This Little Piggy Went to the Market

Day 6 in Cusco, Day 7 Traveling

Hi friends!

I'm a little bit behind, so bear with me here; I'm doing my best, but the days are packed! Please enjoy this picture as a distraction:

Cusco!

On Sunday, as I said in my previous post we decided to visit Pisac (a quaint village in the Sacred Valley). We found that the best way to travel to and from Pisac is by bus because it's much cheaper than a taxi (only s./ 5 per person) and they travel to and from rather frequently. As far as I could tell, no one is ever waiting for a bus for long. The views during the bus ride are spectacular, so we advise a window seat (if possible) and staying awake. The mountains, small towns and valleys are not something anyone would want to miss.

When we got to Pisac, we were dropped off just over the bridge on the main road (pretty much the only road for traffic within the center of town), it was just a short walk uphill until our eyes were met with the beauties of the Plaza de Armas de Pisaq. In the center is a food market, where you can find hundreds of potatoes, beans and fruits and vegetables in large woven sacs lining the ground. Women (mostly) sit with their produce all day! (That's dedication!) We were lucky to have time on an official market day (Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday), so the selection was not lacking; however, there is a market daily. Just walking around, we really got a feel for the atmosphere. It's a beautiful town. Be sure to go beyond the market and check out some of the walking paths and views. It's incredible BUT it is all up hill! Wear good shoes, bring lots of water and push the limits; now's not the time to get lazy.

Conner's awesome panoramic shot from those ghastly stairs (when you go, you'll get it)

The market, as I said, is huge and the selection isn't lacking. So, we found it best to shop around before buying. In Pisac, they try to charge way more than anywhere else because they get so much tourist traffic. Don't be silly though, bargain! Never take the initial price, it's definitely too high, but don't be too stingy; these people need to make a living too. 

A lane in the Pisac Market Place

Photo credits: Conner

My favourite thing about Pisac, though, was all the adorable children running around while their parents bargained. I did the creepy thing and attempted to take pictures. I'm sorry, but they're just too cute!

Last, I have to mention all the goodies around! I had read about this place called Horno Típico de Santa Lucía, well, it turns out that these are two separate restaurants. We opted for Horno Típico because it had this charming clay oven lined with empanadas, and I simply could not resist! We ordered 1 jambón con queso (s./4), 1 pollo (s./3) and 1 queso (s./3) and they were all delicious. I suppose they resemble something close to pizza pockets, but they are definitely much better than that. We also ordered two mango juices, but it was more like mango yoghurt sipped through a straw. Just keep that in mind! Also, we didn't really know how to ask for a menu, so be sure to have a relatively good working knowledge of Spanish. The young boy tries his best, but there's only so much he can understand.

Not that it's common knowledge or anything, but I like food. I like food, a lot. So one and a half empanadas didn't quite do it for me, I was still hungry. For just s./3 we were able to buy myself some giant corn on the cob with a side of cheese (sounds weird, I know, but just try it!). The corn had a taste that was somewhat like creamed corn- but better. The kernels were huge. We had to pick them off with our fingers to eat. Also, for all you Quebecers who want a slice of home, the cheese they serve it with is like poutine cheese! It comes in a triangle, but it's salty, squeaky and yummy. Don't pass the opportunity up, the smell of corn throughout the market is tempting enough.

Panorama in front of the corn fields.

Photo credits: Conner

It didn't take us long to feel tired, so it was time to head home after three hours within the village. We seem to just be really tired often, so we were bound to take a nap. Don't worry though, we're not wasting valuable Peruvian time. Siestas are normal!

I have so much to say about the food, our teaching placement and Cusco in general, but it'll have to wait, as I have Spanish homework and teaching activities to plan!

This little piggy went wee wee wee, all the way home,

Meeca

PS: I got my luggage! Bring on the peanut butter, baby!

Is it Possible that the Shower Electrocuted Me?

Day 3 in Cusco, Day 5 traveling.

                 Flying over Ecuador

Upon leaving Quito, my heart was heavy and I was purely filled with frustration and anger. I was arriving in Cusco luggageless and exhausted, it did not seem to be good news. Thankfully, TACA Airlines makes up for United being such shitty assholes, we got French toast AND Suits (Mmm Mike) in just a two hour ride. So thank you TACA, you made my traveling to Peru a little less terrible. I can't tell you much about the flight to Lima, because I was out cold. All around good time.

Arriving in Cusco is an experience like no other. The views out my plane window were all around spectacular; the surrounding mountains, the hilltop sanctuaries and the half-built houses. Each of these things made me realize that no matter what, Cusco was the right choice. Everywhere you look, no matter where you are in the city, the views are absolutely captivating. It's incomparable; it's a beauty of it's own. 

This picture is taken from Central Cusco.

(First successful iPhone panorama shot!)

Unfortunately, my luggage has yet to make it to Cusco. Thankfully, my mom has been hard at work hassling United Airlines and it's already in Lima. I just have to go to the airport to sign some papers and voila! customs with send it my way! THANKS MOMMY <3 I'll keep y'all updated!

Upon our arrival in Cusco we were met by some absolutely lovely representatives from Maximo Nivel. They gave us a quick run down of how to use taxis, showed us to the headquarters and finally, brought us to the our volunteer home stay. I have to say that I love this house! Rosío and Wilder are the best Peruvian padres I could've asked for. But that's not even the best part, there are 11 other volunteers here; all super cool, down to earth and friendly. We couldn't have asked for better people to show us the ropes! We love our placement! (Especially with hot water, good food and comfy beds).

Since we arrived on a Friday, we spent the majority of it sleeping, and by Saturday, everyone else was headed to Machu Picchu. So, we decided to explore the city ourselves! We made our way down to central Cusco in a taxi for only s./ 3. Then we stopped by for a quick tour of Maximo Nivel (they have awesome staff) and we were on our own to explore! Conner was beyond hungry, so the first thing on the list was to find food. We stumbled upon a cute little Peruvian restaurant near the Waterfall Monument. The restaurant was full of Peruvians eating pescado con arroz, so we knew it was a good choice! Unfortunately, neither of us were in an adventurous mood, so fish was not on our menu, but,  the food was delicious and we both practically chugged our limonada frossen. We'd recommend it if we ever knew the name. Just look for the hole in the wall behind the handicrafts market!

Next, we checked out the handicrafts market, here are some of our sweet purchases:

An Inca chess set, my alpaca sweater at s./ 30, alpaca socks at s./ 8 and Conner's sweater (purchased in Pisac) at s./ 50. Everything is super cheap and crazy nice! I will definitely be returning for more alpaca swag, particularly a blanket! Watch for news and pictures. :)

We also came across the convent and Iglesia Santo Domingo. With an ISIC card it's only a s./ 5 entry (as opposed to s./ 10), so if you're a student, get on that! This place was also spectacular! The history of the Inca empire was ever present, the artwork was beyond amazing and the views from the lookout were to die for. We'd love to share with you what we were lucky enough to see with our own eyes.

Iglesia Santo Domingo & the two sides      of the Waterfall Monument

We were then noticing that the altitude was starting to take its toll. We have been taking altitude sickness pills and had not really felt any effects (aside from some tingling in our fingertips and feet), but a full day of walking the streets exhausted us. We had some delicious local ice cream (try the lúcuma and maro flavours!) and headed back home to Majesteria. 

When we got home, it was time for a siesta followed by a delicious home cooked meal. Conner then received a chance to try the local alcohol, Pisco, and fully embraced it. One of the boys, Austin, made me some delicious Coca tea (yes, tea made from cocaine leaves) for my headache and we took the night pretty low-key.

The next day we headed out to Pisac and today we had our project orientation. Unfortunately, I'm exhausted from such a long day and have an early rise for a quick airport run. Keep checking, I won't fail to tell you every detail!

Yes, it was a minor electrification, just remember not to but your hands too close to the shower head,

Meeca 

PS: United owes me a 250$ clothing voucher. Right on!