Anna in South America

Have finally left Arequipa and took the overnight bus to Cusco - was not bad really, had really posh seats so was pretty comfortable. Cusco is so pretty, didn´t expect it to look like this, it´s really quaint and clean (despite it being quite a poor town). Am going to stay here for a few days to aclimatise to the altitude and should (hopefully) be doing the Inca trail on the 2nd March. That´s all for now, off to explore and buy some hardcore knitwear as it is freezing here! Will be uploading some photos when I´m back in Lima, as I can use Carlos´ Dad´s computer to do it. Feel free to give my email address to anyone you know is out here (Ellis) - should be in Peru for a bit longer yet!

Went on a two day trek to the Colca Canyon - was absolutely stunning, have never seen such gorgeous scenery in all my life. The only downside was that it took a 4 and a bit hour coach (rickety old minibus) ride on a dirt track to get there, which was a bit tricky with my “stomach issues” (yes, managed to get diarrhoea after only a few days in Peru. Lasted three days, not the best). Saw lots of llamas and condors and bathed in the volcanic thermal spas (again, a bit tricky) - had an amazing time and am really up for the inca trail now, which I´m going to do in a few day´s time. Am back in Arequipa now and will be getting the bus to Cuzco tomorrow evening, so another nice coach journey of 10 hours to look forward to. All the locals are a bit crazy at the moment, apparently February is the month for “carnivales” and they just chuck water at each other all day. I´ve just been sprayed in the face with a load of shaving foam (hugely amusing for onlookers) so not best pleased really. Apart from that, having a great time and am very excited about the next few days!

Flew over to Arequipa today, lovely town in between the mountains and the desert. It´s also nested right between three enormous active volcanos, as well being in an earthquake zone, so it´s nice and exciting. Just spent the day exploring and am going to the do the “colca canyon” trek whilst I´m here (2nd deepest canyon in the world - wow!). Decided not to climb up the largest of the volcanos (seemed a bit risky) and am visiting the hot springs instead. Am about to eat a big fat steak and try and mingle with some of the gringos I´ve noticed around the town (please let me make some friends) so will have to go. Will write again soon!

I’ve made it here after a tedious flight on Iberia (only one hot meal and no entertainment for 12 hours - great!). It’s absolutely boiling here, am having a great time going to the beaches just south of Lima. Lovely beaches, you get fed all day, and the sea is really wavy. Only had one minor mishap when my bikini bottoms snapped (obviously too much pressure on them with my fat arse). Luckily only a couple of the locals got an eyeful, so could have been worse. Anyway, got a bit burnt yesterday, so have given my skin a rest today and had a little guided tour of Lima, courtesy of Carlos’ brother - got to see loads of the city. Am just about to plan the next couple of weeks, going to Arequipa and then to Cusco to do the inca trail, so am really looking forward to that. That’s all for now, will write again soon xx