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Published: April 13th 2016
Mexico City airport
What else do you do on a 10 hour layover?? We were too nervous to go into Mexico City so tried (unsuccessfully) to sleep after our overnight flight from VancouverIt's hard to believe that we have only been in this beautiful country of Peru for only a week. It took us a long time to get here (boring details) but left Canada on April 4 and arrived in Arequipa on April 6. Not an impressive start and the taxi driver asking for directions 3 times, but worth it when we finally got to our lovely B&B hostel. It is not in the busy historical centre where all the backpacker hostels are, but a quiet neighbourhood, close enough to walk (like 3 times a day!) to the centre. The hostel is the home of the owner and they were so kind to us.
First day, we went to the main square to catch a free walking tour, but in fact were in the wrong square, so much for that. Saw a great protest though - elections for a new president coming up on Sunday and Arequipanas seems to love being known for their protests. Someone was hauled away in a police car, lots of yelling. Hooked up with the tour next day and it was great - saw lots of local sights including a pub run by an American, a
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can't figure how to delete this double, so you have to see it twice for now! great coffee shop and the names of some good restaurants. Good thing to do when you get to a new place. Have one booked for Cusco too.
Most days we went to see one sight. We had a great tour of the Santa Catalina Monastery. The guide told all about the young girls(mostly rich and could provide a good dowry to the church) who entered the convent at about 10-12 years old. Seven years as a novice, only speaking twice a day (with a listener always present to make sure the conversation was appropriate. You could truly imagine the lives of the nuns who lived there.
The city tour by bus was very disappointing because there was so much Spanish and so little English that we didn't learn much and saw a lot of the poor places surrounding the city. One day Marie (mother of the B&B owner) walked us partway to a huge park close to their house another day- so many families gathered to enjoy the day. we sat under a tree and read for a while. Another disappointment was that we wanted to go to mass at the cathedral, but couldn't because everything around the
Plaza des Armas
This square in the centre of the old, historical area. main square was closed because of the elections (go figure). The other thing about the election is that no alcohol could be served from 8 pm on Saturday night to 8 am on Monday morning. go figure.
Haven't been too adventurous with food yet - no guinea pig which seems to be a national favourite. Every time you see it on the menu there is still the head and four little feet sticking out - not for us. Rick has been talking about alpaca, but not that brave yet either
After 4 relaxing days, our time in Arequipa came to an end. Beliza booked us a driver after supper to the bus station to save us standing on the side of a busy road trying to flag down a taxi. Went quickly to the bus station, checked in and then waited in the small waiting room specifically for our bus. It was a beautiful bus; almost fully reclining seats in a special first class section of the bus, attendant who brought us supper, pillows and blankets - thought we were in heaven. Unfortunately, not a lot of sleep happened during the night. Obviously a windy route, which went
Hostal Cleoffe
Our home for the time in Arequipa. This is owned by Beliza and her family. Maria (her mom) cooked great breakfasts every morning that kept us going till supper time. We really felt like we were leaving family our last day. very high at places as both of us were short of breath. And you wouldn't believe how many speed bumps there were on the highway, say nothing of stopping in the middle of nowhere. the bus also had a read out that told you when the driver was going over 90 kmh- and that he was exceeding the speed limit, so i watched this more than i should have.
Next morning arrived in Cusco at about 6 am. We weren't quite sure how to get to our next stop, Ollantaytambo, but relied on our book and the internet advice and it turned out great. Arrived in Ollantaytambo about 8 am - too early to check in, but kindly they stored out bags and we went for breakfast and toured the square - that took 20 minutes total! Our hotel here is again so great - small clean, comfy beds and hot water - what else could you ask for .Also it is away from the square and in a quiet place. Very friendly and helpful staff. I thought that I had lost my camera in the collectivo from Cusco and was really sad. Turns out that it
Mercado San Camillo
This market really reminded us of the ones in China - everything you need and more. Close to the main plaza. was in the luggage storage area at the hotel - they looked through the pictures and saw the copy of my passport, so i got it back last night - so happy!
that's all for now, some of you have seen Rick's pictures but more here.
Next blog will be after the Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo, Macchu Piccu, and Urubamba
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Pat and Dale
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Interesting, so far
We have been following your trip via internet. Dale been looking at where you have been and reading up on it and looking at photos, so we have some idea of where you are and what you are seeing. Great fun!