Peruvian Adventure 2012: A Pasear

I've been having a blast exploring my surroundings, new and already established! I moved to where all of the volunteers stay when they are working with the clinic, down by the plaza. It was taking me over 40 minutes of uphill walking to get to Alysson's place, so I decided to take a more frugal and less demanding approach to my living situation. I still talk to them at least weekly and still sip my coca and mint tea.

There was a big festival for the week that I moved, which was great because I moved right into the middle of it all. Some of these from the festival. One of the nights, people dressed up like clowns and would "steal" people's things and put them up for sale (really, you had to buy your things back) as a fundraiser of sorts for the community. Pictured below are items on a table for people to look at and buy, mostly children. No one was able to really explain well why this was the tradition, but I took it as is. I also enjoyed the music I heard (and still hear) as I go to bed every night.

Many family members were visiting Martha, the woman I am staying with (pictured below as well), including her nephews, grandchildren, and her own daughter and son, so it was fun to meet them all and have a beer with them. Here, no one has their own beer. You pass around a large bottle. And heaven forbid your glass is empty.

I did end up buying my Machu Picchu and Huanapicchu tickets for September 12! I will be doing a 5 day, 4 night hike starting September 8. On day 2, we will be going up to an altitude of about 4600 meters...or about 15,000 feet during our 10 hours of hiking! Can't wait:)
I will feel more than human after that.

Thanks for following along!

Cusco police awaiting intervention for the strikes in Plaza de Armas. Teachers are on strike for more pay, but in the meantime, kids haven't been in school all over the country for over 2 months. Bad combo.