WOW! Arequipa IS beautiful!

Having not heard of Arequipa before I arranged this trip, I was surprised by the number of times people’s immediate reaction was – “I loved Arequipa, it is so beautiful”.  I was therefore even more impatient to get to the centre of the city and see what all the fuss was about.  I am happy to say that I was not disappointed.  This very is a vibrant and beautiful city.

Arequipa was founded shortly after Spanish conquest and the architecture reflects this.

I started my day by walking across the bridge from Yanahuara where I am staying and working, enjoying a clear view of Misti Mountain, an active volcano that last erupted in 1985.  I am finding that the mountains and volcanoes provide me with excellent landmarks, in a similar way to the North Shore mountains of Vancouver enabling you to find north.

I then headed straight to the Plaza de Armas.

The plaza is surrounded by buildings with beautiful arches on three sides, and the Cathedral on the fourth.  As it was Saturday the plaza was full of people relaxing and enjoying themselves, and pidgeons who were completely underfoot and in your face.  I am sure I collided with at least one!

I had a delicious lunch of Alpaca ribs cooked and served in the same manner they would have been during Inca times, and accompanied by heritage vegetables.  Absolutely delicious.  I also enjoyed some Peruvian wine

The Museum of Adrean Sanctuaries is a fascinating place where the mummified remains of a 15 year old girl sacrificed by the Incas 500 years ago is kept, along with many of the objects left with her, and other children since located, as offerings to the gods on the mountains that surround the city.

A tour of the Santa Catalina Convent was a highlight.  The architecture and colours were delightful.  It was also very interesting.  While still in use now, we were able to see the section no longer required, where daughters from wealthy families would live if they could not afford dowry!  Many were accompanied by their servants and their worldly goods.

I am finding people extremely helpful, and very patient with my terrible Spanish – 8% on duolingo only goes so far!  Generally the Peruvian people in Arequipa appear to be quite reserved.  One of my Peruvian colleagues suggested this may be due to having been told not to stare at us strange looking people when tourism increased in Arequipa!  Quite the opposite to the people of Vancouver being asked to smile and be friendly during the Winter Olympics in 2010!

A perfect end to the day was cerveza on a deck overlooking the plaza to enjoy the sunset.  As the temperature drops very quickly I was delighted they had alpaca ponchos on hand.

I am very much looking forward to visiting the Flora Tristan community later in the week, and will post again then.