There is something special about waking up in a new country or city, somewhere you’ve never been before..

I will never tire of that anticipation of of what you’re going to discover. Today was no exception!

New birdsong, a new flower or tree, the colours and sights and sounds. Nothing can ever replace that first impression, so you just soak it all in. truely one of life’s joys.

We explored the area where the hotel is for some breakfast, came across a Christmas market went to the Coast , a Panetonne market and a playground full of cats. Yup, closed to the public for I guess maintenance, so the local feline population had moved in. It’s apparently a thing here with a park dedicated to cats somewhere too…

Back to the hotel for a bit of a swim , I suspect this maybe the only rooftop pool we encounter on this trip so better get in.

We had booked a bit of a private tour that took us to the coast to check out a Gaudi reminiscent park for lovers. Then a very old “adobe” pyramids going back to pre Inca times and then into the central city. Catholicism and Spanish influence is strong, they really did a number on this place. But I suppose they did leave some fairly remarkable architecture…

There’s a slight undercurrent of “something “ going on here too…the riot Police were obvious in the square, our guide was surprised it was open. But was staying away from ant political talk. Into a cathedral which was remarkably like being back in Alhambra , and down into their catacombs, ( which for me required a few cleansing/protecting karakia). I’m not a fan of looking at human remains!

So it’s off to dinner tonight to Maido, recently named the world’s best restaurant, the “official “ birthday dinner for you know who! Definitely be subject to its own post. But in the meantime the hotel just sent this up. How sweet! ( and bloody delicious)