Next day with Alejandro and Jorge Luis, a young man studying engineering in Arequipa and one who enjoyed all of Rance’s jokes and his knowledge of certain things, we took back roads (REALLY back roads!) through some tiny villages with very, very poor people, hundreds of mangy dogs and incredibly beautiful churches – alters and relics all done up in gold plate. In one we had to cover our noses and mouths and step around an old lady who was sweeping the dust out for the festival of Mary’s Assumption into heaven. August 15th had celebrations everywhere. In one of the villages they were even digging holes in the paved (sort of) road around the main square so they could put up some sort of arches the procession would go through. After the festival they would fill them back in with concrete, but it was easy to see that the fill-ins were never really total repair. There were dips in the road from other holes which had been dug for other celebrations. Very strange!!
Alejandro dropped Jorge and us about a mile from the top of the canyon so we could walk along and enjoy the scenery. It was incredible, but a bit of a challenge for knees! When we reached the summit, we (and hundreds of others) relaxed and found a spot to watch the flight of the condors. These magnificent birds come out of the depths early in the a.m. when the sun warms the air and they catch currents to just soar around and look beautiful. We thought maybe they were just looking at all of us and wondering who and what we were – and whether or not we were good to eat. But since they are basically carrion birds, we suspect they hoped their antics would cause a camera eager tourist to fall into the gorge for the next meal.
Trip back to Arequipa – another bumpity bumpity 4 hours going from the canyon downhill. We discovered during this ride that busses loaded with a million passengers each must race to the bottom. Double yellow lines mean that a curve is approaching so the bus must get into the left lane and pass anything possible. Having said that, speed is relative. The trip from Arequipa to Colca is 120 miles and takes 4 hours. Gratefully, Alejandro was a cautious driver. By this time, all four of us have become best friends – regardless of the fact that Alejandro speaks no English and we speak no Spanish. Jorge translates most everything – even Rance’s jokes – and we have lots of chatter and laughs, as well as quiet time to appreciate the view on the way down. The area is very arid – desert. Pretty in a rugged sort of way like parts of Arizona.
After hugs and kisses on cheeks, we parted company with Alejandro. Jorge was to remain in Arequipa and offered to buy us a drink that evening saying he enjoyed our company so much, etc., etc., etc. And even though we had tipped him very well, we didn’t want him spending that money on drinks for us. He won! As we sat on the balcony of a neat restaurant overlooking the city square, three Pisco Sours (traditional drink) arrived at our table – with Jorge, and a big grin on his face, following the waiter. Of course we then invited him to join us for dinner at the end of which a young woman with whom he had set up a date, also arrived. After finishing a couple bottles of wine, we were all best friends – or maybe kids and adopted parents. In any case, they were delightful young people and we loved the evening with them.
Alejandro dropped Jorge and us about a mile from the top of the canyon so we could walk along and enjoy the scenery. It was incredible, but a bit of a challenge for knees! When we reached the summit, we (and hundreds of others) relaxed and found a spot to watch the flight of the condors. These magnificent birds come out of the depths early in the a.m. when the sun warms the air and they catch currents to just soar around and look beautiful. We thought maybe they were just looking at all of us and wondering who and what we were – and whether or not we were good to eat. But since they are basically carrion birds, we suspect they hoped their antics would cause a camera eager tourist to fall into the gorge for the next meal.Trip back to Arequipa – another bumpity bumpity 4 hours going from the canyon downhill. We discovered during this ride that busses loaded with a million passengers each must race to the bottom. Double yellow lines mean that a curve is approaching so the bus must get into the left lane and pass anything possible. Having said that, speed is relative. The trip from Arequipa to Colca is 120 miles and takes 4 hours. Gratefully, Alejandro was a cautious driver. By this time, all four of us have become best friends – regardless of the fact that Alejandro speaks no English and we speak no Spanish. Jorge translates most everything – even Rance’s jokes – and we have lots of chatter and laughs, as well as quiet time to appreciate the view on the way down. The area is very arid – desert. Pretty in a rugged sort of way like parts of Arizona.
After hugs and kisses on cheeks, we parted company with Alejandro. Jorge was to remain in Arequipa and offered to buy us a drink that evening saying he enjoyed our company so much, etc., etc., etc. And even though we had tipped him very well, we didn’t want him spending that money on drinks for us. He won! As we sat on the balcony of a neat restaurant overlooking the city square, three Pisco Sours (traditional drink) arrived at our table – with Jorge, and a big grin on his face, following the waiter. Of course we then invited him to join us for dinner at the end of which a young woman with whom he had set up a date, also arrived. After finishing a couple bottles of wine, we were all best friends – or maybe kids and adopted parents. In any case, they were delightful young people and we loved the evening with them.
2 comments:
Awww...you bought Jorge and his girlfriend dinner? That is the sweetest! Did they eat Alpaca meat? That sounds good actually. I think I'll go to Safeway and see if they have some frozen Alpaca steaks. :)
Susan: My heart bleeds for you - long bumpy rides with Rance's jokes in two languages! How does "fowlks - I've got your fowlks"! sound in Peruvian spanish?
Post a Comment