June 27,

We were up and about by 0730. We had our Javas – my coffee was my new Peruvian, which is labeled through translation, as “Villa Rica Estate, the richest villa.” It was lovely. We decided to skip breakfast in lieu of a big lunch. I blogged yesterday’s ventures as Jeff read. We also did a load of laundry.

Around 1100, we headed out. We went to Tio Dario Restaurante, which is affiliated with Zig Zag Restaurant. (We ate there for my birthday.) According to the intro on the menu, the founding chef, Dorio Matsufuji, blended ‘Nikkei heritage and the spirit of Arequipa’s traditions.’ I ordered La Pesca de Temporada, which was a filet of fish (I chose seabass over sole) topped with a choice of sauce (I chose a lo Macho). This rich creamy sauce was bits of sauteed seafood in a base of garlic, butter, red and yellow chili peppers, white wine, fish stock and heavy cream. My yummy fish was served with rice, two salsas and lime. When I ordered my sauce the waiter said, “Spicy, okay?” I nodded okay. Jeff ordered Rocoto Relleno Tradicion – traditional stuffed hot pepper with hand-cut beef in a sauce topped with queso, which was served with a savory potato pie au gratin and a salad of tomatoes, onion, cheese, olives, broad beans, and big corn pieces (like hominy size, but corn taste). I had a white wine and Jeff had a cerveza. It was a great meal in a garden type setting. Very nice!! We enjoyed it. The bill was 164 PEN, or $48.

We left and went back to our place and had a siesta. Around 1630 we went back out for a walkabout. We walked until we had our steps, just taking in Arequipa. Then we stopped at a grocery store and went back to our place. We had a snack “supper” of popcorn.

     June 28,

Today was connection day. We connected with my mother and her husband at 0700 via WhatsApp video chat. They are planning a trip in mid August – that will be good for them and my mother has been wanting to do this trip for a couple of years (?)… It has been awhile.

After we completed the call, we did some of our own planning over our Javas; and oatmeal (with raspberry jam & Nutella), and yogurt breakfast. I still have no word on the whereabouts of my passport. So Jeff went ahead and called to cancel our pending flight. We got a full refund! This surprised us!!! Next we also found and booked an apartment just three blocks from here through AirBNB for two weeks. Then it was time to Zoom link with our church back in the USA. When the service was finished, we stayed on talking a bit, as we normally do.

We went for a walkabout and actually looked at the new place that we’d booked. Then we went to a grocery store of course. Lastly we stopped at the best bakery near us and picked up some bread and a brownie. Back at our place, we had lunch of leftover stir-fry with egg. Then it was time to reach out to my sister on a WhatsApp video call. She is doing well and enjoying being a grandma!

We went for another longer walkabout, going to an overview area we had not been to before. We saw a soccer match. The way was steep – up from the river, by way of some farming land in the middle of the city! There was the smell, sight and hearing of livestock!😂  At the view area, we took in the vista of long golden light and the moon coming up as the sun was close to going down. We turned and went back to our place, and were surprised to be walking on the same road as a race. Maybe a 5K? We don’t know, Google had nothing on it.

Anyway, we arrived back before darkness set in. We ate a snack of peanuts. A couple of hours later, we connected on video through a WhatsApp call with Jeff’s sister and her husband. Then time for bed.