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.
Bus
12 hours on a bus and 2 in a taxi makes for quite an uneventful Sunday. Although getting a new 4 month Visa was worth it. Had a fight with the lady at the border because without thinking, I told her I worked in Peru, thus leading to the inevitable discussion of, “Well then why do you have a travel visa?” Going through the Peru/Chile border is like spending time at an American DMV. Hell on earth.
Nice to see a Christmas tree on the Peruvian side at least.
3rd times a charm...
Bought my bus tickets for Chile today and because I’m not a fan of Chile, I’m shooting for a round trip visit on Sunday. 12 hours in a bus, 2 hours in a taxi, and a little extra, because after all, it’s South America. This will be my 3rd and final border run and I couldn’t be happier.
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.
Chile is alright. I personally don’t think that any country needs to have such high denominations of currency (10,000 peso bills), pero cada loco con su tema. Arica has a real nice casino, although they didn’t seem to understand the concept of free drinks when you gamble. Vegas > Arica
Talked to an old Chilean cab driver and told him that we wanted to go to a bar where we could meet girls. Next thing you know he drops us off at a place and as soon as we walk inside girls are touching us, asking our names, the whole nine yards. I look at my buddy and simultaneously we acknowledge the fact that this is too easy. We are in a hooker bar. We quickly finish our beers, slide away from the ladies and leave. I suppose that ‘meet girls’ either got lost in translation, or that’s how old Chilean taxistas roll.
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.
The Beach in Arica, Chile
This is ‘La Playa El Laucho’ in Arica, Chile and it was stunning. In case any of you are wondering, of course I got sun burned. Chile was super fun, although I don’t recommend going during Semana Santa because many stores and restaurants were closed. Just like like the subject of Chile in Peru, Chileans are quick to rag on Peruvians and seem to have an endless supply of examples supporting their belief of “Chile > Peru”.
Made a visa-run down to Arica, Chile and had an amazing time. There was warm weather, cold beer, an excellent hostel (case de huespedes) but it was the 3 girls from Denmark (the Denmarkians) that made the trip one that I will never forget. They were, as they say in Danish, “kræftedeme lækker!” There’s one in particular and if you’re reading this, remember, “Du er smuk y te extraño.” This weekend really solidified for me that traveling really is all about meeting new people and learning that this world is a lot bigger than we can imagine. Plus why not get out and travel? You might just meet some cute Danish girls along the way…
The “Free Education” graffiti piece along with an anarchy symbol caught my eye. Not sure how the Chilean education system works but I’m sure that free education trumps any type you pay for
Chile vs. Peru
There are quite a few differences between Chile and Peru that threw me off upon arriving. The most challenging of which was the speed of their spanish along with slang that I had never heard before. Second difference was the money and trying to figure out the exchange rate so I didn’t freakout when my beer cost 500 Pesos. Third was the taxi system, unlike Peru which is a giant free for all, Chilean taxis have specific zones and it takes a while to understand what area is designated for each numbered taxi. All in all, it was a terrific trip and I look forward to another one in 3 months.
Oh and the pictures of ‘Peru’ and 'Chile’ are from both borders as I crossed into each country. The 'Peru’ is a common design found on t-shirts and stuff in tourist shops.
This is the 6-7 hour bus ride I will embark on come Thursday. What’s up Chile?!
Talked about revenge with my class today (18-22 year olds) and what we considered ‘permitted acts of violence’. One student replied verbatim, “I don’t like dirty hands, so I would call a mercenary”. “Clever”, I replied, “and how many of you know a mercenary?” Over HALF the class raised their hands. I had to know more. “Oh ya teacher, it’s very easy to find a them in Peru and if you want more pain, it’s just a little more money. For like S/. 50 he will break the arm of someone”. To which I responded, “Well in that case, you are all going to pass this class”. Just a normal conversation in a Peruvian english class.
Peruvian Post Office...
Is on an ‘indefinite strike’ due to too low of salaries. Just went to ship something and stood in line for an hour; at least they’re striking for legitimate reasons.
Bought my bus ticket to Tacna today and will be crossing the border into Chile on Thursday; gotta renew that Visa!