Long story short I didn't sign up for a tandem language exchange, and due to having no Spanish classes this week I decided to have a laid back week. Which was actually GREAT! It felt like the first time in a while that I could just hang out, (holidays are a different kind of 'hanging out' as there are still things to be done, cooking, places to go etc) I didn't have to worry about cooking or cleaning or doing dish's. Its been awsome.
However I haven't just been sitting around watching DVD's....well I have watched a few. On Wend I went (with some other people from the house) walking around town and into the suburban hills of Cuzco. It was great we got some awsome views of the city. As well as visiting one of the Cathedrals which was really quite spectacular. Yesterday there were plans to go white water rafting but due to weather it didn't go happen. And today we went out to one of the ruins in the outskirts of the city. Those Incas had some pretty amazing skills when it came to stone masonry. We also visited a town that is famous for bread. And I can see why. It really does have nice bread! And for about $2.70 I brought a wheel of bread that is literaly about as big as a steering wheel. Crispy on the out side, sweet and kind on aniseedy on the inside.
So it occured to me that while I've been writing a lot about my adventures. I don't think I've really said much about Cusco itself. My initial impression of a city either half constructed or half deconstructed still stands. There are lots and lots of stray dogs running around the city. Some are more scared of humans, some bark worse than they bite, but the rest actually want to bite! And considering I didn't get a rabies shot, I try and avoid all dogs at all cost!
The town square (Plasa de Armos?) is very safe even at night. It may be because of the strong security presence though. We have a few security guards that roam the neighbourhood as well I'm not sure what would happen it the event of needing help though. Im pretty sure the two largest forms of employment here is security and taxi drivers. There's thousands of them, and they all drive cars that were built in Korea for use in factories only. They are similar to a Dihatsu Chirade, small boxy and no suspension, which you really notice on these streets that are half ruined or half constructed. Occasionaly a nice car comes along, usually its a new/ newish Hilux that is part of a security company or police.
The polution is really thick here, so bad you can taste it. When walking around town I often have a burning sensation in my nose (which I hope is from pollution).
Before coming here I was warned about the street kids pick pocketing. Well I'm glad to say that no such thing has happened (Yet!) There defenatly arn't bunch's of kids trying to rip off the gringos. But I'm still cautious. However 'gringo tax' is prolific - where gringos are charged more than a Peruvain would be, my spanish teacher taught me how to say 'Please, my father is Peruvian'. It hasn't worked yet... but I'll keep trying.
There are plenty of homeless people who literally live on the street or where ever you might go to spend money resturaunts ect. I find it a constant battle every time I pass someone who has their hat out. On one side I struggle with the fact that I will go home to a warm house, dinner on the table and clean cloths and money in the bank/ pocket. But on the other hand, I cant save the world and I certainly cant help every one that has their hand out.
Well I better get ready to go to my project. Have a good 1
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