Well I made it to Cusco! I am now in a colonial style city with small winding cobblestone streets, stuco buildings, and Incan stonework everywhere.
A typical street in CuscoI have been here a week now and am just starting to realize that I am actually here, living. I live in a Hostal with a small courtyard in the middle, just a ten minute walk takes you to the Plaza de Armas, and the San Pedro Market. Another ten minute walk and you can be another 1000ft up on a mountain overlooking the city. It is absolutely amazing. It is a totally different world from the United States though. Like I said, there are no highways, there are no Walmarts, rarely even a gas station. The people are very nice though and hard working. You see poverty everywhere you go, whether you are in the good side of town or bad. It really makes me realize that I was lucky to be born in a country that has real oppurtunities. Here you can be walking down the street and children as young as four will come up to you trying to sell gum or lolipops.
The Hostal where I live
This is a wonderful place and the people are truly amazing. The school I am working with is amazing because it attempts to immerse the children in an atmosphere of order and respect. Which could be totally different from what the children experience outside of the school. The other volunteers are great. I have been hanging out with a British guy, and German girl, a couple from Spain, and some others. We all havce a different history and different motives for volunteering, but we get along great and have fun. I usually get up in the morning, have some cereal, check emails, go to the market for a snack, go to a langauge lesson, work at the project for a while, then get some dinner and lay in the hammock for a while! And sometimes I will even go to McDonalds for a Double Cheeseburger and fries!
Sacsaywaman Ruins
Last weekend I went to a place called Sacsaywaman which is an ancient Incan Ruin. It was amazing. As an engineer I realize the magnitude of some of the stones and the difficulty the Incans must have had moving them. But nevertheless these stones were perfectly cut and fit together perfectly also. Check out the Pictures.
Well that is all for today!
Donny Walsh
Seems like you are having an amazing time. How about the weather? I imagine it could pretty cold, since you're at a high altitude. Pls don't try running any marathons up there, lol. I have a couple of friends from Lima, Peru but they now live in NJ. Keep this up, very clever. I can't wait to hear from Antofagasta, is that how you spell it? as well. Have fun!
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