The city where the sun always shines / Colca Canyon

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Aaah Arequipa... probably one of my favourite cities of all times. It is the second most popular city of the country. We checked in The Point, a trendy hostal chain, and never turned back! Huuuge garden with hammocks, pool table, great friendly travellers from all around the world, and great sunshine every single day!!

The town has a nice vibe to it and is famous for its monastery. The historic centre was actually named world heritage centre back in 2000. The name of the town comes from the Quechua phrase `Ari, quera` (=yes please), not sure why though... The volcano El Misti, which is over 6000m high, overlooks the city and is a favourite for good hikers. The city is also the place to go to if you want to trek in the Colca Canyon. The canyon is more than twice the size of the Grand Canyon in the US and the people want it to be classified as 1 of the wonders of the world... errr... I don`t think so... The cliffs of the canyon are not as sharp as the Grand Canyon and are extremely dry.

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We took a 5 hour bus journey to the village of Cabanaconde and started a 7 hour trek to reach the `oasis` located at the bottom of the canyon. We met many French travellers on the way and were really struggling with the heat. A nice dive in the pool on arrival was well deserved. But the sight of our bedroom took the smile off our faces that`s for sure! A 4 bed dorm in a hut, beds covered in dust and sand, just what you need after a days hiking!! Plus the wind was blowing more rubbish onto the beds... It`s only for 1 night we thought... it`ll be ok...

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The following day we had to climb back up the canyon, 11km uphill, from less than 1000m to above 3000m high in the scorching sunshine!! It took me 3 hours but I thought I would never make it!! Hated every minute. Still, I felt a great sense of achievement when I reached the top... never again though!!

The following day we decided to stay in the small village of Yankee for 1 night. A French couple gave us the address of a small hostel owned by Gloria a kindergarten headmistress and her husband Osvaldo. What a great family! We had dinner and breakfast with them, took one of their daughters to school, visited the school, it was amazing! Gloria was telling us all sorts of stories about Peru and the region. She is very supersticious and it was fascinating to listen to her. All in Spanish I must add!! They only got electricity in 1999!!

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We took advantage of the hot springs shortly after we arrived in Yankee, well deserved after the hike. Could have stayed in there for hours. The following day we took part in an exhibition basket ball game in Osvaldo`s school! We met about 6 or 7 American volunteers who were trying to teach the school kids how to play, as most of them can only play football. So they thought the best way would be to demonstrate how it`s done. Piece of cake, Dylan and I being professionals of course!! Several schools actually came down to watch! Each time I had the balls the kids were shouting ´La chica` as seen as I was the only girl playing. It was great fun, but we had to leave at midday to catch a bus back to lovely Arequipa.

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Back in Arequipa we met up with some of the friends we had made before we left for our little adventure. We went go karting where I realised I am a pretty good driver, Dylan tried guinea pig (not much meat to it really...), went to a club packed with locals, and of course we went to the Mono Blanco, the famous French bar, opened a year and a half ago and where you are guaranteed to meet many great French travellers.