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.
Turn Off the TV
Truth.
As I count down my 10 days left until Cuzco, I get more and more excited. I’ll miss Arequipa, but at the same time, it will be nice to return back to the States where I can finally get my hands on all of the things of which I’ve so often said, “I wish Peru had _______”.
We’ve got 2 Don Won Ton originals here today. Juan was kind enough to take requests and after drawing the turtle in under 5 minutes, I asked for a zombie fighting a mummy. They were free, and I guess you really do get what you pay for.
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.
I’m not one to make assumptions, but that looks like Hitler. If so, it begs the question, “Why the hell would someone draw that in Peru?”
I’ve been tutoring this 11 year old kid and at the end of our class we always play chess. This kid smokes me each and every time. He’s setting up traps, baiting me, he’s like the Peruvian Bobby Fischer. Part of me feels embarrassed, but I justify my losses by giving him the title of genius.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more vicious looking smurf in my entire life. Thanks Peru for the interesting perspective.
Calvin & Hobbes is classic. This was a surprising gift from one of my students. I watched her draw it in class which was quite impressive to say the least.
Exam day is tomorrow, which means for 8 hours I will be learning unnecessary words that exist in the English language only to make standardized testing that much more difficult.
Today was pizza day and as always, it was entertaining. Whilst manhandling a piece of pizza, I watched a student stare in horror as a piece of sausage fell off the slice and onto the floor. As if in slow motion, he did 3 back to back glances from the pizza to the wounded soldier that lay isolated on the grubby blue carpet. He then swept his eyes around the room, and after confirming that no one was watching, bent down and picked up the sausage between his forefingers. Without even as much as a second thought, he delicately plopped it back onto his slice, smiled, and took a bite as if nothing had happened. Don’t worry, Gabo, I’m sure no one else saw it.
Graffiti in Arequipa, Peru. This post goes out to my buddy Marc “The Sandman” Sandoval. Remember, you’re a graphic designer, so stop working at a call center and start a movement towards the abolishment of Comic Sans.
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.
First day of class was thoroughly enjoyable. Only had 1 student in my first class, so we talked about traveling and exchanged music; also had a debate about what exactly classifies Alanis Morissette as ‘good music’. I’m pretty sure I won.
I know what you’re thinking, and yes, that sandwich has 4 different types of meats including sausage. Protein shakes after a workout are overrated. I thought the painting on the wall was pretty cool along with the street sweeper whose back is featured in the picture.
Graffiti next to Plaza Vea in Arequipa, Peru. Almost looks as if the stop sign is painted on the wall, maybe it is?
Shoutout to my buddy Marc ‘Sandy’ Sandoval, hope you like what old people consider 'vandalism’. If I see anymore of this 'trash’ done by 'hoodlums’ I’ll snag a pic and get it up on the 'ol 'world wide web’.