Day 9- Cusco, Cusco, Cusco

Cusco did not disappoint!

First, I have to tell you about last night; after the brujeria… Luis and I went to the town square (video below), which was gorgeous. The homes above the town were lit up and glistening like jewels in a jewel box. This square was, and still is, the center of the town. The Incas called Cusco the “Belly Button” of the world. It was originally shaped like a Puma (“Titi”), which is a sacred animal. With the religious ruins I will show you tonight forming the head. Obviously, it has grown in the last 600 years, but the main town square still remains at the center of the town.

After a quick dinner, we decided to just wander and get lost and explore with no direction. We saw many things. But the most impactful was when we encountered three young men by a market that asked Luis if he would buy their trinkets. When Luis declined, they asked if he could buy them something to eat from the store. So, deciding to be Santa Claus, Luis said “Go get what you want”. The boys ran through the store with wide eyes and contagious excitement as everyone watched in surprise. They picked cereal, cookies, fruit, yogurt, candies, and soda and cereal bars. They couldn’t believe what was happening. Five bags of groceries later, we got many hugs, gifts of trinkets, smiles, and effervescent thank you’s. And a beautiful new word in Quechua: (Tupananchiskama).

Translated to Spanish: “Abrazos & bendiciones. Hasta que el mundo nos vuelva a reunir”.

Translated to English: “Hugs and blessings. Until the world brings us together again.”

Tomorrow is also Election Day in Peru, so like in Puerto Rico, no alcohol sales on election day; but here that starts at noon the day before and ends on Monday. Everyone must be sober and well-rested to vote.

Now to the head of the Puma, SACSAYHUAMAN (pronounced like “sexy woman”), a sacred and religious site with 1,200 pound hand chiseled stones that had to be carried from the quarry 3k away. Then shaped with a cutting rock to perfection. You cannot pass a credit card between any of the stones. Standing near it, you feel small and amazed at the engineering and craftsmanship before wheels, tools, measuring tape, and drones.

Just north of this temple, and making the ear of the Puma, is a cave where humans (female virgins) were sacrificed as offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

This complex is still used for traditional celebrations; without any sacrifices.

Ok, let’s keep going. We have lots more to see and enjoy.

Last pictures are a cute alpaca and dinner in a few days (cuy). And a hill topped Jesus now overlooking the ruins of the Inca temple.Read more