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.
Sticklers...
Money. Peruvians have a trust issue with money. Every time I pay, regardless of the bill size, they inspect it as if it were a rare diamond, searching for any and all imperfections. Oh, but don’t worry, the minuscule tear has been taped up. “WE CAN’T ACCEPT IT”. I recently tried to pay a taxi driver with a S/. 5 coin and turns out, it was fake. A fake S/. 5 coin, who would go to all that trouble? At this point, I am used to this lack of trust and while the cashier is examining my bill I like to say, “It’s fake, pretty good job eh?” To which they give me a, “That’s not funny” look and hastily give me my change.
Ahhh, so that's how it works...
So there I was, ignorantly accepting my change from a supermarket without ever questioning if I had received the right change. And then it hit me, Peru doesn’t have any freaking pennies. There doesn’t exist a 1 cent coin. So naturally I wondered where that money was going. I finally asked a cashier today what the deal was. To which she explained that if the price is 4 cents or lower, they round down and 5 or more rounds up. Very clever Peru.
On a side note I had ceviche today and combined with my day off, today has been the best day all week.