....and the best birthday cake ever!!!
We retraced our steps back to Iquitos for a flight to Lima where our crew from Atlanta joined us. Due to a transportation strike, we sat on the runway for thirty minutes. People waited patiently as all seemed thankful that the plane would GO to the destination of Cusco. Seated near the wings, we saw why no flights enter Cusco at night. The pilots must fly between a narrow pass in the mountains.
Now at a higher altitude, we sipped the coca tea available all the time at the Imperial Cusco Hotel. Eager for clean clothes, most of us had laundry to send out. To go ahead and end this part of the story....some of the laundry came back; some slightly damp; some pieces were returned to other people, but it was all within our group; some laundry was left, and we collected it upon our return from Machu Picchu when we spent one more night here.
Another wonderful guide with us, we set out for the center of Cusco decorated for Christmas.
The Cathedral of Cusco
Probably the most recognizable building in Cusco
and known for its famous painting of
The Last Supper with cuy (guinea pig).
David, Ritchie and I woke up early the next morning to
make sure we didn't miss it.
JP and Lewis took a break from the rest of us....but,
not for long!!!
Matt joined them just in time for the bargaining.
After JP and Flint, I had known David and Ritchie longer than
anyone else on the trip. Maryellen, a former colleague and
'Golden Girl'. (Three of us who retired together used that
as our theme.)
Photo credit: Ritchie
After the delicious meal, what a surprise!!! Especially since
my birthday was the following day! But, I'm sure the people
who were responsible for this knew how good this cake
would taste. Tres leches baked over a charcoal fire.
I know that I have eaten some fine cakes in my life,
but this had to be the BEST!
Photo credit: Ritchie
Early on the trip, we made a pact not to share
any pictures that weren't flattering of everyone
in them. This one isn't, but the surprise factor
won out. Andean music and dancing
followed. Tankar Peru at
Photo credit: Someone else with Ritchie's camera
Our guide who would be with us for the next few days and
our crew who enjoyed the evening for a while longer.
Such a memorable evening!
Thank you, Ed!!!
Beginning the day at Sacsayhuaman National Park
View of Cusco
Good view of the Main Plaza where we were last night
A minor setback when the bus had a problem...
time for contemplation and checking for fever
A happy customer with a happy vendor!
 |
| When there are no customers... |
The best shoulder ever to lean on!
The Official Birthday Portrait
Flint and I had another discussion just the other day
about this moment.I did not plan to climb up that high
as it's more of a bother on the descent.
Bless his heart, he came down to get
me, immortalized this moment, then let me stick
like glue to his back going down the
stony steps.
We enjoyed another birthday celebration at
one of my favorites - maybe since it
was built to be a hacienda. I would love to spend
more time in this beautiful location.
Early morning wake up to catch the train to Machu Picchu.
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