we enter the Sacred Valley

Another 5am wake-up call.  Tomorrow we don't have to get up until 7:30am and we are both so excited... funny to say that I am on vacation and thrilled to be able to sleep in until 7:30am hahaha

Anyway, hop a puddle-jumper to Cusco and meet our new guide Ruben who as it turns out is quite the international man of mystery, who promised to fill our days with salsa and chucacapra (umm yeah, I am confused too).  Our intrepid new leader shuffles us to our chariot and off we go on our drive to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.  Relatively well rested, headaches gone, sun shining the day is off to a promising start.  A few look-out stops here and there and we reach Awanacancha - a cameloid meet-and-greet and weaving center.  Got up close and personal with a few llamas and alpacas, while viewing the more wild vicunas and guanacos from afar, and then learned some interesting dying/weaving factoids that we will never apply in our personal lives.  We are now pretty much experts in the difference between the four native cameloids of Peru, and can tell you all about the parasites they use to dye the wool.  Just don't think about it too hard...  On the road again, a few more look-outs, and we reach Pisac where there is a ginormous maze of a market.  A little shopping under our belt, with solid bargaining skills on Mom's behalf, we leave wishing we had more than 45min. to explore the narrow market streets.  With so many beautiful llama and alpaca handmade products on display I have never lamented my allergy to wool as strongly.  Tried to convince myself the allergy did not exist and tried on a gorgeous sweater, but within ten seconds my body was rebelling.  Ok skin, you win this round.

Got to our hotel around 2pm - stunning and magnificent!  Hard to describe... small buildings covered in vines and flowers with narrow stone paths between, large expanses of verdant green lawn and ferns, located next to a rushing river and in a small valley next to looming volcanic mountains.  They even have the friendliest lawn ornaments you will ever meet - one llama (named Lila) and two baby alpaca siblings - female named Bianca and we christened the male Paco.  Had a well-deserved two hour lunch on the back patio listening to the birds and rushing sacred river, smelling the fragrant flowers, and watching Lila, Paco, and Bianca frolick about.

Spent the rest of the day wandering the grounds and taking it easy.  Glad we are spending two nights at this fabulous spot!

11pm, definitely far past our bedtime - good night :)