Peruvian Beer

2nd Superbowl in Peru. Still no little smokies, kegs or pizza pockets to be found, but with all 4 types of Cusqueña and chips w/ guac, I’m all set. 

I’m going with the Niners on this one. Despite the fact that I don’t care, and I don’t like Kaepernick (Nevada vs. Boise 2010), it’s still a West coast team and I respect that. 

Dinner

Ceviche y Cerveza

The spicy tang of the ceviche is instantly complemented by the bubbly Italian beer. Life is good.  

Cristal

It’s an odd thing, coming from a country with choices to a country with substantially ‘less’ choices. American grocery stores have, for the most part, upwards of 20-30 different types of beer to choose from. Arequipa, not so much. First, don’t even think about a 'walk-in cooler’. Where do you think you are? Second, there are about 7 Peruvian beers and an 'import’ section, which consists of Corona, Heineken, and MGD. At this point, I no longer get excited when buying beer, thinking, “Oh, I wonder if Blue Moon has their Winter Abbey out yet”. My thought process nowadays is, “What’s the cheapest beer in the fridge?”.  But I’ll be damned if there aren’t 50 different types of Pisco available. Priorities Peru, priorities. 

And because I’m classy, the 'I heart boobies’ bracelet was a present for my friend Daniela’s birthday. She was ecstatic. 

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. 

Not only have I not seen a Jeep here in Peru, American beer is nowhere to be found. And on this sunny afternoon, I see a Miller Genuine Draft Jeep parked across the street from my house. This country never ceases to amaze me. 

Local fire station here in Arequipa. I’m feeling safer already.

Arequipeña is the local beer here (see what they did with the name…tricky). 

Feliz Día de la Madre desde Peru! I wish all those moms out there a relaxing and stress-free day as those close to you acknowledge all of your hard work. 

After teaching an English class for 8 hours yesterday, I came to the realization that this is quite ineffective regardless of the fact that it might be the only class that works with some students schedule. Who are they kidding? 8 hours? I think San Pablo University should reevaluate the purpose of their English classes rather than cramming students into an absurdly long Saturday class because it’s convenient. 

-Insert clever title here-

5 things I miss from the States:

1. Water Fountains

2. Availability of Mexican food

3. Walk-in coolers with more than 5 different types of beer

4. Driving

5. American sandwiches / Grocery store deli’s

(DRINKABLE WATER IN GENERAL)

5 things I love about Peru:

1. Lomo Saltado con Chaufa

2. 3 bananas cost .37 cents

3. Soccer (on tv, jerseys everywhere, conversation topics, etc.)

4. Peruvian slang

5. The fact that haggling is expected