PERÚ 6

Although Cuzco is a world renowned tourist destination, once you walk away from the Inca ruins and the Spanish churches, you quickly leave the gringos behind. The central market, or mercado central, doesn't figure on tourists' itineraries. And yet that is where you will encounter some of Cuzco's most powerful sights (and smells near the cheese and fish stalls...)

After selling their produce, the farmers eat a hearty lunch or almuerzo before leaving the city.

Broth (caldo) is very popular in the Andes. You can get a hearty bowl in a restaurant...

This extremely popular soda is quite an experience for visitors. It is fluorescent yellow and it tastes like bubble gum. Guidebooks recommend that you stay away from ice (made from tap water), so you might enjoy warm Inca Kola, mmmm...

It is no wonder that there are many dentists around. Many Peruvians have gold fillings around the edge of their front teeth. South American dentists have a good reputation. You hear of travellers getting dental treatment plus a vacation for less than the price of treatment at home.

Not so many people can afford their own computer in Perú. Therefore, you find Internet Cabinas at every street corner. For 33 cents a half-hour, foreign visitors can check their e-mail.

Although Cuzco is a world renowned tourist destination, once you walk away from the Inca ruins and the Spanish churches, you quickly leave the gringos behind. The central market, or mercado central, doesn't figure on tourists' itineraries. And yet that is where you will encounter some of Cuzco's most powerful sights (and smells near the cheese and fish stalls...)
	Peruvian bread is round and flat, and low in fat and sodium. It comes in all sizes from large pizza to pancake.
After selling their produce, the farmers eat a hearty lunch or almuerzo before leaving the city.
	If you stay a while at the mercado central, you realize that it is more than a place of commerce. Lots of people come here to socialize and have a good time. You bring three dozen eggs, a folding chair and a blanket, and you're in business for the day!
Broth (caldo) is very popular in the Andes. You can get a hearty bowl in a restaurant...
	...or from numerous little "holes in the Inca wall." This one offers chicken broth, and head broth.
This extremely popular soda is quite an experience for visitors. It is fluorescent yellow and it tastes like bubble gum. Guidebooks recommend that you stay away from ice (made from tap water), so you might enjoy warm Inca Kola, mmmm...
	Peruvians seem to have a sweet tooth, by the way. And it is hard to resist, in the midst of some gloomy ruin, a cheerful señorita with a basket of chocolate bars.
It is no wonder that there are many dentists around. Many Peruvians have gold fillings around the edge of their front teeth. South American dentists have a good reputation. You hear of travellers getting dental treatment plus a vacation for less than the price of treatment at home.
	Seasons are a touchy subject in Perú. Don't ask if August is Winter or Summer unless you have nothing to do the next hour. That is because there are three distinct climates: the cool and arid coast, the mountains, and the jungle. In any case, August in Cuzco felt like Spring, and school was obviously in session.
Not so many people can afford their own computer in Perú. Therefore, you find Internet Cabinas at every street corner. For 33 cents a half-hour, foreign visitors can check their e-mail.
	Once the heart of the Inca Empire, then the center of Spanish South America, Cuzco has a rich history. It is an elegant, yet earthy city. If you plan to spend some time there, make sure you award yourself one free day. It would be a shame to rush around the ruins and the museums without taking a few hours to savor the unique atmosphere of the town.

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