Around the World III

Day 27 - Sat 28 Apr 07 - Ariquipa, Peru

Even after my late night I'm up at 07:00 for breakfast with a Very non-talkative German woman. Tried and failed to get on the Canyon tour today, but decided that it was a good thing and headed off down to the centre of town. Got a few photos of the main square and found the LAN office, I need to move my flight to Cuzco forward one day, but the queue is out the door so I'll try later.

Nip into the Monasterio de Santa Catalina, a huge place occupying an entire block of the city. It's like a city in a city, and there are photo op's at every corner. There's a tiny map of the place on the back of the entrance ticket that makes navigation a bit easier. After that I tried to get into the Iglesia la Compañia church but it was shut. Popped into a supermarket on the square to get some supplies, and walked back to the hostel via the Museo de Arte Virreinal de Santa Teresa which is a museum connected to a 'working' Carmilite group of nuns. A guide (with her 3 year old brother) shows me around. very interesting and the nuns have little or no contact with the outside world. even down to a rotating turn style so they can supply and receive goods without having to have contact with anyone.

Back to the Hostel for a siesta, and then out to try and change the flight - but the office is now closed, and I can't get through on the phone. I find out that there's an overnight bus to Cuzco, so I'm back on track. Canyon tour tomorrow, with an overnight stay - back by 16:00 and then out on the bus to Cuzco at 20:00. That gets me into Cuzco early the next day and I'm a day ahead of schedule.

Out in the evening to get something to eat, and some shots of the sunset. Ended up in DejaVu the night club I was in last night as they have a terrace with a view of the mountains. Pizza for supper.