The days pass steadily and as March nears its end the ancient city of Cusco is readying for festivities in spring. The few people with whom I was traveling briefly have dispersed about their way leaving me a day to reflect and wander about through this most romantic of cities. The bulk of the day was visited by constant drizzle, which, leaving a wet glisten over the cobblestones only added to its charming beauty. Having spent noon times consuming a most delicious meal with to British girls, I parted with them to enjoy some quiet time to people watch along Plaza de Armas. The slow procession of life here is as all other places on earth; the local culture has its distinctive curiosities, but the clash of cultures between the tourists and the locals is unavoidable. Some how, it all adds to the color that is now Cusco… so far removed from its ancient roots when it was ruled by Incas.
Into the evening, to avoid all the Gringo revelers, I wander the lit corridors of the city for some reflection and to marvel at the architecture of the city. Walls upon walls from ancient times still stand, though their original purpose and splendor is long lost. The Spanish colonialist razed all but a few of the Incan palaces and temples in order to build their own churches in their conquest. What remains only hint at what incredible culture must have flourished here; but sadly, the extinguished pass cannot be revisited.
For a few hours I randomly wound through the dimly lit streets pass children still playing, restaurant windows with rich tourists inside enjoying fine dining, poor locals trying to sell souvenirs, police, taxi drivers, etc. in a city quietly winding down the night. Despite the chaos in the world, the peace we find is always our own – no matter where and what the circumstances.
I ended up in front of the main cathedral in appreciation of all that dazzled my eyes today. In a few days, massive throngs of people will be out in celebration of Easter in this now Catholic country; it’s a pity I will miss the scene as, having been delayed here longer than expected, I must venture on.