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.
So Tipical
Tipical Food - Tipical spelling
Went as Goose from Top Gun last night for Halloween. Peruvian girls said, “Oh my god you’re like Tom Cruises best friend from that one movie” and Americans just yelled, “TOP GUN!!!!!” So basically it was a win-win last night.
Expect the unexpected...
Got my first trick or treater today as I was coming back from the gym. Some cute little kid in a spider man outfit was ringing my doorbell. Luckily I had some candy in my bag and loaded him up with watermelon suckers and chocolate covered peanuts. Proud to have done my duty as an American today.
Happy Halloween / Día de la Canción Criolla if you’re Peruvian!
Halloween With Red Bull
What would Halloween be without the Red Bull car driving around the streets of Peru?
Siglo Veinte // Ardidas
Siglo Veinte, one of the black markets here in Arequipa, Peru, clearly doesn’t even try to hide the fact that they are selling fake merchandise. I suppose it doesn’t matter though if you are a big fan of “Adadis”.
Almost Original
No need for a sign, everyone is well aware that any DVD sold on the street is pirated. But for less than $1 each, no one’s complaining.
On the road again..
At first I didn’t think anything of it, but yesterday I realized that there are a LOT of atv’s zipping around Arequipa. I also haven’t seen 1 speed limit sign. I suppose due to the amount of taxis and combis a.k.a. traffic congestion, that there really doesn’t reach a point of going faster than 30mph anyway.
MOVING today and couldn’t be more excited. Minus the “Ya it’ll be between 7-10 to install your internet” delay. What’s the deal? Internet on backorder or something?
Some old nun was handing out flyers outside of my school yesterday proclaiming that Halloween was a sin and if we participated, we were all going to hell. I suppose that’s what you get when 90% of the population are rigorous Catholics.
Love The Hat
Although I’ve looked far and wide, I still haven’t been able to find one of these hats that so many indigenous women adorn. Nor do I think I’ll ever be able to sport braided pig tails fashionably.
Was on my way to the corner store last night and got trapped on the street covered with over 500 people. There was a huge procession in honor of the “Señor de Milagros”. The thing that made everything difficult was the piece of rope surrounding the statue (foto) of which everyone apparently needed to hold onto. I stood with my arms by my side for 15 minutes as people with candles pushed passed me only to be lost again in the sea of the crowd. Never a dull moment in Peru.
“Don’t park here, and don’t move the fucking stick”
Well at least it’s a ‘get to the point’ kind of sign.
Oh soccer..
Got really excited about the Paraguay victory over Peru and had a 1 on 1 indoor-sandal-soccer match with my roommate yesterday. Ended up kicking the wall and breaking my big toe. Nothing like trying to explain what happened and avoid sounding like an idiot.
