We took a taxi from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and one stretch was so stunning, the taxi driver hearing my gasps, asked if I’d like him to pull over for a bit. “Yes, please!”
17OCT12. Cusco, Peru.
Category: CUSCO
CUSCO, PERU: (Former Inca Empire)
Plaza de Armas
La Catedral De Cuzco
Built in 1945 by Christian Palestinians who were seeking refuge in Cuzco. This is their gift of gratitude to the town of Cuzco.
The Statue of Cristo Blanco (White Christ)
Cuzco Before a Rainstorm
Tucked Away in a Courtyard off of Calle Marques
View of Cuzco from Qoricancha
OCT12. Cusco, Peru.
CUSCO, PERU STREET ART & GRAFFITI: “CHUNCHO”
I looked up “Chuncho” and basically at the time of the Spanish conquest, The Chuncho people lived in the forest east of Cuzco in communal housing and survived mostly through hunting. I don’t know what this piece represents, but I find it interesting to see the word “chuncho.” Artist unknown. 20OCT12. Cuzco, Peru. (iPAD, Instagram Lo-Fi Aspect.)
CUSCO STREET ART & GRAFFITI: “FORBID URINATING DEATH PENALTY”
Literally translated from European Spanish, this means “Forbid Urinating Death Penalty.” I have no idea what this could mean culturally or politically. Artist unknown. 20OCT12. Cuzco, Peru. (iPAD, Instagram Lo-Fi Aspect)
CUSCO, PERU STREET ART & GRAFFITI: TWO DRAGONS
Green and Black Dragon Heads. Artist unknown. 20OCT12. Cuzco, Peru. (iPAD, Instagram Lo-Fi Aspect)
CUSCO, PERU STREET ART: MONA LISA AND CHILD FADING AWAY
This Mona Lisa with Child on her back is a stencil I found this morning right off of Choquechaca. Artist unknown. 20OCT12. Cuzco, Peru. (iPAD, Instagram Lo-Fi Aspect)
CUSCO, PERU: LA CATEDRAL DEL CUZCO
The most important religious monument in the Plaza de Armas in Cuzco, Peru. Its photo was taken from a cafe balcony overlooking the square. Parts of this magnificent cathedral were begun in 1539. Completion occurred around 1664.
19OCT12. Cuzco, Peru. (iPAD, Instagram Sutro Aspect)
OLLANTAYTAMBO, PERU: COCAINE TEA!
Not really. It is Coca tea and the Coca Plant is a major cash crop for Peru. Through a complex chemical process, yes, we arrive at the euphoric creation of cocaine. Even though the coca plant itself is negligible for causing any major effects, it is still illegal in a lot of places. Don’t think of entering the U.S. with a bag of it in your backpack. It is common for Peruvians to chew it for a bit of a buzz and enhanced energy and clarity and it is also known to counter the effects of altitude sickness. Hallelujah!
17OCT12. Ollantaytambo, Peru. (iPAD, Instagram Lo-Fi Aspect)
CUSCO, PERU (FOOD): BREKKIE AT JACK’S CAFE
Coming highly recommended from many guidebooks, I had to check out Jack’s Cafe, an almost decade-old institution in Cusco. Australian-owned, it boasts a menu for everyone from carnivores to hardcore veggie-heads. On my first morning, I had the Cinnamon French Toast with fresh bananas and strawberries, along with a flavorful cappuccino. On two other mornings, I also had their Huevos Rancheros and their Scrambled Eggs with roasted tomatoes, pesto, and parmesan, on toast. Muy delicioso! Highly recommend: Jack’s Cafe, Choquechaca 509.
16OCT12. Cusco, Peru. (iPAD, Instagram Lo-Fi Aspect)
CUSCO, PERU (FOOD): CEVICHE
Archaeological records show consumption of ceviche (or cebiche or seviche) as far back as 2,000 years ago! Thought to probably have been brought to Peru by Moorish women from Granada. It’s a raw fish dish made with lemon, onion, and chili pepper. Mine was cold, citrusy, with just the right mix of pepper to give it a zing…and served with two slices of sweet potato to counteract the ‘ceviche bite.’ A must-try on a visit to Peru. Highly recommend: Don Marcelo Restaurant, Portal Belen 115, Plaza de Armas. Cusco, Peru.
15OCT12. Cusco, Peru. (iPAD Instagram, Lo- Fi Aspect)