Hi Everyone,

Bit behind on the old journal entries so will have to get a few in today. Currently in Cusco and doing the Inca Trail tomorrow Argh!! But first had better update you all on Arequipa.

Arequipa was a lovely city all set around a huge plaza with the cathedral dominating one end and restaurants and shops surrounding the rest. After arriving late due to our bus being stopped by the police for having a crack in the windscreen and then waiting over an hour for another one to arrive, we didnt really see much our first day. We went out for a nice meal tried to order some wine only to be told there wasnt any alcohol which we thought was strange but then forgot about it. Decided to go for a drink afterwards only to be told again there wasnt any alcohol!! Turns out that due to the elections taking place onthe Sunday (this was Friday) nowhere was allowed to serve alcohol 48 hours befroe hand so the people had a clear mind when voting. Could you imagine if they tried to do that at home. It just wouldnt work.

The next day we went on a 2 day tour of the Colca canyon (separate entry). We only really had one full day in Arequipa so we did some of the citys sites, had a look in the cathedral and went to the Santa Catalina monastry. It was massive with so many different sections etc. We were glad we didnt get a guided tour as once you had seen one room, you had pretty much seen them all. Did get slightly bored.

Had a meal in one of the restaurants that looked over the plaza before having to catch our bus to Cusco our current destination.

Hope all is good at home

Tatey and Lou xx