20 Nuevo Soles for 2 New Soles*
* The title is a play on words: The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol.
I have a pair of sandals that I have had about 10 years and I love them! At home, it is just about impossible to find a shoe repair shop, and even when you do, the repairs are sometimes as much as a new pair of shoes.
I just about threw them away in October when I left Hawaii, and again in January when I left home. But instead, I wore them on the plane to Peru. Those of you who know me, know how hard it is for me to throw things away.
Now, as luck would have it, just a few blocks away from my guesthouse in Arequipa, there must be 20 shoe repair shops—some no larger than a closet. I decided I did not have much to lose, so I entrusted my very special sandals to Charle. He very generously let me watch and take photographs.
The cost? 20 soles—about $7.
Other Blog Posts You May Find Interesting
A Ship in the Harbor is Safe…
On Saturday, the day after I arrived in Arequipa, I decided that I would go and explore the city on my own….it was quite an experience as I learned how to dodge taxis and try not to let the sights and sounds overwhelm me.

Shopping…Cooking…Eating: Calca’s Traditional Market
So, on Friday I decided to make empanadas. With some advice from Mabel in mind and suggestions as to where to find fresh chicken, I walked the 10 blocks to the mercado and started shopping.

My Favorite Peruvian Places & Experiences: Arequipa and Lake Titicaca
This post accompanies my LIVE YouTube broadcast on 28 March 2021 about my explorations of Arequipa and the Lake Titicaca area of Peru.