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Day 5: Arequipa
We woke up to Day 5 on the night bus, passing through the spectacular scenery of the Andes. Our destination was Arequipa, also known as "The White City" for its white buildings made from volcanic ash.
Too early for check in, we went for breakfast. At this altitude, 2,400m above sea level, I felt a bit breathless and a touch of a headache. We'd have to take it easy so we could acclimatise. Some people drank cocoa leaf tea, which is supposed to help with altitude sickness.
After breakfast, Gino, our trusty guide, took us around the city pointing out places of interest. Then he took us to the market to sample some of the local produce and traditional food. In Arequipa they typically drink a sort of porridge drink for breakfast made of quinoa and juice, and another drink made from a kind of nut. Pretty tasty AND gluten free! So a winner for me. In the market there were a tonne of stalls selling trinkets, some for paying alms to the Gods of the surrounding volcanos (Misti and Chachani - considered "husband and wife") which locals believe are both the protector of and a threat to the city. They were also selling potions for love, fortune etc that were "100% effective"... should've bought some really! Gino then introduced us to some of the wonderful exotic fruits of Peru; completely alien to me - I wish I could remember the names! One was chirrimoya, or Andean Apple, which had white flesh with large black seeds, and had a really unusual, spongey texture, but so delicious. We also saw stalls of with huge varieties of potato. They have approximately 3,000 species of potato here! Ireland, eat your heart out...
In dire need of freshening up post-night bus we headed back to the hotel (very nice one, might I add) and checked in. After some frustrating and unsuccessful attempts to find out the deal with my (still!) missing bag, I headed out into the heat of the day to take in the sights of the city.
First up, the mirador to view Misti and Chachani better, spotting llamas grazing in a small park en route. I met a few of the girls from the group up there and we made our way back into the centre together, to Plaza de Armas. They went to the cathedral, and I went to the archaeology museum to see Juanita. Juanita, a 14 year old Inca girl, was found buried in the mountains, mummified and preserved by the freezing conditions for hundreds of years. She was found in impeccable condition, and could shed a lot of light on Inca life and ritual. She died by a blow to the head - sacrificed to the God of the volcanoes. Today, she remains in a fridge like display cabinet for tourists to gawp at. Considering the efforts these peoples went to carry out such a sacred ceremony, climbing great heights in ceremonial dress, with no equipment or modern technology to help them, it seems to me wrong that they should not only disturb this sacred burial site, but take this child from her beloved mountain that they treasured so much...
Conscious to take it easy, we decided to have a late lunch/early dinner, to get a better sleep. Hilarity and confusion as we searched for somewhere to eat where we vaguely understood what was on offer. My Spanish skills are of little value here when it comes to food due to the strong Quechuan influence! Anyway, we managed (eventually!) to get a good feed, and more than one pisco sour...
A short time ambling around the shops, before we headed back to the hostel for the night. An early start in a high altitude meant a good sleep would be vital. Given the bad sleep most had the night before, most turned in early... 5 days in and still no big boozey session... I'll have to get working on that...
Accommodation: Hostel Arequipa Inn
Weather: hot, hot, hot!
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