It was almost six o'clock in the morning and the flight attendant was trying to make everybody feel comfortable. Even without knowing each other, all of us traveled in silence thinking of our own plans and concerns. Suddenly we heard a noise, a clash that surprised us. It was the pilot announcing our arrival to Cuzco, the capital of the famous Incan Empire. Cuzco is well known because of its buildings, its parks, and monuments, which show us its puzzling and glorious history as one of the most important cultures in America.
The moment I stepped out of the plane I began to feel a different atmosphere, the surroundings were full of the Inca's works; small crafts, frames and vases introduce your body and mind to a millenary culture, as if you suddenly could go back in time and not only your lungs, but also your skin and soul could breathe the empire's environment. .
When I reached the luggage hall I heard folk music, full of sentiment and passion, sung by a folk group. I felt a lump in my throat, and my heart beat in rhythm way with the music. It was as if the music had transported me to the gateway of heaven.
On the way to the hotel you could see the structure of the narrow streets, the market place and the small parks. The main street, named El Sol Avenue, goes directly to the main Plaza, where you can see a mixture of architectural styles. The arches and columns of the Plaza were made by the Spanish who conquered this fabulous empire, and most of the first floor stone buildings, upon which modern architecture now rests, were constructed by the Incas. .
In one of the corners of the main Plaza you can see the Cathedral, the biggest church of the city. There you can find the famous bell named Maria Angola, all covered with gold, when it rings it can surely be heard all over the city. The doors are carved and made with cedar wood; they are huge and are almost five meters tall. When you enter the church you are impressed with the interior beauty.