arequipa otra vez
we are stuck in arequipa! however, i think we will get to leave tonight. as i mentioned a bit at the end of my last entry, there is a huge protest here with road blocks, processions, rock and bottle throwing, and a lot of flags and yelling. however, it is very safe. the protesters are frustrated with all of the stories that are not boycotting too, and for this they are throwing things at the stories that are open, so everyone is at the ready to pull down their metal door and close up when the parade comes by. however, it is not dangerous for the people in the streets, it is just frustrating because no one can get out and no goods can come in. however, we{ve had the most fascinating discussions with people about the political situation and have learned so much about the different types of people here, as well as a lot more spanish. a lot of you have asked more about numan (i knew i{d been spelling his name wrong). he was definitely the best find we{ve made here. not only did he provide us with a more entertaining ride from huacachina to nazca, he set up all of our plans in nazca, took us out at night, drove us to arequipa, and set up our trip here with friends of his, who have since given us a free place to stay, driven us around, taken us out, etc. we did pay him quite a bit, but he also gave us a lot of benefits and free things and took such good care of us. like so many people here, money is tight for him as he cares for his family, paying for their water, lights, and food each day. he has nine siblings, but they are all grown and he is the baby. so, he only takes care of his mom and niece, still it{s a huge job. anyhow, doing great and still having fun. cass is done, so i am too. love, darcy
Tags: Travel
July 5th, 2005 at 11:20 pm
That is too bad about the protests and fighting, but as you say you are safe and have a place to stay so we’ll try and look on the bright side. Meemo said it best. The best present you can bring us is YOU. You would be proud of me. I am only 1/4 stressed out about your being gone to the middle of nowhere. Last night Mom and Lu baked a bundt cake and Dad took me up for cake and ice cream and then we sort of watched the fireworks out the front window. They were pretty good for how far away we were and the overcast. Ardith, Roy, Patty and C leave tomorrow for MO and points west until they reach OR. M & M backed out this week. M has an oxygen machine at home now. I just feed the King of Nerds his dinner. He sticks closer now. Even rested in the drive while I was outside. What city is your destination after you get out of the canyon. XO G
July 5th, 2005 at 11:26 pm
Thank you for your phone call from Arequipa. I didn’t expect to hear from you because I was picturing you at Canyon de Colca. Now, I know your plans, and I feel good about your adventure. When you called, it seemed like you weren’t so far away. I love reading about your trip, but I loved being able to ask you the many questions I had on my mind. I was sorry to hear about Cassidy’s problems…. but maybe you can help her out with money until she gets her ATM card mess straightened out. We went to the 4th of July festivities in Julian….parade and Legion barbeque. Grandma came over for dessert at night. It was a beautiful day with a little breeze. It has been in the mid 80’s almost daily since you left. I only have eight days of summer school left, and grandma’s birthday party will be very soon. Oh, I forgot to tell you that we went to Debbie Mushet’s new business. She has taken over Bad Betty’s. She has a lot of Betty’s old inventory, but she is getting a lot of her own merchandise. I know you’ll be leaving soon for your three day trek. Be careful, and I’ll be looking forward to your next Blog entry. Love Mom
July 6th, 2005 at 11:36 am
Your trip is sounding crazy. Can you imagine a protest like that in Westwood? People would be trowing soy latte cups at store fronts who refused to offer tofu derived turkey products.
I am glad to hear that you guys have a psuedo-guide. I bet you are getting the inside scoop on a lot of stuff that you might otherwise pass bye without ever hearing about. This is especially good because then you have to become my tour guide if I ever go. So keep boning up on those factoids as I expect future first rate Peruvian Darcy guiding.
Is your spanish getting better? I bet is has kinda exponentially grown in the past few days. Learn any cool Peruvian phrases I can use when I go eat Guinea Pig at my local provider of Peruvian culinary delieghts, Pena Pancha Mama?
Hope all continues to be very exciting and new.
Tootles
July 7th, 2005 at 1:11 pm
Love your blogs - almost feel like I’m there. I love hearing your colorful explanations of your travel experiences, please keep ‘em coming! My summer break starts today, but I think Cucamonga and Anahiem are as far away from home as I will travel during my time off. I have so many projects lined up and only one short month to complete them: Mom’s party, 3 0r 4 day trip to Disneyland, helping with Michelle’s shower at 3rd Grandma-to-be, Lu Ann’s, house (it will be Aug 14th - will you be home?), committee person for 40 year high school reunion (Don’t laugh - it happens quicker than you think! I have the student contacts info and it needs updating, probably at lest 2 days worth of data entry - we had a big class), and multiple tasks around the house and yard. I hope to squeeze in some artwork but that is iffy at this point. I was very reluctant to leave my desk yesterday evening. I had so many loose ends to organize, but was the last non-custodial person in the building so ended up placing everything in the middle of my desk in a priortized stack, most important items near the top. Even so, I really am looking forward to my busy 4 weeks away from the grindstone. When I come back I will have a new flat-screen monitor and I think maybe new hard drive, too. I hope they dust while they are at it! :o) Take care of my Darcy-girl! Luv, Auntie L, Grammie to be!