Hostel Casona Solar Arequipa

... once (suckers!!!!), and that we looked to be like three well-versed actors all competing for the part of Pigpen in the upcoming Christmas musical, "Charlie Brown's: A Very Peruvian Christmas"? oh, did we look grudgingly handsome. did he tell you all that?
well, almost immediately after settling into our hostal our thoughts turned to our most likely turkeyless turkey dinner. while horsdevours are usually a bit of a fauxpaus on turkey day if you ask me (less room for the ...

... Peruvian. I could not help smiling a little bit when the waitress came around and dressed me and the other guests in the these huge white paper bibs (hagesmęk), but it was for a reason. It was the most delicious steak served on a sizzling rock plate. The meat was light in colour but extremely tender and juicy and it was accompanied by these three different delicious sauces. And then it really was not that expensive, although 52 soles by local standards might be a lot. I really ...

... up and used for medicinal purposes but, if the snake is caught alive, a far preferable option, it is used to relieve back pain. The poor reptile is held at either end of its length and rubbed across the back as if you were drying yourself with a towel. Apparently, this makes all the pain go away. Quite what the snake feels about it is anyone’s guess but I bet it won’t risk climbing any trees in future.

At 5.30pm we reach The Oasis (at 2,200m) where we stay overnight. We ...

Today I had a very powerful experience. We went to speak with a family who is being supported by Serving Alto Cayma. The kids have a padrino, basically a godfather from the US who provides them with things they need. There are two kids, a girl and a boy, both of whom have a degenerative muscular disease. The girl, Josette, is 22 and the boy, Juan Alberto, is 20. They are gradually losing the use of their bodies. Right now, Josette is confined ...

... so that was just a relaxation and rest day.
Arequipa is Perus 2nd largest city and meant to be its most stylish. Its a beautiful city with great weather-we wore shorts for first time since Brazil on all days. The mornings and nights can be cold but all day is sunny with blue skies and temps of about 20-24 degrees and this is their winter-sickening!!
We just strolled the city on Tuesday and got our bearings of where ...

... from the vicuna, which is very expensive. The one I saw was rather small and frail looking.
In my guidebook I found a single Mexican restaurant... I was very excited because I love Mexican food! On my first attempt to visit, the place was closed, so I had a very tasty Turkish doner (basically a kebab sandwich) instead. I made my way back later that evening to the Mexican place, but was disappointed by the dry rather ...

... ourselves in the dilemma of whether we got out right in the middle of nowhere in the dark or do we cross our fingers and white knuckle it the half hour into town. We chose to keep him focussing on the road, getting him to drive really slowly, pointing out potential obstacles, and talking him out of stopping for beers en route. Not one to be repeated in a hurry, and we needed a stiff drink ourselves once we got out safe and sound! Phewff!!!!!!!!