January 30 - Koricancha, Peru

Woke up at O'dark thirty to have our luggage out and to head to breakfast. It was an early morning because RC had more sightseeing for us before we headed to the airport. We visited Koricancha/Qurikancha. Koricancha is the most impressive example of how the Inca and Hispanic cultures merged. The remains of the ancient Peruvian Temple of the Sun were used as foundations on which the church and convent of Santo Domingo were built. The site is a living example of the coexistence of Peru's past with European architecture.

Inca Lightning Chamber - You became a god if you survived 2 lightning strikes. Notice the slightly inward angled wall. 

Architecturally designed and able to look through multiple windows

         

Tight interlocking stones
        

This is why - can you say Lego?



Moon Temple
        

Notice how the 2 architectures are intertwined 

Outside view.

What I forgot to mention is in Cusco and maybe all of Peru (I'm not sure), the Inca and Catholic faiths have blended. In each church you will find depictions of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Mary & Joseph and you will also find the Inca gods of the Sun, Moon, Lightning, etc. There was a depiction of the last supper and on it was guinea pig as the meal. I wasn't allowed to take a picture.

        

It was time to say good-bye to our tour guide (on the far right)

And it was off to the airport, but not before we were told RC, had one last surprise - they were going to provide us with a 7-1/2 hour (3:30 - 11:00) tour of Lima. Inclusive of sightseeing, an opportunity to shop at a large urban mall, tickets to the famous water fountain show and dinner. Whew!!!! I elected not to go, the only thing I really wanted to see was the water show, but returning to the ship at eleven was way past my bedtime. Those that went had a great time, however we didn't see them till after noon the next day. How do you spell E-X-H-A-U-S-T-I-O-N.  

Also, I woke up this morning not feeling 100% and after careful recollection, I realized I had made a big mistake last night. At first, I thought it was the dressing on the salad, as I have never had gooseberry dressing, although it was yummy. My mistake was asking for a cup of ice to chill a drink. I've been careful about only drinking bottle water, but a chilled drink didn't cross my mind. I guess Montezuma's revenge is not contained to just Mexico.




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