Monasterio Santa Catalina

The past few days, awaiting an ascent of Chachani on Saturday, Kevin and Maggie have become tourists. Today we toured the 16th c. convent where over 500 nuns lived in complete seclusion. We even saw the little windows where they passed "diverse goods" (probably drugs) back and forth from the outside world. The convent was opened to the public in 1970, and although nuns still live there, they are no longer so secluded. The convent was built of sillar, the light colored volcanic stone primarily from the eruptions of Chachani. Because the old center of Arequipa is built mainly of sillar, it has been given the name of the White City. On a clear day (this time of year in the early morning before the afternoon thunderstorms) one can see the peaks of Chachani and El Misti set in the background.

In addition to visiting the convent there has been a lot of recuperation. Last night we went to return some empty bottles that had been collecting in our hostal for the deposit. The combination of our hobble, due to aching legs and the clunky rental boots Maggie is breaking in for climbing Chachani coupled with the empty bottles made us appear like English drunkards. The first day wasn´t so bad, but a searing pain has set into our calves. We deciced to take a break from Peru because of this and call an America Day. America Days were developed while I studied in Mexico by a friend of mine. Essentially we found directions to a shopping mall- movie theatre and looked at consumer goods and watched an english language film. Unfortunately breaking with true America Day tradition there was no McDonalds, only a Burger King. (I should mention that Maggie declined the fast food, she did however partake in the coca-cola and popcorn for only $2 at the theatre.)

Tomorrow we will try for Chachani with a loquacious Peruvian guide Mikey. After reading another travel blog by an Irish youth about his horror story of altitude sickness and not making it, we both have our doubts. Check back next week to see how we do.