Lima to Cusco

 

 Note: I am back in the USA safe and sound. I'm currently working and saving up for another adventure with hopes of returning to South America in the fall again.

I arrived in hot, dusty, foggy Lima at night from the bus and the very next morning I caught a flight to head to Cusco. Star Peru Airlines treated me with a free lunch snack pack and I munched away while the flight  overlooked lush, green mountains and before you know it the little valley appeared with the red tiled roofs. I was in love with this city even before I set my feet on the ground! Cusco is one of the highest cities in the world and sits at 11, 200 feet above sea level !

I spent a lot of time wandering the tiny, historic brick laid streets, gawking at the view, the people, the markets, the shops, the smells, and the artwork.  Cusco had flavor. It was a bit tourist-ridden among the main plaza area and surrounding areas, but within a few blocks you could escape that non-sense. Lots of locals in this spoke some what decent English as well, since it is a major access entry point for the Machu-Pichu.

http://manualidades.facilisimo.com

I kept running into a nice woman around my age that was selling gourds that she hand-made. We had some good basic Spanish conservations and laughed together. She told me that her grandfather had taught her how to make the gourds.  By selling them, this was her only way of income. I toured ancient ruins, drank fresh fruit juices in the morning, and also went to the Inca Museum. My cultural fix was at its high point in this city. Definitely a great place to experience Peru at its best.