Today has been a very laid back
day, consisting of a busy morning and relaxing afternoon here in Cusco. We woke
up at 5:00 AM to depart from our hostel in Lima to arrive at the airport for
our 8:45 flight. However, the flight was delayed until 9:30, so we spent most
of our time resting and walking around the airport until our boarding time.
As we arrived in Cusco, the
atmosphere around us was completely changed. The views were breathtaking and I really enjoyed the relaxed One site
in particular that was not as great was the market passed right before we got
there. Witnessing the conditions of people making a living here sometimes is
really heartbreaking. This street consisted of several Peruvians wrapped in their
authentic textiles, some carrying children, while others waited on the
sidewalks. The smell might be the most horrible thing that I’ve experienced
thus far on the trip. Being cautious of the altitude sickness, we all drank a
cup of coca tea as we checked in to the hotel. The altitude didn't have as huge as an affect as I thought it would. I felt light headed and dizzy at times, but altogether I think I adjusted fairly well.
The rest of my day consisted of napping,
and then we all went as a group to dinner near the Plaza de Armas. The Plaza de
Armas was constructed during the Inca Empire, and was used as the cultural
center for the Incas. One interesting fact about Cusco, previously the capital
of the Inca Empire, is that the city was intended to be built and designed in
the shape of a Puma. Some say that the Plaza de Armas was built at the heart of
the Puma, which is intentional for the center of the city. After the Spanish
took control of Cusco, the Plaza was reconstructed and decreased in size into
two churches. These are la Catedral and la Compania, which were built around
1571. After an earthquake in 1650, La Compania was destroyed and then reconstructed
into one of the most beautiful churches in Latin America. The Plaza was
definitely a beautiful site to see, and gave a different impression than the
Plaza de Mayor in Lima. The view at night was amazing, although the weather
drops significantly at night. The Plaza and
surrounded areas were a little overwhelming at first, but I am looking forward
to explore this week and to navigate our way around Cusco. I’ve also noticed
several Europeans, and a lot more tourists in this area that speak English. It
will be comforting to know that we won’t stand out as much to the Peruvians.
Looking
forward to this week and all that Cusco has to offer!! Buenos Noches.
http://www.pps.org/great_public_spaces/one?public_place_id=612
–Plaza De Armas
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