A Peaceful Awakening

We awoke in the barn to the sound of the cows, pigs and dogs outside. Couldn’t help but laugh as we scrambled up the steep incline to the outhouse toilet which we needed to flush with bucket. We didn’t mind though as we were expecting a squat toilet like Nepal, so a sit down one was a lovely surprise!

Elsa and David took us on a walk through village to the local shop, selling everything from typical eggs, bread and veg; to knitting wool, charging cables and hats!
Back to Elsa’s for what was unanimously the best breakfast of the trip - fried egg sandwiches and delicious mugs of fine cinnamon oats.
Then, out to the fields to harvest some breakfast for the Guinea pig farm - alfalfa which makes them grow fast, and maize. It was quite emotional feeding them (for
Emma at least - it was the dogs that pulled on Rachel’s heart strings), though the Guinea pigs had plenty of space, knowing they would be sold for food/eaten was sad.
We then took some photos of the in-progress building (community space) and beautiful views across the village, lake and valley.

We asked about buying some locally made souvenirs to give back to the village to thank them for their kindness - Elsa organised for a lady to bring some of her items to the house and we purchased a few beautiful handmade things. Emma is too tall for Peruvian houses - banged her head so many times on the kitchen doorway - probably resulting in mild concussion/ irrational souvenir buying!

Elsa was an amazing cook and said that when we return (having learned more Spanish /Quetcha) she will teach us. A brief farewell when the taxi pulled in to collect us, then back along the bumpy road to Chinchero, followed by a perfectly timed bus back to Cusco (less crowded than yesterday).

Back in Cusco we hit the shops like supermarket sweep for last minute souvenirs, then back to the hotel to shower and pick up laundry. A 10 min taxi to Cusco airport to catch our flight back to Lima (we arrived 2 hours early and we’re offered a flight an hour sooner which we accepted). Not only that, we were given extra legroom - bonus!!

John arranged for Miguel to meet us at the airport again which was lovely. We settled back in Lima after a busy but brilliant couple of days, agreeing that although spending time in the village was really tiring, it was an amazing experience!Read more