Peru day 9

Thankfully today we did not have to be on the bus until 9:00am . . . I know 9:00am so late and totally felt like such a slacker sleeping until 8:30am but man was it so nice to not have to rush!  The hotel we have been staying participates in a program called Pack for a Purpose . . . simple request for basic school supplies for the school that is across the street from the hotel.  I had an old suitcase that was about to be discarded so we packed it with a lot of supplies and left it at the front desk.  I was hoping to visit the school but the timing was never right.  I really wanted Colin to see how fortunate he is at his school.  I think he understands but sometimes a gentle reminder is always good.  So I left the hotel feeling good . . . and hope the teachers really enjoy what we brought . . . all 35 pounds!  While it doesn't sound like a lot but man it was packed with tons of stuff and lots of books too.  We still had time to eat breakfast and not be rushed before boarding the bus.  As we pulled out of the hotel, the kids were arriving at school . . .

. . . so cute with their red hats; my heart was full!  Our final destination for the day is Cusco, but we have several stops along the way.  We have been hearing about cuy (guinea pig) all week and today we drove through the town of Calca which is also referred to as Drive-Thru Cuy town.

What?  Take a look . . .

Oh my is all I could think . . . she was so proud of her cuy!  You can't help but laugh.  We continued down the road and arrived at Pisca.  Several things were going on today in this town . . . for us it was a stop at the market also known as a shopp-ortunity at the local market.  We were also informed that tomorrow night we would be having a 'White Llama' gift exchange . . . oh how fun!  We were each given 10 soles (about $3) to find the perfect 'White Llama' gift.  It was game on!  Trying to find the perfect gift . . .

. . . but kept finding things that we wanted and more than 10 soles!  Colin was just itching to hold the baby goats . . .

With one maybe two 'White Llama' gifts purchased and many purchases for us, we headed back to the meeting point.  The town was also celebrating the Feast of Carmen . . . lots of parades, music and dancing in some very colorful, unique costumes . . .

Back on the bus and a short drive down the road to Awana Kancha Camelids Center where we would be loco for llamas and alpacas . . .

Okay, okay so we were able to feed real live breathing llamas and alpacas endless grass . . .

Someone wasn't as excited as me . . . I think they know what to do . . .

Thankfully we did not get spit on while hanging out!  About this time Colin came running up to me asking for money.  I was so engrossed with all these critters that I was confused.  He just said, "Mom, come quick there is only one left."  So I followed him to the gift shop/snack bar area . . .

. . . due to the altitude we both stopped all soda and caffeine over a week ago and he has been searching high and low for a Dr. Pepper since we arrived in Peru.  Everywhere we went he asked and always heard a no or what is Dr. Pepper?  Since we only have a few more days in Peru, I was like why not?  He was so excited and I think his friends were too . . .

. . . but apparently there was no sharing.  As for me, I was back to the looking at these guys . . . just look at his face . . .

After we finished feeding tons of grass to the four legged friends, we headed to the shop where the local ladies produced some more fabulous woven textiles.  I saw this little girl hanging out as her mom was weaving . . .

. . . in her hand she has a small Joker toy.  Such a cutie!  The colors of yarns were like a rainbow . . .

Quick stop for our last view of the Sacred Valley . . .

. . . sure going to miss the amazing views and cool weather too!  We arrived in Cusco (elevation 11,200 feet above sea level) just in time for a late lunch on the square . . .

After another yummy lunch we headed to our hotel and given the afternoon to relax and enjoy free time.  The elevation is the highest we have been this trip and even though we have been in country for over a week you can still feel the effects.  We were both happy to have some down time to relax and hang out in the hotel.  After a few hours of nothing, Colin and I headed out for dinner on our own at La Bodega 183.  It was a super yummy salad and pizza . . . so nice for a change of food!