Arequipa

I Arrived in Arequipa around 630 and after breakfast booked a bus for Lima in the evening giving me a day to explore the city.

I put my bags into storage (guardaria) and caught a micro (buses that run all the time to different parts of the city at a ridiculously cheap price. I didn't know where to head so I caught the first micro to see where it would take me.

25 cents and 15 minutes later I found myself at the end of the line and the edge of the city. I disembarked as the last passenger, they other workers and students had found there destination. I wondered how I might find the colonial buildings that I had heard were quite beautiful. I decided to make my way back to the city and started off on foot to see what I could see.

Below the letters BRE, I wanted to finish it with NDON but resisted the urge.

Below It can be seen that around the city's edge some of the houses are separated by fields. You can also see the mountains which watch over it. 

 

 

As I walked along I happened to look down an alley between some houses and saw the sign in the distance “Salon de Rieno de los Testigos de Jehova” What I had found was a kingdom hall. Outside was a brother washing his car (Taxi) he noticed my taking the photo below and asked you I was. I told him and he introduced me to his wife and her mum.

We had a nice chat about how things are these days and some of the local history. For example the hall right opposite their home has been in use for over 30 years was just recently replaced with a new one as there was some concern over the safety if there was an earthquake. As she explained these things she prepared some items for there lunch and served me coffee and bread.

Here is a photo of them together. After this photo he drove me into town to where the colonial part is. Its so amazing to be part of a united brotherhood. In all the world it is the same.

 

Note in the background on the upper terrace the words Cafe y Vino. This is a place you must vist.

Here is a view of what is just outside this cafe and a hint as to what is available. Order the Gauffres Caramelo. It was so irresistible that I was unable to take a photo of it beautiful as it was. They also have free wifi. A good place to rest and pass some time.

 

 

After spending the better part of the day here in this part of Arequipa it was time to head to my bus terminal to leave for Lima.I arrived at the station A little before 6 and had my shoes shined. When it was nearly time to depart I hadn't yet seen my bus where I thought it was to leave. After some questions I found out that I wasn't quite in the right place. A little confusing the layout of some of these places.

It was nice to catch up with some friends online, and enjoy the rich heritage Arequipa has to offer not to mention the exquisite food. I leave happy and content… and life was about to get even better