Oasis Sangalle ~ Colca Canyon

The climax of Paddington's visit to Colca Canyon was the night he spent at the Oasis Sangalle. Located at the bottom of the canyon, the world's second deepest, the only way to arrive is by hiking down from Cabanaconde at the rim of the canyon to the Oasis at the bottom.

Paddington's bed in one of the group bungalows. He had a little trouble sleeping due to the burros grazing on the roof of the bungalow for much of the night, but regardless who can complain when sleeping in such an incredible place.

Paddington with the Oasis' pool and the walls of the canyon in the background.

Another view of the canyon walls from the Oasis.

Paddington with a bungalow and some terraces in the background.

Chivay

As part of his trip to Arequipa, Paddington traveled to Colca Canyon. Along the way he stopped in the town of Chivay for the night.

Paddington's hotel, La Estrella de David.

Paddington's room for the night. Three rooms for one person seemed a bit much but it sure was comfortable.

Paddington in front of a statue of Juanita in the main square of Chivay. Juanita, aka as the Ice Princess, is an Incan girl who was sacrificed over 500 years ago but whos frozen body was discovered in 1995 by American scientists atop one of the tallest mountains in the region of Arequipa.

Paddington in front of Chivay's main church.

Monasterio de Santa Catalina (Arequipa)

Paddington visited the Monasterio de Santa Catalina while in Arequipa. The convent is located in the heart of the city and is over 20,000 square meters in size. It was built in 1580 and enlarged during the 17th century. Lucky for Paddington, his visit took place by candlelight, making for a truly unforgettable experience!

Paddington in one of the convent's many courtyards.

Paddington posing on the window sill of a nun's quarters.

Paddington preparing to be lowered into the well located in the convent's restored kitchen.

Paddington in the main dining hall with Cuzco School artwork visable in the background.

Casa de Moral (Arequipa)

While in Arequipa, Paddington visited the Casa de Moral, a restored Spanish colonial house built in 1730.

Paddington posing in the dining room. The house was home to several of Arequipa's colonial mayors.

Paddington on a stage coach which belonged to one of the previous owners.

Paddington posing on the roof of the Casa de Moral. Barely visable in the background is Misti, Arequipa's beautiful volcano.

Trip To Arequipa

This past week Paddington traveled with his friends from Princeton to Arequipa. Heres a glimpse of the beginning of his trip, but there are more pictures coming in the next few days...

Paddington getting ready to board the night bus (barely visable in the background) from Cusco to Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru.

Paddington in the Plaza de Armas. A colonial city, Arequipa boasts many Spanish structures, such as the cathedral in the background, which Paddington was able to visit during his time there.

Brett's Latest Real Blog Entry

I will continue using the Paddington blog for Paddington's adventures in photo form. I am also starting an occasional blog on Brett's real experiences in Peru at: http://myproworld.goabroad.net/journal.php?action=myjournals&travelerID=52491

My latest entry is available at the following URL:
http://myproworld.goabroad.net/BrettDiehl/journals/5894/Un-D%C3%ADa-en-la-Vida

Pitusiray

This past Saturday and Sunday, October 2 and 3, Paddington traveled with 17 other friends to the lagoon at the top of Pitusiray Mountain. The lagoon is famous for shadows of a Puma and an Incan Warrior which appear over top of it during this particular week, but due to some unusual conditions, it was impossible to view these shadows.

A view of the Sacred Valley taken only a few hundred meters from the lake.

Finally at the lagoon! Paddington is exhausted after 7 hours of hiking. The elevation of 4,200 meters certainly doesn't help him catch his breath. Before....

....and after the snow storm. While camping overnight at the lake, a rare winter storm came through and dropped a few centimeters of snow on the ground, making for a wet and uncomfortable camping experience. Nonetheless, the view and beauty of Pitusiray certainly made up for one night of lost sleep.

Check Out Brett's Blog

Check out my real life blog of what I'm doing. More entries coming soon!

Just click here!