March 4- Cusco & Moray

Today we flew from Lima to Cusco.  We did not stay in Cusco, driving into the mountains through small little towns.  The plan is to stop tomorrow to see some traditional crafts people.  I am planning to ask if any might be interested in coming to the US for a month or so to teach at the Craft Center.  Will see.

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An interesting aspect of the culture is the hats the women wear.  They indicate their heritage and sometimes their village.  The Red and Brown hats are worn by those of indigenous heritage.  The white hats with the high crown are worn by those of mixed blood. 

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We stopped for lunch in Tiobamba.  The church there is from the 16^th century.  Unfortunately, we could not go inside.  It is only used on a special holiday in August. 

From here you can also see the glaciers in the Andes.  The large mountain is the Chicon. The run off from these glaciers, feed the Amazon.

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After lunch we visited an archaeological site in Moray.  These circles were found by accident not too long ago.  The Inca’s grew crops in each of these circles.  The different elevations created different micro climates allowing for growing different crops on each level.  There are three of these circle groups aligning with the stars of the constellation Orion.

Then it is off to Urubamba.  A little town along the Urubamba River, one of the headwaters of the Amazon.  The market there was fabulous, so much variety and abundance were incredible.  One of the major contributions to the gastronomy of the world is the potato.  Apparently, they grow here in many varieties, over 4000!  We’re told the Russians buy up a lot for vodka!

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The town square was interesting as there were women sitting along the road opposite the municipal center.  They were protesting the new Mayor’s closing of one of the markets and now they would have no where to sell their produce! 

Then off to our Hotel for the evening, rest, relax and dinner.  Of course, we had to sample the local specialty – Guinea Pig!  We were told it is very healthy, but not for the Guinea Pig. I told the waiter that my plan for our trip was to gather recipes from the countries and cultures we were visiting to include in my blog.  He is going to give me the recipe for the Pork stew I had for dinner, not the Guinea Pig. I hope to create a page with the various recipes we gather so look for that later in the trip.

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