"Everything is better in Arequipa" say the locals here. I'm inclined to agree. Surounded by three volcanoes, Chachani, Misti, and Pichu Pichu, it is an oasis.
The top picture is Misti, with a few of the buildings of the city in the foreground. This is the cathedral, behind which one can see the tops of Chachane.
The third picture is of the cloister of the old Jesuit convent, showing the carving in the stone walls.
Here is the town square, the Plaza de Armas. There is a large fountain in the middle and always something happening. This is a tranquil moment during siesta on Sunday afternoon.
Sunday morning there was a military parade in the Square. It was quite impressive if you are in to that sort of thing.
Here is a picture from the roof of the priory. The roofs are flat here so that one can add another floor some day. From our roof there is a good view of the mountains and of the stars at night (and yes, indeed we saw the Southern Cross). On the right you can see the tower of the church. In the middle you can see the mountains, and if you click the picture you will get a blowup of just the mountains. On the left is a large abandoned hotel, the El Presidente. It was the largest hotel in town and was run by the government to promote tourism. It went broke. There are plans to reopen it next month under private management. Given its size and location, I would think it would do fine. It is only two blocks from the square.
Of course, work still goes on even though it is Sunday. Here is a picture of our internet class. Ain't it amazing what a little laptop computer can do?
Arequipa at night is beautiful as well, but different than during the day. The square and the cathedral are lit up and there are many shops and restaurants full of people.
The brothers, of course, are at home and busy at prayer. Here are the brothers at evening prayer in their little chapel.