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.
Seeing as it’s Sunday and I’m feeling lazy, today’s picture comes from Perufail.com. It’s a bit of an inside joke so here goes. Police in Arequipa are really corrupt and with a ‘Coyma’ (bribe) you can get away with anything you want.
Problemas..
Me:Man, I've got too many clothes. How am I going to get rid of some?
Kelly:Aahh, first world problems...
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.
Ah Sundays. It’s a rather mellow day here in Peru and here are 2 pictures of vacant streets to prove it.
I’m always down for a good protest, but these teachers are really screwing up public transportation. Which means I’ll be dropping off my laundry tomorrow.
Monday is a holiday here, celebrating a naval battle that Peru lost to Chile. I asked my students why Peru would have a holiday in honor of a loss, to which they responded, “Peru doesn’t win a lot of anything, but we have a street named after the captain ‘Miguel Grau’, so for us, it’s a holiday”. Fair enough I suppose.
‘Ramshackle cart’ is the best I can come up with to describe these contraptions that ride through the streets of Arequipa. Some are buying, some are selling, but they both have a loudspeaker attached (somehow) and will yell what they want/have in a gravelly voice as they slowly pass through the cobblestone streets. Between them and the rooster next door, sleeping can be a challenge.
Pepsi: Not only a refreshing beverage, but also useful in preventing thieves from hopping your wall.
Teacher’s protest in Arequipa, Peru. Asked a cop what is was about, to which he replied, “What it’s always about…money”. Streets are completely closed down and there are roughly 600 people marching through the streets. Ahh Peru.
Me gusta la guitarra...
No this is not a Manu Chao song. Bought a guitar about a week ago with absolutely no idea how to play it. Now I’m that guy playing the same 3 chords over and over again silently telling myself, “Next time, I’ll get it next time”. My roommates are thrilled.
Peruvian 'Efficiency'
After 3 unsuccessful attempts at the Peruvian post office to pick up a package, I finally figured it out. Only 25 people a day (15 morning, 10 afternoon) are allowed to pick up international packages and securing a spot is…challenging . Arriving an hour a half before the allotted time should be plenty, I naively think. Fail. So this morning I figured two and half hours should do it. My buddy and I show up at 6am to sit outside ‘Serpost’ thinking there has got to be an easier way. But apparently this is normal behaviour because every 20 minutes, someone would show up, ask what number they were, then proudly declare their number to make sure there were no discrepancies once we got inside. The question that followed was always the same, “¿Quién es primero?” Serpost opens, and as 'numero uno’ is called, I pridefully walk into the back to greet the customs officer and pick up my package. I had beaten them at their own game.
Peruvian snack carts: Meeting your daily carb intake all for 5 Soles.
Today is the 1st overcast day in months and all I have been hearing are complaints from the locals. After having spent 4 years in Washington, a cloudy day is a nice change of pace from constant sun.
Fun fact of the day: I have 11.2% body fat.
Small differences
Talked with my students about the difference between a S/. 220 Adidas jacket at the Adidas store and the same jacket for S/. 20 at the black market. To which I was told, “The black market sells AdiBas and Mike instead of Nike”. Close, but no cigar.
Yep. That’s a slug-bug with a spoiler. A Marlboro spoiler nonetheless. It’s the small things that get me through the day.
Tisk tisk...
Apartment hunting in Peru is not what I had expected. Every place I look at seems to have a stipulation. “Yeah it’s got a shower, but no toilet.” “It’s got a bed frame, but you’re responsible for the mattress”. What’s the deal Peru? Skimping out on basic apartment necessities isn’t cool.
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.
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.