Enjoying Cusco with family

Few weeks since I last updated this blog - too busy sharing our favourite places, markets, foods, bars, sights and sounds etc with Sophie.  We've even managed a few extra special experiences as well.  It's been awesome!!

Around historic sites... plenty of those around Cusco!!!

The 12 sided stone in Cusco.

Qoricancha ... opposite Zac's office.

Tipon - lots of walking uphill here - but rain cancelled the walk back to the township  

The Cathedral in Cusco.

Sacsayhuaman - we walked UP to this site .... and then out to Qenko.  BIG day walking!

Just a short rest on these seats at Sacsayhuaman

Chinchero ... late afternoon stroll around the ruins.  Cold!!!

Up on the hill behind Ollantaytambo - more ruins and more UPHILL walking.

Oh and now my secret is out!!!  Not being very brave with heights or narrow pathways right on the edge of mountains, I couldn't actually say I 'walk' up these inclines.  But I do get there..... most of the time! Four legs must be better than two!

Magic day at Machu Picchu

Markets ..... Have we been to markets??????  Within hours of Sophie landing in Cusco we headed off to a local market for fresh produce for lunch - and of course a 'local' market experience.... meat cuts all on display can be confronting .  Santa Rosa Market at San Sebastian

Crafty tourist markets ..... plenty of these too. Selling jumpers (maybe alpaca), blankets, scarves, ceramics, textiles, hats, bags, etc etc etc.  Often children operate stalls but they are just as persistent and knowledgeable about their wares as the adults.  Can't put anything over them, I imagine.

Little girl at Pisac markets demonstrating and selling dyes.  Of course Sophie bought some of these!! 

Wooden spoons in all shapes and sizes.  Hope we can get these back to OZ.

Molino Market is like Cusco black market - sells everything from TVs to party items.  Watch your pockets in this area....  We did manage a quick photo of the stalls with everything for parties. Pinatas are very big over here.

And textile shops - there are lots these too.  Many are co-operatives selling textiles from particular areas.  We had some amazing experiences chatting with sellers in our limited Spanish.  One lady is a 'Sharman' - she gave us crystals and next moment she was performing a cleansing ritual with them for us.... all over our bodies. Mmm but she did rightly pinpoint that I was suffering sore neck and shoulders.
Talked to another lady and about dyeing process and suddenly we were organising a day workshop with her and her family at their house in Chinchero .... spectacular!!! Watch for the blog post about that - I will get to it!

Oh and I should add while mentioning shopping experiences. I could be a godmother here in Peru!!! Yesterday we returned to the Chinchero lady's shop while showing Tish around.  One of the ladies had her small (2 yr old) son with her.  Augusto looked very much like a little girl, so they explained to us that he would not have his first haircut until his baptism - by his padrino (godfather).   Within seconds I was asked if I wanted to be his 'madrina'.  I don't think I will still be here in May.....   but you never know!!!

Eating out ... mostly in Cusco

We've had some amazing dining experiences.  Couple of highlights on our Rio trip were -

Moqueca (fish stew).  finger licking good!!

And a spectacular churrasco (Brazilian BBQ) in Brasilia ... and spectacularly expensive too!!!  Tenderest cuts of beef we've ever tasted, fabulous service, amazing salad bar!!!  Very upper class looking place, but they didn't turn us away in our travel gear and back packs - although all packs, coats etc were placed on extra chairs at our table, and covered with a crisp white tablecloth!!!!  Like Senor Carbon here in Cusco, they keep bringing different meats straight off the grill, until you turn over the green/red coaster on the table. 

In Cusco we enjoyed nachos at our favourite balcony seat in Paddy's Bar - and shared this with Sophie as well as Tish and Al.  Enjoyed by all.  Nachos made with wontons rather than con chips, but we love them!!!

Had a great night at Limo on the plaza in Cusco - delicious food and awesome cocktails too!!!

Have also enjoyed sampling street food (although we are careful with our choices) - not everyone enjoyed the 'tuna' like I do (cactus fruit).  

'Menu' places offer a 3 course meal (smaller servings) for very little money.  We tried a few of these - a favourite was Yanapay Restaurant which is part of a social project to support under pivileged children.  The restaurant is like a step back into childhood - and you could find youself sharing your table with any number of large stuffed animals.  

We've eaten traditional Peruvian food as well as 'tourist' food ....and it's all delicious!!!  (Although I could probably pass on the 'chicherron'