My Adventures in Cusco

I found that I really liked Cusco - the vibe, the city, the people - which worked out well because the whole Machu Picchu trip required me to spend a bit of time in Cusco figuring things out. I spent quite a bit of time with the Argentines shopping, exploring the city, eating and going out. I did eat at McDonalds which was quite tasty (better than in the US but same as BsAs). One of the nights we went out to a little french resturant in the barrio (neighborhood) of San Blas - kinda like San Telmo in BsAs. After we went out to a bar called 7 Angelitos (seven little angles). The owner was argentine (as were quite a few of the other drinkers when we arrived) and he made the most excellent mojitos. I don´t think I´ve ever had one as tasty as the ones he made. A bit later there was a punk/ska/rock band that played which ended up being really good. They played a good mix of covers (from US, Latin America and Europe) as well as their own stuff. Turned out to be a pretty big night out but it was so so fun.

The next day I went bungee jumping (not the best idea when you´re hung over but I survived). It was a place about 15 minutes outside Cusco. Basically they strapped my ankles into the bungee and also used attatchements around my waist and shoulders. Then I climbed into a yellow box cage thing and got hoisted about 105 meteres into the air. Going up I felt ok, just a little nervous. But to actually jump you have to walk out onto this little plank and then dive off. Ahhh for me it was way scarier than jumping out of a plane. I was kinda dissapointed tho cuz after the terrifying dive its just a short fall, a violent jerk and a little bit of bouncing around. But it was fun and exciting and I am glad I did it. Unfortunatly on the bumpy cab ride back to town my tummy was really unhappy with my drinking, eating and physical activities (but I kept it under control).

Other interesting things in Cusco were the market and the parades. The central market in Cusco was a lot like the one in Sucre. Fruit, veggies, meat, cheese, bread, sweets, furniture, meals and artisan things. For one meal I went there to try the Peruvian dish ceviche which is rice and salad and some kind of raw fish with lemon juice. Have to say I wasnt a big fan of it but maybe it would have been beter on the coast. Guess I will have to give it another go when I am in Lima. Also, I got to see a ton of parades. I cant remember the reasons for all of them but the best one I saw on my last day in Cusco. It was a celebration for the 100 year aniversary of a school and it proceeded from the school, around the Plaza Armanda and on to somewhere else. The best part was that all the little kids were dressed up and participating. There were older kids playing drums and other musical insturments as well as little adroable children dressed up in traditional dress dancing around with teachers trying to keep them focused on the parade. I loved it! Seriously tho, Bolivian and Peruvian babies and little kids are some of the cutest I think I have seen.

From Cusco I headed to the most famous place in Peru, the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.

Ushuaia pt. 5

Monday was a holiday so again everything was closed down. I tried to walk around the upper part of the city but it didn’t go to well because I hurt my knee the other day. I think it was Saturday night when I was walking to the bar I slipped on some ice on the sidewalk. Anyways, now my knee is all swollen and it hurts to bend it. So I just spent the day hanging out at the hostel. Caught my flight that night and got back to the city by Tuesday morning.

All in all it was a great trip. The city itself was beautiful and relaxing, though I could have done everything I wanted to do in about 3 days (versus staying for 6). I think the glacier was my favorite excursion. Also, the people were amazing. It was incredible to see how people from different cultures, languages and ages can come together and learn from each other. I guess that’s the other thing I feel like I took away from this trip, more knowledge (and recipes!).

SEE ALL MY PHOTOS HERE.

This was my first time really traveling alone and it has made me sooo sooo excited to start the rest of my travels!

To Experience . . . .

You may already know this but I have this weird obsession with lists. I make lists for everything. Shopping lists, to-do lists, to read lists . . . I probably have a list for every other day of the year. Strange, I know. But anyways, today I turned one list into a bit of art/decoration. These are all the things I want to experience while I'm down here (most are in Argentina but not all). Somehow last semester I didn't end up doing a lot of the things I had planned so this time I am determined to experience them! And now its a little bit of decoration and a little bit of reminder above my desk. If there is anything big I missed, let me know.

P.S.
Two posts in one day means that this blog has become my second favorite way to avoid actually doing my reading for class . . . .