Calm before the challenge
April 25
NOTE: This post is temporary- we are half way to the start point of the Lares trail. A last chance to get internet before going off grid for three days.
Lynne’s morning started at 4.30am, messaging Kirsten as she sent some fabulous photos from a party she and Dylan were attending.
After our exertions of yesterday and a testing climb with our tour group tomorrow, we determined not to overdo it today.
We read up about the vibes and variety of goods sold at the San Pedro market, 20 minutes away and that sounded ideal.
The walk to the market passed by other markets selling everything from dental services to iron ware, many varieties of potatoes and exotic fruit and underwear and clothing. There was cheese waiting to be wrapped up, all manner of nuts and spices and animal parts Lynne couldn’t bear to look at ,let alone contemplate eating.
We wandered round San Pedro market searching for an entrance but it was shut for cleaning. There were still stalls selling food to eat and individuals painting their wooden tables and stools white, but many stalls were closed. We’ll need to come back another day.
We repaired to a hostel for coffee where our spirits were lifted by the calm ambiance and delightful seating area.
En route to book a restaurant for dinner in the Plaza de Armas, Lynne and Vivien enjoyed a massage. Then to the Plaza which was buzzing with dancers and drummers, in their traditional costumes and carrying flags. A bride and groom danced along. A huge festival and a great sight to see in glorious weather.
Remarkably we found our way to a patisserie that caught our eye in the San Blas area and substituted delicious fruit tarts and cheesecake for lunch. We enjoyed being out of earshot of the hubbub in the square.
We enjoyed some quiet time back at our hotel before heading out for dinner at Sagredo’s just off the square. The square looked pretty at night, lit up, with its colonnades and ornate wooden balconies, in Spanish style; it used to house a market on Sundays. Now it’s full of shops catering to tourists.
We had a lovely meal after we found something for Lynne without garlic.
A better night’s sleep awaited us.