Sunday, July 13th, 2003 – Day 145
Early start as I wanted to do some shopping. Only one place to go on Sunday and that is Pisac ,32km (20 miles) North East of Cusco. I have been here before, not the market but for the trek to the ruins.
“Pisac is a pretty, Andean village picturesquely situated at the eastern end of the valley. Though Pisac seems to be known principally for its Sunday artisans’ market, a crowded and touristy but thoroughly enjoyable affair, it should be more widely recognized and visited for its splendid Inca ruins, which rival Machu Picchu. The Market–Pisac’s famed market draws many hundreds of shoppers on Sunday morning in high season, when it is without doubt one of the liveliest in Peru. (There are slightly less popular markets on Tues and Thurs as well.) Hundreds of stalls crowd the central square–marked by a small church, San Pedro el Ap?stolo, and massive pisonay trees–and spill down side streets. Sellers come from many different villages, many of them remote populations high in the Andes, and wear the dress typical of their village. Dignitaries from the local villages usually lead processions after Mass (said in Quechua), dressed in their versions of Sunday finery.
The goods for sale at the market–sweaters, ponchos, and rugs–are mostly familiar to anyone who’s spent a day in Cusco, but prices are occasionally lower on selected goods such as ceramics. While tourists shop for colorful weavings and other souvenirs, locals are busy buying and selling produce on small streets leading off the plaza. The market begins at around 9am and lasts until midafternoon”.
I took the 2 Soles bus at 8.00am as I wanted to get there to see the locals setting up and get there and buy what I wanted before the bus loads of tourists came on their day trips. A bus company to Pisac is located bus around the corner from the hostel.
I bought two sweaters and some socks. I also met the English guy from Huraz and I promised to hit the town that night. I stayed until 1.00pm. It was interesting walking around and enjoyed the haggling and colour.
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Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Cusco – Peru – Pisac Market (13-07-2003)
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Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Cusco – Peru – Pisac Market (13-07-2003)
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Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Cusco – Peru – Pisac Market (13-07-2003)
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Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Cusco – Peru – Pisac Market (13-07-2003)
After lunch I went to the church overlooking the city called Saint Crisobel. The weather was good and the city looked great. I then walked around the historic area of Barrio de San Blas – Cusco’s most atmospheric and picturesque neighborhood. It’s a great area to wander around–many streets are pedestrian-only–though. The neighborhood also affords some of the most spectacular panoramic vistas in the city. I also met two Kerry lads (with jerseys) who told me the Munster final result with Limerick.
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Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Cusco – Peru – San Blas Area (13-07-2003)
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Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Cusco – Peru – San Blas Area (13-07-2003)
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Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Cusco – Peru – San Blas Area (13-07-2003)
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Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Cusco – Peru – San Blas Area (13-07-2003)
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Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Cusco – Peru – San Blas Area (13-07-2003)
I also got my head shaved. I just walked into a place where a guy was sitting outside with a plastic bag on his head. I dont know why I did it, but I haggled a price for a a haircut (I feel bad about it now). I would not do it at home .. maybe beacuse the local haircut here takes an hour (for men) and I just wanted a “number one”. Anyway the price was down to four soles. I didnt notice but the place was some sort of transvesite place. The lady who cut my hair (while dressed as a lady with lipstick etc) was NO lady. I didnt mention it even when we were talking (yes, she was a man). Got a good cut and tipped her (back up to normal price).
I also went shopping for some custom made jackets. Secured two.
I met Greg at the American-owned Norton Rat’s Tavern, Loreto 115, next door to the La Compana church. It is a rough-and-tumble bar, the type of biker-friendly place that you might find in any American Midwestern city. A litre (yes a litre) was 13 Soles. We stayed there an hour and did the cheap backpacker trick ( My idea). Thee are 5 places in Cusco that give you a free drink if you want in the door (usually a rum and coke). Basically there are all within five minutes of each other .i.e Mama Africas (1 and 2), Xcess, Spoon. We enjoyed going from pub to Disco and back (all free). We stayed in Exces until 2.00am.