Spanish lessons over, bill paid, trinkets bought and plans made. After a week in the amazing Case De Avila we are sad to be moving on - great setting and staff! But after a good plan charlie and I have decided we really SHOULD move on. And, wow, what a couple of weeks we have instore all starting tomorrow. A 3am start to visit the worlds 2nd deepest canyon then back to arequipa ready for a night bus to cusco, where we really start to kick on....more to follow

Another quick update from RAINY Peru! Strange feeling as you automatically expect it to be boiling hot and blazing sunshine. At least I hear the UK is bathed in sun. Had a good couple of days of Spanish lessons in the garden of the hotel - 10 hours for £20, the best bargain thus far. Charlie has been smashing through Peruvian cuisine, guinea pig and alpaca...and counting! Alpaca is surprisingly tasty actually. Have bought some 'locally crafted' trinkets today, ...

After a cracking sleep a little sunbathe and recuperation was on the cards with Paca the tortoise. A diet of plain boiled rice and bread had lost it's appeal and the lure of a south american steak restaurant prevailed. The steaks were unbelievable, furthermore Charlie demolished half a cow all for the princely sum of £4!! Back to the hotel with cow onboard to lie in garden and feel full and content. At 4pm we had a stroll to the museum which houses 'juanita' the...

6.30 this morning I had enough, called the local doctor and duly went to the Arequipa hospital to have tests done (fainted during the blood test, not my most manly achievement) it turns out I have bacterial infection from some Peruvian 'delicacy'. Furthermore Charlie has exactly the same infection only in earlier stages - thus pointing the finger at the Ica burger we both munched through a couple of days ago. So stocked up with antibiotics and a load of Peruvian ...

Just a quick entry today. Woke up really early today feeling good but tired. But unfortunately it seems the Peruvian traditional meal we enjoyed yesterday has taken it's toll on me. We tried to head into town but I made it as far as the street. Been in bed since, drinking water and rehydration powder like it's going out of fashion. Plan at the moment is to fully recover before heading off elsewhere. Fingers crossed it shouldn't be too long.