Arequipa

The pretty city of Arequipa, the 2nd largest in Peru, sits in the shadow of still active volcano El Misti and is known as the White City because of all the pale volcanic sillar rock that's used in the beautiful colonial churches, convents and mansions that surround the central plaza. There are supposed to be up to 15 tremors a day, but we've not been aware of feeling any yet. We've not really done much, bar exploring a few of the cultural landmarks - including the massive convent of Santa Catalina, which was a mysterious 500 year old Dominican citadel within the city until it was forced open to the public in the 1970's. The most curious sight there, apart from the maze of streets, stairways, rooms and courtyards themselves, was an exhibit on penance - including barbed-wire underwear. Ouch.

We've done an about-turn now, and are heading south again on the last leg of our trip. The plan is to cross the top of Chile and Argentina, and end up on a beach in Uruguay for a few days R&R before flying back to reality from Buenos Aires. Not that we want to return to reality...