We have borrowed a GPS from one of Zac's mates - who also gave us some detailed instructions of walking trails up in the hills.
First walk for the week was following one of these trails. Walk started up behind Sacsayhuaman - but the first part is actually getting to that point. Caught a local bus from home into the centre of town - and from there we walked.... quite a walk, but it's always interesting, with different things to look at, and places to see. Have driven around the back of Sacsayhuaman, but you don't see as much driving. There's one particular huge carved rock, so amazing. And corn and potato crops amongst Inca sites.
We followed our directions, heading away from the road, up a pathway over the hills. Interesting to walk way up in the hills, past cultivation, and people tending small flocks of sheep. Not sure where it was we were headed ... in which case, we couldn't really say we got lost, but we did end up cutting through a forested area down to a roadway, and following it back to town ... eventually! Great walk in the hills, and probably one we will try again.
Next walk for the week was up the hillsides overlooking where we live - also site of some more Inca ruins, and a geocache. More steps!!! Not a good sight ... me huffing and puffing my way up these hills (mountains), and Lex asking "Are you OK?" Response - "NO, but I will be!" It just doesn't seem to get any easier!!
We did manage to climb up to the ruins - and it was really beautiful. Worth the pain! From there we could look around at, the suburbs below us, the pedestrian bridge near our house, the airport further over, surrounding hillsides under cultivation, and a group of people racing around playing football on a flat area near the ruins. Don't know how they can do it .... whenever the ball disappeared over the side, threatening to go way down the hillside, one of the younger 'gofers' would take off after it. And reappear not long after. So much energy!
We enjoyed wandering around the ruins, a small picnic of fruit and mueslii bars, but didn't manage to locate the geocache. Guess that means we will have to return to this one too!
Sunday drive in the country - Zac and Milka hired a car, and a driver for the day. Everything for a picnic was organised night before - BBQ chicken breast, salad, and potato salad. My job - make the potato salad. Couldn't even get that right. Papas amarillo (yellow potatoes) go from solid to mush very quickly! So potato salad soon became potato cakes - and they were GOOD!
Early start, even though it had rained most of the night. Weather in the valley was expected to be better. And it was, but the river was racing!!! Memories of floods in recent years are still very strong here.
We headed up to the church of Senor de Hunca where we had been a few months earlier. Markets weren't there, but crowds of people were - most going to have possessions blessed by the priest.
Drove up into the hills behind Pisac where Zac and Milka had some wedding photos taken previously, before heading down to Pisac markets for a look around. Some of the crew found an 'empinada bar' - beer and empinadas. Bought some choclo (corn) for our salad. My job to hold onto it while we continued on - it was quite yummy. Needless to say there was some 'missing' (falta) by the time we stopped for lunch.
Further into the valley to the small community of Yucay, where our driver Walter recommended a good picnic spot. Local football game was going on - plenty of space for all. Great picnic!!!
Couple more stops on the way back - more Inca ruins, and fabulous scenery and a local market!!!
Wool looked amazing - but I'm not into knitting. Didn't buy any - but we did buy another textile piece .... alpaca fibre, and very soft!!
Think we might just have to do it all again when Sophie is here!!!
1 comment:
I can't wait!!
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