At breakfast, we received word that our first scheduled lecture had unfortunately been cancelled. This gave us some unexpected extra free time to check out various city sites of our own choosing. One group headed for the San Pedro Market, a place recommended by Moises, one of our guides at Inkaterra. He had described the believed-to-be Viagra-like powers derived from frogs and this market as a place where these products were made. Naturally, curious minds wanted to know more, so they went to see for themselves. The less adventurous among us stayed in town and enjoyed some last-minute shopping.
Later in the morning, we returned to the hotel for a demonstration of Peruvian dances, presented by dance instructor Violeta Contreras. Clicking heels, clapping hands and natural rhythm were in large supply as she taught us a sampling of these dances. Among them were: the Marinera (a sensual dance in which the man and woman act a play of love and seduction); the Festejo ("the synthesis of different genres of AfroPeruvian music that disappeared during the 20th century"); the Huaylarsh (a vigorous dance for young people, in which they play and liberate themselves from the responsibilities of the daily work); and the Turkuy (which interrelated Christian and indigenous elements and "is inspired in one of the most common folkloric characters of colonial origin in the Andes").
Perhaps the highlight of this session (for some of us, at least) was attempting to play the zampona, the Peruvian wooden piped instrument. Award-winning composer Rene Contreras introduced us to his song, Muyuy (Borders) and we all tried very hard to follow his lead. Even though the notes were clearly marked on the zampona, being able to sound them was an entirely different story. It's all a matter of how you position your lips. Those of us who played wind instruments at one time or another had a distinct advantage!
Following both these interactive cultural sessions, we had lunch on our own and then a leisurely afternoon.
That evening, we dined as a group for the last time. Cuy (guinea pig), ceviche and alpaca were among the gastronomic delicacies on the buffet at the very popular Don Antonia Restaurant in downtown Cusco. Accompanying dinner was an exclusive presentation by the group, Arco Iris. Not only did this ensemble dance and play native songs but they also included a number of American pop songs in their repertoire.
Returning to the El Dorado Hotel to relax and pack for the next day's flight to Lima, we were shocked by the sound of fire alarms and the sight of smoke! Everyone rushed down the stairs and assembled in the lobby, as the hotel management tried to extinguish what turned out to be an electrical fire. Unsuccessful in the hotel's attempts, the Cusco firemen were called to the scene. After their arrival, we heard glass breaking and could still see and smell smoke for about an hour. Fortunately, guests were able to return to their rooms, except for Lianne and Carol B. They were sent to a nearby hostel overnight, since their room was next to the scene of the fire.
Gail -- Teacher/Media Specialist -- Cleveland, OH
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