Alpacas in Cuzco and Textiles in Pisac

wow, Cusco! We definitely needed more time in this amazing city! Holly and I again did a Free Walking Tour, but it was waaaaaay more boring than the one in Lima. We did see the main square (Plaza de Armas), San Francisco Plaza, San Pedro market, and hung out with some alpacas.

The difference between an alpaca and a llama: the eyes. Llamas always look like they are wearing dark eye liner. Also, they have strong backs so they're used to carry goods, whereas alpacas have weak backs and really good hair, so their wool is used to make cloth.

Selfie with an alpaca?

Holly and I grabbed dinner while Kaitlyn recharged at Mama Simona Hostel. As we were walking back, we noticed all these rainbow flags. My first thought was, "wow, gay friendly hostel, gay friendly grocery, this city is surprisingly progressive! Go Peru!" Turns out, nope, the rainbow flag is the native flag so if you hae a lot of Inca pride, you will probably be flying a rainbow flag outside your house, next to the flag of Peru.

We had an amazing lunch at the San Pedro market - arroz a la Cuba - rice, avocado, egg, plantain, and it cost 4 soles, which is about $1.30.






Some observations now that I've been in Peru for a whole couple of days.
1. Travelers are surprisingly older than the backpacker circuit in Europe for example. Most are in their late 20s or early 30s and a surprising number just quit their jobs and are traveling for months. I feel like I fit in surprisingly well just like I felt like I fit in backpacking around Europe when I was 20.

2. So many tourists! Also, we stick out so much. That gringo skin just won't hide! The brown hair helps, but literally the only people with blue eyes are the three of us, it seems like. It Is immediately obvious and we get called out on the streets regularly to buy things or eat at this restaurant, or do we want a massage? It's a little annoying, I wish I could blend in a bit better!

3. Cusco is so different than Lima!! The geography and landscape (I cannot breathe because the altitude! 10,000 feet!), the people. I have officially fallen in love with Peru. There is so much more to do in Cusco that we didn't even know about and don't have time for! More ruins, the Sacred Valley, salt baths. Could easily spend 10 more days here.

Cusco Catedral with our new friend, Karolin!

Pisac
This is a town about half an hour by bus outside of Cusco that is known for its market. So after breakfast our second morning, still struggling with the lack of oxygen, we walked across town and caught the local van/bus. Holly befriended "Pablo" who stated that he was from "the universe" (originally Slovakia?). Interesting character but gave us some tips on Pisac, where he lived by the river with his 8 dogs.

We all spent more money than initially intending. I bought a ring, and a belt from an older woman who tried to explain to me how she makes the yarn. I understood very little. But she also taught me how to tie it! I figured that since I've been wearing the same cloth belt since the 10th grade, I could afford to invest in another. Kaitlyn is obsessed with the textiles, which I have to admit are growing on me. I almost bought a flute for my dear husband, but it was too expensive. Also so much more fun to buy yourself presents!

I would have loved to see the Pisac market on a Saturday or even spent a night there,  but no time! Back to Cusco to meet with our guide for the trek. I had him say his name multiple times and still was not sure what it was until about day 3 of 4. After our orientation with him, I was feeling less confident - looks like it is going to be extremely difficult! So feeling nervous but also excited. At this point though, I'm starting to feel more confident with my baby Spanish. I can get myself around ok and am learning a ton!

I haven't felt unsafe in Peru at all, other than drinking bottled water all the time, and avoiding some neighborhoods in Lima, just as I would in ANY large city (Chicago, NYC). We will be picked up at 4:30am, here we goooooo