Chilling in Pisac and Cusco

November 24^th-30^th, 2021

Sometimes you need a holiday from your holiday.  Backpacking in new countries can be stressful at times and feel like a full time job, especially when trying to figure out your itinerary, sort out transportation and book accommodation. 

My bus from Puno arrived in Cusco at 6 am to wet and rainy weather, the first I had really seen since I’d been in Peru.  While gathering my bags from the bus, who would appear but Reinier and Sibel!  Turns out they were in the same bus and we didn’t know it.  They were on the bottom floor while I was on the upper deck.  They were off to find a hostel in Cusco while I was hopping in a taxi to Pisac, a small town about 45 minutes to the east.  A friend of mine has been living there for about a year and offered her spare bedroom to me.  Lisa is originally from New Mexico but we met when I was stuck in India back in 2011 or 2012.  I accepted the invitation as it sounded like a nice way to chill out for a bit.

 The Sacred Valley:

The "souvenir" lane:

This is a hairless Peruvian breed.  Wasn't he in the movie the Gremlins?

Over the next week or so, we did a few walks around the town and the surrounding area, relaxed and played some games such as Crib, chess and most of all Rummikub (what a fun game…surprised I’ve never really played it before).  It was great to recharge.

A cute hobbit house:

A lovely courtyard:

Good to know! (if you can't read it: "Urinal Only for Gentlemen")

On our first hand of our first crib game, we had identical hands!

A local brew...pretty good stuff.

We ventured into Cusco as well and met up with Sibel and Reinier.  Lisa was kind enough to extend an invitation to them to come out for a few nights in Pisac which was lots of fun…some more games, wandering around, shopping for souvenirs and some nice meals and drinks.

In the main square:

Alpacas hanging out in a courtyard.

Guinea pig anyone?

Shopping in Pisac:

The local watchdog:

A break from souvenir hunting.

Cocktails in Cusco:

The evening streets of Cusco:

No, that's not a Gay Pride flag on the left, that's Cusco's regional flag.  Not sure who copied who...or just a lucky coincidence.

The view of the main square from our lunchtime skinny balcony.

We were serenaded while eating by an awesome Peruvian one man band.

I think Sibel and Reinier enjoyed a short holiday from their holiday too!  They decided to make Colombia their next destination as the plane ticket prices to Ecuador seemed ridiculously high.  Have fun guys!