Cusco

Well, I was off to a bit of a slow start to my research work in Cusco, but it gave me a bit more time to walk around and to prepare for the course I am teaching online this summer. I haven't had much time to post, but then again I haven't really done anything all that interesting. The online course is up and running, the textbook materials are coming along, and now after a few meetings I have some leads on potential research topics.

The more fun stuff is the very quaint but very touristy area of Plaza de Armas and the San Blas neighborhood. The first four pictures are of San Blas, the oldest and probably most picturesque neighborhood in Cusco. The streets are mostly narrow and cobbled, usually just wide enough for the width of one car and one person. It makes for some interesting interactions when two people are walking in the opposite direction while a car is approaching. Who steps off the sidewalk?

I love the graffiti in the second picture. There are a lot of local people in traditional dress walking around with llamas, and they make their living by taking photos of tourists with the llamas. The third photo is nearby in the balcony of a cafe overlooking a plaza in San Blas. I had an amazing veggie burger there and a gigantic serving of passion fruit juice. I am loving the availability and flavor of fruit and juices around here.

The last photo is one of the cathedrals in the Plaza de Armas (not the main one). It is a gorgeous plaza, and I especially enjoy that there are trees, grass, and flowers. In most of the other plazas that I have seen they are entirely paved over with stones. The plaza is currently decorated with the Peruvian flag in honor of the upcoming independence day celebrations (July 28). I am a bit disappointed that I am going to miss my own independence day AND Peru's, and just by a few days, too! On the other hand, I will be happy to spend my birthday at home, probably in bed after 3 straight days of traveling!