Arequipa (part 2)

We've spent the last 3 days slowly seeing the sights of Arequipa and reveling in the glorious weather - sunny, low 70's and light breezes.  And for me, recovering the leg muscles (all better now!), as well as treating "tourista" that I'm sure I got when I stupidly ate salad at lunch on Tuesday.  The last time I had it, I had eaten salad at a really nice resort in Mexico, when we went with the boys (Alex, remember?).  I've been trying to get my veggies in other ways, but I was just dying for a fresh lettuce salad... Yesterday, I was truly just "dying".  I'm better today, after 2 days of antibiotics ("never leave home without them").

Sunset on the Cathedral in the Plaza

We've gone to several more churches and monasteries and heard interesting stories.  One quirky point: monastery in Spanish (or maybe just Peru) is for nuns, while convent is for priests.

View into a nearby park from the bell tower of a convent

El Misti, the closest volcano to Arequipa

In the background are the other volcanoes ringing the city

I've been fascinated by the "little doors" inside the massive doors leading into churches, or just plain old buildings.

I've also found that the older, the better, as far as churches go, given all their stone carvings.  The next picture is from a church that was completed in 1698 and is still standing despite numerous earthquakes since then.  (when you're looking at the picture on your computer, zoom in and check out the detail on the carvings)

Tonight, is dinner at probably the nicest restaurant in Arequipa (of course!), and then tomorrow is another fairly long bus ride (6+ hours) that will hopefully be our last!  I'll post next about Lake Titicaca.