Today, I just relaxed and simply enjoyed the city of Arequipa, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite cities of all time.
I’ve been here barely 24 hours and I feel like this city has a lot more to offer. Regretably, I will be leaving tomorrow morning. But it’s a city that I came in expecting absolutely nothing but a safe haven for a day and will leave not wanting to leave at all. This is the second city that I’ve ever thought that of, the only other being Montreal.
At population one million, it’s not too big, not too small. It’s right under the nose of a volcano and snow capped mountain, yet enjoys beautiful weather year round. The temperate cold of night only adds to the romantic feel of the city, and a river calmly passes through it as if to soothe the maddening drivers to her tempo. The people are classy, intent on enjoying life. Yet, behind those welcoming, friendly faces lie unmistakable ambition, fully aware of and actively pursuing their dreams. The main square is showing signs of succumbing to tourists. But it has somehow mystically maintained its identity.
Although I’ve only seen a small portion, and that portion being the main center of it, this is the only city I’ve been to so far where I cannot ask the question, “have you ever been to California?” Because the people here certainly have done what’s right with that which surrounds them, and I do not believe California, or any other place I’ve grown to love, has much more to offer these people other than the means to realize that there is no end to human greed.
Plaza de Armas of Arequipa is my favorite ‘Zocalo’. Certainly Cuzco’s was bigger. But Arequipa’s is enjoyed mostly by the people here, not by tourists and pick-pocketers of the former. Certainly Cartagena remains the most impressive city I’ve ever been to. But the mere feel of Arequipa is what makes me regret I have but few more hours here.
Fully embracing its rich history yet perfectly comfortable with the demands of today.
La Iberica’s Fondant is the best dark chocolate I’ve ever had in my life.
I went out to get collect my laundry, and set out to find La Iberica, Arequipa’s local chocolate company. I’ve been getting fairly lucky with lines. I went to dinner and I beat the rush, I went to LA Iberica and I beat the rush there as well. I was asking the people working the register which one’s the best, but they kept handing me one chocolate bar after another. I settled with buying 4 of them. Meanwhile, a lady in line named Lis hears me mumbling in English and guides me through the process. There are several couples waiting behind me, watching with somewhat wondrous eyes, ever so kindly patient while I contemplate which chocolate will be the lucky one that ends up in my stomach.