Cusco, Peru

*click on Patrick photo after blog entry to see Cusco photo album!!
After spending the entire night and getting stir-crazy with exhaustion at the airport in Lima we flew out bright and early to Cusco - get this - it is the OLDEST continuously-habited city in the American continent! We took it seriously when we read we needed 2-3 days to acclimate to the 3200m altitude before heading out to the Incan Trail. (My last trip I had lost an entire day suffering from very bad altitude sickness. It was miserable and there was no way I was going to risk that again - much less in the middle of our hike where turning around was impossible.) That said, we made sure to drink TONS of the coca-leaf tea that is free at all hotels and helps fight against altitude sickness (yes, I can officially say I've tried drugs now). I actually liked it so much that I wanted to buy a box of it at the store and bring it back before reading the label that "Americans will be thrown in jail for bringing back even the tea since it is a Grade A drug". Okay okay, I got the picture...

I love Cusco. Not only is its architecture beautiful but it is most interestingly laid out in the shape of a Puma. The natives are very kind, always smiling, and extremely hospitable. It could be far more down-trodden and 'kichy' considering it's where most of the tourists go since it is the only airport to fly into on the way to Machu Pichu.

As with most Latino cities there is a central garden or square that is not only picturesque but is lovely to just enjoy un helado (ice cream) or meal in one of the 2nd-story patio restaurants overlooking the view. Patrick and I simply sat on the steps in front of an old, beautiful church on our first day and people-watched.

Now, yes: we admit to going to the Irish Pub or having very tasty pizza while there but we did it all after earning it after our day hikes to the ruins of Sachsyhuaman (pronounced similar to "sexy woman") located outside the city in the hillsides, visiting Barranca - where the very cool artisan shops are, or renting Peruvain horses (how could I NOT adore this man since he is an ex-horseman like myself??!!), and riding the hillsides.

One of the most interesting sights is seeing the native Quechuan indian people in their colorful garb with their Alpaca (llamas) in tow carusing the cobble-stone streets amidst the bustle of tourist hostels and taxis. A little bit of the old mixed with the new...

Cusco, Peru 2006

Pasandole en Peru...

Patricio (I deem using his name in spanish appropriate for this blog) and I had the good blessings to make a sojourn (my 2nd, his first) to Peru in October. Now, I know some of you (my family included) are asking yourself why the heck did I go for a 2nd time. Well, I have to admit that I wasn't planning on it, but Patricio really wanted to do the Incan Trail Hike - and I didn't tackle that the last time I went in 2001. (Also, I must give kudos to my airline Visa which gave us a free trip down there - the only feasible way we made it down there on my limited budget.)

There is nothing like adventurous travel and having someone special along for the ride! Read further for a more-detailed account and pictures - Diviertense!!! Enjoy!!

PS - alas, for those of you who are looking for pictures of it: Patricio wasn't game enough to try the national delicacy of 'cuy' - guinea pig, which is served completely whole on a plate (head, legs and all) but the national cocktail, the Pisco Sour, was muy delicioso!!

Padraig go Bragh!

You know, Life sometimes can be interesting. It can play tricks and it can turn on you. The Truth is: I have always been a huge believer that God has a plan for all of us. It's a great way to have perspective on Life's twists. (And it certainly has made me accept the good and the bad that has occurred in my life). I always said things will drop in one's lap when you least expect - so stop looking!

I am not shy. I work very social jobs. I meet a lot of people. I am a real people person and have perfected being able to approach and talk to anyone. But, no doubt about it: I am not a kid anymore and I have been around the block. When it comes to men I decided at this point I knew I was pretty cynical (which has come to look a lot like Wisdom as I get older). Now, don't get me wrong - I have dated a couple lovely chaps in long-term relationships - and I think I'd be pretty good in a debate about not getting married until you've reached your 30s and HAVE dated more than 1 man - but I digress.

For 6 months now I have had the blessing and curses of falling for an Irishman with merry eyes. Why is it a blessing and a curse? Because, my friends - Love is very hard for a stubborn, creative, passionate and utterly unconventional woman like me. As much as I have to offer (how could I NOT, with the family that has raised me??) I have already put this lad through the ringer.

And you know what? He has forgiven and he has accepted. He once acknowledged to me, "It's because you have so much to give..." You've no idea what at this age and time in my life it means to me for someone to recognize my strength!

For the first time I have pictured myself with a life partner. For the first time I have met someone so wonderfully unique yet, conventional; challenging, yet, supportive.

He is responsible for some of my recent changes - without a doubt. Alas, he is also responsible for my being Happy and planning for a somewhat conventional future for the first time in my adult life.

Meet Patrick...

A Decision Made

Let's get this straight. This blog is not going to be written with the motive of solely entertaining. I could certainly go that route - and those who know me know how detailed my stories are - but at this point I prefer it just to be some sort of memoir or outlet for myself. Can it be that Elsa is taking baby steps at being conventional??

The last 6 months my life started a new chapter. It was inevitable. Time for a Big Move. Like I am fond of saying, "It's All a Decision Made". I moved away from my beloved gay town, Hillcrest, after 7 years of fitting in with the 'misfits' and unconventional people. And just where did I land but in east county - land of the born-again chiristians - in a cul-de-sac with a yard, a view of a lake, and a canyon for Jordy-the-Cat to play in. Whew! A year ago I never would have believed it!

That said, here I am: a 34-year-old Queen on her Throne living alone with her fat cat on her lap and her bedroom-turned-yoga/meditation room. Who would have thought it??.

What's more, six months and counting I've also been blessed to be in a relationship with a supportive, unique, brilliant-minded beau - but 'more on him later'... :)

There have been many changes this year. Many changes in my thought patterns and my perspectives. But, as usual, I have never taken the easy route on anything and I am not going to lie that it has not been an extremely difficult time to get here. That said NO ONE appreciates what they have worked for more than this woman...

Bienvenidos! Wilkommen! Bienvenuto! Welcome!

Honestly, it sounds so cliche but my boyfriend made me do this....



*I'm serious!! I got plenty to talk about but far be it for me (read: 'computer and gadget illiterate') to actually set up my own blog....