Having gone to bed at 10PM last night, I am wide awake at 6AM. After showering yet again — it is already hot and humid — I breakfast with Jane, George and Greg.
This morning, our allyu (group) gathers at 8:30 for a trip to the Shaman’s Market to purchase supplies we will need on our adventure — coca leaves, despacho kits, San Paolo incense, etc. Ours is a large and very comfortable touring bus. And, curiously, there are no vendors outside — they must not know we’re staying here. |
Being that the annual Inti Raymi ceremony is a week or so away, there are already small parades in the streets building up to the main event. [More about that later.]
Our next stop is the Tipón Archaeological Site, an early 15th century Inka construction, southeast of Cuzco at the foot of the holy mountain Pachatucson. At about the same elevation as Cuzco (11,150’ above sea level), it is one of the less visited sites in the area. It contains enclosures, terraces, an intact canal, and fountains. The upper portion of the complex is adjacent to the Inka Trail.
We are told that while the purpose of Tipón is not known, it has been speculated that after Viracocha Inka usurped his father, this is where the new Inka ordered a palace to be built for the previous ruler.
We are told that while the purpose of Tipón is not known, it has been speculated that after Viracocha Inka usurped his father, this is where the new Inka ordered a palace to be built for the previous ruler.
Today, we are here to do a cleansing ceremony at the fountains as well as an Anyi despacho to bring forth right-relationship during our journey together.
We are back at our hotel by late afternoon. Plenty of time for some matte de coca and heading to the custom-made shoe store with Holly and Jane. One the way back to the hotel, we stop at the leather shop around the corner to purchase the backpack I’ve been lusting over since last evening.
Not very hungry after a big lunch, I and a few other women decide to eat at the hotel. For me, vegetable soup, bread and matte de coca. Afterwards, I head off to the internet cafe to send/respond to emails, and call Rick — yea, he’s there — great to hear his voice sound upbeat!
One of those delicious cookies at the front desk (oh, alright, two) … another shower, wrote in journal and read before turning off the light around 10:30PM.
Not very hungry after a big lunch, I and a few other women decide to eat at the hotel. For me, vegetable soup, bread and matte de coca. Afterwards, I head off to the internet cafe to send/respond to emails, and call Rick — yea, he’s there — great to hear his voice sound upbeat!
One of those delicious cookies at the front desk (oh, alright, two) … another shower, wrote in journal and read before turning off the light around 10:30PM.