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.
Ahhh, poor Travis
Me:Travis stop asking me all these questions and just read my blog
Travis:Well I was reading your stupid blog for a few weeks and I never received a shout out so I was truly hurt. Needless to say I’m boycotting that shit
Well here you go buddy - The official SHOUTOUT to TRAVIS "BOO HOO" KUSHNER! Please don't destroy Boise as I would like to return to my city someday.
And remember, if you ever make plans to come visit, I'll be sure to cancel at the last minute and invite someone else. Later BRO
Plagiarism? Huh?
One of my students tried to hand in a late essay and begged me to read it. After scanning through it, I realized I needed a psychology degree to translate it.
“You sure you wrote this Rodrigo?"
"Oh absolutely teacher”
2 minutes of looking through the internet I found the exact text on the first hit with google (really dude?) of which I showed my ‘diligent’ student.
“Kinda looks like you copied and pasted buddy”
“Ya so what’s the problem?”
I have learned that plagiarism doesn’t exist in Peru and if I want a decent piece of writing, it’s gotta be in class. When I explain that it’s illegal in the States the unanimous response is, “Who cares? We’re in Peru”.
Regardless of the fact that she had no idea where Boise was or what sport the hat represented, she wore it proudly, like any Boise State fan would.
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.
Saw this on some street I was walking on today. Cool story huh?
BOOOM what’s up Real Madrid! Way to come through with a win today. Nothing like winning bets with a bunch of die hard Barcelona fans. Maybe next time you’ll bet logically instead of hopping on that Barca bandwagon. But let’s hope you don’t because I could always use some extra soles.
I'll see your logic, and I'll raise you common sense
The baby just ate, it can't / must be full.
Me:Is it 'must' or 'can't'?
Student:It's 'can't'
Me:Why is that Pedro?
Student:Because babies drink milk, so he is not thirsty but probably hungry
Me:Pedro do you realize what babies eat?
Logic:A+
Common sense:FAIL
Topper de Estudiantes de La Plata (no idea), Real Madrid, and Ecuador jerseys for a whopping total of S/. 45 ($17) Not a bad day at the market.
I’ll be teaching during the Real vs. Barca game on Saturday but thinking of streaming it online and having my students translate the commentary. Smart. One of my students does MMA and since I box, we’re going to spar Saturday night. I’ll keep you posted on the results.
Just a bit of construction that I pass by on my way to the gym. Can’t say that I’ve seen much progress in the past 2 months but I’m sure they’ll get there eventually. This week has flown by and I’m sure it’s because I got paid on Tuesday and finally financially recovered from my Chile trip. The exchange rate killed me: Meaning I couldn’t get a grasp on how much an 800 peso beer really was.
Although my gym is called “Gimnasio de Oro”, it’s not quite the same as a Gold’s Gym in the states. It’s small, dirty, the weights are rusty, and the owner is quirky; but I love it. Did I use the semicolon correctly?
Getting ready for my Portuguese class by writing down what I ‘think’ the lyrics are to a Portuguese song. I’m looking at what I’ve written wondering if these words even exist in any language. Ya, upon second glance, I’m pretty sure I’ve just written the equivalent of kindergarten scribble. My teacher loves me. Até logo!
The first picture was taken at the Plaza de Armas in Arequipa. Reminded me a lot of Spain. Spanish speaking countries sure do love their Plazas.
Just finished making about 2 pounds of guacamole for our class party tonight. 15 avocados just about does the trick. One of my students ‘fractured’ (or something) his leg this past weekend and had a wicked big cast on today. I asked him if I could sign it and everyone looked at me as if I had just requested to rub his foot. Cultural customs are few and far between. I explained that signing casts was something Americans do and after I wrote “Que payaso” the rest of the class took the opportunity to add insult to injury. Also taught him the old 'wire hanger down the cast’ trick in case he had a little itch. And who says I’m not a contributing member to society?
Plaza Yanahuara, Arequipa, Peru.
The tables are filled with literally hundreds of bracelets, earrings, and souvenir items. Part of me just likes to argue with the old ladies who, upon first glance, think I’m a tourist and hike up the price. Let the games begin vieja.
Class outside? YEP! Went to a Red Hot Chili Peppers cover band concert last night where you could buy pitchers of rum and coke for S/. 10. It was dangerously delicious.
The Beach in Arica, Chile
This is ‘La Playa El Laucho’ in Arica, Chile and it was stunning. In case any of you are wondering, of course I got sun burned. Chile was super fun, although I don’t recommend going during Semana Santa because many stores and restaurants were closed. Just like like the subject of Chile in Peru, Chileans are quick to rag on Peruvians and seem to have an endless supply of examples supporting their belief of “Chile > Peru”.
The hotel is French in case you were wondering.
Met again with my ‘future flight attendant’ student and continued to work on the pronunciation of, “As we come through the cabin to preform our final safety checks, please make sure your seatbelt is fastened, your seat is back and tray tables are in their full upright and lock position.” Piece of cake.
As weird as it might be, the phrase “breaking my balls” is on the TOEFL exam and after 10 minutes of explaining that it was a metaphor, the girls finally felt comfortable using it. Also went on to explain the similarities between butchering a human (murder) and butchering a sentence. Both are messy and afterwards, indistinguishable.
After telling students that we’ll be having a party in class (7-9am) next week, the first question is of course “Can we bring alcohol?” “Sorry BRO, but I somewhat prefer my job to you getting liquored up before noon"
Portuguese classes are going well, despite my accent and complete lack of vocabulary. But for day 2, no complaints. Taught a private lesson today to a girl whose only ambition was to become a flight attendant and that was "the only English I need to learn”. Spent an hour and a half repeating “In case there is a loss in cabin pressure, yellow oxygen masks will deploy from the ceiling compartment located above you."
Life in Peru is everything I could have asked for and more.
Your friend at lunch...
Kayla G: Did you chase her out of the restaurant?
Me: Wouldn’t be the first time*
*Canada 2011
This is my new friend I made at lunch about 10 minutes ago. As usual when I see little kids I will make a face at them or stick out my tongue. To which this little niña smiled and stuck her tongue out right back at me. This, along with intermittent giggling, proceeded to last the duration of lunch until upon my exit, she waved goodbye and shyly turned back around.