We arrived in Cusco early in the afternoon –grabbing our bags at the baggage claim, finding our way to our porters who would take our big bags to the hotel so they would be waiting for us when we arrived.
This has been a trip of everything in one large suitcase, but also a small duffle or bag for 3 or 4 day side trips.
Some excursions, like to the Amazon region made traveling with huge rolling suitcases very difficult because there are no flat sidewalks on which to roll a heavy suitcase, so having 3 days worth of clothing and accessories in a much smaller duffle with a shoulder strap was essential. Not only for us, but also for our porters who would carry these bags up many flights of stairs from the Amazon river which was at very low levels, all the way up to the top where the hotel sat on the bank!
I’ve learned to pack lighter and lighter the more I travel. Most things can be worn twice. I have had 3 pairs of pants this entire trip. I have worn each top twice, plus picked up a couple souvenir shirts on the way. Always pack one more pair of undies than you think you need – it’s hot and sweaty in that jungle and laundry does not dry easily!
Random thoughts from a traveling quilter – and has nothing to do with the photo you see here, this is just what is coming off of the top of my head! So where were we?
Oh yes! Cusco!
There was time to slowly walk the town before dinner. To shop, to browse, to wander – notice I said SLOWLY!
The elevation here is very high, between 11,000 and 12,000 feet above sea level depending where you are in the area.
Take it easy!
Notice the colors and designs!
Notice the smells and the signs!
The Cathedral is the heart of the city!
We toured the Cathedral but no photos were allowed inside. Therefore I am relying on Wikipedia to share what I can!
The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, also known as Cusco Cathedral, is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cusco.
The cathedral is located on the Plaza de Armas. Building was started in 1559 and completed in 1654, almost a hundred years after construction began.
Adjacent and joined to the cathedral is the smaller Iglesia del Triunfo, the first Christian church to be built in Cusco.
The Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus, also on the Plaza de Armas, was built at a similar time as the cathedral.
The Cathedral, in addition to its official status as a place of worship, has become a major repository of Cusco's colonial art. It also holds many archeological artifacts and relics.
The Last Supper, Peruvian Style!
Here in Peru, they conquered people wove their own traditions into their acceptance of Catholicism by including their own artifacts into their paintings that decorate the cathedral.
You might notice this is a rendition of the Last Supper – but on the table, instead of a lamb, you will find a roast Cuy – a delicacy here in Peru. Or in other words, a very large guinea pig! The other fruits and nuts and beverages on the table are also local to this area.
Alter in the Cathedral. Source
Touring the Cathedral was a great way to get acclimated with the area before joining our friends for dinner at our hotel!
Our “Welcome to Cusco!” Dinner!
If you follow the slide show below you will see that we were treated to a wondrous show of treats and beverages at the guest appreciation cocktail party as well as our dinner!
Click the image below if you are unable to view the slideshow on your mobile device. You'll be taken to the photo album for viewing.
Click the image below if you are unable to view the slideshow on your mobile device. You'll be taken to the photo album for viewing.
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| Hola, Cusco Peru! 2015 |
There are more photos of Cusco and of course our dynamic trek up Machu Picchu to follow!
This post is posting extra early as our wake up call came at 2:30am so we can leave for the airport at 3:30 am to catch our early early flight back to Lima.
My route is Lima to Miami to Atlanta to Greensboro, putting me in Greensboro around 12:15 am on Wednesday, Nov 11th. I will have been up for nearly 24 hours by the time my feet hit my front door!
There WILL be a delay on Wednesday’s post! I’m just warning you –I need a good sleep in!
Love from Cusco, Peru --
Wow, all those fancy little foods, the Cathedral, the doors! I feel like I've been there. Certainly there is a quilt block in the napkin folds. Who says a block must be square!!! Thank you, thank you Bonnie. Sleep well tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for a safe and speedy trip home. I have enjoyed traveling with you! Also best wishes for great catch-up sleep in your own bed. Welcome Home!
ReplyDeleteSafe travels home, your tour of Peru was wonderful for all of us as we followed along while you explored places most of us will never get to see. Thank you for the constant updates, your pictures are just amazing. Now when you get home, SLEEP, REST, you can update us all when you are feeling whole again.
ReplyDeleteThere is that Cheddar Yellow again and the Pretty Blue.
ReplyDeleteSweet Dreams
quiltnrobin@nwi.net
Safe travels! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful trip to Peru.
ReplyDeleteI have so enjoyed traveling along with you via your pictures, videos and posts, Bonnie. Thank you! Wow, what a trip! That Capibara was so cute; I had never seen one before. Sleep, rest and relax.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking me along with you enjoyed via your pictures and videos
ReplyDelete