Arequipa

Having all been reunited, (the boys clearly with their tails between their legs) we set about finding accommodation. After viewing four Hostels which resembled something similar to a prison cell, we finally found a good place in the city centre.

After a two hour power nap, we made our way to another hostel, which Sam had located to watch the Rugby World Cup final.

Disappointed with the result, we headed back into town to drown our sorrows. By the end of the evening it is safe to say that Michelle and E-J were over refreshed, the boys took comfort in finding the best Kebab house in Peru!

The next day was a national censos, the whole city was completely shut down. The streets of Arequipa were desolate apart from the occassional tourist and this enabled us to really explore the city and take in the beauty of the architecture. Arequipa is known as the White City, due to the colour of its buildings.

The only place open to the public was the Santa Catalina Monastery, so E-J decided to explore it. Sam, thought at five pounds this was too expensive, so set off for a walk!

It is the size of a whole block and is like a city within a city. It has the most vibrantly coloured walls in bright blues, reds, oranges and white. It is also full of religious murals which have been restored. It was an amazing place to visit with all it´s small rooms and secret gardens.

After this we spent the rest of the day walking around Arequipa, taking in the sites. Then in the evening we booked our three day trek to the Colca Canyon and had an early night.

Sam´s Comments: E-J eating a kabab was a great sight after singing down the streets of Arequipa in the early hours of the morning!

E-J´s Comments: I loved Arequipa. It has definitely been my favourite city so far. The place has the most amazing architecture and I felt it had a much safer feel to it than any of the previous cities we have visited so far. I loved the monastery as well, it was a place so full of vibrance.