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.
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.
Teacher’s protest in Arequipa, Peru. Asked a cop what is was about, to which he replied, “What it’s always about…money”. Streets are completely closed down and there are roughly 600 people marching through the streets. Ahh Peru.
Oh weird, another protest of some kind here in Peru with people chanting something unintelligible, although I’m sure it’s for a good cause.
Soccer game last night threw me a curveball. Peru vs. Argentina ending in a tie did not leave me feeling very financially secure after paying off my bets. Although I had a tempting desire to burn my Argentina jersey, I kept it in order to remind myself to never underestimate the underdog.
Big weekend coming up of which is included: pay day, Boise State game, student’s quinceañera, and a Melgar (local) soccer team, for which I was comped tickets because a student plays for them. Teaching, at times, has its advantages.
Another Peruvian protest taken from my classroom. It’s not the protest that is the problem, it’s the cars / taxis blaring their horns trying to pass the protesters who blatantly disregard the fact that sidewalks exist.
Peruvian Protest
Big surprise, another protest in Arequipa. They rallied for a good hour before finally marching through the street ignoring the 30 taxi drivers blaring their horns. SEGUE! This all occurred while I was eating lunch which was ‘Ocupa de Pollo". Potato, rice, and baked chicken breast covered in a cream sauce and ají. Nothing like a little protest ambiance while eating lunch. TIP.
Some kind of protest the other day in Peru. Hundreds of people yelling and holding signs, wish I knew what it was about; a good cause I’m sure. Today was payday, which makes the exhaustion of teaching 44 hours a week all worth it.