APU, the Soccer Ball Painted on the Sides of Buildings

Like a pest, I would ask endless questions of our Peruvian guests. Anybody who showed a kind face would be fair game for a question. Out came my yellow Rite in the Rain All Weather outdoor Journal No 1735 and my borrowed pen. “What is that tree called?” “What is this drink the lady on the street is mixing up and selling?” (In Cusco) “Why are there soccer balls with ‘APU’ painted on buildings?” (As we made our way to and from Cusco on Route 3S West of Cusco.) The last question is the subject of this post.

Billboards are likely expensive or perhaps prohibited in some locations, so painting the sides of a house or building (in particular in the countryside) seems to be a common political messaging medium. According the person at our hotel reception desk in Cusco, “APU” is a political party. Voting in Peru is mandatory.

APU Painted on Buildings between Chinchero and Cusco.

Bird Wall Mural on a Walk to Sacsaywaman, Cusco

Photos Taken In Cusco, near Plaza San Cristobal. In photo on the right, Plaza de Armas can be seen in the background.


We decided to walk to Saksaywaman from our hotel (El Mercado) in Cusco. On the way we saw this bird painted on the side of a building. I have no idea what it means, but as I look at it now, it reminds me of the huffing and puffing we did to make it up the hill. Cusco is at 11,152 feet and Sexy-Woman (as we were told it can be pronounced) is another 1,000 or so feet higher. Coming from sea-level and this being our first day, the climb was a little bit challenging. And, that bird looks so judgmental.