Really?!?

So, I've been in Cusco for a while now and I think I've gotten to the point where not many weird things really phase me.  Today I was attempting to get on the bus before it left without me.  I got on in the bus in a mad rush and was just glad that  I wouldn't have to wait for another bus. A couple of stops down the road I was able to get a seat and at this point I was settling in for the long ride home and all of a sudden I hear a cat crying.  What?  I am on the bus, right?  I look over to my left and there's a girl across the isle holding a cute little kitten.  He was so tiny and super cute!!!  He didn't look super happy to be on the bus, but was doing alright.  Anther few stops and the kitten his owner got off the bus.

It just made me laugh to myself as I thought about my cat Sam and if he were ever coerced or forced onto a bus...  Everyone on the bus would be deaf from all his screaming and complainig, I'd have scratches all over my entire body, and the bus would probably have crashed as a result of Sam's disruptive behavior.

It was cute little kitty, but I'm just glad it wasn't Sam on the bus....

Visiting

My brother and sister-in-law were in town last week for a visit and after not seeing them for more than a year, it was great to see them.  Even though they were here for just a short time, it was a sweet 5 days. 

From the start, the visit started with a bang.  On our way home from the airport, our cab got into a small “altercation” with a bus and a few other cars when he decided to start to cross the train tracks while the bus had already started to drive over the tracks.  When our cab driver decided he’d drive on to the tracks and not back up out of the way of the bus since we both couldn’t fit, the battle started.  With all the cars honking, other cabs trying to cut in front of us, our cab driver refusing to move, and the dude on the bus who collects fares getting off the bus to yell at our cab driver, it was pretty lively.  After another minute or two, a police officer just happened to be in the area had a bit of a chat with the taxi driver and shortly after, we were backing up to let the bus cross the tracks and then amazingly, there was space for us to pass by.  I was just laughing to myself about the incident because it’s just typical.  Welcome to Cusco!!

Beyond seeing the sights and getting a glimpse of my world here, it was great to spend time with them and catch up in ways you just can’t do over the phone.  They really enjoyed the mountains, good Peruvian food and of course meeting and taunting/playing with my cat, Sam.

I found it interesting how some things have become at least somewhat normal to me here, but might not have been for them….. 

The massive mountains around me

Cows and other random animals walking down the street every now and then

Lots of dogs on the streets that are usually someone’s “pet”

Really cheap fresh bread being widely available

Super pasteurized milk in a bag that doesn’t have to be refrigerated until opened

Walking in the  middle of the street (at least in my neighborhood)

Lots and lots of rice

The lovely widow maker in my shower

Cusco drivers and traffic

And I sure there’s much more….

Thankfully, the weather behaved while they were here and every day was just beautiful with nice warm weather, which ended up being a nice cool break from summer for them, which I’m sure was much appreciated.  We ended up doing a few random things here and there, so here’s a small sample of our adventures…

Jared lovin on Sam

on our way to Machu Picchu....

continued....

There just isn't enough space for all the pictures I want to post.  The last day Jared and Beth were here, we went to the Josephine house and as you can see, everyone enjoyed the visit....

Apagado

So, I’m doing stuff around my house in the evening and all of a sudden the lights are gone. It’s not a real regular thing for the lights to go off here. Yes, it’s dry season, so it’s more than reasonable for the water to be turned off at night, no prob. To be honest, I can’t remember that last time the electricity was turned off.

Thankfully, I have a candle fetish, so I was in great shape for lighting up my house for a bit. It was quite a sight to see. At one point, my neighbor came by to see if I was alright with candles and such. I think she might have been laughing inside after she stepped foot into my house and saw my house lit up with candles almost as bright as if I had electricity and had my lights on.

It was a nice cozy night and a good reminder to me to be thankful that I almost always have electricity and water(oh yeah, and a gas heater too…)