The White City

Spent a day in the White City of Arequipa, looking around churches and colonial houses. Also went to visit the ice-maiden Juanita, a young girl who was sacrificed to the mountain Gods at an elevation of over 6000m. She is one of the ten best-preserved mummies in the world - apparently she still has maiz from her last meal in her stomach.

Took a taxi out of town to a posh restaurant with extensive gardens and lounging areas and was the only tourist there. Braved the Arequipan specialty of Chupe de Camarrones (shrimp soup), which was very tasty, if a little bit tricky to eat (where's dad when you need him?). Stayed at a cute little hostel for 10 soles a night (that's less than two pounds) for my own double room with dressing table, wardrobe and shared hot showers. Got chatting to an English couple over a dinner of pizza and wine (muy typical) and doled out my words of wisdom re. the Inca Trail (ie. buy two sticks and bring lots of plastic bags!).

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