Construction

And who ever said that Peruvians never get anything done?

We’ve got 2 Don Won Ton originals here today. Juan was kind enough to take requests and after drawing the turtle in under 5 minutes, I asked for a zombie fighting a mummy. They were free, and I guess you really do get what you pay for. 

Lights Out

The Superdome losing power really set things off here in Peru. My landlady forgot to pay the utility bill so I was without power all day yesterday. Halfway through my Muay Thai class, the power went off and we were informed that the entire Southern region of Peru had lost power. Walking down the street was an eerie experience. The sidewalks were full of people with candles, flashlights, and umbrellas. (It was also raining). 

So after training I was hungry and decided to stop by a Chifa to see if the loss of power had affected their kitchen. Nope. All the tables were lit with candles and as I sat there and ate my ‘lomo saltado’, I couldn’t help but think, “It would suck to live in the 1700’s”. 

Peruvian Beer

2nd Superbowl in Peru. Still no little smokies, kegs or pizza pockets to be found, but with all 4 types of Cusqueña and chips w/ guac, I’m all set. 

I’m going with the Niners on this one. Despite the fact that I don’t care, and I don’t like Kaepernick (Nevada vs. Boise 2010), it’s still a West coast team and I respect that. 

CHIFA

I’m a little nervous to return to the States and eat beef, because if it tastes radically different than what I’ve been eating in Peru, it will only confirm my suspicion that I’ve been eating dog at ‘El Gavilan"

Juggler

Peruvian street performer who collects money from the taxis at the red light. Along with the jugglers are little kids trying to sell candy. Quit tugging at my heart strings ‘chibolo’. 

Off to the gym to fight this morning. High kicks are killing me. 

ITA info about AQP, Peru

(International TEFL Academy)

I answered a questionnaire about teaching/living in Arequipa, Peru, so if you have any questions, this just about sums up every aspect of Arequipa.

Fun Fact: The picture of me at the beach was taken in Arica, Chile. Besides the casino, there isn’t too much else. 

Fish For Lunch

Don’t mind if I do

Last Day of Work

Good morning! Or good night? If you picked sunset, consider yourself the big winner

FIN!

After completing a full year, today was my last day at Extreme English. I’ll be here for the month of February, teaching private classes and practicing my Muay Thai/Boxing, and then off to Machu Picchu in March with the rents. It’s been a long and interesting year, that’s for sure. I’ve met a lot of real cool people from all over the world and I hope to see you all again in the future. I can’t say it enough; Peru is a super cool country. I have 1 more month to enjoy South America and I’ll certainly take advantage of my time off. 

‘Plaza de Cayma’

The last picture is the Google-Maps-Mobile, so naturally as it rounded the corner I waved at it. So perhaps if you are randomly searching for La Calle Ampatacocha and the unnamed sidestreet, you’ll see a dashingly good looking gringo in a tank top waving at you. 

Netflix

This is what I’m dealing with on Netflix

50/50

Universitario o ‘La U’ cost me S/. 20 this afternoon after losing 2-1 to Melgar. Although half the reason I go to soccer games is for the food. Chicken sandwhiches, anticuchos, cremoladas, queso helado, and palomitas more than make up for the loss. 

“Estofado de Res”

Beef, carrots, potatoes, peas, and of course, rice

Yayo

Psi Alpha Psi Theta is reppin it hard here in Peru. I know it might send the wrong message to all those ‘chibolos’ out there reading my blog, but seeing as how Peru is the 2nd, if not largest exporter of Cocaine, it seemed fitting to see this written on an alley wall. 

Drinkable Water

Lies

Nicknaming

Student (Rain Man): What am I supposed to call you: Mr. Hill, Degen, teacher…?

Degen: Call me “El Tigre”

Typical...

Peruvian: A person who has no sense of time

Ayyy, lo siento, xfa, solo 10 minutos mas, te lo juro!

10 minutes later

Pucha, olvidé hacer *algo*, solo 15 mas, lo sientoooooo

Gumby

We’ve got a special post today. Ladies, I’d like to introduce you all to my student, Juan. He discovered my blog and proceeded to laugh and tell me that no one reads it. So to all those ladies out there that are interested and clearly not reading this blog, don’t hesitate another minute! He goes by the name, “Señor Don Juan Ton” or “Gumbi” due to his gangly stature. 

Juan: I told you I’d post this

Google strikes again

Banks

This was the line outside of a bank this morning at 9am. I wasn’t exaggerating about waiting. Worst places:

1. Banks

2. The Notaria - Place to get things notarized  

3. Claro / Movistar - I thought taking a number in the States was a hassle