Cusco, oh Cuso…our home away from home

This former Inca capital and tourist mecca has become our nesting place while Garin recovers from a nasty stomach bug and infection. We have stayed in three different hostels within the same group so we think we will become expert Trip Advisors on the Amaru chain. 


We are grateful for the personal care given to Garin by Dr. Cuba, who comes by our hotel twice a day. While he hasn’t yet given us a bill we really don’t care at this point how much it is because he has channeled us through the Peru health care system and gotten the tests and drugs we needed. 

Meanwhile, the kids and Court have explored the city, from narrow market stalls of crafts and clothes, to the Inca stronghold of Sacsaywaman. The latter was made of monstrous stone blocks as part of what was originally an Inca fortress and later the site of a huge give-and-take battle between the Spaniards and the great Manco Inca. It was reportedly built in the shape of the beloved and sacred puma which actually helped add to the defense of the fortress.

There were many more ruins nearby but one kid in particular had had enough of them, so we walked back to the hotel until our orientation for a possible second try trip to the Amazon. After waiting 30 minutes our apologetic guide showed up and gave us the run down on the river, the lodges, the parrots and hikes we would do if everyone is healthy enough to travel.

Then began our dance through Cusco looking for dinner. We had already been at least four times to our beloved Australian-owned neighborhood Jack's so we went in search of something new. We tried to find Cup-o-noodles for Garin to no avail, but we did find Ramen and hope the kitchen at the hostel can help us out. For the rest, there were empanadas and desserts from a lovely little café that blew Anna away with its ceiling to floor murals. She is thinking of hiring Hal to duplicate when we get home….only a week away!