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.
En serio?
Student in class had a shirt on that said, “I’m the first one”. Questioned her about being ‘the first to do what’ until she realized the saying didn’t make too much sense. Who is selling these ridiculous shirts?
Learned today that Nigeria should quit basketball and perhaps focus on running instead, or any other sport for that matter. 156-73, really?
Blah blah blah...
Talked about the Olympics in class today (a sore topic for Peru) and tried to figure out the origins of swimming. One student made a good point by saying, “If someone pushes you into the ocean, wouldn’t that be swimming?” To which I said, "Well I suppose if you don’t drown, then yeah, you’ve got a point.“
Went to the grocery store today and bought 5 different types of local powdered roots and grains because they are "Bueno para la salud!” Mixed them together with hot chocolate powder and now have quite an interesting drink when combined with water.
Highlight of my day: Splurging on an overpriced can of Nutella because it’s just so goddamn tasty
New restaurant I found that’s not too shabby. Read an article that 4 badminton teams were disqualified for throwing games. I know it’s the Olympics, but who takes the sport that seriously? Also didn’t know that ‘handball’ was an Olympic sport until I realized that the entire Swedish handball team was good looking. Speaking of which, we get like 3 channels of the Olympics, but each channel is designated for a different country here in South America. Even the commercials will say, “Designed for Colombia”, and the Colombian accent isn’t too much of a challenge. On the other hand, the Argentinian announcers are impossible to understand. Living in Peru, I suppose I’m biased.