Life After Sore Muscles

Dear Mom and Dad,

We have been camping out here in Cusco since the hike. Mostly resting. We looked into doing some volunteer programs, but unfortunately all them have a two week trainng program before you can actually get started. This means we have some free time to do whatever we please until we leave. I can't believe we are leaving so soon. Where did the time go? Charlie wants to check out a town that has some large sand dunes to ride down. It was recommended to us by other travelers. I don't care where we go as long as the weather is nicer. It has hailed and rained here even with the temperature being around 60 degrees. It's very odd. At least when it rains, it's never for very long. We have gotten a lot of compliments on our rain ponchos. During the Inca trail trip, we stayed the dryest out of everyone, and our jackets dried the fastest. Here I am in downtown Cusco going to dinner.

We went out to dinner with the Australian family we met on our Machu Picchu trip. They were very fun to hang out with and chat about places we have been. For dinner, we all stared the traditional "cuy" or guinea pig for an appetizer. It tasted salty and gross. I just couldn't get over the teeth hanging out of it's mouth. Of course, Charlie didn't mind it.

Charlie had a little too much fun with the head of the pig. You're probably thinking to yourself, "Charlie sure is looking scruffy with that facial hair." I thought the same thing when viewing those pictures, so I suggested shaving. Bad idea. He is now sporting a full mustache with handlebars except his hair is so blonde from the sun, you really can't see the mustache. His solution? Use my brown eyeshawdow to darken it. Our friend Harrison Hargett sports one on occasion, and Charlie was directly inspired by him. I'll be sure to thank Harrison when I get back to the states.

We came across a small festival by accident in Cusco. It was really fun watching the people play instruments, sing, and dance. We even got pinned with a Saint and their picture. At the end, they light off a very sketchy series of fire works. We knew something big was about to happen when the entire crowd turned to run the opposite direction. Thankfully we followed. Charlie got hit in the arm with one firework that left a slight mark. He was luckily wearing a long sleeve shirt. The statue is very heavy, and you can tell this by the look of sheer pain on the peoples' faces who are carrying it.

A random downtown picture of Cusco. It doesn't do justice to the beauty of the area because the weather is gloomy. It really is a beautiful town here.

We have really been enjoying our time here in Cusco. Last night we played for almost 2 hours with the three kids who live at our hostel. Charlie and I were playing gin and drinking some wine before going out, and they started to "spy" on us. Somehow it turned into both of us making forts and throwing paper balls and airplanes at each other. We would capture the little boy and girl and tickle them until their older brother came and rescued them. We couldn't really talk to each other because of the language barrier (I had a hard time understanding the 4 and 7 year old, but the 12 year old spoke a more clear Spanish) but we had a blast!

Charlie is down another pair of boxers. We have no idea where this pair disappeared too. Magic elves keep taking them. Doing laundry after Machu Picchu was the worst experience ever. Everything smelled so bad and handwashing the clothing took forever. We do currently have clean clothes. I'm ready for a washing machine and dryer.

Once we have definite plans on where we are going, I'll inform you. Less then two weeks, and we will be home. Gifts of food would be appreciated. :)

Love always,

Matti Jo and Charles Dale