Monday 27 April 2009

Night bus to Arequipa


Arequipa (which means "Yes, stay here" in Quechuan) stands at the foot of the colossal El Misti Volcano, oozing Spanish charm - its a beautiful city. It earnt the name of the "White City" due to the fact that the city's buildings were built from a white volcanic rock called Sillar, but also because so many Spanish settlers came to Arequipa to avoid the humidity in Lima.



After breakfast, most of us headed to the Monasterio de Santa Catalina. Built in the 16th century, the convent only accepted women from wealthy families by charging a substantial dowry, although they were well looked after, with each nun having up to 4 personal servants.



Monasterio de Santa Catalina ^

Immediately after the convent, we headed to the Juanita museum - a 14 year old girl discovered, mummified and sacrificied, at the top of the volcano, 6000m above sea level.

That afternoon, after an essential nap, a few of us wandered around the market before picking up a roast chicken and salad for dinner, after which we played the most stressful card game in the world - great fun though!

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