Posted by: Jonathan
We spent a few lazy days wandering the labyrinth of steep cobble stone streets of Cuzco and the nearby ruins. We also visited our first couple museums of the trip (Jenn had to be coxed inside with the promise of McDonald's french fries). The first one was terrrrrrible, it consisted of three barren rooms with a sparse collection of either paintings for sale or photos taken by a six year old with a disposable camera. I think this is the best way to start though since every museum we see now is "awesome".
After our fill of the city we broadened our search to the nearby ruins but not before we fueled up with some local food. Jenn played it safe with spaghetti - I rolled the dice and just pointed to something. A bowl of soup was brought out... I disappointingly picked up a spoon and began eating (I was really hoping for something more substantial). As I lowered the level of soup in the bowl I began to notice strange animal parts towards the bottom - this is the first time that I have eaten something and had no idea what it might be. Maybe one of you out there can fill me in. Also, after I choked down the soup, a plate of rice, fried eggs, and plantains were brought out with a glass of freshly squeezed juice (all for $1)... should have stalled with the soup.
We visited a total of four ruins with about 10km of walking and yes Jenn is three for three on wiping out on the trail (I think I am going to take a week of Spanish school and Jenn is going to practice walking). The first ruin we visited was Tambomachay which was a ceremonial bath that still to this day channels crystal clear spring water.
Next was Pukapukara (Red Fort) which was a guard post, hunting lodge, or stopping point for travelers - they don't really know. If I were to give my best guess I think it was laid out allot like a Red Robin, but their guesses are as good as mine.
Q'enqo had some interesting sacrifice tables carved into a cave passageway. From the tables were sloped channels that would drain the blood away to a central location (they thought of everything).
Last but certainly not least was Saqsaywaman - pronounced like sexy woman - but meaning satisfied falcon. Twenty two zigzag walls and a fort were the site of an epic battle long ago. After the Spaniards conquered the Incas here they used 80% of the stones to build their own homes in Cuzco (lazy punks). You were also able to slide down one side of the ruins where the rocks were very slick. You could get quite a lot of speed.
After a hard day of ruin exploring we cooked up a fettuccine alfredo dinner with bread and a bottle of Argentinian wine at our hostel - all we could eat and drink for $7.
Now that we have had our appetizer of Inca ruins, we head off in search of the main course - Machu Picchu. The only way there is doing a tour involving some hiking (too dangerous for Jenn) or taking a ride on the ridiculously overpriced monopoly of a train service. There is a lesser known third way that is more of a choose your own adventure route. We are setting out on it today and plan to see Machu Picchu on Monday - hopefully.
P.S. This town has had a parade every single day we have been here, and fireworks most nights. We aren't sure exactly what the first couple were about but the last one was "safe sex awareness".
P.S. This town has had a parade every single day we have been here, and fireworks most nights. We aren't sure exactly what the first couple were about but the last one was "safe sex awareness".