We were told to go to the airline sales counter to ask about changing the date of return. The man at that desk said that they can do it in Cusco. I asked again...and he just repeated what he had already said.

Naitro and LaTrice picked up a breakfast snack and we boarded. LaTrice had to drink her coffee quickly as they wouldn’t allow her to bring it on the plane...strange.

Flying south, the view of the Andean mountain peaks was quite dramatic, another little piece of the world to discover. A snow capped peak piercing the clouds now and then.

Arrival into Cusco showcased the use of local materials as most everything is stone and brick.

At the ticket counter, we embarked changing our tickets from the 15th to the 16th. We were in luck that there were seats available...only 3 seats. They come at a cost...three different costs??? My ticket was $125 more, Naitro’s was $143 more, and LaTrice was $162 more. There was a terrible language barrier so we don’t fully understand why but they were the only three left. LaTrice tried to contact Peruvian Air but they kept hanging up on her. Even the ticket agent tried and the same thing happened. There was a brief thought of a day in Lima but there is so much to do in Cusco, we decided to pay. The driver was very kind to stay and wait for us.

The path through the city was mostly clean and orderly. There was a statue to the most famous Inca in a roundabout on the way. Very soon we could see the Plaza de Armas. LaTrice was like “Take a picture of that”. My response was...no need as we’ve arrived. Our Hotel was on the square.

It was quaint but modern and clean. The mattresses were comfy and we had our own bathrooms. The courtyard of brick and wood windows... blue doors and Iron railing...love it

While waiting for the room we had some coca tea 4 cups altitude sickness setting in

Naitro feeling bad and needed to lay down.

LaTrice and I walked around Plaza de Armas enjoying the terraced houses and Andes as the back drop. The square was lively and rich with the history of Ancient and colonial civilizations

We visited the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus (Church of the Society of Jesus).

Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, in Peru. It is situated in the Plaza de Armas, the city center. It is built on the site of an Inca palace. It is an example of Andean Baroque architecture. Its construction began in 1576, but it was badly damaged in an earthquake in 1650.

The rebuilt church was completed nearly two decades later. The Jesuit college in Cusco was dedicated the Transfiguration of Christ, and the high altar features a painting of the Transfiguration attributed to the Jesuit Diego de la Puente.

The most notable piece of art in the church is a painting depicting the marriage of Martín García de Loyola, the nephew of Ignatius Loyola to Beatriz, the great-niece of the Inca ruler Tupac Amaru.

In the basement there is an altar in a space that is from the Inka palace. The arched area to the right of the altar, with domed ceiling, was quite interesting as standing in one corner and whisper, you can hear clearly what is spoken just by standing at the column diagonal to you. Also, Standing in the center of the domed area, you can hear yourself speak like in a microphone…amazing acoustics.

We paid a guide 20 sole for her time and really enjoyed her presentation. At times, she would repeat herself but we did get much information and she was very passionate about sharing with us.

It had been an hour and a half so we returned to check on Naitro. She wasn’t feeling well but it seemed that getting something to eat was the best course of action.

I asked at reception and a cafe called Organic Greens was recommended and boy was it a great choice. It was only a block away and It was the beginning of the amazing Peruvian food journey that this would become. We had been told to eat light so I had an Amazing salad and best smoothie ever @ mango, passion fruit, pineapple, lemon grass and yogurt. That smoothie would become the stuff of food legend. We went to have it three times.

Feed and feeling a bit better we had a walk around the Plaza de Armas and around the historic center.

The Inka Museum was our choice for the afternoon but no pics were allowed..It is one of the most remarkable colonial houses of the city of Cusco. Built in the early seventeenth century Inca stone by Francisco Aldrete Maldonado lieutenant mayor, called the Admiral, who lived until his death in 1643. Rebuilt by Pedro Peralta de los Rios after the earthquake of 1650 and restored again by the San Antonio Abad University of Cusco after the earthquake of 1950. Currently holds the arms of his rebuilders, who added the attractive silver front looks today, and its large courtyard with arcades and paneled rooms.

As Cusco is considered the Gateway to Machu Picchu, I was disappointed by this museum. There was little of interest. There weren’t many artifacts or information about this great civilization. I found more information in other museums not specifically dedicated to Inka. Pass this one by.

There were several areas with crafts on display and some offered for sale. There was a weaver set up in the courtyard. There were scarfs, bags, belts, and much more. LaTrice made some great choices of a scarf, belt, and bracelet.

There was a section with wall hangings of different traditional types, and stone and wood carvings where I found an Inka cross that intrigued me but it will end up being the one that got away. I did buy a small gourd with hand detailed drawings in read and black.

From here we decided to head up the hill to San Blas Church. The path provided views of locals near the school and views of the Plaza de Armas from a wall near to the school. I climbed on top of the wall and had sweeping views of the plaza and hills around. It was a great place for the three of us to share some selfies together. What a great thing…to be here together.

Back at the room for a break before dinner, we spent the time to catch up on what was going on in our lives. Even though Naitro ...dishing some dirt until dinner time

Second good meal of Peru, we sent to a sister restaurant of Organic Greens..Incanto Where I had perfect mushroom risotto, and the girls had thin, crispy pizzas. The service was a bit slow but the food was great and a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

Returning to the hotel, the Plaza was lit up and lively with music and dancing. As Naitro and I had a room on the courtyard, it was a bit loud but they did quiet down before midnight. A bit of Coca tea and relaxing before another early morning.

I edited some pics from the day and wrote a bit. I did have a brief panic about LaTrice’s train tickets but she said that she had them….yeah!

A rough day, a great day...my last day of 49. Friends sharing a first together…wonderful.