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.
Ceviche from El Captian
The Cardiologists I tutor took me out for ceviche today. I can’t even begin to explain how delicious this stuff is.
Courtesy of ‘El Capitan’
Fancy Lunch
My buddy is visiting from Camaná, so we and some other buddies decided to go out for some real food today. Went to “La Terraza” which overlooks ‘La Plaza De Armas’ here in Arequipa. Legit.
1st pic is chicken something, I forgot the name
2nd pic is ceviche, which is always delicious with 'chelas’ (beers)
Takeout Chifa
For my Aunt Winnie who has a difficult time figuring out what the food pictures are:
‘Pollo verdura’ - Chicken, fried rice, broccoli, lettuce, peas, and red peppers. Yum.
Yesterday was some sort of religious holiday and the street vendors come flocking ‘en mancha’. They sell pictures of different saints, rosaries, bracelets, incense, you name it, all adorned with a cross or a picture of baby Jesus. I steered away from that aspect and found me some churros before class.
Street food in Arequipa
This is a food cart I get ‘Salchipapas’ at after I finish teaching. Salchipapas is rather self-explanatory 'Sausage (hot dog) + french fries’ covered in Ají, mayonnaise and ketchup, but I prefer just Ají. Peruvian street food is undoubtably some of the best I’ve ever had.
Birthday Lunch in Peru
Birthday lunch was Pollo Broaster with salad, fries, and rice (of course)
It’s an odd thing celebrating your birthday in a foreign country, but it’s been a great day so far. My students bought me a cake this morning and then proceeded to shove my face in it. But boy oh boy was it scrumptious. Buddy at the gym bought me a pair of sunglasses and the lady who cuts my hair got me chocolates.
Fun facts for November 7th: It’s also Marie Curie’s birthday and Magic Johnson announced that he had tested positive for the AIDS virus and was retiring.
