It was a somewhat of an uneventful day today. But I thought that I would check in anyway.
I woke up and went downstairs for breakfast which was simply bread, butter, and jelly with a small packet of instant coffee. I tried to make a breakfast out of it but decided against it. I walked to the train station where I enjoyed a delicious brownie that had clearly sat outside in the case overnight but it was nevertheless enjoyable. Add to that a proper cup of coffee. I also had the pleasure of pigeons walking around under my table by my feet. I don’t like birds and I don’t like when they get flustered and begin to fly anywhere near me. I do my best to keep the birds away who were clearly seeking brownie crumbs. It became a battle between me and the birds and the brownie. I refused to let a single crumb fall from my lips or from the brownie to the ground because I will not let the birds win. I am victorious, I think.
Aboard the train, I read my book and slept for most of the ride to Ollantaytambo. Upon exiting the train I entered the mob of taxi drivers. I negotiated a ride for 20 Soles , the equivalent of around six American dollars, to ride back with the guy and three other passengers to Cusco, an hour and forty minute ride.
Upon arrival in Cusco I checked into my hostel. Very, very impressed with this hostel and it’s rooftop deck. Lots of energy and activity in here. I’m clearly the oldest by at least fifteen years.
Having explored the city for two days last week, I’m walking the streets now as a slightly salty veteran. Certainly not mistaken for a local, however. Having unburdened myself of my backpack, I feel free to roam the city and I feel very light.
My hostess recommends a restaurant and I’m off. Upon entering the restaurant, I immediately determine that it’s a popular place because there’s almost no seating. I ask for seat, indicating with my index finger that I am solo. The hostess gestured to a table right where I’m standing. It’s a long table with seven chairs around it and six people at the table. It took me a minute, but I gathered that she was saying I should sit at that table with them. Obviously, in America this would not happen as far as I’m aware. But when in Rome. Of course the experience would not be complete without the screaming of a young child not too far off. I ordered the salad which consisted of half of an avocado with boiled potatoes, chicken, and mayonnaise as well as peas and carrots. It came out sprinkled with shredded white cheese and half of an egg, hard-boiled, on top and one Kalamata olive. For my main course I ordered noodles with pesto and chicken which I was ultimately informed while I was enjoying my salad that they were out of. I quickly changed my order to my initial runner-up which was trout with noodles in a garlic sauce. Not long after, the plate was placed next to me on the table with an incredibly large, heaping mound of noodles mixed with all kinds of onions and scallions and peppers and an entire trout, head and tail and everything on top. It was clearly fried so I went ahead and ate it and it was delicious. I was only able to eat half my salad so I put that in the fridge along with the rest of my noodles.
Did some shopping at the market and then came back and chilled out in the room. I went into town to the Square to watch the sunset and enjoy frappacino, which I have not done in years.
The night wraps with me writing this blog and finishing my book and going to bed. Tomorrow I walk to the airport and hour and a half away and fly back to Lima.
Oh, and I took a picture of some doors that I found interesting and I’m including some other shots of Cusco as well.
Boring day, huh?
Journey Man 