Page V: Saborear la Vida-Cusco

August 7, 2013- Day 5

Cusco.

It's hard to write about Cusco without smiling. There is something about the place that made me love it. Angele and I started the morning walking around town, visiting places that the kind lady who sat beside her on our flight from the US a couple of days ago recommended.

We stopped by the ATM first and there, we met the lady who sold me pulsera-like bracelets that I'm a big fan of. I asked her if I can take her photo and she obliged, giving me one of my most favorite photos to date. You see, I cannot take a decent photo of any one who poses for me. I'd rather catch you in the moment. But this lady, this abuela, she and I connected and her photo just transcended my expectations for my wannabe role as an amateur photographer.

 

Angele and I visited a lot of churches, just taking in Cusco by foot. We walked amongst the people, artists, vendors, tourists, families--definitely a multitude. We conversed with some vendors, especially by the San Pedro market by the San Pedro Cathedral. There was a festival going on. The locals were dancing outside the church courtyard. I wanted to go in. However, Angele and I decided we look too much of a tourists and backed out the last minute.

We headed back as it was close to the time we're suppose to meet the rest of the group for a guided tour of Cusco. Before that, however, we stopped for ice cream and it's definitely one of the highlights in our gastronomic escapades.

We got back just in time and as we the group assembled at the hotel lobby, a little girl approached me and said "Hola, Nicole," and then she gave me a hug. I was a little taken a back and then I saw Elvis. And it all clicked. Last night, I told Elvis, that if he brought his kid (since he is from Cusco and I'm  an advocate for spending time with your family, especially if you're in the same town), I wouldn't mind baby sitting. Bam! There she was.

She understood a little bit of English, I understood a little bit of Spanish. Perfect pair. We rode the bus together and this is when the trip has become blurry. I will be honest, I don't remember the places we visited.

My memory of this day was of a child-like innocence and a familiarity.  Perhaps, because I was half watching Thayra and observing how she took in every single place we went.

Saqsaywaman was definitely the highlight. I didn't hear a single word that Elvis said about this place, but I do know that this place is one that kids would definitely love. There are natural slides on the rocks that Thayra definitely enjoyed. Seeing her climb up to slide down was a sight to be remembered. Watching her run around the open field, I can't help but wish I was seven once again so I can run around with her, freely and sans the inhibition.

My favorite thing about being there was the part that it was all accessible. I was amazed at how children can play at a historical site such as this and not get reprimanded. Especially, I'm sure, these kids are locals. They enjoyed this place without the historical perspective which I appreciated. Sometimes, we get caught about preserving things when it was made to be treasured by using it.

We went to the Jesus sculpture, the Brazilian's gift to Cusco, which had a beautiful view birds eye view of Cusco. As I'm in love with view points such as this, the moment I was there was not an exception. Our last visit was the Cathedral which was extravagant and massive. It was sort of a rushed visit because it was close to closing time but, point is, I saw it.

I want a summer home in Cusco. When I get to the point that I have enough money for real estate, I'll definitely invest one there (after Barcelona, that is). Cusco, to me, is a place of contentment and childlike innocence. It was a place which reminded me how I vacationed as a child and deemed every place as my playground where I can run free and savor life.

For more photos: My Flickr