On the Road Again

After a fabulous month-long trip home, we are back on the road. Thanks to everyone who took time to see, house, and feed us while we were back. It was really nice to spend time with everyone, and we already miss you all. Our only regret so far is that we did not spend more time at home; it went by too fast. We are so lucky to have such great friends and family, and the hot water, soft beds, and great food didn’t leave much to complain about other. ;o)

Anyhow, we left home again early Tuesday morning after a night without sleep - no we still haven’t conquered that tendency to procrastinate things. Tuesday was a long day of traveling. We got into Lima a little before midnight. Our drive to the hostel made us think we had made the right decision about not spending much time in Lima. But, the next day, we changed our minds. Lima looks a lot better by daylight. The city really comes alive. We spent most of our day walking around trying to get some things organized and planned for the next several days and enjoying some of the architecture and design. Then, we spent some time at an outdoor mall that is built right into a cliff overlooking the ocean. Pretty cool atmosphere, but the mall was a lot like any mall you would see in the states (of course with the exception of the open-air cliff-side thing). But, there was even a Hooter’s and a Starbuck’s. We stayed there for the sunset and then headed back to the hostel for a round of foosball before turning it in for 3 hours. Our flight left for Cuzco the next morning. The pictures of the catherdral tower, fountain, and sunset are all from Lima.

Cuzco turns out to be everything we hoped it would be a more. It is a truly beautiful city--a wonderful mix of the old and the new. Everywhere you look, there is a picture to be taken. The city center consists of old cathedrals, Incan walls, and other architectural wonders and is basically surrounded by mountains and rolling hills, the later of which are highly speckled with scattered red-tile-roofed
houses. Many times, we find ourselves climbing steep hills or steps to get around the city. Most of the buildings are brown or gray, but many of them have brightly painted window panes, doors, or covered balconies. The people are a mix of Quechua and Peruvian. The Peruvian’s dress in modern attire, very reminiscent of other Latin American countries like Nicaragua. But, the Quechua people dress is amazingly bright colors. Many times, you will see them carrying rainbow-colored satchels containing heavy materials or hand-made goods to be sold at the markets or in many cases, babies. And, they wear perfectly round, high-topped hats. Even when there dress does not give them away, the Quechua people are easily distinguished from other Peruvians. They are generally shorter and years of hard work have had there wear on them. Many of them are hunched over and have deep lines on their faces. But, they are truly beautiful people. I am only saddened that tourism has had such an impact on them. Many of them will gather with alpacas, llamas, or baby sheep and ask for money in exchange for allowing a passing tourist to take their photo. Others beg on the streets or try to sell whatever they have to offer. It is a sad sight.

My favorite experiences to date have been our interactions with the people of Cuzco
as well as the wonderful food we have eaten. We have spoken with several kids who were selling things on the streets. The difference between these kids and many of those in Nicaragua is that these kids go to school, and they can usually answer the
math and reading questions I throw at them. They are a happy bunch. We also met a guy who runs his own restaurant with his two brothers, and we plan to stay with a friend of a friends (thanks, Ryan!) for the next several days. She has lived here her whole life, with the exception of a few years spent at college in Bolivia. We met her and her son today. Good people.

As for the food, everywhere we look it seems like there is a piece of magic waiting to be found. This is bittersweet for foodies like us. We can’t ever seem to decide
where to eat. But, we haven’t made a bad decision yet. Our favorite spot was a place called Jack’s (thanks Mr. Darcy!). Also, being that we are in Peru, and guinea pig is the local delicacy, we had to try that last night. It tasted more or less like chicken - just a bit chewier. Another local specialty is Inka Kola, which tastes strangely similar to a soda I used to drink as a kid--I know all you 80s kids will remember it - Big Red, you know that pink soda that tasted like bubble gum. Well, never fear, it hasn’t vanished forever. It was just transported to Peru, given a new color and a new name, but it still has that same great taste!

Alright, I am off to sleep in our dungeon of a hostel. We will write again soon.