We spent a few hours exploring the sacsayhuaman inca ruins and looking down on cusco, which was a sea of red roof tiles. As we debated walking or taking a taxi to town for lunch we were approached by Jenny who said she would take us to the temple of the moon, a little of the beaten pass and not mentioned in the guide books as such. On route she took us to a textile factory, we were reluctant to enter but then Gwen spotted a loom and so in we went. We were given a lesson on grades of alpaca and the fake acrylic and also made some purchases. There was an overwhelming display of beautiful goods. Jenny gave us a fine tour of the temple of the moon and we saw the alter where the Incas sacrificed virgin women to satisfy mamapacha (mother earth). This was a very moving experience, I remembered learning about the inca ritual as a girl in England. Jenny assured us that we should put our hands on the alter, close our eyes and that we would be filled with good energy. Up above the alter in a dark cave was an opening that the moon shines through when it's full. 5 of us then piled into a tiny taxi and Jenny took us to to typical Peruvian restaurant for a delicious late lunch. We were even entertained with dancing and were served the large Peruvian corn kernels.
Some wandering around cusco, a cafe in a balcony overlooking plaza de armas, a search for the famous pub "cross keys" and we stumbled back to our hotel. 2 of us have sunburned faces, all of us are doing well with the altitude, if a little breathless at times.
One more day before the trek begins.
No comments:
Post a Comment