Storms and Sunshine in Cusco

The last couple months have been a really interesting time to be in Cusco: the week that I moved here at the end of January, there were torrential rains for several days....having been warned that January and February are the wettest months here, I figured this was normal and that I'd just have to get used to it. Except, of course, when I heard later that week that the amount of rain had been unprecedented, causing flooding and damage to bridges, train tracks, and thousands of homes (many of which are made of mud bricks) in the Sacred Valley outside of Cusco, while stranding tourists at Machu Picchu. In Cusco things were fine for the most part, since the infrastructure is better and the city is not situated as close to the flooded rivers, but Machu Picchu will be closed until April 1 because the train tracks are still being repaired, and the train is the only form of land transport to the town nearest the ruins.

In Cusco, the departure point for all travelers heading to Machu Picchu, it has been uncharacteristically slow -- the lack of tourism has clearly been hurting the local economy, while also bringing a measure of peace and quiet to a normally bustling hub for foreign travelers. On a visit to interview a lending group outside of Cusco in February, I was able to take some photos of the damage to some of the bridges that were completely swept away by the floods:
On a brighter note, though, the local community in Cusco has made a big effort to collect donations and support rebuilding efforts in the Sacred Valley, although from the looks of it there is still much to be done to help people who have lost their homes and belongings. Some links to local charities that are helping those affected by the flooding and landslides:

http://www.livingheartperu.org/help.htm

http://www.deseaperu.org/

http://www.kusikawsay.org/

http://www.waykitrek.net/

http://www.spiritsoftheearth.com/foundation.html

And while Cusco has been experiencing a slump in tourism, my friends have helped contribute to the economy by coming to visit me on their spring breaks -- this month has brought visits from my lovely friends Bess, Gabe, Lauren, Diane and Mike. Despite some minor challenges with dirt roads, broken mountain bikes, and bad alpaca meat, they were able to see Cusco as well as some of the amazing Inca ruins that are a little bit off the beaten track, while experiencing the beauty that is the Sacred Valley:

Sacred Valley of the Incas

Gabe in a Square: Saqsawayman ruins

Lauren, Me, and Bess: Courtyard of my building

Peruvian chicken/Oscar viewing at my apartment. Classy!

Mike, Me, and Diane at the big Jesus statue overlooking Cusco!

Next week, not only is Russell coming to visit!, but on Tuesday we are going to a big convening of former and current participants in the savings programs I am studying. It's been challenging getting out to the countryside the last few weeks because of the rainy season, roads, and my Quechua translator getting the flu, so I'm very excited to interview participants and schedule many visits to the countryside in the next few months! Will take photos! --B

For photos from the past few months, check out my Picasa page at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/barbrosen