Back to Arequipa

Hi all,

Yesterday after I posted, ten of us went to a hot spring about 15-20 minutes from Chivay. It was a traditional hot spring with pools heated by volcanic activity. To get to the hot springs you had to cross a hanging bridge which was a bit scary but also lots of fun!!

We spent about an hour in the pools. It was really relaxing. The river flowed right past and the scenery was beautiful. I didn't have my camera so the only photos I have are of the bridge and walking into the complex. 

When we got back we relaxed a bit, and had a quick shower. Yesterday at Colca Canyon, Anne noticed my leggings had a hole in them. Ten days in and already a hole! I guess that's what I get for spending $4 at K-Mart. This is where you should all be very proud of me though. I brought a sewing kit and successfully patched up the hole. Skill one for gap year 2015 acquired haha. Now if they can just hold up for South America I'll be happy!!

Then headed out for dinner. We went to a traditional Peruvian place. I had chicken noodle soup and Alpaca with rice and veggies - hoping my immune system pays attention to all that goodness! Poor Anthony had to go back to Arequipa to the doctor he is so sick, so I'm trying to be as healthy as possible leading up to the inca trail. 

Anyway, back to dinner. The food was yum and then we were treated to a Peruvian dance show with music. But the dance show was strange, once it started we all began to give each other weird looks. Let's just say it involved whipping, balaclavas and women sitting on men. Very strange! But gave us a good laugh, especially when they pulled Nigel up on stage - his terrified expression was priceless!!!

Got a fantastic night of sleep and we then set off back to Arequipa. On our four hour journey we were lucky enough to see flamingos in the wild, which Freddie tells us is very unusual for this time of year!! We also stopped again at the tea place and I bought myself a jumper and mum a scarf and some gloves. All together that cost me 90 soles which is $37! Freddie told us that Peru and Bolivia are cheap whereas Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil are more expensive. So I figured I would buy these souvenirs now so that I'm set for the trip :) they're so warm and I love the patterns!

We got back to Arequipa and the traffic was insane. Last time we were here it was Sunday and very quiet. We then had to repack our bags, as we only took a daypack to Colca Canyon. Due to not having space or time to pack properly my case is overflowing so I'm feeling a bit flustered! But I'll repack in Cusco and hopefully it'll be ok! 

The four of us went for lunch at Tanta again, the same as the other day. I got a club sandwich. Giving myself a hard time about money but what can you do. I think I'm under budget so far!!

This afternoon we went to the cathedral in the main square. We went for a tour, the four of us and two funny Irish guys. It's funny how my holidays link up. In the church was marble from Italy, an organ from Belgium and an altarpiece from France with a picture of the last supper on it. I always find it interesting when places I've been appear in places I am currently!! Our guide kept calling us all 'mister' - "ok misters now we go to the roof" us and the Irish guys had a good laugh!! Then we just wandered around the city and went back to the hotel. 

Tonight we get an overnight bus to Cusco. 

Love to all

Claire

Xoxox