The day began with a visit to Qorikancha, the ancient capital of the Inca empire which, at the time of the Spanish conquest, was the biggest state in the Americas. As is so often the case with colonial powers, the majority of the Inca capítal´s temples were destroyed and turned into a convent to help proselytise the indigenous population. However, in the case of the newly created Convento de Santo Dominico, a significant part of the original temples were incorporated into the new buildings making this a unique example of syncretism.
During the afternoon some European friends and I hired some guides and horses to ride into the hills. It´s always incredible to get higher and see Cuzco in the valley below. On the way we visited the Temple of the Moon and the Temple of Water where ´despacho´ ceremonies were held (offerings to Pachamama). We stopped of at a chicheria, the home of a local Quechan who makes chicha - an alcoholic drink made by fermenting corn. After a brief encounter with Cuzco´s version of Christ the Redeemer we headed to the Fallen Angel restaurant for a great feast. Life is good.
The day began with a visit to Qorikancha, the ancient capital of the Inca empire which, at the time of the Spanish conquest, was the biggest state in the Americas. As is so often the case with colonial powers, the majority of the Inca capítal´s temples were destroyed and turned into a convent to help proselytise the indigenous population. However, in the case of the newly created Convento de Santo Dominico, a significant part of the original temples were incorporated into the new buildings making this a unique example of syncretism.
During the afternoon some European friends and I hired some guides and horses to ride into the hills. It´s always incredible to get higher and see Cuzco in the valley below. On the way we visited the Temple of the Moon and the Temple of Water where ´despacho´ ceremonies were held (offerings to Pachamama). We stopped of at a chicheria, the home of a local Quechan who makes chicha - an alcoholic drink made by fermenting corn. After a brief encounter with Cuzco´s version of Christ the Redeemer we headed to the Fallen Angel restaurant for a great feast. Life is good.
4 comments:
quality mate!0 tell pachamama i say Hi!
you found the bar called 'Los Perros' yet?- its just left out the top of Gringo alley and round the corner then straight on
Not yet, I´ve got the weekend here so I´ll hunt around for it. I did find the bar with the cinema in. A godsend.
Pachamama says hi back.
Hey Toby, nice use of syncretism, love it!
Kind of you to say so, la fee verte. I love your name, well chosen.
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