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.
The lady who cuts my hair and I are what some people would call friends. I play chess with her 8 year old son and run around the streets with her other son, a Mr. Juan Manuel. So, in the non creepiest way, here is a picture of him. Watching him try to take the wrapper off of a sucker is one of the funniest things I have ever seen.
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.
Johny Walter
Casi, casi. ‘Johny Walter’, a delicious whisky here in Perú, tastes oddly familiar to 'Johny Walker’.
So I’ve been sitting here for 10 minutes thinking how to justify this mistake and I’ve got nothing. There really is no excuse. It’d be like me writing 'Korona’ and not bothering to even once make sure my menu was correct before printing it. At this point, I just shake my head and realize that yes, this is Perú.
Floro Floro Floro
‘Floro’ in Perú means 'bullshit’ and as I sit here and watch the friendly Perú vs. Honduras game, I can’t help but laugh. Pulling for Honduras because 1, it’s an easy way to make money, and 2, if Peru wins, that’s all my students will talk about for weeks.
For those of you who haven’t seen Ibrahimovic’s goal against the friendly Sweden vs. England game, it’s quite elegant.
Please Do Not Pee or Poop In Public
I guess this happens often enough so as to justify a sign prohibiting it.
Runners take your mark..
There’s some sort of race happening in Arequipa today and the streets are full of people wearing clothes representing almost every country in South and Central America. Talked to some Brazilians in a restaurant today in my broken Portuguese after clarifying that I was indeed not Chilean. Nice to see so many colors of clothing and different flags as I meander the streets on my way to the gym. Sadly, the USA has yet to make an appearance.
Garbage Truck
I’m pretty sure this is some sort of garbage truck, although it doesn’t seem very practical.
High hopes..
Me:What do we use our minds for?
Student 1:To make decisions
Student 2:To think
Student 3:Telekinesis, like in X-Men
Me:You do know that X-Men aren't real right?
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.
Bathroom Signs
Peru has some of the most interesting bathroom signs I have ever seen.
November 7th, I’m finally 23. I’d like to give a big shoutout today to my friend and brother in the bond, Kelly Bayas. He took off for New York today but bought me 2 nice pillows before he left. Although it might seem like a minuscule gift, it’s going to make all the difference. I’ll miss you man. Don’t get a splinter building that barn in Canada.
Stealing Is Illegal
“It’s illegal to steal. The government doesn’t accept competition”
In honor of Election Day, I thought this sign from Peru sums up government rather well. I will not be voting today seeing as how obtaining a ballot from Lima, filling it out, then sending it back just seemed like too much darn work.
Taught my basic class last night and we spent half an hour reviewing the difference between “Peru” and “Peruvian”. It’s going to be a long month.
Best Door Ever
It’s funny to see, but after seeing more than 7 doors on a second story, you begin to wonder, “What the hell is going on here?"
Netflix is like a graveyard for movies..
Started class on Friday and I’m teaching all basic classes. After advanced classes for the last 6 months, it’s time to rethink my approach and start talking slower. It’s been awhile since I have taught anyone under the age of 12. Reminds me of when I was back in El Salvador. On a completely unrelated note, I had to throw my Sperry’s away today. Clearly, my Sunday has been exhilarating.
Volcano in Peru
I recently moved and this is the view from my roof (5th floor). Most houses have flat roofs with wash basins and areas to hang laundry. The architecture is quite different from that of the States, that’s for sure. Arequipa is big, in terms of sprawl. People live all the way at the base of Misti, albeit without running water and with frequent earthquakes, but I’m sure it’s quite lovely.
