Arequipa, Arequipa, Arequipa

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As many dear readers are aware, we have been struck by the beauty of Sucre in Bolivia. Plans have been thought of how to move there and live as there could not be any city as beautiful in the world, let alone South America. Guess what – we have found one.

Arequipa is a city in south west Peru (you have not been charged for this information) surrounded on one side by three snow capped mountains and on the other by a massive volcano called Misti. The main area of town is Palaza Armas which has a vista to match any anywhere.

On top of that is the weather. Apparently it has four bad days of weather a year. On situations such as these, there are a few clouds in the sky. Even your correspondent has found it necessary to sit in the shade a few times.

After travelling for 5 months it is always refreshing to find new favourite place. Arequipa has provided three !!!! Yes, dear readers, and as a special favour to you, I shall tell you about them;

Firstly was the Cathedral in Plaza Armas. A building that takes up the whole side of the plaza and commands that every passer by stops and stares at it’s immense beauty. It is stunning. Crowds of people are always outside just staring at it.

Secondly was our accommodation – La Casa de los Pinguinos. Apart from our fixation with the funky little guys, this place was amazing. Finding a bed with a duvet instead of 5 thick wool blankets was good enough, but the welcome and constant care from Alex was fantastic. Anything we asked for or needed was provided with a smile. Spotlessly clean, brilliant breakfast, cheap beer (a major factor) and an all round special place.

Thirdly, a restaurant named ZigZag. If there is a better restaurant in South America then we have yet to find it. A mouth watering mixture of fish and meats as well as deserts that almost demanded two each. Add scrummy wine, great service and a lovely setting and you get the general idea

OK. A situation has arisen. As you will be aware, there is nothing your correspondent enjoys more than putting words on screen for your perusal. This sadly is not possible for the rest of this review of Arequipa. I realise that this will lead to a lynch mob of my dear readers tracking me down with pitchforks and torches (thankfully, in situations like these I always keep a small puppy or kitten as a suitable replacement) demanding justice, but Colca Canyon awaits.

Suffice to say – Arequipa is beautiful.

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