Arrived here at 7 a.m., on time. Bus ride was extremely rough, there were so many S curves through the rocky canyons and slopes, I swear the bus drivers deserve a medal just for getting the passengers here, safely, all in one piece. The high slopes butt the highway, with no screening to prevent rocks from falling onto the highway. Let's face it, everyone who knows me, knows that I spent half the night driving this bus for the bus driver, just in case! I prayed a lot... Not much sleep for me, but Bruce slept like a log, despite the short seats and lack of space.
The land is still dry, barren, mountainous and rocky. We are still in desert country. Cannot understand how Peruvians eke out a living from this land... Totally incomprehensible.
Due to the early arrival, Bruce and I stopped for tea in the beautiful bus depot, and had a banana. I was starving! Then took a 'secure' taxi to the Hotel La Posada del Monasterio, and were extremely well received. Our 'doble' room, 2 beds, hot running water in the bathroom sink, a comfort we enjoyed again. And, 4 towels, not just 2, with drinking glasses too. Whoa! Are we in heaven or what... Enjoyed a delicious continental breakast, with all the trimmings.
Arequipa is Peru's second largest city, situated at approxiate 9000 ft in altitude. We felt slightly light-headed. We had dificulty moving quickly, and decided to walk as the townspeople do - slowly. Weather is hot during the day and cools considerably in the evening.
Arequipa is surrounded by 3 active volcanoes, two that are snow-capped. Beautiful setting. It also lies on a fault line, so earthquakes are frequent.
Each time we hit a town, we need to make our arrangements for the touristy activities we want, and this does take time. Met with a travel agent to sign up for our overnight trip to the Colca Canyon. 85 dollars US per person. Then went on our walk to see the sights and get a feel for the land. We love this beautifully kept town-centre with its colonial architechture. Historic centre is amazing. Plaza des Armas, a huge park filled with trees, shrubs, and a wonderful fountain. This is actually part of every single town, but this one is just particularly welcoming and beautiful. The Cathedral is stunning, and we enjoyed visiting the Jesuit Centre, La Compania. The Cathedral completely covers one side of the Plaza, and on the other three sides, the ground floors are esplanades. On two sides, above the esplanades, the balconies are occupied by touristy restaurants.
People are so friendly. They are also extremely devout Catholics,attending church all the time.
The outskirts of the city though are very poorly kept, with buildings and streets quite dilapitated. We did not venture here a lot.
Many of the buildings are constructed with volcanic white sillar rock, is very easy carved. The carvings makes one take a second look. They are so intricate, with flowers and other parts of nature. Unlike the gargoyles one sees in Europe. I love the simplicity of the churches - altars are adorned, but the buildings have a feeling of light and space. Churches are almost Moorish in style, they call this style 'baroque'.
Peruvians are continually touting their wares in the streets, wanting tourists to buy anything and everything, all the alpaca clothing possible, right down to individual candies, tons of fruit and cigarettes. Still lots of people begging too... all ages, all kinds.
We always try to eat locally, so tonight we had rococo rollenos, stuffed peppers filled with meat and a raisin or two, covered with the local Pervian cheese sauce. Very taste, very piquante, which means it brought tears to my eyes, and cleared out Bruce's sinus'. But the meal was delicious, even though we may never order it again. Bruce says we are learning to tolerate 'hot' foods... right!
Oddity - many men are self emplyed as shoe shine men, and work around the park. Bruce had his shoes done, and they looked better than every before, never have these shoes been treated so well.
Walked the people-filled streets some more, but we were so tired, we returned to our lovely hotel, and slept for almost 10 hours! Glorious day...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment