More MP Pics

More pics from Machu Picchu

On an unrelated note, being back in Boise, Idaho has been interesting so far. My English is terrible, I drive really slow, and I feel overwhelmed by the amount of choices we as Americans have. I went to Fred Meyer’s this afternoon and there were 6 types of roast beef to choose from, then I was asked what thickness I wanted it cut at. What? I don’t know lady, just put half a pound in a bag and ring me up. The States and Peru are definitely 2 different worlds.

Plaza De Armas

Plaza de Armas in AQP, Peru. Taken from La Terraza. 

Construction

And who ever said that Peruvians never get anything done?

Graffiti Proposal

“I love you Maricita, marry me”

Now here’s a guy who’s keeping it classy! (Imagine John Madden’s voice)

For lunch I had fried calamari, french fries, rice and a salad for a whopping total of $2.20. Peru is fantastic. 

Best Door Ever

It’s funny to see, but after seeing more than 7 doors on a second story, you begin to wonder, “What the hell is going on here?"

Volcano in Peru

I recently moved and this is the view from my roof (5th floor). Most houses have flat roofs with wash basins and areas to hang laundry. The architecture is quite different from that of the States, that’s for sure. Arequipa is big, in terms of sprawl. People live all the way at the base of Misti, albeit without running water and with frequent earthquakes, but I’m sure it’s quite lovely. 

2nd picture is of my buddy’s place and it’s a bit odd. There’s a giant hallway with rooms on both sides including a kitchen, but no common area to hangout. Not a great house to socialize in, but the hallway’s real nice.

Taught my students ‘Don’t knock it til you try it’. So shout-out today goes to my main man Trotter and his world famous 'I wanna puke watching you eat that’ sandwiches. Nothing like a peanut butter, ham, mayonnaise and jelly sandwich to make someone want to hurl. I miss you buddy and I hope that you and squidders are doing well in Cheneytown! 

It’s terrible quality but that is definitely a door on the second story. Kelly and I came to the conclusion that they didn’t have enough money for a glass window, but they for sure had a spare door laying around. Peruvians never cease to amaze me

I’m a big fan of all the pastel colors used in Latin American countries. A majority of cities in the States are characterized by big concrete buildings plated with glass and steel which make me feel cold. Having traveled through Central America and Peru / Chile, I much prefer the pastel color schemes and vibrant chalk-drawn signs offering daily specials. 

I got asked for directions today by a Peruvian and truth be told, it felt pretty good. There I stood, reveling in the fact that he didn’t think I was another bumbling tourist, oblivious to the difference between ‘caleta’ y 'calato’. (big difference by the way). After I had had my moment, I turned toward him, smiled, and said, “no sé”. Always glad to be of service. 

Plaza de Armas, Arequipa, Peru

As I was waiting for what seemed like some ladies first time using an ATM, I turned around and thought ‘this will make a sweet foto’. After class I perused around the Plaza de Armas and listened to the quiet chatter of tourists and locals on a cool but sunny afternoon here in Peru. After I realized I was walking around aimlessly, I picked up some lomo saltado (with chaufa of course) and headed home.

Walked around waiting for an open table at a Menu today and thought “why not take a picture of a side street?” So here it is. Exciting stuff eh? 

On a non-sarcastic note, I am STOKED for the final four games tomorrow, regardless of the fact that Michigan State choked and completely obliterated my bracket. 

Also if you haven’t checked out any of the political cartoons concerning the GOP / GOP primaries, they’re worth a look. 

Oh ya know, just some Llamas chillen in a park right across the street from my school. Peru is definitely cooler than the United States. Had an 18 year old girl in class tell me that out of a list of 15 different animals including bears/sharks/lions, that the most dangerous animal to humans was a fox. Bad personal experience for $200?

This is the Plaza de Armas in the center of Arequipa, which is much bigger than these photos display. Took a tourist stroll this afternoon and bought post cards / souvenirs, so if you’re in the states and wondering where your present is, I’m getting ready to make a post office trip in a couple weeks. 

Oh and the elephant was one of many paintings in a restaurant called Mamut that serves sandwiches. I could barely contain myself, I have missed sandwiches so much. Lunch this afternoon was, to say the least, perfect. Despite all the sun in Peru these days, I just seem to keep burning. Maybe after a couple months my body will quit fighting the sun and consent to tan, high hopes…

Typical Peruvian woman and an interesting white house on the corner here in Peru. Finished my observations today, one step closer to employment in March. WEEW! Not too much to say about today, overcast, had a $2 plate of chinese food and realized how tiring boxing can be. Shout out to my buddy Carlos who I’m sure is loving Cheney, WA as much as I love the EWU football team.

The police station I pass everyday to the gym. Following that are coca leaves that I bought for 1 sol (.37 cents) on the street (calm down Americans, they are legal). Last is a picture of a typical house in Arequipa. Square, modern looking, and the majority are 2 stories. Color is abundant and for a moment, the architecture makes you forget that you are walking a half mile incline to get to a corner store.