Cusco

Every time I have heard someone talk about Cusco, it has always seemed as though it was simply a gateway to Macchu Picchu.  My expectations were far surpassed.  Cusco is a really visually and culturally interesting city that I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring these last few days.  Cusco, meaning the "naval" or center of the world is the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America and was the capital of the Incan empire from 1400-1533 AD.  It looks very European with its narrow, steep streets and many balconies, but then you turn the corner and see a woman in traditional Quechuan dress holding a lamb, or a boy in a similar outfit with a llama.  Although driven by the tourism trade where they model for a small propina, or tip, it is a very fascinating sight. 

This week is the start of Semana Santa, or holy week here in Cusco, the week before Easter.  There have been numerous parades, the main one today being the Señor de Los Tembladores. It started at 2pm with a procession following 12 or so men carrying what looked to be an incredibly heavy and large silver alter of Jesus on the cross.  People threw red flowers onto the crucifix as it came by.  It was carried throughout the city and returned to the San Armas plaza where the cathedral is located at 7pm.  The square was absolutely jammed packed with people. If I had to guess, I would say there were at least 7,000 people there, if not more.  It was an amazing sight. The festivities continue until next Sunday, which is Easter. 

Mom and I are headed into the Sacred Valley tomorrow and then on to Macchu