Arrived in Arequipa yesterday (Sunday 7/6/09) after a 14 hour bus journey from Ica.

The bus journey is a story in itself, our bus was due to arrive at 7.30pm to pick us up on the 6th but didn´t arrive untill 9pm. We boarded the old looking, beaten bus to find that we were the only travellers on board the rest being natives which alarmed us a little.

The first hour or so was fine until we started the route through the mountains, climbing very high roads at speeds that would more suit a formula 1 track!!! Considering the roads were narrow and there was nothing stopping us from toppling over the edge, every bus on the road seemed to over take us at even higher speeds and at one point a bus nearly crashed in to us causing everyone on board to scream very loudly!!

Made it to Arequipa thankfully in one piece and have spent the last couple of days walking around the city enjoying the sun and the sights! The city is beautiful with snow capped mountains as a back drop and cute cobbled streets to walk along, all in all a really nice place with friendly people and a relaxing atmosphere.

Off to the Colca Canyon tomorrow for a 2 day trip so will update again soon!

Adios for now amigos!