We had a half day Saturday in Cuzco. We packed up and left our apartment hotel (the Katari Apart Hotel, which we liked a lot). We were able to leave our bags till our 1:30 pickup to go to the airport.

We walked up to the Mirador de San Blas, and I stopped along the way to buy a bit more chocolate with Maras salt…it’s very good. We walked up some narrow Cuzco streets, all of which were busy on a Sunday morning. Music was blaring around the Cuzco Cathedral as the 15 idols which were transported to the Cuzco Cathedral eight days ago were transported back to their home parishes accompanied by dancing and loud music from the bands. The children, men and women dancing were dressed elaborately. It was a fiesta everywhere. These photos are from the parade we ran into walking towards the Mirador.

We eventually left this party and walked up the hill to a very nice lookout over the city. It was pretty quiet up there but the sounds of the bands reached up the hill. On our way down the hill we ran into a church, and the band was playing (loudly enough and with enough vibration that car alarms were set off), and as at any big party, guinea pig was prepared. We walked by both Coca and Chocolate museums.

After we returned to the main cathedral square (which was busy but quiet, as the idols had left the church), we walked towards another chocolate shop and ran into another party!

I’ll try and add some video later…internet is too slow right now, it won’t upload.

We flew in the afternoon to Lima..on Latam. At the gate Susan and Tim’s racquets were removed from their bags (no covers or any protection) and checked along with their carry on bags (I boarded earlier and my racquets weren’t checked, but I didn’t put my backpack down either). However, in Lima, once every piece of baggage had been delivered…except the racquets, Susan went to ask about them, and they were with the oversized luggage, safe in a bin..whew!

The new Lima airport opened June 1st. We stayed at the Wynwood Costa del Sol, but it was located at the old and unused Lima Airport…good security but a bit creepy! It will close in about two years and the entire site of the old airport will be razed. There’s a Wynwood at the new airport but it’s not open.

I’m writing this from the Club lounge (lounges are open in the International terminal)…off to Spain, while Susan and Tim are in the air back to Florida.

Hasta Luego Peru!