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.
Street food in Arequipa
This is a food cart I get ‘Salchipapas’ at after I finish teaching. Salchipapas is rather self-explanatory 'Sausage (hot dog) + french fries’ covered in Ají, mayonnaise and ketchup, but I prefer just Ají. Peruvian street food is undoubtably some of the best I’ve ever had.
Sitting here in Peru watching the Olympics in Spanish while eating a nutella and peanut butter banana sandwich. Doing well in life. Sat down with my Spanish couch-surfer as he rattled off over 40 slang words and I rushed to write them down. After learning hundreds of words in slang, I am confident in saying that even if you major in Spanish, you definitely don’t speak the language.
The most exciting thing that’s happened in the last week or so? Me changing gyms and seeing the new Batman. It’s pretty wild down here in Peru.
More graffiti from Arequipa, Peru.
Had a student get in my face for telling him verbatim, and I’m not censoring myself here, to “look up the word in your dictionary”. He then told me it was my responsibility, and proceeded to walk out of class. I guess not everyone is a morning person.
Headed to Chile next Thursday for the ever so exciting Visa run. This time I’m bringing along a crew so it should make for some interesting adventures. I’ll also be bringing a box of chocolates to bribe the lady at the border into giving me a 6 month Visa. Hopefully she’ll take the bait.
I’m not one to make assumptions, but that looks like Hitler. If so, it begs the question, “Why the hell would someone draw that in Peru?”
I’ve been tutoring this 11 year old kid and at the end of our class we always play chess. This kid smokes me each and every time. He’s setting up traps, baiting me, he’s like the Peruvian Bobby Fischer. Part of me feels embarrassed, but I justify my losses by giving him the title of genius.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more vicious looking smurf in my entire life. Thanks Peru for the interesting perspective.
Walked around waiting for an open table at a Menu today and thought “why not take a picture of a side street?” So here it is. Exciting stuff eh?
On a non-sarcastic note, I am STOKED for the final four games tomorrow, regardless of the fact that Michigan State choked and completely obliterated my bracket.
Also if you haven’t checked out any of the political cartoons concerning the GOP / GOP primaries, they’re worth a look.