PERU
Country Overview:
"Arequipa, the white city of Peru and the gateway to the Colca Canyon, offers travelers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty."
Located in the heart of southern Peru, Arequipa is a city that showcases the best of what the country has to offer. From its stunning colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage, to its beautiful natural surroundings and delicious cuisine, Arequipa has something for everyone. Arequipa is a hidden gem — it's a place where you can experience the very best of Peruvian culture and history, all while enjoying the beauty of the Andes mountains and the Colca Canyon. Whether you're looking to explore the city's historic center, sample its delicious cuisine, or simply relax in its peaceful surroundings, Arequipa should definitely be on your travel list.
I lived in Arequipa, Peru from September 2011 to November 2012. I taught English, practiced Muay Thai, and got really into learning Peruvian slang. I also visited Lima, Cuzco, Colca Canyon, and Playa Mollendo.
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.
More from MP in Peru
No big deal, just one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the world. WHAT’S UP MACHU PICCHU!?!
And just for kicks, I thought I’d whip out ‘The Easterner’ and give it a read seeing as how I was so bored. Proud to be an Eagle?
Doritos what?!
Every bag of Doritos I have eaten in the past month or so has come with a mini packet of Ketchup or Mustard. I don’t know if this is a world wide promotional thing, or if they are just catering to the fact that Peruvians eat their chips in the most disgusting way possible.
Lights Out
The Superdome losing power really set things off here in Peru. My landlady forgot to pay the utility bill so I was without power all day yesterday. Halfway through my Muay Thai class, the power went off and we were informed that the entire Southern region of Peru had lost power. Walking down the street was an eerie experience. The sidewalks were full of people with candles, flashlights, and umbrellas. (It was also raining).
So after training I was hungry and decided to stop by a Chifa to see if the loss of power had affected their kitchen. Nope. All the tables were lit with candles and as I sat there and ate my ‘lomo saltado’, I couldn’t help but think, “It would suck to live in the 1700’s”.
How Not to Pee
I’ve seen more ‘how to not pee’ signs here in Peru than probably my entire life. I guess they’re necessary.
Where you at?
Things I have not seen since being in Peru:
1. Convertibles
2. Beer on tap
3. Toyota Prius
4. Public water fountains
5. Monster energy drink
6. Soda vending machines
7. Automatic Urinal
8. Milk in a plastic container. It either comes in a big juice box or a bag
9. Coinstar. Oh how I miss Coinstar
10. Water sold in bulk. As in a flat of 24 bottles.
11. Elevators. I’m sure they exist, but haven’t seen nor taken one in a year
12. Parking meters
13. Automatic soda/water dispensers used by bartenders
14. Fitted Hats
15. Cold open coolers for beer. Only a variety of 6 packs and singles are kept in refrigerators. Super markets (in Arequipa) don’t have aisles like the ones where cheese and milk are kept; designated only for beer.
16. Buttons for cross walks.
On an unrelated note, while surfing the net, I saw single serving packets of Sriracha and just about lost my mind.
Bout that time...
Ahh the joys of the holidays. Family, friends, a break from school or work, they truly are a wonderful time. But I’m getting restless. I have another 5 days before I start teaching again and I’m working diligently to keep my sanity. I need to be busy, and after rearranging my room 4 times in the last 3 days and crocheting 4 spools of yarn into scarves, this whole ‘vacation’ thing isn’t cutting it for me. I need some social interaction, and shamelessly flirting with the checkout lady at the supermarket isn’t what I had in mind. “Well why don’t you watch movies?” suggested the trainer at my gym, to which I replied, “Have you seen Netflix lately?"
It’s a fantasy for some people: to spend the holidays in a foreign, exotic country. Trying new things, hearing strange languages, blah blah blah. It’s a nice thought, similar to the way girls fantasize that situations in rom-coms would really happen. Sadly, on the off chance that they do occur, they’re never the same as they had imagined when they were chowing down on that pint of haagen daz.
It’s been 11 months to the day that I arrived here in Peru, the longest I’ve been out of the States. I’m also currently the most veteran teacher at my English institute. However, I’m ready to go back, mostly because I don’t feel challenged anymore. I’ve got my routine and I’m just going through the motions. Plus, I’m tired of waiting in lines for everything. (That’s my American entitlement talking) Arequipa is a great city, but at the same time, I’m not surprised that my school has had 40+ teachers come and go within the time I’ve been here. Here’s to new changes in 2013.
Happy 2013
Went to the casino last night and before I could even sit down, I was given these. Well thanks Peru!
New Year’s in Peru was super fun. Again, there were fireworks (and even as I write this I can hear fireworks) which is a custom I think the States should adopt. I bounced all over Arequipa last night. Casino, bar, club, house party, club, somebody’s roof, bar, backyard party, etc. It was wild to say the least. I’m glad I wore a tie because everyplace I went to had a different attire and I’ve always agreed that it’s better to be overdressed. After learning that it’s custom to eat 12 grapes before midnight for the New Year, I eagerly shared the States custom of kissing someone at midnight. We all had the similar facial expression of “Are you kidding me?"
Goals for the new year: Read 30 books. Move to China. Accumulate $10,000 in savings. Buy my World Cup 2014 tickets. Don’t get anybody pregnant. Let’s do this 2013.
Juice
This is what my juice came in today at the Menu. Peruvians are an innovative people. Wether it’s serving juice in a measuring cup, or taping a car battery to a bicycle in order to use an electric megaphone, they’ll figure out a way.
Currently in the process of figuring out plans for New Year’s. The big question is, do I leave for Camaná today and not worry about getting a hotel, or wait until monday, risk the chance, and end up sleeping on the beach. We’ll see how it plays out.
White Elephant
White Elephant: Exito! Somehow I ended up with 2 pencil holder type things, but it was certainly better than the pink stuffed bunny that was being passed around. Until finally, a guy bit the bullet, accepted the bunny and said, “I’m either going to burn it, or give it to my girlfriend, I haven’t decided yet.” Life is all about those tough choices.
3rd times a charm...
Bought my bus tickets for Chile today and because I’m not a fan of Chile, I’m shooting for a round trip visit on Sunday. 12 hours in a bus, 2 hours in a taxi, and a little extra, because after all, it’s South America. This will be my 3rd and final border run and I couldn’t be happier.
Sticklers...
Money. Peruvians have a trust issue with money. Every time I pay, regardless of the bill size, they inspect it as if it were a rare diamond, searching for any and all imperfections. Oh, but don’t worry, the minuscule tear has been taped up. “WE CAN’T ACCEPT IT”. I recently tried to pay a taxi driver with a S/. 5 coin and turns out, it was fake. A fake S/. 5 coin, who would go to all that trouble? At this point, I am used to this lack of trust and while the cashier is examining my bill I like to say, “It’s fake, pretty good job eh?” To which they give me a, “That’s not funny” look and hastily give me my change.
Expect the unexpected...
Got my first trick or treater today as I was coming back from the gym. Some cute little kid in a spider man outfit was ringing my doorbell. Luckily I had some candy in my bag and loaded him up with watermelon suckers and chocolate covered peanuts. Proud to have done my duty as an American today.
Happy Halloween / Día de la Canción Criolla if you’re Peruvian!