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.
Birthday Lunch in Peru
Birthday lunch was Pollo Broaster with salad, fries, and rice (of course)
It’s an odd thing celebrating your birthday in a foreign country, but it’s been a great day so far. My students bought me a cake this morning and then proceeded to shove my face in it. But boy oh boy was it scrumptious. Buddy at the gym bought me a pair of sunglasses and the lady who cuts my hair got me chocolates.
Fun facts for November 7th: It’s also Marie Curie’s birthday and Magic Johnson announced that he had tested positive for the AIDS virus and was retiring.
‘Chuleta frita’ which is fried pork with rice and potatoes. Whodathunkit?
Although this is a somewhat big piece of meat, anywhere besides a menu, meat is rather expensive. I sure do miss American grocery stores with their endless types of meats at affordable prices. I also miss grills. We had a ghetto charcoal grill for the 4th of July, but I would even settle for a good 'ol George Foreman at this point. Ah the luxuries of a 1st world country.
‘Salpicón de pollo’ is delicious. It’s basically like chicken salad accompanied with rice (of course) but it’s got quite an interesting spice to it, along with carrots, peas, and onions.
Told my students I had bought Nutella the other day and one of them told me that before 2010, Peru didn’t sell it. So during a trip to Canada, he bought 10 containers of Nutella and sold them in peru for about $40 a piece. What an entrepreneur.
Some grub at the local Menu: Rice, potato, and carne topped off with some spicy ají
Convinced my landlord to hire me instead of a painter and knocked S/. 30 off my rent for 20 minutes of work. Although coming to the S/. 30 agreement took a good 10 minutes of arguing, she finally settled and said I bartered like a Peruvian. I took it as a complement. Since I have a week off and thus no income, it’s time to teach these Peruvians how to play poker.