That's Interesting…

While we are always using the word inca for the whole people, inca is actually the title of the king only. Quechua is the name for the people (and their language).

All tourists wear zip-off pants, expensive hiking shoes and Peruvian hats. It is like a freaking uniform.

Toilet paper is a precious commodity. Being able to throw it down the toilet is ever more rare.

Most of the high desert countryside looks like Utah on the drive to Vegas. Brown hills. The only difference is that here they are covered with terraces and llamas. There are also a lot of areas with red soil like around St. George.

A lot of people beg, though not as many as I anticipated. It is especially hard to see the old women–so small, shriveled, and bent down. They carry the world in those heavy wraps on their back. The children that beg are dirty as can be and run around late at night. They are absolutely fascinated when David sets the timer on the camera sitting on our tripod and takes a picture without pushing the button.

Food is seriously the best I have ever eaten. I know I have said that before but I cannot repeat it enough times.

Most houses are unfinished because then they pay lower taxes. We were also told that if the house does get finished the house warming party costs more than the house.

If you take a picture of anyone in a traditional dress you have to pay.

If we can’t use the tripod, my job is to find a white cracker carrying a more expensive camera than us. David then explains his complicated and very specific photo vision and the unfortunate individual has to obey.

Most of the tourists here are Americans because it is the summer or “American season”. Europeans are more spread out throughout the year. Asians are apparently always in groups and constantly apprehensive of everything.

David’s ability to speak Spanish has made a lot of things much much easier. We can talk to random people and learn more about this incredible country.

Every city/town/village has a central plaza (square) usually called the “Plaza de Armas”.

The alcohol of choice is corn beer. When we were in the villages around Cusco they stuck out these poles with fabric/ plastic bag wrapped around them signifying the beer was ready.

I am addicted to chocolate ice cream bars called Sublime.