Well, we're back....or at least have been back for a few days. I need to express mucho gratitude to Cathy, for doing such a great (as always) job while we were away.
So where did we go, what did we do, and more importantly, what did we eat? I'm in the process of sorting through 1200+ photos, and will hopefully be able to start posting on our trip to Peru starting on Sunday. There is one thing I'd like an opinion on, I've got a bunch of stories, and many meals....but I really don't want to be a bore. So should I just start, and go in chronological order? Or should I just do an abridged version and just to a few highlites? You let me know.
Here are a few photos to help you make a decision.
Cusco is a wonderful city, with warm, friendly, and kind people. Once you get past the hawkers(who weren't too agressive, and can be dismissed with a courteous "no gracias"), we found Cusco to be a beautiful city to visit.
I've got more than a few stories of kindnesses bestowed upon us in Cusco.
And of course the sights and sounds were marvelous...
And of course there was...
Macchu Picchu!
What about food?????
As you can see, there is quite a bit of "stuff".......and some really great eats, from the Chicha de Jora "speakeasy" in Calca, to Mercado Central in Cusco, an excellent Picanteria, some great Cebiche, and Astrid y Gaston to top it all off.
I'm not sure you'll want to read it all, so you tell me.
I'll be back on Sunday!
omg kirk--i am soooo jealous--how cool that you went to peru!!! it's def. one of my must-go-to-before-i-die places. can't wait to read your posts on it! =)
Posted by: Pam | Friday, 28 September 2007 at 01:45 PM
I'm sooooo enveeeeusss!! Macchu Picchu and Guinea pigs?.....The stomach of my mind can't wait to eat vicariously through your words.........Welcome back!
Posted by: Michael | Friday, 28 September 2007 at 02:36 PM
Kirk-
Welcome back. Can't wait to see the food pictures...Mmmmm...and hear the details.
Posted by: Robwonton | Friday, 28 September 2007 at 02:37 PM
Hey, Kirk, welcome back! Wow, looks like you've got lots of great stuff to share. I would love to hear and see everything since I doubt I'd ever get down to Peru. But also, IMHO, I find I appreciate the food more when I know more about the country and its people. Just make it all that more interesting.
Now that you're back, are you going to give Cathy a well deserved rest? ;-)
Posted by: Carol | Friday, 28 September 2007 at 03:35 PM
Welcome back, Kirk! I've been wanting to go to Machu Picchu for years. Hiking up there seems like a good way to burn off those calories from those very enticing meals.
Posted by: howie | Friday, 28 September 2007 at 03:54 PM
Welcome home Kirk!
I for one want to hear it all! In honor of your first Peruvian post, I will have dinner tonight at Latin Chef. I must admit I was planning on going anyway, but now I have the perfect excuse.
Cheers
Posted by: Captain Jack | Friday, 28 September 2007 at 04:45 PM
So, you flew all the way to Peru and you had Chicken noodle soup eh? =P
i say post it all in chronological order! or.. save the best for last !
Posted by: clayfu | Friday, 28 September 2007 at 04:48 PM
Welcome back and I look forward to the posts on your trip. Thanks for posting some photos as a preview!
At first, I thought Pescados Capitales was a Peruvian Chinese restaurant. Then I realized that what I mistook for Chinese characters was really ocean icons!
So were there any foods from home that you were craving while on your trip?
Posted by: Sandy | Friday, 28 September 2007 at 04:53 PM
I vote for all the details! Welcome back, we missed your posts.
Posted by: Kris | Friday, 28 September 2007 at 05:13 PM
Welcome back!!! The guinea pig looks good. I just saw that on Food Channel the other day. When I was little, my Dad used to make bbq rice field rat for me. The name doesn't sound good, but it was tastier than chicken.
Posted by: yummieyummy | Friday, 28 September 2007 at 05:54 PM
welcome back kirk! looking forward to reading your posts on peru!
can't wait to hear your take on 'cuy'.
Posted by: reynila | Friday, 28 September 2007 at 09:56 PM
Kirk,
It seems like you had a nice time and have many stories to tell. I am really anxious to hear all about it.
Posted by: Reid | Friday, 28 September 2007 at 10:14 PM
Welcome home Kirk! I'm up for the chronological full tour, so long as you don't mind. I'll be happy whatever you do though. Your pics have whetted my appetite!
Posted by: Amy | Friday, 28 September 2007 at 11:02 PM
I would love to hear all the details!
Posted by: mina | Saturday, 29 September 2007 at 03:38 AM
hey Kirk.
Posted by: RONW | Saturday, 29 September 2007 at 03:43 AM
hi kirk! welcome back ... great photos to pique our interest! I think I would prefer the trip chronologically ... don't want to miss out on anything! :D
Posted by: Rachel | Saturday, 29 September 2007 at 08:24 AM
Oh man, I'd like to read and see it all. Great pics already.
Posted by: ed (from Yuma) | Saturday, 29 September 2007 at 09:51 AM
mmmmmmhh Cuy. Imagine the most tender suckling pig...but this is more tender and sweet. The skin is so light and crisp. I think I spent more money on that dish than I did on my hotel in Banos, Ecuador.
Posted by: n8 | Saturday, 29 September 2007 at 04:47 PM
Welcome back Kirk.....can't wait to hear about it!
Posted by: Jack | Saturday, 29 September 2007 at 07:41 PM
Hi Pam - It was a fantastic trip....
Hi Michael - Thanks! I'll do my best.
Hi Rob - Stay tuned...I've got a ton of posts.
Hi Carol - Yes, Cathy's done a fantastic job as always...and she can (hopefully) get some rest, and catch up on her imprtant projects.
Hi Howie - Compared to Pisac and Ollantaytambo, Macchu Picchu was a piece of cake. MP is at a lower elevation than Cusco, so the altitude had less of an effect on me. Everyone should see Macchu Picchu at least once.
Hi CJ - I hope it was a good one!
Hi Clayfu - Man, that was one fantastic bowl of Sopa de Pollo. It was also consumed in a very interesting location!
Hi Sandy - I thought so as well, when we got out of the cab. Pescados Capitales is owned by a Peruvian Chinese Family...so it would make sense. Actually, I'm really somewhat depressed right now....I'm missing all the wonderful food we had in Peru.
Hi Kris - Thanks so much. I hope I'll be able to do justice to Peru....it is a wonderful country.
Hi YY - Cuy when prepared well, is fantastic.
Hi Reynila - I'll do my best.....
Hi Reid - Yes, so much stuff, it's hard to figure out where to start.
Hi Amy - Great idea, I think I'll do it that way.
Hi Mina - Stay tuned....lots of Peru coming up.
Hi RONW - ;o)
Hi Rachel - Nice to hear from you! Hope all is well.
Hi Ed - You should see some of the great stuff we ate!
Hi n8 - I think of the combination of taste and texture to be like a cross between suckling pig and tender duck....all dark meat. We ate Cuy 3 times in Peru.
Hi Jack - I'll get started ASAP. Nice to hear from you!
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 29 September 2007 at 08:04 PM