On the go in Arequipa (10.03.2022)

Day 2 in Arequipa, after yesterday's arrival we are allowed to start with a buzzing head. Now the altitude is noticeably high, even if it is "only" 2300 meters above sea level. Restless sleep and buzzing head let us start the morning calmly. Drinking and taking care of our bodies is the motto.

After a hearty late breakfast at our hotel, we walk through the city in search of really good coffee, after the filter coffee solution at the hotel was not a satisfactory option. In a charming courtyard cafe named "Kaffeehaus" (https://www.kaffeehaus.org/) - a German-Peruvian venture - our senses slowly come to life after espresso, tea, and carrot cake, and we discuss the plans for the next few days.

In the afternoon, we strolled through the city and visited markets, shops, and, after our short visit yesterday, today with more time, a provider of camel wool (https://www.solalpaca.pe/). Of course, you can hardly leave such a shop empty-handed, so we are now the proud owners of a scarf made of (super fluffy) baby alpaca wool and an oversized blanket for the cold days at home.

After the many impressions and on an empty stomach, we dared to have a little (culinary) experiment in the evening, where we researched a restaurant with Thai-Peruvian chefs. Creative menu and nice atmosphere were countered by uninterested service and dishes that lacked flavor. Well, we imagined it would be better, but who doesn't dare doesn't win. We have definitely refueled energy and that was very necessary for the following days...

The daily two:

Insight:

Peru is doing very well in terms of Covid vaccination and has an even higher vaccination rate than Austria, with 75.8% compared to Austria's 73.8%. The vaccination offer even goes so far that vaccinations are given on the streets, as we observed today in the immediate vicinity of Arequipa's largest market. The main vaccine that has been administered so far in Peru is the Biontech-Pfizer vaccine.

Moment of happiness:

The baby alpaca blanket and scarf for home will remind us of the beautiful time here in Peru for a longer period, especially when it's really cold outside and it's so cozy to curl up on the couch with a blanket.