Destination: ____________?
 Arequipa: Volver a la normalidad (para mi) Home Sweet Home was not like the Sweet Spot in SF but it was a start. I woke up feeling at home since I had already stayed here the last time I was in Arequipa. Back to Arequipa. Back to an alternate reality, one in which I start taking steps to return to “normal?” life. I’ve been living life to the fullest and intend to continue doing so. Maybe a return to normalcy. At home, I wake up to look out my beautiful bay windows to either fog (accompanied to my favorite sound: the Scooby-Doo-esque foghorn) or sun rays kissing the tops of the Golden Gate Bridge from my peek-a-boo view. Then some sun salutations followed by my oatmeal with banana, buts and honey chased by a pot of french press coffee or loose-leaf tea. At Home Sweet Home in Arequipa, I ventured to the rooftop to view the lovely volcanic peeks surrounding me in addition to a bunch of gringos ready to ask me: “Where are you from?” “Where have you travelled?” Where are you going next?” Since I was winding down, I did not care for future travel buddies or really any more superficial banter. Being the ingrained problem-solver, I was, however, eager to help with other traveler’s logistics to Puno, Cusco or Chile. The breakfast was crepes with huevos revueltos and Nescafe. Return to normalcy meant getting back into a groove. Yoga. Shower. A bit of writing and research. My news feeds have piled up since January. Periodically, I had edited and e-mailed myself articles of interest. The box awaiting me had just short of 500 articles. Damn! Back to reality. I had meant to stay atop during my travels but somehow, surprise, more interesting things came up. Before I knew it, I had to take a break for lunch and take care of getting my bus passage for the following day and some other shopping. Downstairs, I talked to my friend who worked there. She informed me she actually had went to go get a mani and pedi after I had passed her the business cards (ha ha that’s her and Denise I suckered into getting pampered!). She called in my bus ticket for the next day with Oltursa. Based on my research, I was paying her a S.10 premium but would have had to pay S.16 for a roundtrip fare for a taxi to the station. Sweet. Same result and I paid less and saved time. Next stop lunch. I love my girls but hate the Lonely Planet. I do not refer to “The Bible” for my food, I rely on my nose, eyes and good sense. On the way to the market, I saw a vegetarian place for only S.6 that offer ensalada y un selecion de 4 cosas, postre y jugo. OK, so this would be my lunch and dinner since I had made it out quite late. Vegans and veg could both get their O-faces here for only a few Soles! Everything was falling into place. Next, I wanted to hit up the local market aka non-gringo market. I saw a market pre-market that was selling ropa y lencerie. Hmmmm, me likey! I took a photo to get a second opinion from someone at home. My last attempt at the market made me feeling a little light-headed. This time I faced the market and even the meat market (not to be confused with the meat/meet market dating scene in SF) head on!! I really wanted to pick up a few mochilas/frazadas (backpacks/blankets) since I loved the colors, the were portable and useful. I was excited that the lady offered me a good price and ended up buying 3 for only S.30. Also at the market, I also bought a bunch of fruit, papaya marmalade and dried legumes for my next bus journey from Arequipa to Paracas. Another 10 hour bus ride. On the walk back, I had to take the usual precautions with the funky Arequipa roads. There were no stoplights or signs. Pretty much, you go when you can, cars and pedestrians alike. If you are a pedestrian that wishes to not end up in el hospital, you go when the traffic going in your same direction goes. Back to Home Sweet Home to take care of more not so sweet, but not so unpleasant business. I was excited to be heading off tomorrow to a place at sea level and where I could wear just a bikini y una sonrisa!
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Diary Photos
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Quieres lencerie? Si!! |
 Frazadas buenas |
 Papas y mas |
 Comida para los perros también! |
 Secos! |
 Almuerzo para todos!! |
 Frutas! |
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