Peru

20th May Arrived in Arequipa just after 7am. Have I mentioned before how much I hate overnight buses. It is just impossible to sleep. They showed a movie around 10pm, in english about a smart Akita Inu. Now I do not mind science fiction or fantasy, but the plot was just too unbelievable for me. Any way this city is apparently the second largest in the country and is surrounded by volcanoes with such daunting names as Misti. Our guide tells us mountains that less than 10 years ago were permanently covered in snow are now covered for only part of the year. As this city gets its water from the mountains, less snow means less water.

21st May We left early for the small town of Chivay located in the Colca Valley region and around 3600 metres above sea level. We drive along twisting roads clinging to the side of mountains until we reach a plateau somewhere in the region of 3500 metres above sea level. We see alpacas, llamas and vicuñas grazing. Vicuñas are like alpacas but not domesticated and their wool is even finer than the alpaca. Some people are starting to feel sick as we approach the high point, 4900 masl. Lyn notices someone about to faint and alerts the proper authorities. As we approach Chivay from on high, we see a patchwork of terraced fieds in the valley below. Looks quite picturesque. After lunch I start to develop a headache and go to bed for a few hours. Lyn goes to a hot springs whilst I am suffering.