Day 30 (aka Happy Explorers!)

A fantastic day for the Travelling Gong Show, with just limited amounts of gong-i-ness! Today, the family headed to the charming colonial town of Pisac, which sits at the base of an Incan fortress perched high on a mountain. Though we were a bit late getting a start to our day, we had four solid hours to explore some of what Pisac had to offer. Our initial intention was to go, grab a quick bite and then separate into two groups: those who climb and those who cab-it. The climbers would then tackle the steep, 4km trail up to the top of the ruins, gaining 2,000 ft in elevation. The “cabbers” would meet us circa two hours later at the top. Unfortunately we didn’t think we had enough daylight left to attempt the hike and instead we embraced everything else about Pisac (with a plan to return tomorrow but earlier than 2:00 pm!).

We didn’t eat here though it was certainly tempting!

The start of the market. Best market we’ve seen so far!

Lots of outdoor cafes.

It was love at first sight for me, personally. Yes, it’s a bit touristy. However, the town oozes quaint and cozy all over the place and the market was to die for!!! We didn’t even make it five steps in when we had parted with 190 soles (relax, this is only $60 or so). Of course we had no intentions of purchasing anything until we were talked into trying on these gorgeous alpaca sweaters, made locally right in the valley. It started with just Piper. Then Alvi wanted to try on one (damn he looked fine!!), then me, and finally even Saffy got into the spirit and chose one. We were probably that ladies dream bunch of customers for the day!

Saffy in a Peruvian version of Nacho Libre. We are both wearing our newly purchased, super-soft alpaca sweaters.

Oh there you are!!! Like my new sweater?!

We are total tourists. But these sweaters have a purpose ~ it’s freezing cold here at night!

This market went on for what seemed like kms and we were totally smitten. The girls stocked up on llama socks and then we made promises to return for a few really incredible pieces of art that we could roll up and bring home. We also had an opportunity to hold a few 2-week old goats ~ again, NO SHORTAGE OF CUTENESS here!

For 30 cents we got to hold him and take pictures. SOOOO sweet!!!

Loved this lady’s colourful attire.

Double the cuteness!!

Saffy was a very happy camper here.

And then THIS really crazy-cool thing happened. Somebody called my name, and it wasn’t one of my peeps! It was a familiar sounding voice, I looked up from the array of mittens I was studying and who should I see but none other than my friend from the Canadian Red Cross, Sue Larkin!!!! This definitely calls for a WTF!!!! As IF I we would bump into each other here… in the valley, in the middle of nowhere in Peru?!!!! Now, I did know she was heading to South America prior to our leaving. In fact, we had every intention of exchanging emails and itineraries and trying to somehow connect. But life got busy and of course that never transpired. Yet there she was, in the flesh, with her husband Alex and two boys. WHAT A SMALL WORLD!!! Selfies and hugs ensued — pardon the pun, Sue, if you’re reading this lol. Turns out they are staying just 15 km away from us near Urubamba.

It’s a Small World, After all…. It’s a small world, after all. Sue and I!

Adding to our high-flying spirits was the atmosphere of healing, energy and health. Everywhere we glanced were little shops selling herbs and potions and healthy-minded “stuff”. There was a real “new-age” feel to this place, as further illustrated by the number of friendly hippies we ran into.

Hippie stones for sale.

Not sure what these are for???

One of the local artisans at work.

Bracelets!

Er….. these things!!!  

Sisters!

My little peanut is growing up so quickly.

Hardest working people ever.

On the way home, Piper and I had the bus driver pull over a few km before our stop so that we could get some more walking in. We are trying to average at least 6-8 km per day of walking in preparation for the craziness that lies ahead. The “Cabbers” got dropped off just near our house and took some time to chat with some of the locals.

This cow is always on the side of the road. It’s the landmark I have in my head “turn at the cow” for finding our road.

This goose lives at the little corner store. Like literally right in front of the store.