Then there is the myriad of things to do and places to go in and around
Arequipa. Whilst you have Cuzco and Puno as your standard weekend trips away
from Arequipa, there are also so many things do see in Arequipa. There is the
monastery, museums, the lovely eateries and cafes, and of course, the salsa
clubs! One of my favourite places in Arequipa is the Mirador de Yanahuara. It
is a viewpoint only 20 minutes walk from the Plaza De Armas, where if you have
good weather, you can see the sunrise in the most heavenly way.
One of my favourite experiences outside of teaching the loveliest
students at Flora Tristan, took place in a quaint house just outside the
Arequipa centre. A local I was dancing with in my salsa class invited me to
join her and her theatre group in a rehearsal at their director's house. I did
not know what to expect and until we entered the house and started vocal and
body exercises, I was completely in a state of curiousity. Michaela, an Austrian volunteer who I had persuaded to come with me, was
absolutely confronted as well. Here we were in a fancy lounge room of a
theatrical director's house, singing, dancing and acting with the cast from the
Spanish version of Cats, the musical. It was an eclectic mix of people from
diverse ages too. I will never forget that day!
There is so much more I could say but I feel like it is better conveyed
through experience. I know everyone who comes to volunteer with HOOP will have
a unique time due to the most unexpected experiences that come about with just
having an open mind. Serendipity is a word that comes to mind.
I urge you to have an open mind, come down to volunteer with HOOP and experience exactly what I mean.
WRITTEN BY
Ayes S.
