Arequipa

We travelled across the Atacama Desert and the high plateau on our way to Arequipa. We saw volcanoes and again went over the high pass at 16,200 feet or about 5,000 metres. The conditions were dry and dusty. The only month in the year that has rain is December at about 7mm. There were green patches that were either from irrigation or soaks from the melting snows.

                                                                  The Atacama Desert

                       Snow capped volcanoes and desert. It was high and breathing was laboured

                     People show respect to the mountains by building up small piles of rocks

                            At the highest point! Tramo ce la Cordilla volcano in the background

                                                             Snow in the desert
Despite the dry conditions, the desert has both grazing and wildlife. Some places have areas that have springs fed by the melting snow. Some sections are National Reserves to protect the Vicunas.What is a Vicuna?

                                         Vicuna on a soak, a green "oasis" in the desert

Vicuna are relatives of Llama and Alpacas. They are wild but are captured every 2 years for shearing and the fibre is far more valuable than even baby Alpacas.

This is an unusual photo as it has Vicuna, Alpaca, Llama and Andean Geese in the one photo

The road to Arequipa was very busy with trucks as this is a major mining centre. This was taken from a lunch stop.

As we approached Arequipa we came to this huge cement plant. There are over 1 million people in the city. The outskirts are very poor but the city centre is beautiful, Many public buildings and houses are built from white stone that is solidified volcanic ash.

At the city viewpoint. The centre has a river with permanent water from the mountain snows.

In the city we visited a number of interesting places. The first impressions are of poverty, dust and industrial pollution but it is a delightful city rich in culture. Among the places that we visited were the Cathedral, the central square, the Saint Catarina Monastery and a museum.

Saint Catarina's was very different from other monasteries that we have visited. It was for the rich women who lived in a closed community. Many took their own slaves and servants and lived in cells that were like separate houses with many rooms and precious personal items like musical instruments and jewellery. It was eventually restructured!

                                           The Cathedral and main square of Arequipa

Gail in the cloister of St Catarina's. Nice place to train as a nun along with your slaves and servants!

                                                     There were lots of quiet courtyards

                                                          Gail in the outdoor laundry.

                                                        Gail outside the Cathedral

                             Baby Jesus is not placed in the Nativity until 25th December

                              Note the offerings replacing gold, frankincense and myrrh

                     There are only two organs like this. The other is in Belgium where this was made.

               The tower on the left was reconstructed after it collapsed in an earthquake.

The best was still to come. See next posting!