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.
Peruvian Beer
2nd Superbowl in Peru. Still no little smokies, kegs or pizza pockets to be found, but with all 4 types of Cusqueña and chips w/ guac, I’m all set.
I’m going with the Niners on this one. Despite the fact that I don’t care, and I don’t like Kaepernick (Nevada vs. Boise 2010), it’s still a West coast team and I respect that.
Cristal
It’s an odd thing, coming from a country with choices to a country with substantially ‘less’ choices. American grocery stores have, for the most part, upwards of 20-30 different types of beer to choose from. Arequipa, not so much. First, don’t even think about a 'walk-in cooler’. Where do you think you are? Second, there are about 7 Peruvian beers and an 'import’ section, which consists of Corona, Heineken, and MGD. At this point, I no longer get excited when buying beer, thinking, “Oh, I wonder if Blue Moon has their Winter Abbey out yet”. My thought process nowadays is, “What’s the cheapest beer in the fridge?”. But I’ll be damned if there aren’t 50 different types of Pisco available. Priorities Peru, priorities.
And because I’m classy, the 'I heart boobies’ bracelet was a present for my friend Daniela’s birthday. She was ecstatic.
It’s crazy here in Arequipa. It’s Arequipa Day and the city is shut down because everyone is watching “El Corso” which is a huge parade throughout the city. Every city / town in Peru and bordering countries comes to Arequipa and performs their traditional dance in the parade, accompanied of course with traditional costumes. It’s pretty wild. More to follow later
Plaza de Armas was decorated in support of Independence Day. Landlord hired a maid to clean our house today and told us that if we wanted to have another party, we would have to pay her S/. 50. Upon asking why, I was told that our house gets too dirty. I explained that we always clean up our mess, and if nothing gets broken, then why should a dirty house affect her? She then clarified that Peruvians clean better and the S/. 50 would be for a maid the day following the party because we do an ‘insufficient job’. This is how I started my 7 am Tuesday morning.
Guy with the dreads is my main man Victor from Madrid, our first couch surfer to stay with us in Peru. Celebrated Peru’s Independence Day in style by only drinking Pisco and Peruvian beer followed by lomo saltado / chaufa for breakfast. I’m just living the dream down here, one day at a time. These past 6 months have flown by. It seems like yesterday that it was pouring rain as I hopped from one sand bag to another trying to avoid the inevitable soaking of my shoes.
One of the local English institutes were giving these out in preparation for Peru’s Independence Day this Saturday. Although not Peruvian, I couldn’t be more excited.
Shoutout today goes to Kayla “THE SL” Grantham! Because as she put it, “I constantly stalk you on your blog like a stage 5 clinger, it’s no big deal." Although due to a certain lack in demographics here in Peru, I’m sure you would still love it. I hope you’re still making fun of people in Cheneytown and talking just as much shit about Cheney as I did. I miss you and you better believe that as soon as I return to the States, it’ll be time for a little DD (Because we’re classy like that).
Although I couldn’t get my hands on any fireworks, 4th of July in Peru was awesome. The grill was a little ghetto and trying to cook with charcoal and no lighter fluid was a challenge but we grilled nonetheless.
Peru’s Independence day is July 28th, so my roommate suggested we leave up the decorations, throw away the blue streamers, and we’ll be good to go. Clever Miguel, clever indeed.
This is just a couple bottles of an entire wall devoted to Pisco in the grocery store. Peruvians sure do love their Pisco, but of course if you ask a Chilean, Pisco originated in Chile. It’s a never-ending debate and as an American, I’m happy to stay out of it.
FInished classes today and will be back on May 7th. Focus right now is of course on configuring the perfect margarita mix for our Cinco de Mayo party. Which, to no surprise, is not celebrated here. In 1 week though, Peru will be faced with sombreros, ponchos, tequila, tacos, and of course, a giant piñata. What better way to celebrate my last Saturday before classes than with a holiday that nobody knows or cares about?