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Haphazard Travels, Tribulations, and Triumphs
Bah! I am all museumed, churched, and even cathedraled out I spent this morning visiting a bunch of sites riht here in Cusco centre. Interesting and beautiful stuff. The Museo Inka was probably the most interesting with its massive collection of artefacts. Including, but not limited to, erotic pottery. The Incans, conquerors of the Andes, smithers of gold, and ceramic perverts. Funny how the last bit is left out of the textbooks.
So last night that big parade I wentout to watch some more of that massive procession. Literally hundreds of dancers and about 8 bands. The guys had very cool dance moves involving jumps, kicks and stuff like that. The women, well, they twisted. With short skirts. That was the entirity of their dance. Combined with the massive shoulder exageration of many of the male costumes, it made for an interesting study in gender norms.
Ended up meeting a bunch of other random Canadians last night as well, putting the Canadian count far higher than the American count. Also, have yet to meet anyone that could be considered Republican or Conservative while travelling. Almost like they are all too scared to encounter things that are different. Or at least outside of a resort.
Went to an unfortnately named club, Mama Africa's last night where the local peruvian rock band (whose lead singer deperately wants to be Jimi Hendrix) played covers of bands like Manu Chao. It was... awful. First, it was a gringo-only sort of establishment and the vibe was like some horrible downtown club where everyone is trying too hard. The salsa place was just so much more laid back. And didn't have some 40 year old cougar doing bizarre dance moves while holding a cigarette in one hand and a drink in the other. (Picture Skeleton Jack from ''The Nightmare Before Christmas''). Awful.
I've discovered Peruvian chocolate. Well, actually, I've found good Peruvian chocolate. So good. Perfect for the cold nights here. Now if only they could make a decent cup of hot chocolate.
I forgot to mention the really conversation I had yesterday with a peruvian artist at the Church I visited. He was upstairs where the guided tours don't go. Despite his lack of English and my lack of Spanish we still managed to talk about his work which focuses on his childhood and the betrayl of nostalgia. He grew in a fishing village and baskets (for fish) and boats are frequently in his paintings. I particularly liked one in which there is one figure staring at another who is standing on one of a series of floating (in air) boats.
Up early tomorrow for the flight to Lima, hopefully I get the right side of the plane and clear skis for a good view of the mountains. I still can't believe I have to check in two hours ahead of time!
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