Day 3 - Sacsayhuamaaaan

We spent the morning trying to find a market that didn't exist, so eventually we settled for the little markets around the square for buying souvenirs. Afterwards, the crew hiked up to Sacsayhuaman (pronounced "sexy womaaaan" with a little shoulder roll... This one might need a demo...just ask the next time you see me) and began preparing for the trek up to Victor's house. Remember when I said I would hike a lot this summer to prepare for the hikes in Peru? Yeah, they didn't really help. Altitude, man.

Starting the climb up to Sacsayhuaman.

It's harder than it looks.

This photo cost me 5 soles. Fell right into the tourist trap. Bleh

We made it up to the gate of the ruins and find out they wanted to charge us 70 soles just to get in! Sasha remembered that she and her friends found some back way up to Cristo Blanco when she was on the program 5 years ago, so with a thread of hope, we turned around to find the elusive alternative trail. We were getting nowhere fast when this guy appeared and gave us really detailed directions. Thank you for random acts of kindness.

Sasha rediscovers the ravine she walked along 5 years ago in the dead of night with a group of friends. It was a good moment.

Then out of nowhere, we stumble upon a basketball court.

Just a little surreal...

The stairs by the basketball court led to a playground that overlooked all of Cusco. This was one of those moments where the question "Where the hell am I?" came to mind. The first of many times I asked myself that during this trip.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WERE ON A SEESAW?

Cusco flag

REST

At last, we made it to the top. Now to find Jesus. 

This photo did not cost me anything.

Found him!

That night we went to the supermarket to buy water and lunch supplies for the next three days at Victor's house. The deal was that he makes us breakfast and dinner, so we bought avocados, bread, jelly, and granola bars for lunch. We couldn't find peanut butter anywhere in the store and couldn't remember the word for it in Spanish to even ask. Mantequilla de mani, mantequilla de mani, mantequilla de mani.

I got to shoot volleyball for the first time today! It's definitely a lot faster than baseball. And I got a little too excited at some points and forgot to take pictures...