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Written by Keith Rhoades
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Wednesday, 27 October 2004 |
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well, last night after my email...had dinner with isabella and then met up with a few other travellers...2 from begium, 2 from Germany, and 2 from malasia and hung out. I was ¨complimented i suppose because they all agreed i didnt act like the usual american and that it is very difficult to find american backpackers. The bus left at 10 pm last night and it was the bus from hell.....i thought i was gonna have an anxiety attack, babies crying, people getting up and down, i couldnt get comfortable or get any substantial sleep, and it was hot, then stuff fell out from the overhead containers hitting someone on the head, glass broke and some sort of liquid got all over my bag and socks. i did not arrive to Arequipa until 8:30 am....it was a long 10 hour bus ride...but that should be the end of the long bus rides..the rest are no more than 5 hours. The arequipa bus station was a mad house.....i ended up using the bathroom to refresh, clean, and change. i put my bags in security so i could explore the town. I decided to head to lake titicaca tonight.....so i got a bus ticket and explored the city until my bus leaves later. Arequipa is a most beautiful city with such spanish colonial charm. i went to the central square, the main cathedral and then to the monastery of santa catalina....a must see in the 1000 places to go before you die book. it was impressive...a labyrinth tunnels and mazes. it was a bit expensive tos ee...but what the hell. The elevation has not effected me yet..tho when i arrived i got a little light headed but that is it. The true test will be tomorrow when i am on the highest lake in the world at 13,000 feet. but so far so good. i called ahead to make reservations at a hostel..a lot were book but i found one with a bathroom for $10 a night. i am now going to see juanita the ice princess an ancient mummy girl that was sacrificed in the volcano here. the volcano is magnificent. The peruvians have been the most friendly and hospital people i have met on my travels. most do not speak english..but my spanish has improved in just a few days and i am getting very good at reservations and navigating around. Well, my friends...the next time i write i will probably be in the highest point in south america. i cut arequipa short cuz i saw everything i wanted to so far and i really do want to forge on to Bolivia for a few days. TAke care...looking forward to seeing you all soon.With much love and peace,
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Last Updated ( Friday, 09 February 2007 )
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