Cusco Sights

I visited most all corners of the central district of Cusco, either sightseeing or when busy booking passage on the train, or when getting tickets. I remember reading that the artist Cristo, who did these large public art projects saying getting all the necessary permits was a part of the art process. This is how I looked at my task, which made it enjoyable. 

Cusco must be a pretty large city -- sticking to the central district makes Cucso a fun intimate walkable place. 

I stayed in Hotel Santa Catalina -- a small place in the central district. $50 American, cash. Room and breakfast. 

My balcony view facing left. 

Straight across view from the balcony. I took this pic to show the maze of wiring and the ancient tile roof of the buildings. 

I took inside photos so might as well use them. Bedroom looking to the balcony. 

Chief Dork at what is the most famous rock in Cusco (although I'll bet it stands alone as the only rock with notoriety in Cusco). I am covering up some of the seams, there are over 14 hand carved faces allowing this giant stone to fit into this foundation. 

Let me just pop in several shots of Cusco:

 

Here is one of those Mercedes Sprinter vans driving down a narrow Cusco street. You can also see how small the sidewalks are -- can get crowded at times!

I got tons if door and window shots. Post a few here -- and maybe do a posting of just doors and windows later. I also plan to do a posting of all the crazy cars and trucks, and also a posting of all the dogs I photographed during this trip. 

These are steep stairs up to houses I assume. Must be tough living in some spots in Cusco. 

OK -- I think I will go find wifi and let this load up. It's 6:00am, and I am in the Lima, Peru airport. I will let this load up and go stand in a line. I'll just pick the first line I see -- that will probably be the one I want. 

Next hurtle is a security screening, a long plane flight, then USA customs. 

OK -- got through security and Peru customs. At my gate an hour early. 

Here is a panorama of Cusco from a park up a hill a bit. 

Next three shots are Cusco from up high, just below the statue of Cristo:

The statue of Cristo. It was raining here, and on the drive back from Pisac -- pretty much the only time the weather was not close to perfect. 

I love checking out these Central Markets and taking pictures. The Central Markets are where all the locals shop for most goods: food, soaps, baskets, toilet paper and general consumables.

These poor guys -- rana in Spanish -- are made in soup right behind me. 

Peru is potatoes -- so I take potatoe pictures.

One aisle of the central market, mostly the clothing aisle. 

Cheese. I bought cheese several times to eat with bread. Which means I bought food that was stored at room temputure and was not wrapped in plastic -- please don't tell the FDA, the CIA or Walmart. 

I guess this is juice -- don't remember.  

Another Cusco central market booth. 

This is the prepared foods section. I just about ordered some ceviche -- but when she wiped down the serving plate I kind of freaked and cancelled. 

I don't know the San Blas area, but I thought this was interesting -- gives you some insight to the lives of the locals. 

There is not too much bargaining at these central markets, the prices are pretty much fixed -- but this guy was particularly pig-headed. 

 

Had juice. I was with a local -- so it was fun and easy to shop and order here. She is making my drink -- orange and mango juice with sugar. 

Here it is. It was very good and cheap. Don't remember the price -- maybe S/ 5.

OK -- looks like the next photo is out of the market and into a church -- so I will stop here, give me time to think of a title for the next posting... No wifi here -- so I probably would be able to publish until I get home. Let's see. Maybe if it is slow in SFO and there is wifi I will have a chance to beam it up.