Arequipa, Peru
Arrived in Arequipa a little over two weeks ago and have not left since. Between the amazing weather, stunning scenery and wonderful people, Arequipa has stole my heart.
Known as the "white city", most of the city center is built of sillar, a white volcanic stone, which was gathered from the three volcanos towering in the distance; Chachani, Misti, and Pichu Pichu. All three are still considered active, but have not erupted in years...only the occasional rumble and spat. The bigger concern lies in frequent earthquakes, the last big quake hitting in 2001, damaging over 80% of the city and leveling many historic sites.
Arequipa reflects a strong Spanish colonial background, with buildings and streets fashioned after those found in Madrid or Barcelona. She overflows with cathedrals, colonial mansions, and impressive plaza's around every corner, none more spectacular though, then Plaza de Armas. Three sides of the giant Plaza are graced with beautiful Spanish style architecture, complete with massive stone pillars, arched entryways and incredibly ornate balconies. |
At the top of the plaza, Arequipa's most imposing Cathedral stretches across the entire north side, dwarfed only by Misti Volcano which lies directly behind her. The plaza is always bustling with people. Families out for mid-day picnics, couples enjoying an evening stroll, and my personal favorites, Spider Man and the Green Santa Clause. These two Arequpian legends roam the plaza daily selling tourists everything from shoe strings to candies. Anything for a buck, I guess.
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I could happily sit in the Plaza everyday engaging in one of my favorite activities, people watching, but I have work to do. That's right, work. Upon arrival, I linked up with an incredible organization, "Traveller Not Tourist", and have found myself apart of something far more rewarding then just traveling...volunteering. The organization aims to better the lives of many Arequipan children living in poverty (Check out Blog #3: "Traveller Not Tourist")
I am currently living in a flat with 8 other volunteers. Hailing from all over the world, we are all very different yet the same in one very important way...in our desire to help people. The bond we've formed is priceless. When I'm not at the orphanage or school house, we're together. Spent the first weekend white water rafting on the Rio Chili and the following lounging on the beautiful beaches of Mollendo, in Southern Peru.
I am currently living in a flat with 8 other volunteers. Hailing from all over the world, we are all very different yet the same in one very important way...in our desire to help people. The bond we've formed is priceless. When I'm not at the orphanage or school house, we're together. Spent the first weekend white water rafting on the Rio Chili and the following lounging on the beautiful beaches of Mollendo, in Southern Peru.
I am still blown away each time my flatmates and I engage in conversation, as 6 different languages effortlessly collide. English seems to be the language of choice between everyone (lucky me), however, when the tables turn and Spanish becomes the chosen form of communication, well, my luck is up. Back to the Spanish books for me. Speaking of, I have been taking an intensive spanish immersion course through the organization, however, I feel mi profesora learns more from me, then I do from her. You see, Carmen has been a school teacher for over fifteen years but was recently given the ultimatum to either learn English or lose her teaching job. The old adage, "One for you, three for me", kind of applies here. "Hola" for me, the entire english dictionary for her.
I expected this trip to be full of personal time and self-reflection, however, I have found myself busier then ever. Between volunteering, Spanish classes and maintaining a demanding social life in this posh Peruvian town, I couldn't have walked into something more unexpected. However, maybe this is what I needed. To be surrounded by like minded people and spending time with some of the most amazing individuals I have ever known...the children of Arequipa.©
I expected this trip to be full of personal time and self-reflection, however, I have found myself busier then ever. Between volunteering, Spanish classes and maintaining a demanding social life in this posh Peruvian town, I couldn't have walked into something more unexpected. However, maybe this is what I needed. To be surrounded by like minded people and spending time with some of the most amazing individuals I have ever known...the children of Arequipa.©