This is my blog for my trip to Taiwan. I'll be posting my journal here from November 1 to November 17, 2017 so check back and join me on the trip ! - Bill Wilson
May 18, 2006
Arequipa - The White City
Hi all,
Well I'm in Arequipa, southern Peru. Flight from Lima was excellent. LANPeru a
very good airline, service, and all. Like our old USA lines were a few years
ago.
Beautiful new airport in Lima where I left, only 2 years old. I went out and
talked to a group of taxi drivers in spanglish... the airport was built by the
Germans in partnership with the Peruvians. The Peruvians dont like this but
knew they needed it. They are now trying to make these major infrastructure
improvements themselves.
Arequipa is a beautiful city. They call it the white city, because it was built
from a whiteish block called sillar which comes from the volcanoes in the area.
Its impressive block work and gives the city a grey-white look.
The city was added to the UNESCO world heritage sites in 2000. The center of the
world heritage cultural awarding was the convent of Santa Cantalina. This large
walled (in sillar block) convent was hidden away from the world for 400 years
and was just opened up to the public in 1970 (couldn't find out why..think it
was for revenues). It was beautiful inside, individual cubicles with sleeping
quarters, cooking facilities, and reverent prayer and devotional sites. Gardens
and courtyards were scattered throughout.
It was amazing to read about the 'mystic' path or process a new nun had to go
through to become a devout, experienced nun. It was a beautiful place with
amazing architecture.
The picture attached (if it works) is of the plaza de armas (the center town
square) in Arequipa. I also will try to attach a picture from inside the
Convent.
Just finished a fantastic Peruvian dinner, complete with native music (Andes
flute, guitar, and drums). The musicians walked the restaurant and played. And
of course, hit me up for a CD on the way out the door...couldn't resist, I got
it..only $7
The meals in the highland area consist of sliced meats (Alpaca), camarones
(crayfish), potatoes, corn. If you pick the right restaurant, you get a good
example of 'typical' food. Its delicious. I already like the Peruvian food.
Tomorrow a city tour, around 4 hours circling the outskirts of the city. Hope to
see more of the area.
The people are beautiful, they are very polite and accomodating. Even the
'touts' or street vendors are polite. They press you hard..then if you don't
buy they all say 'Maybe later!...
Thats all for now. I'll be flying out Saturday morning on to the city of Puno
and stay at the famous lake Titicaca. See you there soon!
Bill
Well I'm in Arequipa, southern Peru. Flight from Lima was excellent. LANPeru a
very good airline, service, and all. Like our old USA lines were a few years
ago.
Beautiful new airport in Lima where I left, only 2 years old. I went out and
talked to a group of taxi drivers in spanglish... the airport was built by the
Germans in partnership with the Peruvians. The Peruvians dont like this but
knew they needed it. They are now trying to make these major infrastructure
improvements themselves.
Arequipa is a beautiful city. They call it the white city, because it was built
from a whiteish block called sillar which comes from the volcanoes in the area.
Its impressive block work and gives the city a grey-white look.
The city was added to the UNESCO world heritage sites in 2000. The center of the
world heritage cultural awarding was the convent of Santa Cantalina. This large
walled (in sillar block) convent was hidden away from the world for 400 years
and was just opened up to the public in 1970 (couldn't find out why..think it
was for revenues). It was beautiful inside, individual cubicles with sleeping
quarters, cooking facilities, and reverent prayer and devotional sites. Gardens
and courtyards were scattered throughout.
It was amazing to read about the 'mystic' path or process a new nun had to go
through to become a devout, experienced nun. It was a beautiful place with
amazing architecture.
The picture attached (if it works) is of the plaza de armas (the center town
square) in Arequipa. I also will try to attach a picture from inside the
Convent.
Just finished a fantastic Peruvian dinner, complete with native music (Andes
flute, guitar, and drums). The musicians walked the restaurant and played. And
of course, hit me up for a CD on the way out the door...couldn't resist, I got
it..only $7
The meals in the highland area consist of sliced meats (Alpaca), camarones
(crayfish), potatoes, corn. If you pick the right restaurant, you get a good
example of 'typical' food. Its delicious. I already like the Peruvian food.
Tomorrow a city tour, around 4 hours circling the outskirts of the city. Hope to
see more of the area.
The people are beautiful, they are very polite and accomodating. Even the
'touts' or street vendors are polite. They press you hard..then if you don't
buy they all say 'Maybe later!...
Thats all for now. I'll be flying out Saturday morning on to the city of Puno
and stay at the famous lake Titicaca. See you there soon!
Bill
May 17, 2006
Hi all,
Made it at last, lucky I am not in Miami still!!
The flight went great, it took over 24 hours. Two 5 hour legs, one 3 hour leg
and 7 hour layover in NYC. At JFK took the subway and Air tram into the city
for breakfast...was fun! Reminded me of the scenes on The Apprentice.
Bad weather over Miami, planes circled for an hour. I made my connection by
about 15 minutes, otherwise I'd still be in Miami. Wow
Got into Lima about 10pm, long wait for luggage, then just enough time to go to
bed, and then off to airport in morning to arrive at Arequipa.
But now the adventure begins, arrived in the city of Arequipa mid day, beautiful
city
wow, now this is really Peru! Big volcanoe mountain behind the city, I found a
hotel right on the main plaza (Plaza de Armas) Incredible dinner tonight an
watched the sun go down over Peru. Plan to stay here for 3 days.
More details on here sometime tomorrow, just wanted to let you know I got
here ok. Everything great.
May 15, 2006
Peru and Ecuador 2006 - Finding the Incas
Hi Family and Friends!
You found my blog spot.
Well I'm off again to see some of the world while I still can. This year its
Peru and Ecuador. I hope to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, stay in the
Amazon basin and visit the Galapagos Islands. Come along with me, I'll enjoy
having you along. Trains, Planes, boats and buses will be my mode of travel
for a few weeks.
I'll try to post some pictures this year while on the trip. All the
postings will be found in the "archives" here on the blog. Last year's trip
postings are still here, wow, has it been a year already?
Talk to you on the road!! Yours in Travel,
Bill
You found my blog spot.
Well I'm off again to see some of the world while I still can. This year its
Peru and Ecuador. I hope to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, stay in the
Amazon basin and visit the Galapagos Islands. Come along with me, I'll enjoy
having you along. Trains, Planes, boats and buses will be my mode of travel
for a few weeks.
I'll try to post some pictures this year while on the trip. All the
postings will be found in the "archives" here on the blog. Last year's trip
postings are still here, wow, has it been a year already?
Talk to you on the road!! Yours in Travel,
Bill