Enjoying the Ancient Inca Capital

Peru – July 8

Pacco and Annie - macrame buddies

In no hurry to get up and out, we take a leisurely morning breakfast and take our time getting a gameplan for the day.  Our bodies are still very sore from the climb at Machu Picchu and going up or down steps is difficult to say the least.  Around 10:00, we venture out to the nearby Centro Artisanal de Cusco, a handicraft market we have not yet visited.  We see pretty much the same types of sweaters, belts, bags, scarfs, etc. as everywhere else, but do find a few unique pieces that we purchase.  Afterward, we head back toward the square and the kids choose a restaurant offering very reasonable fare.  We eat and as the World Cup match between Brazil and Germany is scheduled to start at 1:30, Hudson and Sam return to the hotel to watch the game while Annie, Paulie and I walk to the Plaza de Armas to meet Pacco at the fountain.  We meet up and get a game plan to visit a nearby shop so Annie can purchase some stones to make a necklace and then we will all spend time doing the tutorial at a local hangout where we can also watch the game.  This club is happening and filled with 20-somethings that are getting all worked up for the soccer match….beer is flowing, meats are grilling and the whole atmosphere is one of hopeful optimism combined with youthful exuberance.  Paulie and I get a few stares as the out-of-place old folks….ordering hot chocolate doesn’t improve our image with this crowd.  As the match begins, it is clear that these are mostly Germany fans while we are rooting for Brazil.  Annie is somehow able to get her tutorial amid all of the rowdy frolicking.  At halftime, with the score 5-0 for Germany, I decide to return to the hotel to commiserate with Hudson and Sam.  Along the way, I make a couple of stops to pick up some souvenirs and make it back to the hotel where the score is now 7-0 for Germany….how horrible for the host country!  Once the game is over and Annie and Paulie return,  Sam and I go out to stock up on snacks for the following day’s trip to Puno.  Later, Hudson, Paulie and I go out to dinner and return for an early evening of TV watching.