Tour of Peru Day 3 - 4 Arequipa

We spent Sunday (day 3) and a lot of Monday (day 4) in Arequipa. 

On Sunday we went to church. There was a dog in the main chapel, not a dog for a blind person either, just a stray. Nice people all around. 

In the afternoon we visited sites around Arequipa. It's known as the White City since most historic buildings are made of white volcanic sillar.  We saw the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, lookout area, Santo Domingo church and many other cathedrals.

At one church, the guardian of the church, who said he was 90 and didn't look over 60, took us through a series of doors to an outdoor patio. About 4 tough looking dogs were on the roof overlooking us. The kids couldn't get over the feeling that the dogs might pounce on them at any time.

On Monday we visited the Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa. Get more info on its history at that link. It was one of the big highlights of the trip. It used to be an active monastery, but now is mainly a tourist stop with a smaller group of nuns running the place. The architecture is awesome: endless nooks and crannies similar to Old Jerusalem, clay red walls, bright blue walls, nuns' cells (that's what they call them) and outdoor kitchens. It was a photographer's paradise and we (Stace) took a few hundred shots.

On Sunday, while walking around we had smelled some pizza, so we returned there Monday after walking around the monastery. We considered trying the local specialty of guinea pig, but nobody was willing. We were the only ones in the  pizzeria, sat down, and ordered. A few minutes later, two ladies entered. They were standing up behind Stace, who was across the table from me. One was on a cell talking loudly, while the other acted like she was putting her purse down next to Stace's. Then she nonchalantly started reaching for Stace's backpack without looking. She missed it and on her second try I realized she was going for Stace's  bag. I told Stace what was going on and to grab her bag. She grabbed it and the ladies took off. As far as we know it was the only attempt to rob us during the whole trip.

Arequipa was an awesome city. I don't remember seeing any North Americans, lots of Europeans. It probably rarely gets visited since it's a flight away from Lima and Cuzco. It's a beautiful place. 

Our hosts, the Moscoso family, were great. They helped us get around the city and see the touristy sites and also let our kids entertain them. Eva and Jane loved dancing for them. Peter liked to arm wrestle with Amparito. Eva loved teaching Senor Moscoso how to say words in English from her Spanish-English First Words book.

Rather than try to pare down the photos, I'm inserting this slideshow. You can try watching it here on the blog or click on it and see the bigger size on Picasa.

P.S. No promises on when we update this blog. I suggest you use google reader to simplify keeping track of your blogs.