Shanewilson's travel blogs:
|
|
  | |  |
Bring on the Altitude Sickness
Entry 204 of 270 | show all | print this entry |
|
Peruvian people probably rate up there as being the friendliest I´ve come across on my trip... but they do have tough competition with the Moroccans, Thai, Vietnamese, Italians, Dutch, German etc. This world DOES have many wonderful people and I´ve been so blessed to have been able to meet so many across the globe... clearly the number 1 highlight of my journey. It doesn´t take much effort either... a smile and friendly attitude is the best way to do it.
I had a good long lunch with Julio who is becoming a really great friend of mine. I love his mischieviousness, good humour, laid back approach and friendly nature... apparently, the custom is that it takes 1 second to make a friend here in Peru and Peruvians believe they can never have too many. I have been so impressed with the friendliness of the locals I can´t wait to return in the years to come to further those relationships. Wouldn´t it be great to even foster relationships between those of my students in Australia and students here! Any Spanish teachers (Australia) reading this should try and include international communication in their curriculum. My lunch with Julio has kind of gotten me out of my low, and having a free day in Arequipa was exactly what I needed to recharge the batteries.
Today we took the long road to the second deepest canyon in the world... Canon Del Colca is 3191m deep, 193m less than that of its neighbour, Canon del Cotahuasi. I enjoyed Arequipa and its main square. Most of the buildings are made by a light coloured volcanic rock called sillar. I have felt safe and comfortable here in Arequipa, so much more than the other towns here in Peru. According to Julio, the 6 hour road trip to Canon del Colca is the worst road in Peru... to put it into perspective, it is nowhere more difficult than the unpaved roads leading to our remote Aboriginal communities such as Jigalong in the north-west of Australia. Enroute, we stopped at Chivay, the major town in the region for a scrumptious Peruvian meal. Talk about delicious... a concoction of Alpaca meat, seafood, salads and interesting deserts (reminiscent of our chocolate mousse). I have been spoilt for food this year!
We arrived at our very comfortable hotel for yet another cold shower... I am getting use to them but the hotel itself is situated in beautiful scenery. We had yet another scrumptious buffet meal. The Andes mountains are truly magnificent and have literally taken my breath away. Being upto 4900 metres above sea level has affected me in terms of nauseus, light headedness, sharp headaches, breathlessness, occasional lack of appetite and sleeplessness. But nothing too major at the moment. Due to the altitude, I would not sleep at all tonight. Instead, I would play with the hotel´s Alpaca... a most unique animal covered with fur and can be mischievious at times with chasing after you and getting on its hind legs.
More thumbnails ...
|
|
If you like this entry, search for other entries by shanewilson, from Peru or try a new search. |
| |
Back to Entry - Back to Home
|
42 votes 
This is a top pick!
