Julio or Julia .... too late to tell. We ate him/her

Last weekend in October ... Octoberfest ... why not cook a pig on a spit.  Seemed like a good idea.  No, we haven't done this before, but how hard can it be.  Instructions on the internet and Zac knew how to get a pig...

Friday night, and the pig was delivered.  

But Saturday dawned overcast - not ideal weather to spit roast a pig.  Although the forecast for the past week had been for rain which had not eventuated, today was destined to be different.  A cover would need to be erected for the BBQ.  So after a quick trip to the market to pick up some charcoal and fresh vegetables, all the boy scout skills were put to use to erect a canopy. 

  

Next, the pig, nicknamed Julio by this stage, had to be secured to the skewer, and hoisted above the hot coals.  %^*%$$  he's too long - we'll have to adjust his length

 

And right on cue, as Julio was lifted onto the spit, the rain came down - harder than anything we had seen so far.  Only one and a half hours later than the plan.....estimated cooking time, 6 hours - we were already way behind schedule.

Plan was to rotate him every 15 minutes.  Time to reconsider - 20 minutes and he was already turning black!!!  How high should he be above the coals?  Just when you need Google - the internet is OUT!!!!

Plan B - we'll have to keep him moving - rotating manually ... for 6 hours.....  Need to ring in some help - so everyone who arrived took a turn...

 Taste test .... after only 30 minutes.  Sure tastes good!!!!

 

 Lots of other yummy food arrived - salads, potatoes, chickens, lamb kebabs.....
And finally it was time - sooooo much pork!!  And I have to admit, it was delicious - so tender!! Rico!!!

 

And amazingly, after everyone had finished eating , the rain came down.... it HAILED!!!

The party continued for several hours ... in typical style - men in one room, women in another!!!  Great day in Cusco!!!  Thanks everyone.  As I write this I can hear 2 conversations downstairs,  female conversation totally in Spanish, and the male conversation predominately in English.  Goodnight!!