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.
Watering trees has never been so easy.
Talked about clothes in class today. Girls declared mini-skirts as ‘not stylish’ whereas, not surprisingly, the boys stated that mini-skirts were 'awesome’.
Oh weird, another protest of some kind here in Peru with people chanting something unintelligible, although I’m sure it’s for a good cause.
Soccer game last night threw me a curveball. Peru vs. Argentina ending in a tie did not leave me feeling very financially secure after paying off my bets. Although I had a tempting desire to burn my Argentina jersey, I kept it in order to remind myself to never underestimate the underdog.
Big weekend coming up of which is included: pay day, Boise State game, student’s quinceañera, and a Melgar (local) soccer team, for which I was comped tickets because a student plays for them. Teaching, at times, has its advantages.
7 Months...
And here is what I miss from the States:
1. Ice cubes
2. Beer on tap
3. Gas grills / accessibility to meat
4. A gallon of milk (not in a bag)
5. Efficient public transportation
6. DRINKABLE WATER
The Alternative...
Me:What does Barack Obama represent?
Student 1:Power
Student 2:Strength
Student 3:Inquisición Social
Me:hahaha
Las Monjas
The nuns next door think I steal their newspaper, so at least once a week, they will deadbolt the outside door, thus preventing me from entering or leaving. We’ve chatted (multiple times) to which I explained that number 1: I am not stealing their paper and 2: It’s a community door, you can’t lock it. Now I’m not religious, but I do respect old ladies, so figuring out my revenge is a bit tricky. Who would have thought I would be locked in a neighbourly fight with the nuns next door?
The last night that I was in Cabanaconde there was a parade/festival in honor of the anniversary of the local university. They had all this brush strapped to the donkey and paraded around the main square, playing instruments and dancing. Then after a couple of laps the brush was laid in front of the school and set on fire. Not a bad way to end a day hiking Colca Canyon.
Cabanaconde: Not a lot to see. It’s really only there to serve the tourists that come to hike Colca. Although small, it was such a cool city; well all 4 blocks of it. Being there takes you back to a simpler time of life. Street food cooked over open coals, native indigenous clothing, and mules, donkeys, and horses as the normal means of transportation. Only challenge of the city was watching where I stepped.
The last picture isn’t Cabanaconde, just some little pueblo on the way. Aren’t you glad there is a structure to these pictures?
These were taken on the way to Colca. Literally in the middle of nowhere there were these indigenous ladies selling Alpaca blankets and scarves. My initial reaction is, “wow, surprising”, but then I remember that since I’m in Peru, it’s normal by now.
Bus ride was about 6 hours and it was a very ‘locals only’ bus. Or better put, I was the only foreigner. I love it though, it’s great seeing all the locals from different areas around Peru and how alive the indigenous culture really is.
Didn’t eat before my hike down Colca so as soon as I returned, I ordered the family sized pizza and 2 beers. The guy asked me if I was meeting someone. No, I’m just American. After an arduous day in the canyon, beer and pizza were more than fulfilling.
And what’s a meal without dessert? The circle things are called ‘Picaron’ which is fried dough drizzled with a sugary syrup. I bought these on the street where a lady had a pot of boiling oil situated in a wooden cart while her 4 year old son sprinkled on the syrup on the fried picaron. Teamwork has never tasted so delicious.
The Oasis. I was there for about half an hour, then thought, I should probably get going. Going up was one of the most physically gruelling hikes I have ever done. It took my 1.5 hours to descend and 3.5 to get back up. I was exhausted, slowly putting one foot in front of the other with my head down to not look at the daunting mountain in front of me. Twice while walking I almost fell off the cliff as a train of pack mules charged down the trail without a care in the world. First time in 7 months that I got a sunburn and certainly don’t miss the feeling.
That little green patch is the Oasis, my final destination. Seeing that little patch of green was my only inspiration to keep sliding / walking down what was a poor excuse for a trail.
Colca Canyon was Fenomenal with a captial F. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. So I talked with the guy at my hotel and he explains that I don’t need a guide, just choose a route and go for it. I pick ‘Oasis" thinking, oh it shouldn’t be too bad. I ask him if it is steep and he says, “Not a bit”. Settled. I set off in a clean soccer jersey and soccer shoes thinking it’ll be a quaint day on a well paved trail. Nope.
I find myself sliding all over the place in a dirt, shale, and loose-rock mixture at a decline that reminds my calves that I need to start running more with every step. After half an hour, the loose rock has turned to giant rocks embedded in the dirt slope, with which I am now playing “Guess which rock I won’t slide off”. (1st Picture) Mind you, every 10 feet there is a switchback, which made me nauseous when looking down. An hour and a half later I arrive at the Oasis which is located next to the river at the bottom of the canyon. Most people stay the night there but I’m determined to make it back up. I order an orange juice, change my socks, wring out my jersey and start the ascent back to civilization.
Shoutout today goes to Miss Abby Reid! A good friend who made 4 years in Cheney go by just a little bit quicker. I hope the little kids aren’t giving you too hard of a time. Peru is great and when I return to the states, I’ll make a point of visiting you, wherever you might be. Much love Abby.
Watch yourself...
Walking home alone on Saturday night, a block away from his house, my buddy got jumped by 4 guys who beat the shit out of him, shoved him in a car, and rolled him down a hill on the outskirts of town. Luckily he hitchhiked to a hospital and although his face is not too pretty, he’ll be alright. And people wonder why I carry around brass knuckles…
Not that it needs to be said, but spelling isn’t a strong suit here in Peru. For example, in Spanish, the ‘B’ and 'V’ are pronounced the same. So on a daily basis, I will see signs for “Cebiche” and “Ceviche”. Which is of course raw seafood with limes and other things. Some free advice, don’t eat Ceviche from a street vendor, spend that 10 extra soles and get yourself to a restaurant with minimum hygienic standards.
Spelling in Peru: Weak. But boy oh boy, I sure do love me a good sandwish.
Take it how you want...
Me:What does "hit on somebody" mean?
Student:Like beat them up?
Me:Good logic Pedro, but no