Hey amigo, massage, massage!

We finally gave in today after two weeks of being accosted by the endless stream of young girls offering massages throughout our ten days in Cuzco.  They litter the cobble-stoned streets offering massage any way you like it - Thai, Stone, Swedish - and Dee finally ran out of excuses to give them.  It was a relaxing hour on the table as they worked out the kinks of a four day bike ride followed by our hike to Machupicchu the previous four days.

We've enjoyed Cuzco although we've fought the clouds and rain in this highland center (3360m) of the former Inca Empire.  Sun most mornings followed by some angry thunder and showers most afternoons and evenings.  Exploring the city and surrounding valley has been awesome as there is no shortage of historic sites, artensal shops, and tasty restaurants to visit.

We climbed high above the city on a damp afternoon to visit Sacayhuaman 'Sexy Woman' high above the city.  A former Inca fortress, the ruins features three distinct tiers made of interlocking stones the largest over 10m tall and 300 tons.  Somehow they moved all these stones from the surrounding valleys some 20 miles away!

It was the scene of numerous battles with the Spanish who finally overwhelmed the Incas, taking the city and valley in 1536.  The Spanish then began their centuries long hold on Peru.  They were ruthless conquers destroying or building spectacular cathedrals directly on top of Inca building.  They stripped and melted tons of gold for use in these new building.  Not surprisingly, numerous earthquakes destroyed or damaged many of the Spanish buildings but the Inca structures have stood the test of time in a final show of one-upmanship.

We enjoyed wandering the endless alleys and streets which inevitably lead to small craft shops or out of the way cafes.  As always we found ourselves frequenting our favorites - creatures of habits we are - especially the organic restaurant and bakery just up the street from our hotel.

Plaza de Armas, Cuzco