Today we started with a tour briefing following which we all tracked down to the local chemist to stock up on the antibiotics recommended by the tour guide. Apparently the anti gastro stuff we’re carrying isn’t the best when at altitude. Pretty handy being able to get antibiotics without a script. The other good news was that they carry oxygen bottles on the bus if they are needed to deal with altitude sickness – which is the treatment recommended by Dianne’s French doctor.
This afternoon was a city tour starting with local produce markets where we sampled a range of their tropical fruits. Very big on bananas here – they’re served with a lot of the meals and with drinks at bars in lieu of potato chips or peanuts.
We then toured the historic centre which was established by the original Spanish conquistadores in the mid 1500s. The main square has the cathedral, presidential palace and city council chambers – all from the 1500s. We toured the Basilica cathedral, which was used as a cemetery for the catholic population for a couple of hundred years with their bones stored in underground caverns. Lots of arms, legs and skulls to be seen. We also went through the chapel and viewed the library with its collection of historical books. Despite all of this, the most interesting thing I learned was that, if there is an earth quake ( they have 500 tremors a year) stand under one of these signs. I figure the theory is that if the building is over 500 years old it’s proved it can survive an earthquake or two.
Statue of Francisco Pizarro – leader of Spanish conquistadors. interesting thing about this statue was that it was originally in the centre of the square, then moved to a corner about 10 years ago and then completely cancelled and sent out to the burbs. The current mayor revived him in recognition of historical significance – plus it’s a cool stature
Tomorrow flying up to Cusco. We leave our hotel 4 hours before our flight – partly for local traffic and partly because they opened a new airport last week and are having some teething issues.
Round about 