Up early for a morning walk. This morning I walked by myself through the streets of a city that was just beginning to wake up. The streets were clean and empty. The air was cool, fresh and dry. Actually the air was too cool for the shorts that I was wearing because my laundry was not yet dry from the day before. But, it was a good walk and it gave time to reflect and think about the week that we all had just experienced.
We were treated to an early breakfast and were joined by the Montes family. Sadly, now was the time to say our final goodbyes with tears and promises of our returning next year.
On the bus ride to Ayacucho we were taken on a side trip to the obelisk memorial of the Battle of Ayacucho near La Quinta. (The memorial of the 1824 Latin-American battle of independence of Peru and South America over Spain). The harrowing road was rough, narrow, high, long and unforgettable.
After visiting the memorial we visited the small and picturesque town of Quinua, Peru. It had small shops, stone streets and on this day... a wedding reception. With the celebration and inviting nature of the local Peruvian people, we all were invited to the reception. A few of us visited the wedding for just a few minutes to send our well wishes. (videos are in the picture album).
After our visit to Quinta, we were back on our way to Ayacucho. After arriving in Ayacucho, our group split up to visit different places and eventually all met at the local Indian Market. While walking to the Indian Market, among all of the cars, trucks, horns blowing, people, and musicians... someone seemed to be yelling specifically at us. As we turned, we noticed it was the family that owned the Hostel in Huanta! They were in Ayacucho visiting! Small world... even in 35,000 people!
While returning from the Indian Market, Theresa and I were almost hit by a MotorKar! It was the closest I think that I have ever been to a moving vehicle. I think the driver literally brushed the back of my pant legs as he went by! Whew!
We enjoyed an early, light dinner at the Via Via Cafe on the Plaza de Armas before returning to our rooms. We had to get up very early the next morning for our flight to Lima.
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