On Sunday I had my first Peruvian adventure...by myself. The girls that are living with me went to Machu Picchu for the weekend, so I decided to venture out alone...but have no fear! I was fine and everything was safe (...Mom!) I had to take the public bus about 45 minutes away (for 2 soles=about 70 cents). The bus itself was quiiiite interesting, its destination wasn't even on the window, it just pulled on the side and a guy got out and announced where it was going. Not to mention I was once again the only 'gringa' there...which of course was great news. We basically rode up a huge mountain, then winded down it into the town of Pisca. And don't even get me started on the driving...I was praying the whole time we didn't go straight down the cliff. Oh, South American bus systems...
That day was easily one of the most impressive days of my life. I had to walk across a bridge that had just been rebuilt because during the rainy season in January the river below it rose up so much it completely destroyed it. When I started into the market, I couldn't believe I was actually there. I've seen plenty of pictures of the Indigenous women dressed up in their traditional clothes and pictures of landscapes like what I've been seeing first hand both in Pisca and in Cusco, but to actually be witnessing it was really incredible. Women were all in rows selling vegetables that were lined up on the ground. Corn on the cob was being sold with kernels as big as my thumb nail. Little kids were walking around holding baby llamas. Everywhere you looked were the brightest colors imaginable, in the form of alpaca wool sweaters, rugs, wall hangings, hats, socks and purses. The scent of freshly cooked bread was wafting through the air from the outside 'hornos de pan.' Looking up were innumerable mountains surrounding you, and on top of one was Incan ruins. Not to mention, all male shop owners offered you discounts because 'you so beautiful' (haha Katlyn!) I can't even think of any more words to describe it, I'll let the pictures do the talking...
I'm blog retarded and can't turn these pics around...
Sounds amazing meg! You have inspired me and Bryan to do something like this around Christmas time! I can't wait to talk to you about it when you get home at the end of the summer! :) Love you <3
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