First Days In Cusco
Once I arrived in Cusco, I set about trying to get settled in, as best I could at least. Things were still unstable and uncertain in the political arena, even though president Castillo had been detained and vice president Boularte had been sworn in as the new president. Dina Boularte’s swearing-in made her the sixth president in six years, an astounding number that does not instill great confidence in the stability of the current democracy.
My ability to settle in was also somewhat stifled by the fact I would need to stay in a temporary apartment, as the one my friends had arranged for me was not ready or available for the time being. So I dropped my bags, got a bit of rest, and accepted that things were not getting started as I had hoped or planned.
I tried to make the best of it over the next few days by getting out to explore my new surroundings. I walked the streets, stopping for coffee, a snack, or a drink along the way while taking in this new environment I intended to call home for the time being.
Frequent stops were required as the elevation takes its toll. Cusco is at an altitude of 3,399 meters / 11,152 feet above sea level and the lack of oxygen has a physiological effect that takes time to adjust to. The local remedy is to drink coca tea and chew coca leaves. It is not addictive in this form nor does it have much of a stimulus. It is high in nutritional properties and is widely available as it is used as a remedy for many ailments.
I chewed and sipped my way to getting acclimatized taking in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Cusco as I explored. It is a beautiful and fascinating place and is the longest continually inhabited city in South America. It is rich in history and culture, and the food is spectacular. It was wonderful to amble with my camera through the maze of streets and to discover who and what was around the next corner.
There were groups of protesters forming that opposed the removal of Castillo and the installation of Boularte as the new president. They were small and peaceful though. They did not appear to pose much of a threat. Although the riot police were beginning to make their presence known as they gathered throughout the city, most people went about their day-to-day activities. However, news started to come out about large protests, riots, and violence beginning in nearby cities in the region.
Then things escalated very quickly…
