May 10: Urubamba

Our first stop was down in the valley; the idea is to give us  time to acclimate before heading to Macchu Picchu.



One stop was at a place where they continued traditional weaving methods.  I bought a wonderful, soft alpaca sweater in their shop although it wasn't made on the premises.




They're cute but I've read that they don't make very nice pets.


We then stopped at the home of a lovely woman who grows coca leaves on a family-owned property in the jungle.  It’s a 7-hour bus ride and an hour walk.  They produce only 75 lbs. a year; it takes 500 lbs. to make a pound of cocaine.  I noticed her teeth were very good- unusual for a 55 year old woman in a developing country.  It’s the coca leaves- a major source of calcium.  Darn, I wish I could take some home.  I bet it would help my osteopenia, too.  We did try chewing a few leaves-not bad.  They were part of the breakfast buffet in many places and I chewed a few every chance I got.  The guys made fun of my bad habit.





Villa Urubamba, where we stayed for a couple of nights.
  Magnificent views and beautiful plantings.

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