Living in Cusco - the hub of the Inca Empire

Hello from my new home for the coming four weeks - Cusco. The city is at 3.300 metres above sea level and approx. 430.000 people live in the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, which is now protected as UNESCO World Heritage Site. I live here in a Peruvian family - or more precisely with a wonderful Peruvian lady (Juana), who has two children that don't live here anymore but come pretty much daily to visit. Then, I have a sister here (Zoé) who comes from the French part of Switzerland and is also at the language school. The latter is in 5mins walking distance from the house - downhill on the way to school and steep uphill on the way home. I have a little room and can view over the city with its major place 'plaza de armas' and its surrounding mountains. After school other students and I explore Cusco and its surroundings. One major site is 'Saksaywaman' the citadel from the Inca high above the city. Right next to it is 'Cristo Blanco' who overlooks the city.

The city is very diverse and has heaps to offer. Nearly every day there is some kind of festival here with loud music and fireworks. Besides, often (mainly) at night time the water gets turned off and the water in the shower never gets really hot. Oh well, those are my daily challenges but it's manageable, so far I am really enjoying my time here and I'm happy that I can get to explore this great city a bit longer. Many greetings...