El resto de Cusco y arañas grandes

I did decide to stay in Cusco the night before last because it was getting dark and I knew of a good hostel-it was the same hostel I had stayed in in Lima but this one was located in Cusco. And at $11 a night for an amazing bed and help around the city, it’s hard to resist my beloved Pariwana Hostel.

I ended up trying a Pisco Sour, talking with some travelers, and going to bed fairly early. When I woke up, I was thinking about getting the Machu Picchu tickets from someone I had talked to the day before, but before I could do that, I needed my official student card that would save me a lot on tickets around the city, including my Machu Picchu expedition. So I went to the office I was told to go to before, and I was told I needed a photocopy of my passport, student ID, and special pictures made. So as I was walking down the stairs, almost like clockwork, someone said “need copies?”. It’s like this happens all the time. I got some copies and found out this guy was offering the same tour for $50 less than my friend yesterday. Food for thought. Went to Avenida del Sol for these special pictures, went back to get my student ID, and then read more about different companies. I planned to check out a few more companies, which I did. I really want to find a company that treats their employees, specifically the porters, and their animals well.

I found a company which had received many awards called Llama Trek, but their prices were about $400 more than the others. Why such a difference? It makes me want to do more research. I can't help but feel that the money that I save comes out of the workers' pockets.

I ended up checking out a few more ecotourism places and deciding that I will talk to Alyssan, the person I am staying with, and maybe even do a lot of it on my own. I could get a much more authentic experience at a much lower price if I really want to, and that’s what I aim to do.

I also went to an amazing market, Mercado de San Juan, where I tried ceviche for the first time here and also enjoyed some amazing corn, which you see pictured below.

The woman was really nice and gave me some to go as well for free! She also gave me potatoes, chicha morada (fermented corn drink made out of local dark corn), and rice. She also made it a little picante.

I saw a lot of what I thought were gay pride flags, but knowing how traditional much of the society is, that didn't make a lot of sense. I found out that that is the flag for Cusco.

Hilarious.

Everyone was staring at me and I knew I had found a gem when I was the only white person around as far as I could see. I just smiled and enjoyed my meal.

After more walking, I stumbled upon a museum of sacred, magical, and medicinal plants, which couldn’t have been more perfect. I got to read all about the history and ceremonial/modern uses of various plants and herbs in the Amazon and Andean regions, including coca, tobacco, San Pedro, Ayahuasca, Toe, and a few others.

It was so fascinating for me and I learned a lot there. Pictured below is a San Pedro cactus they were growing there.

I ended up getting a late taxi back to Calle Puputi, where I was able to get a ride back to Pisac where Ricardo was waiting for me. There was a large market that was closing down, which was fine, and we went back to our home in Coya.

We ended up watching a movie and I went back to my casita on top of the hill and tried to see some meteors since the meteor shower was supposed to be most visible last night. Didn’t see too much, but enjoyed the stars immensely. What a treat to see every last one every night. I lit some incense and palo santo and meditated for a while in the peace and sound of the river nearby.

As I walked in my place, I saw a black spider the size of an orange. Then he ran somewhere where I didn’t see and I about died. I feel like such a wimp, but then realizing how big the spider was, I didn’t feel so bad. I ran upstairs and hid until the morning, where I remembered that there was a huge spider in my little casita and I didn’t know where he was. I ended up starting to make breakfast and then I opened a cabinet and I thought there was a fake massive spider on the side as a prank, but then realized it was the spider from last night. I freaked out again.

I took some pictures (will post later), turned around, and he was gone. WTF.

I am sweating.

I told Ricardo I saw a massive spider, and he said he would help me find him later and we could “capturarla” and let him go outside. He said many animals aren’t dangerous around here and he saw a scorpion the other day…..what?!

I guess I need to be careful, which I will be.

Anyway, I am enjoying relaxing and waiting for Alyssan to arrive today. I am the keeper of the house while Ricardo is away getting her from Cusco.

I heard from Sandy at the clinic about 20 minutes away and she said none of the volunteers had arrived yet if I wanted to come, so I may stop by there later this week.

Always an adventure…..