A trip to the Cusco market for anyone involved in or interested in the food business is mandatory and a guide is essential.  I’ve never been to any market with so many strange and wondrous things.  Even before you walk in you know that you are in a different  world where magic potions cleanse and purify, herbs solve every problem from lack of sexual interest (maca), muña for upset stomach, dried fish roe, dried and fresh sea weed, dried clams that are soaked and bought back to “life” and have the charming name of “palabritas” (little words).  There are all  sort of marinades, dressings, fruits, vegetables, dozens of varieties of potatoes. It’s simply dazzling. If I can figure out a way of tagging the photographs on word press, I will.