ideas and plans

I haven´t got many big stories to share, so am deciding to share some details that paint a picture of elisemundo in Arequipa:
Had my first experience of being mugged, or rather, 2 ladies trying it on me. Their technique needs some improving because they didn´t get away with anything, I was too quick. And why? I´d like to say it´s because after living in Brixton, Hackney etc, I´m pretty streetwise and aware but I also seriously think their technique has some faults. To ¨distract¨ me, they threw water in my face, which, is more of an alarmbell than a mode of distraction, since in this season, it never rains in Arequipa... Anyway, it´s a shame my traditionally Andean woven bag now has a massive hole in it, but it was a good warning as well, to be more aware. And at exactly the same moment these ladies tried it on, Helard, 3 miles further on, cycling down a down hill track, received his own type of warning, in the shape of falling buttfirst onto a stone, hurting his back considerably. You see how connected we are?

My favourite hour of the day is between 4.30-5.30, when the sun changes from trying to burn your bones, never mind your skin, into a more subtle lightbulb, bathing everything with an orange glow, and creating a feeling of calm that seems neverending. I love sitting outside on the roof with my guitar or a book in this hour, and enjoy the calm before the night (and the cold) descend.
Readings at the moment are:
Osho, Eastern philosopher, to learn to let go of the silly every day things that I let myself get wound up about
Eduardo Galeano, Patas para arriba, Uruguayan journalist, to stay aware of the injustices in the world and the twofacedness of the human race
Aldous Huxley, Doors of perception, to learn about the science of other ways people use to learn, and-or escape from it all.

Walls I´m trying to break down are barriers to creativity, which is one of the most difficult things I´ve ever tried to do, for me, since my capricornness has shaped me into the kind of person that is too structured, and can´t handle it very well if something doesn´t come out absolutely perfect in the first instance. Obviously the creative process doesn´t work this way, and I´m trying to create the calmness to go through this process without getting annoyed. A few times I managed it, and I know it´s more about unlearning techniques and letting go, but if anyone has techniques to unlearn techniques, let me know! ; )

Besos, Elise lombriz

Cotahuasi

Arequipa - 3 de mayo 2006

Continuities: Still chilling in Arequipa, still full sunny, country still counting the votes, Chavez still calling Alan Garcia a rat while siding with Ollanta Humala, still very happy and in love, still working on trying out all 8000 different dishes Peru has.

Changes: More relaxed in Arequipa, with a tan, everyone knows Alan Garcia will win the second round, hanging out with Helard´s sister who is over with the brand spanking new baby, overcame the typical tourist stomach bug and had a to pause my quest for trying all the different dishes for a few days and resort to crackers and rice..

oh and not to forget Helard and I went on a 5 day trip to the Cotahuasi canyon.. the deepest canyon in the world (or so say the posters in the agencies..!)
Note the picture of the overturned lorry which we encountered on the way up... Helard and all other blokes from the vehicles of both sides that were held up organised moving all the cargo the lorry was carrying out of the way, and the most macho truck near hauled it to one side so our bus and others could pass. The experience was made all the better since me and Helard had been on the pisco on the busride, with 2 Frenchies who were also on the bus.
When we arrived, after 14 hours on the road, we stayed in a wonderful hostal in el pueblo de Cotahuasi for 2 nights, where the dueño was really welcoming, Don Jose, muy buena voz, biggups! Then went camping on the side of the river for 2 nights, drinking coffee made from the water of the river, heated over a homemade campfire... it defo beats having a Starbucks in Soho!