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.
Bout that time...
Ahh the joys of the holidays. Family, friends, a break from school or work, they truly are a wonderful time. But I’m getting restless. I have another 5 days before I start teaching again and I’m working diligently to keep my sanity. I need to be busy, and after rearranging my room 4 times in the last 3 days and crocheting 4 spools of yarn into scarves, this whole ‘vacation’ thing isn’t cutting it for me. I need some social interaction, and shamelessly flirting with the checkout lady at the supermarket isn’t what I had in mind. “Well why don’t you watch movies?” suggested the trainer at my gym, to which I replied, “Have you seen Netflix lately?"
It’s a fantasy for some people: to spend the holidays in a foreign, exotic country. Trying new things, hearing strange languages, blah blah blah. It’s a nice thought, similar to the way girls fantasize that situations in rom-coms would really happen. Sadly, on the off chance that they do occur, they’re never the same as they had imagined when they were chowing down on that pint of haagen daz.
It’s been 11 months to the day that I arrived here in Peru, the longest I’ve been out of the States. I’m also currently the most veteran teacher at my English institute. However, I’m ready to go back, mostly because I don’t feel challenged anymore. I’ve got my routine and I’m just going through the motions. Plus, I’m tired of waiting in lines for everything. (That’s my American entitlement talking) Arequipa is a great city, but at the same time, I’m not surprised that my school has had 40+ teachers come and go within the time I’ve been here. Here’s to new changes in 2013.
Happy 2013
Went to the casino last night and before I could even sit down, I was given these. Well thanks Peru!
New Year’s in Peru was super fun. Again, there were fireworks (and even as I write this I can hear fireworks) which is a custom I think the States should adopt. I bounced all over Arequipa last night. Casino, bar, club, house party, club, somebody’s roof, bar, backyard party, etc. It was wild to say the least. I’m glad I wore a tie because everyplace I went to had a different attire and I’ve always agreed that it’s better to be overdressed. After learning that it’s custom to eat 12 grapes before midnight for the New Year, I eagerly shared the States custom of kissing someone at midnight. We all had the similar facial expression of “Are you kidding me?"
Goals for the new year: Read 30 books. Move to China. Accumulate $10,000 in savings. Buy my World Cup 2014 tickets. Don’t get anybody pregnant. Let’s do this 2013.
Takeout Chifa
For my Aunt Winnie who has a difficult time figuring out what the food pictures are:
‘Pollo verdura’ - Chicken, fried rice, broccoli, lettuce, peas, and red peppers. Yum.
Juice
This is what my juice came in today at the Menu. Peruvians are an innovative people. Wether it’s serving juice in a measuring cup, or taping a car battery to a bicycle in order to use an electric megaphone, they’ll figure out a way.
Currently in the process of figuring out plans for New Year’s. The big question is, do I leave for Camaná today and not worry about getting a hotel, or wait until monday, risk the chance, and end up sleeping on the beach. We’ll see how it plays out.
Take it easy...
A 10 year old beat me in chess today to which he followed my “Good job” with, “You play chess like my blind grandma”. These Peruvian kids are harsh.
Fireworks
Fireworks for Christmas? Peru, you’re alright by me. Since I bought so many (I’m making up for the 4th of July) the guy threw in a pack of 25 sparklers. It’s like he was speaking to my soul.
Christmas is generally a time to be spent with family, but since I’m out of the country, I’ve had to make other arrangements. I’ll be spending today and tomorrow with the family of the lady who cuts my hair. It sounds weird, but I tutor her kids and she’s been cutting my hair for almost a year now. She’s legit.
Plan for the day: Find a place that sells pie.
Realization of the day: I don’t think it’s going to happen.
Boise vs. UW
Although this blog is primarily dedicated to Peru and my travels, I can’t help but give a shout-out today to Boise State. To all my haters back in WA, I hope your blind faith in UW leads you to lose copious amounts of money, thus bringing shame upon you and your family.
It was only 1 year ago that I saw Boise State ‘Sacó la mierda’ of ASU from the bleachers and although not the same, I’ll be quite satisfied if I can find a live stream this afternoon.
English Comic
First, this is not my class. Second, there are mistakes, it was written by a Peruvian learning English, what do you expect? Hilarity of course,
One day Katty was walking on the park, then she saw Carlos, but he was sad.
She invited him a icecream and they started to talk about yours btes. So she discovered that Carlos was sad because his mom traveled to U.S.A.
She tried help him, but he was very sad, so she invited him to amusement park and they played all the afternoon.
Then they return to home of Katty and on the street a car crash them and they died.
Christmas Crafts
Apparently mi madre thinks I am an 8 year old because she sent me a ‘Build it yourself foam Christmas house’. Turns out she was quite right. My students thought it to be quite amusing when I couldn’t figure out what part went where and started yelling, “What kind of build it yourself model doesn’t come with any freaking instructions?!” I’m glad I can provide at least some entertainment.
White Elephant
White Elephant: Exito! Somehow I ended up with 2 pencil holder type things, but it was certainly better than the pink stuffed bunny that was being passed around. Until finally, a guy bit the bullet, accepted the bunny and said, “I’m either going to burn it, or give it to my girlfriend, I haven’t decided yet.” Life is all about those tough choices.
Dec 22nd: Boise State > UW
Despite the copious amounts of empanadas and salteñas I eat, boxing has me at 85 Kilos with 11% body fat. Headed to class right now for my first of 3 white elephant gift exchange parties. I’m hoping for something good.
Bus
12 hours on a bus and 2 in a taxi makes for quite an uneventful Sunday. Although getting a new 4 month Visa was worth it. Had a fight with the lady at the border because without thinking, I told her I worked in Peru, thus leading to the inevitable discussion of, “Well then why do you have a travel visa?” Going through the Peru/Chile border is like spending time at an American DMV. Hell on earth.
Nice to see a Christmas tree on the Peruvian side at least.
3rd times a charm...
Bought my bus tickets for Chile today and because I’m not a fan of Chile, I’m shooting for a round trip visit on Sunday. 12 hours in a bus, 2 hours in a taxi, and a little extra, because after all, it’s South America. This will be my 3rd and final border run and I couldn’t be happier.
Free Food
So I get a knock on the door and my landlady’s kid is holding this plate, offering it up to me like I’m some kind of Incan god. I ask him what it is and he responds, “It’s for eating.” Well thanks Sherlock. Although a bit acidic, it was delicious nonetheless. I think it’s called ‘Soltero de Queso’ or something.