Market Day

     They Sacred Valley was our destination today, with stops at the market in Pisac, and the ruins at Ollantaytambo.  Our itinerary began with a visit to an alpaca farm.  They also housed llamas and vicunas and schooled us in the differences.  Interesting creatures!  They spit, smell, and seem to eat all the time.  How do such nasty animals create such incredible wool?  The patterns that the locals wove were amazing.  Several children were weaving blankets and table runners.  I guess they were skipping school that day????
    We continued on to Pisac, but on the way we stopped for a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley.  In a word, beautiful!  Remnants of long-forgotten terraces were visible on several mountain slopes.   I almost imagined I could see the Inca working their fields.
    The market in Pisac was impressive.  One could explore to their hearts content, with shopping ranging from a combination of small up-scale shops to simply open-air stalls.  Jewelry, blankets, and various knick-knacks were in abundance.  Many stalls were preparing and selling a type of maize or corn-on-the-cob.  The kernels were the size of marbles!  I probably should have tried it, but was determined to take no chances with my health.  Can you imagine waiting 40 years to see Machu Picchu and then getting Montezuma's revenge????
    We left Pisac and were bound for Ollantaytambo, but first stopped for lunch at an incredible buffet in the middle of nowhere!  It was served outside and the food was heavenly.  I wish I could remember it's location or the name.  It was like a hidden oasis just off the main road.