Negotiating the Streets

Cusco is full of cobblestone roads with narrow sidewalks where you have to walk strategically.  Often there is only room for one person and then the sidewalk tapers to become so narrow that you either have to walk sideways or walk in the street.

Walking around this city requires focus, as the drivers aren't particularly respectful of pedestrians so you have to be paying attention when you are on the street.  John enjoys asserting his rights as a pedestrian by walking into the crosswalk and forcing the drivers to respond appropriately.  And then there are the intersections with the useless transit police or crossing guards: more often than not, they are preoccupied with what's going on around them, or with the conversation that they are having with each other or on the phone.

And for a few more Cusco sours…

- While we were walking to dinner from our hotel we passed a man in a suit openly peeing on the sidewalk.

- It is rare to have a taxi driver that is friendly or that even talks to us.

- The combis (public 15 passenger vans) are so packed that you have to stand hunched over in the heat.