I loved Cusco the last time I was here. It amazes me that I am in this part of the world nearly the same time as I was back in 2005 and it remains a rather beautiful city. Over six years many things have changed. You no longer get hastled by street children begging for money (or selling postcards) – the streets are noticably cleaner and there is a bigger police presence around. But you do get asked whether you want a massage at least 50 times a day – and that isn't an exaggeration. Then of course, do you want a painting for 1 sole? Or perhaps want to eat from this restaurant? The first day Bernard was obviously quite annoyed with everyone – particularly at being called “friend” by complete strangers, but by the second day he was in fine form and had me (and even the women themsevles) quite in stitches with his witty comments and gentle good humour. We posted more souviners back home, explored the inca walls around the city, enjoyed an English ale in one of the many gringo friendly bars in the city, skyped family back home and enjoyed our last day with Emilie and Fred.
It is election time here in Peru – Bernard had wondered how local people would behave during the election period and perhaps respond to the results of elections. His suspicious were that people may respond with aggression and even violence – and his suspicions do have some substance, for the entire weekend here in Cusco is a “dry weekend”. There is no selling of alcohol across the city until the results of the election are finalised. That said, we have enjoyed seeing the election campaigns in full swing, particularly in Arequipa. There were dancing guinea pig adverts for PPK party, numerous rallies in streets and main squares and Bernard got a jolly big pat on the back from Lucio Caceraz who gave him his card (despite being a gringo) – Lucio is fighting for radical change in the Congress. So we will have to wait and see until we get back from Manu for the results of the election for we leave on election day itself.
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