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.

Degen Hill 10/13/12 Degen Hill 10/13/12

World Cup..

Qualifiers all afternoon. Glad to be in a country where soccer is the national sport. Although missing NCAA football is starting to take its toll. Biggest game today is Peru vs. Bolivia, of which I have bet on the latter. Half the fun is the debates I have with my students about how terrible Peru is at soccer. I guess we will see in a couple hours.

Degen Hill 9/18/12 Degen Hill 9/18/12

Police with riot shield was one of about 20 who escort the refs off the field. Peruvians can be a little rowdy. Now I understand why they the stadium doesn’t sell beer.

Degen Hill 9/17/12 Degen Hill 9/17/12

Melgar vs. Sport Boys. Arequipa, Peru.

Degen Hill 9/17/12 Degen Hill 9/17/12

Sport Boys

Went to Sport Boys (lima) Vs. Melgar (arequipa) soccer game which ended 5-1 Melgar. Being literally the only person wearing the pink Sport Boys jersey, I got yelled / laughed at for the majority of the game. But you better believe I celebrated our only goal in style, although the crowd wasn’t as enthusiastic about it as I was. Nothing like a local Peruvian soccer game to remind you that swearing sounds much cooler in Spanish.

Degen Hill 9/12/12 Degen Hill 9/12/12

Argentina,

You lost me a great deal of money. Thanks for that.

Degen Hill 6/18/12 Degen Hill 6/18/12

Degen Hill 6/11/12 Degen Hill 6/11/12

Uruguay

For the win. What a game. I bought an Uruguay jersey yesterday and my room mate told me that if I wear it in the streets of Peru, especially after the loss, I would get the shit kicked out of me. Perhaps I should change real quick…

Degen Hill 6/10/12 Degen Hill 6/10/12

Cada loco con su tema

An advantage of South American countries is all the soccer games on tv. Today is day 2 of the Eurocup and I’m hoping Ronaldo breaks his leg so Germany can pull through with a win. My cocky students, of course, want another shot at the champ and eagerly chose Spain because ‘well they won it last year so…’ I’ll take that bet.

One of my students yesterday was talking about hookers (yes, as in prostitutes) and another student asked him what a hooker was. He told him that it was something you used when you fish. To which student #2 responded “Oh, hookers! Ya, I use them all the time, but sometimes they break and I have to get new ones”. <– I hate when that happens.

Degen Hill 5/20/12 Degen Hill 5/20/12

Degen Hill 4/1/12 Degen Hill 4/1/12

Soccer / Fútbol

Me:I'm excited for some soccer this afternoon
Student:It's called 'Fútbol'
Me:Not in America kid
America renaming Europe's most popular sport. TFM.