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.
Christmas Crafts
Apparently mi madre thinks I am an 8 year old because she sent me a ‘Build it yourself foam Christmas house’. Turns out she was quite right. My students thought it to be quite amusing when I couldn’t figure out what part went where and started yelling, “What kind of build it yourself model doesn’t come with any freaking instructions?!” I’m glad I can provide at least some entertainment.
Gym Decorations
The 70 year old owner at the gym almost died trying to get these decorations up around the place. He was carefully balancing on a ladder while cursing loudly in Spanish because the tape wouldn’t hold, all of which was much to my amusement. For some reason, I can’t help but think that these decorations seem highly inappropriate located next to half naked men.
Arroz Con Pollo
I know what you’re thinking and no, that’s not turkey. Unfortunately, finding a turkey has proved to be a non-successful endeavor. Although ‘Arroz con Pollo’ was delicious. Already celebrated a Thanksgiving breakfast at 7am with my first class and am looking forward to my next 2 'potluck fiestas’ this evening. Bought wine for my neighbors, so hopefully they can forgive me for 'playing’ my guitar at all hours of the night. Whipped out my tie for the first time since being here and sure enough, it’s causing more stares than usual. Nothing like Thanksgiving in a 65 degree, Spanish speaking country.
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.
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.
More from the Corso. First is a giant snack cart that has popcorn, chips, and other assorted things that I can’t pronounce. The picture with people huddled around a small grill is quite common. I probably saw 30 of these within 2 blocks. These grills have mini shish kabobs with either chicken or beef, topped with a tiny grilled potato. They cost S/. 1, or about 40 cents.
Came across a portable flat top grill with some weird looking meat mixture, so of course I asked what it was. Turns out it was grilled chicken gizzard and local corn grilled together with spices and served on a plastic plate. For S/. 3, it was scrumptious.