Coochie Coochie Coo?!

While in Cusco, we thought it might be a good idea to do productive things (i.e. take a tour, see something historic). Despite the fact that we (okay, I) could never remember the name (kachacoco? kurichachii? coocooracha?), we were all dying to see the Qorikancha. The temple, which was dedicated to the Incan sun god, was the most important temple of the Incan empire. Although it was destroyed by Spanish conquistadores, scholars say that the walls and the floors of the temple were at one time made of pure gold and that the huge courtyard was filled with golden statues (all stolen by the conquistadores). Despite everything, the site was still absolutely beautiful. We ended up lingering around the courtyard for quite some time, and then went off to do some damage at a souvenir shop/fair/bazaar.

















Upon our return back to the main plaza, we realized that we had come to visit Cusco at an exciting time -- Semana Santa, or Holy Week. The plazas were BURSTING with people, as though all of Cusco had come out to watch the annual Semana Santa parade. I was reallyexcited to watch the festivities play out, but they ended up being pretty anticlimactic.  Some people carried out a statue of (a very black?!?) Jesus,people (who were tied to the pillars of a church) threw flowers at him,and... that was all. I expected more jubilation. #spoiledbydisneyland











Seriously though... Cusco??  SUCH a interesting city.We were sad to leave it the next day -- but not too sad!I mean, we were going to see MACHU PICCHU!!!!!