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.
How Not to Pee
I’ve seen more ‘how to not pee’ signs here in Peru than probably my entire life. I guess they’re necessary.
Trip of a lifetime...
I had my students write travel advertisements and here was the winner:
Have you ever wanted to see paradise on earth, also known as Pyongyang, North Korea? If you sign up now, you can be one of the 1st hundred people to say, “I love North Korea!” One lucky winner will even have a private lunch on the grave of Kim Jong-Il. Don’t wait another second! Call 1-800-IheartNK to reserve your spot now!
This kid had me cracking up this morning.
Where you at?
Things I have not seen since being in Peru:
1. Convertibles
2. Beer on tap
3. Toyota Prius
4. Public water fountains
5. Monster energy drink
6. Soda vending machines
7. Automatic Urinal
8. Milk in a plastic container. It either comes in a big juice box or a bag
9. Coinstar. Oh how I miss Coinstar
10. Water sold in bulk. As in a flat of 24 bottles.
11. Elevators. I’m sure they exist, but haven’t seen nor taken one in a year
12. Parking meters
13. Automatic soda/water dispensers used by bartenders
14. Fitted Hats
15. Cold open coolers for beer. Only a variety of 6 packs and singles are kept in refrigerators. Super markets (in Arequipa) don’t have aisles like the ones where cheese and milk are kept; designated only for beer.
16. Buttons for cross walks.
On an unrelated note, while surfing the net, I saw single serving packets of Sriracha and just about lost my mind.
Just ice it...
It feels like I got hit in the face multiple times, probably because that’s exactly what happened. I had 2 fights this morning, the first of which I won because it was strictly boxing and I had 15 kilos on him, and I lost the 2nd for 2 reasons. One, I haven’t trained to block kicks because I’m a boxer and two, he was the 2 time South American Muay Thai Champion (Joseph Cabello). I didn’t stand a chance. I only learned this after I got thrown around like a rag doll for 5 minutes with my friends laughing and saying, “Don’t take it too hard, he’s the Champ for a reason”.
Word of the day...
What do you call people who take charge of things?
Student: Leadershippers
I’ll take it
Gustavo
"If I commanded a city, I would forbid reggaeton. In bars, in public, it would even be illegal to have on your ipod. Reggaeton is stupid and I hate it. Oh what music do I like? I like heavy metal Catholic rock." - Gustavo (a student), after being asked what he would do if he were in charge of a city. I hope he never gets elected into office.
Latin Music
This has been top of the Latin Billboard charts for awhile now. (It’s only part of the song because otherwise, that would be illegal)
