The Andean city of Ayacucho rests about halfway between Cusco and Lima but feels completely cut off from either of them. It stretches out at 2700 metres and bustles with surprisingly strong activity. After spending far too much time in English- infested hostels, the wildly untouristy town of Ayacucho is extremely refreshing. Claiming 33 churches, the city also has a vibrant market and some decent ruins around it. So far, I havent seen any of this, although I arrived relatively early yesterday. I went straight to the house that hosts various volunteers, who I will be working alongside during a month in an orphanage. The house boasts a freezing outdoor shower, common bedrooms and a great mood.
Before even seeing one of the churches, I was selling cake in the street. We prepared a large bakesale to raise money for the orphanage. Quite a success, as we hid the burnt dough with powdered sugar. We baked more than 7 massive desserts, so after a while we became very creative in our attempts to sell them. "Cake that repels mosquitoes!". And a little later "Cake against jealousy". And, triumphantly, "anti-aging cake!". It was actually only peach- flavoured, albeit delicious.
Here a few pictures of the little of the city I've feasted upon so far (and the cake preparations.)
The outside of the orphanage.
Ayacucho, prime spot to view sheep in pebble-filled streets.
Preparations under the sun.
Many hostels have private rooms too, they can sometimes be just as expensive as hotel rooms but it's the best of both worlds.
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