Koricancha, Santo Domingo and a three and a half hour lunch

With the copious amounts of exercise we engaged in yesterday, we took it easy today and toured a different area of Cusco landing at Koricancha and Santo Domingo. Koricancha was originally built by the Inca to honor the Sun God, adorned with gold and precious stones. The conquistadors stripped the shrine of its glory and then constructed the church and convent of Santo Domingo on top of the site. Little can be seen of the original temple but there are samples of its architecture mixed with the Spanish. 

Inca stonework

Inferior Spanish masonry 

 

Exhausted from reading about so much history, we popped into a very interesting, eclectic spot for lunch, the goal being sustenance, naturally, but also wifi and the Brasil-Croatia match. 

We were a little concerned about what we'd get from a culinary standpoint--the place seems very odd for Peru. However, to our great delight the food was outstanding.  

Chris surmised that the couple at the next table are from Brasil so we engaged them in conversation. We were sure to show our delight when Brasil won the match (despite their bumpy start with an own goal). In Jackie's words: "Awww, they're such a cute little couple."  With food, many beers, dessert, the football match and chit chatting with others, we spent three and a half hours at lunch. The quote for the day, per Annie, is "They're going to need an adding machine for our bill." Surprisingly, the bill totaled 312 sol, roughly $115 for the nine of us. 

Jackie and Caroline bargaining for bracelets 

Marching through the streets of Cusco

Local school

Machu Picchu

We got off to an extremely early start with a car service collecting us at 4am in order to catch a 6:10am train to Machu Picchu. The train through the mountains and countryside was breathtaking. In fact, throughout this entire post it will be very difficult to translate into words the beauty and majesty of everything we saw and experienced today. I am out of adjectives. It is interesting to note how the landscape changes from pure rocky, almost barren mountains to warmer and jungle-like as you get closer to MP. 

We arrived in MP Town, boarded the bus to MP, and hung on for the 30 minute wild ride to the top. Even the bus ride was amazing, and also a little frightening with the switchbacks, so we knew MP itself was going to be out of this world. 

At this point, Claire was ill enough that we knew she needed medical care so she was treated to 30 minutes of oxygen in the very interesting closet undergoing repairs that served as the medical clinic. I'd like to say she bounced back and enjoyed her day but she only lasted for about an hour of touring before retiring to a stone wall where she napped and rested for over an hour. 

Chris, Annie and the rest of the kids continued their adventure exploring the mountain city. The kids must be part mountain goat judging by the way they effortlessly scramble up these steps and rocks while the adults take sorely needed breaks every 10 feet just to breathe. 

Caroline's new friend 

On the Inka bridge trail

CJ's video: Traversing the hair raising trai lto the Inka Bridge.

Trail to the Inka Bridge

Darn, the bridge is closed. 

Keep your weight forward, Chris. 

Where Claire would fit in...

The brief time she could enjoy the sites and sights. 

Chris, Annie and Abby returned and stayed with Claire while the older kids escorted Karen and Lee up the higher path for those stunning, beautiful, majestic views that simply cannot be fully captured on film or in words.  

We ponied up for the Vistadome train for our return journey which turned out to be the perfect end to the day. With huge glass windows, we were treated to, yet again, incredible views of the countryside, rolling past snow capped peaks and the occasional, very rural home or community. We went by a farming community supposedly with a population of 200! And at this point Claire was returning to her more happy self and was able to enjoy the ride and views. 

When the sun receded and we could no longer enjoy the vista, the train personnel kept things lively with music and a colorfully clad dancing...um, thing. CJ joined it for a move or two before the fashion show began. Yes, to the fanfare of music and clapping, the staff modeled various alpaca clothing that, yes, of course, was available for purchase. 

We climbed into cabs from Poroy station back to Colonial House in Cusco and had a very enjoyable ride with talkative and engaging drivers who filled us in on all sorts of Peruvian trivia and tidbits of advice. 

Truly, one of the most full and amazing days ever. We will sleep hard tonight.