Urubamba

And this is Urubamba. Lovely day here in Peru. Machu PIcchu mñn

Countryside on way to Cuzco

This was on the drive out of Cuzco, headed for Urubamba

Last Day of Work

Good morning! Or good night? If you picked sunset, consider yourself the big winner

FIN!

After completing a full year, today was my last day at Extreme English. I’ll be here for the month of February, teaching private classes and practicing my Muay Thai/Boxing, and then off to Machu Picchu in March with the rents. It’s been a long and interesting year, that’s for sure. I’ve met a lot of real cool people from all over the world and I hope to see you all again in the future. I can’t say it enough; Peru is a super cool country. I have 1 more month to enjoy South America and I’ll certainly take advantage of my time off. 

Police with riot shield was one of about 20 who escort the refs off the field. Peruvians can be a little rowdy. Now I understand why they the stadium doesn’t sell beer. 

These were taken on the way to Colca. Literally in the middle of nowhere there were these indigenous ladies selling Alpaca blankets and scarves. My initial reaction is, “wow, surprising”, but then I remember that since I’m in Peru, it’s normal by now. 

Bus ride was about 6 hours and it was a very ‘locals only’ bus. Or better put, I was the only foreigner. I love it though, it’s great seeing all the locals from different areas around Peru and how alive the indigenous culture really is. 

Colca Canyon was Fenomenal with a captial F. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. So I talked with the guy at my hotel and he explains that I don’t need a guide, just choose a route and go for it. I pick ‘Oasis" thinking, oh it shouldn’t be too bad. I ask him if it is steep and he says, “Not a bit”. Settled. I set off in a clean soccer jersey and soccer shoes thinking it’ll be a quaint day on a well paved trail. Nope. 

I find myself sliding all over the place in a dirt, shale, and loose-rock mixture at a decline that reminds my calves that I need to start running more with every step. After half an hour, the loose rock has turned to giant rocks embedded in the dirt slope, with which I am now playing “Guess which rock I won’t slide off”. (1st Picture) Mind you, every 10 feet there is a switchback, which made me nauseous when looking down.  An hour and a half later I arrive at the Oasis which is located next to the river at the bottom of the canyon. Most people stay the night there but I’m determined to make it back up. I order an orange juice, change my socks, wring out my jersey and start the ascent back to civilization. 

Chile is alright. I personally don’t think that any country needs to have such high denominations of currency (10,000 peso bills), pero cada loco con su tema. Arica has a real nice casino, although they didn’t seem to understand the concept of free drinks when you gamble. Vegas > Arica

Talked to an old Chilean cab driver and told him that we wanted to go to a bar where we could meet girls. Next thing you know he drops us off at a place and as soon as we walk inside girls are touching us, asking our names, the whole nine yards. I look at my buddy and simultaneously we acknowledge the fact that this is too easy. We are in a hooker bar. We quickly finish our beers, slide away from the ladies and leave. I suppose that ‘meet girls’ either got lost in translation, or that’s how old Chilean taxistas roll.