Let the Incan Games Begin!!

       The last 24 hours have brought new life to the trip. Jesus Maria was a nice place but we had exhausted our food places and trekked up and down almost all the neighbouring streets. I packed my bags last night and was up and ready to go by 5:25 am this morning. The taxi ride to airport was nice and easy since the traffic was light. We still were able to cut off a few cars and leave them in the dust though!

       After a short delay we caught a ride out the plane in a shuttle bus and entered the plane like it was our own private plane. We were all seated near each other so we talked the whole way, much to the distaste of the guy sitting across the aisle from me. It was strange ascending most of the flight and then barely having a descent. The sight when we got off the plane had us all with our jaws dropped.

       On the shuttle into town we had a scenic route through an open air meat market that left nothing to the imagination. Some of my classmates claim they will be vegan for the rest of the trip. I on the other hand thought it was pretty interesting although I’d never eat that meat knowingly. We were welcomed at the hotel with hot cups of coca tea. With two spoons full of sugar, I was able to get down a little more than half of my cup. We laid around for most of the afternoon and I was able to get in a quick cat nap.

       We walked through the city on our way to dinner and this is going to be a great place. We walked right next to the Incan walls that are still sturdy enough that they have built on top of them without any reinforcements. I can't wait to walk through the city and be able to see the amazing backdrop, the mountains that surround us here. I am excited for the day trips to the new museums and for our own day explorations throughout the city. One place I will be going is the Cathedral of Santo Domingo which is built on top of an Incan palace that is home to two interesting pictures, one of Cuzco during the 1650 earthquake and a local depiction of the Last Supper with cuy (guinea pig)!  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_Santo_Domingo,_Cusco)
 Here is the view from our roof!