Segundo Dia (en Cuzco)

The world is big and small at the same time. Does this make sense? You see, the world is big during times like when I´m flying and I can look out onto the horizon and see all the earth. And the world is small when I´m in a city or village interacting with people and seeing and participating in everyday life. Just a thought.

So, this morning I woke up at 6AM and caught an 8:30AM flight to Cuzco (45 minutes).



I had a window seat.





I took a taxi to Hotel Ninos.



I left my backpack in my room







and had cafe con leche and fruit in the courtyard.





Then I went for a walk.







And went to Qorikancha (translated to Golden Courtyard) - once one of the richest temples in the Inca Empire. Its walls used to be covered with solid-gold sheets. Off the courtyard are rooms that served as the temple to the moon and stars (covered in silver) and another for thunder and rainbow.



The Inkas didn´t use mortar between the blocks.



Here you can see their craftsmanship and how they pieced the stones together.





I think this one looks like a lego.



Here are some macro photos of flowers at Qorikancha for Leah.







On my way to the Plaza de Armas, I got to pet a baby llama (2 weeks old).



And here I am in the Plaza de Armas.



I watched some dances. They´re preparing for the big festival on June 24th - Inti Raymi, which I will attend when I return from my four day trek to Machu Picchu.

Then I had lunch here on the balcony.



I had a ham sandwich with Andean Cheese.



The cheese tasted like salty butter (yum) and was kind of spongy.



Then I walked back to my hotel.



And took a nap (the high altitude makes people tired). Then I went to dinner at Granja Heidi, which serves all natural, healthy food. I had ensalada con pollo (salad with chicken).





I have to say that all the food I´ve had has been excellent! After dinner I walked through the Plaza de Armas on my way back to the hotel and found dancers practicing.

So the day is coming to an end, and it´s been a great one. The highlights were flying to Cuzco, looking out the window and realizing that I was flying to the Andes Mountains in Peru in South America, relaxing and enjoying cafe con leche in the sunny courtyard of Hotel Ninos, and people watching on the balcony where I had lunch in the Plaza de Armas. ¡Que increible!

Tomorrow I´m going on a 4-hour horseback ride to view four inca ruins outside of Cuzco! And then I have a prep meeting @ 6PM for my trek to Macchu Picchu, which I leave for @ 4AM on Thursday. I´ll be hiking and camping for four days on my way to Macchu Picchu, so I´ll be MIA until June 24th.

Sending my love!