Maybe even crazier than it seemed at the time, I was up and off to the bus station again this morning. This time I tried my hand at catching a "bus urbano," requoring asking several people which number bus to catch that would take me there. Ask three people and get a variety of answers! I have yet to get my hands on a bus route map. It is also a neat trick, once at the station, to find the correct, or best, bus company ticket window. Usually a fast talking "ayudante" will direct you, but one has to wonder if he is biased toward a particular company. In the case of Ingapirca, I know I am looking for "Transporte Canar"
There it is. The ticket is $5 round trip, and boards in 20 min, plenty of time for a proactive bano visit. I had not really thought about how the 2 hr trip leaves at 9am and returns at 1pm, which means 4 hrs in the bus for 2 hrs at the ruins. Better be good! A German gal sits next to me who quit her job to travel around the world wih another German girl. They have been at it since November and are spending about 3 months in S. America. Travelling along with them for a while is a 44 yr old female American, who also quit her job to go around the world. Interesting to hear how values change as the experiences mount. What kinds of jobs will they seek and land when it is all said and done? Total cost for ayear around the world? About $15,000. Most of us spend more than that staying at home!
The bus breaks down...but is fixed in about 15 min...something with a wheel burning up.
This site was built as an alternate to the great Temple to the Sun in Cusco. The materials are different and the stones not as large, but the workmanship the same. It was nobility housing, convent-like activities, and ceremonial/astrological.
At the June solstice, the sun's rays line up through all these structures.
Drainage/irrigatio built in...
These stones have been retrieved from houses and oher structures in the area. The Spaniards and locals would steal them for foundations. Many are in the old cathedral here in Cuenca.
The trapezoidal shape of doors and walls gives them the ability to stand the test of time and earthquakes.
A side hike is to go see the Face of the Inca...down a slippery path, past locals turning over the land by hand...
Just as good or better than Rushmore or the Old Man of the Mountain
Waiting for the bus, we get to try some Chicha, this time made with corn (it was yucca in the jungle). This is fresh, unfermented, and is quite good. Tastes a bit like spiced cider.
Back in Cuenca in time to wander and get some food. How is dinner with a beer for $5.25?
Near the Plaza San Blas
Tomorrow is supposed to rain, so I am putting off plans to go to Cajas National Park, which is 3700 meters and higher. I do not need exposure AND altitude sickness at the same time!
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