Arequipa, the “White City”

Puno wasn’t one of my favourite places. There was something I couldn’t quite put my finger on, but it left me feeling like I was constantly ready to move on. Maybe we were just staying in the wrong neighbourhood, but there didn’t seem like there was much to do, besides pit stops in local grocery stores (which has it’s own merits, of course).

It was off to Arequipa, which has been one of my favourite places in Peru so far. Dubbed the “White City” for it’s gorgeous architecture carved out of white volcanic rock, it’s charming and bright.

Yesterday, we woke up early and headed for the Central Market of Arequipa for some much-craved for fruits and vegetables. There were tonnes of little stands selling all kinds of massive fruits and vegetables. Everything vine-ripened, and therefore, extremely tasty and fresh. The prices can’t be beat either, with a half-kilo of tomatoes costing me roughly $0.75 CDN.

Before making a fabulous supper with our fresh finds, we set out to see the local soccer team play. It seemed like it was just a municipal game, but the stadium was packed with fans dressed to the nines in their favoured team’s colours. Songs were chanted throughout the game, and there was such potential for fervor that referees were escorted on and off the field by riot police. I can’t imagine how much of a big deal a national game would be. It was a blast!