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.
You my boy blue! These are the old guys I eat lunch with. They flirt with the waitress, then ask to watch soccer while we eat and then wink at me as if saying, “That’s how it’s done sonny boy”, as the waitress finds us a match.
Although I couldn’t get my hands on any fireworks, 4th of July in Peru was awesome. The grill was a little ghetto and trying to cook with charcoal and no lighter fluid was a challenge but we grilled nonetheless.
Peru’s Independence day is July 28th, so my roommate suggested we leave up the decorations, throw away the blue streamers, and we’ll be good to go. Clever Miguel, clever indeed.
“Uh teacher, why do we get the 4th of July off?”
“Are you kidding me?”
Living it up in style today as I enjoy our Independence Day down here in South America. Getting a bbq was a hassle, but with enough persuasion, anything is possible. Haven’t cooked with good ‘ol fashioned charcoal in awhile, but I’m always up for an adventure
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
My roommate’s Peruvian boyfriend has been staying with us and I’m pretty sure he’s taking 3 showers a day because come 2:30pm, there is absolutely no hot water. Possible lesson to be learned: Showering is not a leisure activity when the only source of hot water comes from solar panels.
On a different note, I’ve been dropping hints to our director about how awesome it would be to have the 4th of July off from teaching. Guess who doesn’t work tomorrow? Now if only I can find an Osama Bin Laden piñata…
When you’re hungover in a foreign country looking at the endless list of sandwich options, the go-to should always be the “Americano”. Playing on the, “All Americans are fat” stereotype, the sandwich usually includes 3 different types of meat, egg, and cheese. In that case, I’ll have one here and pack one up to go señorita.
What’s up 6 months!? In case you’ve never traveled before, 180 days is a 6 month visa. Told the guy at the border that I hate having to go to Chile every 3 months and the lady next to me gave me a glare and said, “What’s wrong with Chile?” To which I responded, “Chileans don’t mind their own business”. Roasted.
This was what the scenery looked like on the oh-so-comfortable 6 hour bus ride from Arequipa to Tacna. As nice as it was getting out of Peru, I’m glad I won’t have to make the trek for awhile.
Happy Canada Day and let’s go Italy!
Just some random pictures from around Arequipa. It’s a bit of a trip seeing shanty houses with trash everywhere and in the same block there’ll be a giant colonial style house.
Leaving for Chile at 6am tomorrow so although I won’t post anything over the weekend, I’ll be busy racking up the pictures for when I return. I’m praying to the border gods tonight that I get a 6 month visa. And on that note I’m off to bed, anxiously anticipating my 6 hour bus ride in the morning.
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!
Went to Mall Aventura yesterday and it was bigger than any mall I’ve ever been to in the states. It also had a better food court. El Turko is probably the closest thing I’ll get to a gyro down here in South America.
Shaved my head and made a comment that it was getting cold due to no hair. Next day one of my students gave me a “Chullo”, which is like a Peruvian hand-made beanie. Although some of them can be a pain in the ass, I love my students. Chile in 2 days and it couldn’t come soon enough.
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
Go-Karting in Peru
Go karting weeew! Last picture is the bar where my buddy and I had a couple beers to celebrate our victory of beating the two 11 year old kids on the track. Hey, a win’s a win.
There was also a giant soccer tournament going on outside and we noticed that everyone was eating pollo asado con arroz. After sitting amongst the crowd for awhile, we then asked the guy next to us how much a plate cost and he told us that it was a private event and food was invitation only. Turns out a league of taxi drivers was having a private tournament and we were told that “Ya, you guys are sort of crashing our event”. Duly noted señor. And with that, we finished our beers, stood up and left without making any sudden movements.
Life In Arequipa, Peru
There are little hundreds of these ‘we sell everything you need from the convenience of a corner’ stores around Arequipa. You can buy gum, water, candy, nuts, you name it. After I took the picture the 2 guys looked at me weird, but at this point I’m quite used to it.
Lookout! Another picture of Misti, the prominent volcano that I can see from literally every street I walk down. Taught my students the slang word “Shucks” and realized that I only use it sarcastically. To be frank, I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say “Shucks” sincerely.
Shout-out today goes to Ratemystudyabroad.com! Quite an honor to be the weeks featured blogger on such a helpful website. Having studied abroad myself without any outside information, I would highly recommend this website unless you’re a, “Ah I prefer to wing it” type of person. Thanks again and good luck to: http://www.ratemystudyabroad.com/ !
Ambulance In Peru
Hadn’t seen an ambulance for awhile so it’s good to know they exist. Sun caught the lens, don’t worry about it.
After teaching in El Salvador last summer, I thought to myself, how am I ever going to learn all this Salvadorian slang? Almost a year later, I find myself asking the same question only this time it’s Peruvian slang. My students are constantly teaching me slang, or more often than not, I am looking at them with a blank stare asking, “Come again?” It’s a challenge, but I love it. Slang is essential to any language, so if anyone out there has any Spanish slang for me, send it my way and I’ll be the guy using it out of context until I get it right.
More graffiti from Arequipa, Peru.
Had a student get in my face for telling him verbatim, and I’m not censoring myself here, to “look up the word in your dictionary”. He then told me it was my responsibility, and proceeded to walk out of class. I guess not everyone is a morning person.
Headed to Chile next Thursday for the ever so exciting Visa run. This time I’m bringing along a crew so it should make for some interesting adventures. I’ll also be bringing a box of chocolates to bribe the lady at the border into giving me a 6 month Visa. Hopefully she’ll take the bait.
Ass: Bringing you quality plastic forks and knives since the board meeting where “Ass” was voted the best possible brand name. I wonder if the Spanish executives spoke any English. I’m guessing no, or perhaps they thought the traveling tourists would get a kick out of it.
On an unrelated note, I bought Peruvian animal crackers this afternoon and they were delicious.
I was walking behind this guy for awhile today and no matter how I tried to justify it, I couldn’t find a logical reason for his shirt. “Farmer’s Daughter” is clearly over my head.
As I sit in my living room eating Lomo Saltado and yelling at Germany to “Take it to the hole!” I realize this is exactly where I want to be. Perú is a fantastic country and I’ve met some of the coolest people here. Except for those ‘oh so pleasant’ employees who work at the border and refuse to give me anything longer than a 3 month Visa. Thanks for making my life easier.
I read a really well written article in the NYT yesterday and I couldn’t help but think, “That dude has a pretty sweet job”.
Shout-out today goes to my man Kelly. He arrived like any other ESL teacher, anxious and not quite exactly sure where he had landed. Hailing from Colgate University, he was also proud to be a Phi Delt. So you can imagine my surprise (see foto) when I found out. What a small world it is. (Cliche phrase for the day: Check) I apologize for his shirt, although his game plan for the night was, “Creole speaking Haitian”. I think you nailed it buddy.
Estofado de Pollo
‘Estofado de Pollo’. Turned out surprisingly well for an iPod quality photo. I’ve grown quite accustomed to many (#all) my meals being accompanied with rice and some form of potatoes. But hey, when in Perú…
Come at me bro! There were about 15 or so police with riot shields casually chatting against a wall, some eating ice cream which was a bit of a juxtaposition. (Did I use that word correctly?) Glad I didn’t have to find out what they were ‘preparing’ for if one can call eating ice cream a 'preparation’ activity.
After reading about Syria EVERY DAY for the past week or so, I can’t help but wonder when it will stop. The news is quite depressing these days. On a completely unrelated note, TGIF.