Cuzco was once the seat of the Inca Empire. Spain sent explorers in the early 16th century and one Mr. Pizzaro was the first to arrive and be smitten. By the geography, by the gold (that the Inca paraded much like a desi bahu on wedding day) and decided to beat the crap out of the Incas and take it all.
That was the basic plot. What is left today is colonial architecture in the form of large cathedrals, fountains, cobbled streets, plazas, along with a bunch of Inca themed statues, some native Inca descendant population that is relegated to hawking goods and souvenirs, and a host of tourists invading this quiet mountain top village of around 250,000 people.
Here then are some of these sights ...
|
Ban Darwaja Khol De (Open the closed door) - Doorway to a local church, Cuzco, Peru, April 2015 |
|
Pride in ownership - local dwelling with blue balconies, Cuzco, Lima |
|
Inside Courtyard - common to many dwellings in Cuzco |
|
Gali ke kutte (Street mutts) |
|
Near Plaza de Armas (main square) in Cuzco |
|
Street Vendor - multitasking (vending and baby standing - not sitting) |
|
A huddle - picture with a local (including the baby llama) for a Sole (35 cents US) |
|
More vendors - warm wear for your head |
|
The Cuzcoeans love their VW (power to the people) |
|
Impressive bell tower of Cuzco Cathedral in Plaza de Armas |
|
Llama and its owners - taking a break - after a photo shoot with gringos (and desi like me) |
|
Calle means street and Hatunrumiyoc or Big Stone (in quechua - local language) is the name for the street with the 12 angle stone (Incas known for using complex stone pieces to assemble buildings without computers and CAD) |
|
Corner of the street containing the 12 angle stone - notice no mortar or dry wall then |
|
Snack time - local bakery near Plaza de Armas |
|
I'm working on my six pack dude - local Ninos (or boys) - street in Cuzco |
|
Intricate woodwork - enclosed balcony |
Comments
Post a Comment