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.
For as much as I have travelled, I see a video like this and think, “I’ve gotta get out more”.
For you mono-linguistic Americans, ‘te amo’ means I love you and let’s get real, everyone could use some loving. A nice piece of graffiti to walk by each day. Last night was a blast. Saw our buddies cover band play every hit rock song you could imagine within a 3 hour time slot. Besides the spanish accent, they were as good as.. well, a cover band. Then there were the 3 hours of continuous dancing at a club that could only be compared to “Let’s play every hit radio song but turn up the bass followed by a spanish song that only the locals will know”. I feel like they should have been handing out cups of gatorade saying “come on bro, you got this, just one more song!” Oh and the picture with my buddy and the cop was because mr. officer was trying to regulate the “don’t let people into this bar past 3 rule” but nothing a couple Soles couldn’t solve. I’m meeting with a teacher at a Portuguese language institute next week so I can start taking classes; World Cup 2014 is closer than you think. TEFL test is Thursday and I can’t wait. Oh and if you ever travel internationally, bring dryer sheets.
Well I suppose glass encrusted walls are one way to stop burglars. The arch is part of a series of arches where little old Peruvian ladies sell bracelets and souvenirs to tourists that come to see Yanahuara park. I tried to return something at the store today without a receipt and didn’t get too far. Then proceeded to tell the cashier that I’d toss her S/. 20 if she let me do it. I’ve never seen someone contemplate with such intensity before, but in the end, the ‘receipt policy’ triumphed.
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.
Love in Arequipa, Peru
Love is in the air here in Arequipa Peru; along with torrential downpours. You think I’m joking about the flooding, look at the little old lady trying to jump across sandbags. Cooking chicken and mashed potatoes tonight along with a real classy 2007 bottle of Peruvian champagne. Here’s to you February 14th.
Partied at a bar in a hostel full of Europeans last night and after the bartender started pouring free shots into people’s mouths, well just look at the photo. Saw a ‘cook wanted’ sign at a local chinese restaurant and I’m contemplating looking further into it. ESL teacher by day, fried rice iron chef by night. Oh and hey Peru, if you could develop a more efficient sewer system so the streets don’t flood when it rains, that’d be great. Heard Whitney Houston died last night, and since I currently can’t think of anything clever to say, I’ll leave it at that.
Went to a (fancy?) restaurant for lunch the other day and this is basically chicken salad inside of an avocado. Took this right after Jose called the cook a prick for taking so long. Went on to explain that ‘prick’ probably wasn’t the best word so he settled on wanker.
Live Music in Peru
It’s Saturday, which means no english grammar class. Heard a spiel last night from Sarah, from Louisiana, about how delicious crawfish are and she’s thoroughly convinced that they’re mixed in with the rice at ceviche restaurants. I also learned last night that a quarter worth of salsa class in college doesn’t get you very far in South America.
We're sorry but service in your country...
Downloaded a program that gives me a United States VPN IP address. Oh what’s up Netflix / Hulu / Youtube
America: The future (apparently)
22 year old Peruvian student asked me if ‘x-ray glasses that could see through walls’ existed in America. Sorry to shatter your dreams Rolando, but we’re still a couple years away
Black market is awesome, despite the fact that they think you’re kidding when you ask for a pair of size 12 shoes. But I did have luck buying a new keychain, a ‘manopla’, for $3. “Misti”, the volcano, was taken from my roof, and during the rainy season in which I am currently in, it’s rare to get a clear view.
I’ve never seen more Slugbugs in one city in my life. See above example. Headed to black market (for lack of better words) tomorrow to haggle with the locals over counterfeit goods. 9 year old kid at the gym today asked me to take him to the United States because he prefers “American girls”. When asked why he countered with “They’re prettier than Peruvian girls”. Go get ‘em Casanova.
I walk by this yellow house everyday and it’s one of my favorites so far.
Oh and this is a war hero and the street I work on is named after him: Bolognesi.
And a guy trimming the trees. I heart Peru.
Super Bowl in spanish was interesting to say the least. Lacking of course were American commercials. A bit awkward to snap a pic of some kid on the street, but he was looking fresh in that Peru jacket. Kid in the white was at the gym today showing me how to work the bum treadmill. It’s a piece of rubber around a bunch of metal tubes, real classy gym equipment here in Arequipa. But what Peru lacks in gym quality, they make up for in empanadas, which are outstanding if you haven’t tried them.
Above ingredients for guacamole came in at a whopping $2.50 (don’t stress, the lime is in the fridge). Today is a remarkable day, as we all know, because it is of course, The Super Bowl. Who am I supporting? Listen I’m just here for the chips & dip, beer, and commercials (although they probably won’t be as funny in spanish). I wonder if the spanish commentators will scream GOOOOOOOOL for a touchdown..
Today I had chinese food. It started out rather normal with wonton soup, then came the entrée: A teriyaki beef, french fries and onions mix with a side of fried rice. For S/.6, it was delicious. Going out tonight, details to follow mañana.
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.