Busy Times!

We have just had our first full day in Arequipa!!!! A lot was packed in! We started off by having breakfast with the Turners who literally live a stone´s throw away from the church. Paul and Ruth have been very good to us and are helping us to settle in very quickly.

After breakfast and a quick wash-up we found ourselves standing outside the Turner´s house waiting for a taxi. No taxi was ever able to take all of us so we quickly decided to all hop into a combi. These tend to be battered mini-buses, crammed full of compressed people, which ferry people from place to place around the city. This was another first "Peruvian Experience" for Lynne and Shirely!We jumped out of the combi and walked around a few corners until we found ourselves outside a small building. A plaque on the front read 'ABC Language Learning Centre.' We had a quick tour of the building in where we will be spending a lot of time. Monday sees the start of our language training beginning at 8.30 am. The teachers have a brilliant reputation and a brilliant sense of humour!!

After the quick tour we met up with the Roycroft´s in a cafeteria. Andrew was experiencing more matress problems (see their blog for more!...) while the rest of us chatted over an Inca Cola (our new favourite drink) with Carolyn and Grace. Ruth then brought us to the local supermarket for our groceries. Unlike supermarkets at home there are very few convienience foods so we will be busy cooking most things from scratch (we miss Uncle Ben but Simon is excited about develping his cooking skills!)

The theme of this blog, thus far, seems to be food and the next event was no exception! Paul and Ruth once again put on another huge spread (for 17 people) which included lasagne, breads and a mountain of salad. This was all washed down with maracuya (passion fruit juice). This gave us an opportunity to meet the Pastor and some locals from the church we are staying at. Andrew, Carolyn and Grace also joined us for the occasion.

Another surprise was in store for Lynne and Shirley as a cake was produced to celebrate their birthday (3 days early!). We think this was only an excuse for Gordon and Tom to get some birthday cake before bidding farewell to Arequipa.

In the evening we headed into Arequipa centre with Ruth as our tour guide, showing us some of the sights and how not to get lost. The night was ended by visiting a church cafe where we chatted and played games (Haly Galy) with some of those from the church.


Work beings properly on Monday when not only will we be attending language school but also getting involved with the different ministries within the church.