It's been one month now and I still haven't started school. It's actually really annoying because I've never wanted to be at school so much before in my life. It's a strange sensation.
On the other hand, I've had a lot of time to work on my Spanish with my family, and get to know the area that I live a bit better. Good Suggestion: If you can, purchase a map, it's really helpful when your brain goes kapoot on you and you don't remember things.
In this month, what can I look back on?
I'll be honest, my memory is a little blurry because all I've done is eaten cake. Lots and lots of cake. One person has a birthday, we eat cake. Two people share a birthday, we eat cake. One person who lives in a pretty wealthy home has a birthday, we have two cakes and jelly. So much cake, not enough belly! But I think I can recall a few cool things.
Last Saturday I went to the Club Internacional with my family. It's sort of a cross between a Sports Club and a Country Club. My host father was racing in a swimming race, however, my sister and I both slept in and missed it. That didn't stop us from watching the other races. I found it really cool, because believe it or not, the races were INTERNATIONAL. There were people from the frontiers, Bolivia and Chile as well as from different cities in Peru.
After the competiton was complete, we all headed to a Typical Arequipeñian Resturant, from which the name escapes me. I had the option to try Cuy (Guinea Pig), but I think I'll leave that till later on, when I'm feeling more Peruano. This was a really cool event because some of the competitors performed traditional dances; from Perù, Bolivia and Chile. It was a really cool way to see more of the culture of South America, and the music was fantastic!!!
Later on that evening, I went with my sister and her friends to a local concert in one of the parks. It was really fun music, as it was a Reggae band from Peru, and they had incorperated Rock, Reggae and Traditional Peruvian Music all into one, by using local instruments.
Now, my night didn't end there. Six of us piled into a taxi and headed off to El Centro de la Ciudad. We walked around for a bit, then settled in a nice place where they had a live band playing, yet again, Reggae. This time I feel I enjoyed it more as it was in a more isolated atmosphere and one of the guys in the band played the melodica! Woo, Emma you have to learn to play like him!!!
The next day, after arriving home at 3am, we went out to lunch at another resturant. Man, there are some really nice places here. The name of this Resturant was 'Bon Gourmet', and inside there were actually two resturants. This meant people could choose different types of food, which I thought was pretty cool. I ended up eating some Argentino Grilled Chicken, probably some of the best chicken I have ever eaten. Whilst we ate, they had tranditional performances from La Sierra, the mountains (where Arequipa is situated). Yet again simply amazing, and I know now I have to learn to play one of the instruments.
In the evening I went to the fiesta de cumpleaños (birthday party) of Juliette, the other girl here with AFS on her exchange from France. It was really cool to catch up =) and I think she had a really great time. We both found out that we will have to travel abroad because our visa runs out at some point, so Chilè here we come!!! But in January, we think.
That's all for now. Hopefully the next time I make a post, I will have begun school.
Peace out,
Liam in Perù.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
The Cathedral de la Ciudad a la Plaza de Armas
This is the building I took the last photograph from. It's probably the most amazing building I have ever been in. Inside holds art dating back to the 16th and 17th Century, an abundance of gold and silver, marble and sillar. It is still used for Catholic Mass on a weekly, if not daily basis. The building was built to be between the two volcanoes, Mt. Misti and My. Chachani. It has been hit, over the years, by a few earthquakes, one in which one of the towers colapsed, however it still stands today. Magnificant!The Plaza de Armas, Arequipa
This is a shot I took from the terrace of the Cathedral de la Ciudad in The Plaza de Armas, Arequipa. The Plaza de Armas is known as the most beautiful one in all of Peru, and you can't argue with that.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Arrival in Arequipa
I arrived in Arequipa last night at about 5pm and met the AFS lady and my new host family.
My Host Father is a Doctor, my Host Mother is a Nurse and my Host Sister is studying Architecture. They're all really cool. Also, there is a pet rabbit. It's massive!
Last night there was a small fiesta as another AFS person, Fanny, arrived on Saturday and it was her birthday on the Sunday. It was nice because I got to meet the two other people on AFS.
We went for a small walk and I got to see the neighbour hood.
I prefer the temperature here in Arequipa to that of Iquitos because it's only a little bit colder and there is no humidity! I also like the view of the three volcanoes surrounding the city. They're all tipped with snow, and oh so beautiful.
Today? Yes, today. My host sister took me on a tour of the city. I saw the Plaza de Aramas, which is most definately the most amazing Plaza de Armas in Peru, and possibly in the world. Because the city is situated near the volcanoes, it's architects utilized the natural products, such as the sillar stone, to build everything. The whole centre of the city is made of white stone, and it's said to be a spitting image of Southern Spain, of course, as Peru was conquered by the Spaniards once upon a time.
Also today, I went to one of my sister's architecture classes. It was cool to see what university is like in a different country and different language. There are different ideas, rules and so on. Like, you can pretty much just walk out of the classroom when you want to, and people talk a lot! But you can see a lot of effort is put into the work.
The food in Arequipa is delicious! Since I arrived here, I think I have only had rice once, as apposed to it being a daily thing in La Selva (Iquitos). Sometime this week I'm going to cook Eggplant for my family, just because they never have it. I hope to find some more recipes here, buit don't worry, none include your pet guinea pigs ;)
Until Next Time...
Hasta Luego,
Liam Clowes.
My Host Father is a Doctor, my Host Mother is a Nurse and my Host Sister is studying Architecture. They're all really cool. Also, there is a pet rabbit. It's massive!
Last night there was a small fiesta as another AFS person, Fanny, arrived on Saturday and it was her birthday on the Sunday. It was nice because I got to meet the two other people on AFS.
We went for a small walk and I got to see the neighbour hood.
I prefer the temperature here in Arequipa to that of Iquitos because it's only a little bit colder and there is no humidity! I also like the view of the three volcanoes surrounding the city. They're all tipped with snow, and oh so beautiful.
Today? Yes, today. My host sister took me on a tour of the city. I saw the Plaza de Aramas, which is most definately the most amazing Plaza de Armas in Peru, and possibly in the world. Because the city is situated near the volcanoes, it's architects utilized the natural products, such as the sillar stone, to build everything. The whole centre of the city is made of white stone, and it's said to be a spitting image of Southern Spain, of course, as Peru was conquered by the Spaniards once upon a time.
Also today, I went to one of my sister's architecture classes. It was cool to see what university is like in a different country and different language. There are different ideas, rules and so on. Like, you can pretty much just walk out of the classroom when you want to, and people talk a lot! But you can see a lot of effort is put into the work.
The food in Arequipa is delicious! Since I arrived here, I think I have only had rice once, as apposed to it being a daily thing in La Selva (Iquitos). Sometime this week I'm going to cook Eggplant for my family, just because they never have it. I hope to find some more recipes here, buit don't worry, none include your pet guinea pigs ;)
Until Next Time...
Hasta Luego,
Liam Clowes.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Update:
After facing a few unexpected problems in Iquitos, two flights and lots of alone time, I am now in Arequipa, Southern Peru. I have definitely grown a bit in the last two weeks, mentally and physically considering I eat so much food here!
In the last few days before I left Iquitos, I ventured into the Jungle, (La Selva) and on the River Nanay (Rio Nanay). These were both so amazing, as I have never even thought I would do that. To be honest, I didn't think I would ever travel to the Amazon, but look where I was.
I don't really miss New Zealand that much as of yet, and I don't think of it so much beacuse I'm always learning new things about Peru. It's such a diverse culture, and you find the diversity in different regions. I like to think I'm lucky I have had those problems, because I was able to see two completely opposite parts of an incredible country, as well as gaining skills and building character. I know, it sounds clichè but it's true. It's all part of the experience.
The Experience of a Life Time. I am really enjoying myself so far, and I am only two weeks into it. I think the next ten months will go by like a dream. I hope I can remember it :)
In the last few days before I left Iquitos, I ventured into the Jungle, (La Selva) and on the River Nanay (Rio Nanay). These were both so amazing, as I have never even thought I would do that. To be honest, I didn't think I would ever travel to the Amazon, but look where I was.
I don't really miss New Zealand that much as of yet, and I don't think of it so much beacuse I'm always learning new things about Peru. It's such a diverse culture, and you find the diversity in different regions. I like to think I'm lucky I have had those problems, because I was able to see two completely opposite parts of an incredible country, as well as gaining skills and building character. I know, it sounds clichè but it's true. It's all part of the experience.
The Experience of a Life Time. I am really enjoying myself so far, and I am only two weeks into it. I think the next ten months will go by like a dream. I hope I can remember it :)
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Delayed Post; Peru 2010
So I haven't really been able to do a lot of this blog stuff because the internet here is at a pre-historic pace. Here goes so far of what I have been up to, for those of you who haven't heard from me.
I left Auckland NZ at 6.30pm on Tuesday the 31st Auckland. It was really sad, but the moment I got on the plane, I was prepared and set for Peru.
My first flight was 12hrs to Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was too long, and I didn't get much sleep. Luckily I was sitting next to an Australian woman who was very kind. I liked her because she spoke English, little did I know that for the remainder of my journey (After Buenos Aires), I would not speak English until 24hrs later, when the Belgians arrived. To put it short, flying in South America is a bit more relaxed than everywhere else. They use cameras and laptops during take off and landing, despite warnings.. I'm still alive, so maybe it is okay? =)
My first night in Peru was spent in a Youth Hostel named 'Hostel Malka'. I was the first AFS mid-year student to arrive, and I was all alone! But in the following afternoon, AFS Lima took me to lunch at a Chifa, or Chinese Resturant. Peru has A LOT of Chinese cultural influence, more than what you'd first think.
The next few days were spent in a big Catholic Nun's Convent, where we got to know each other as more and more students arrived. There are 24 Belgians, 15 or so Germans, 6 French, 5 Austrians, 2 Swiss, 2 Canadians, 1 Icelanic, 1 American and Myself... maybe more people, but I can not remember.
This, of course, was where we tried our first REAL Peruvian meals. This simply means, Rice with something on the side. Nearly every meal we have rice. In Spanish, they say, for example, Chicken and Rice - Arroz con Pollo.... See, RICE with Chicken. For me, I enjoy this because I come from a house hold where my mother always has rice, so no culture shock there. Also, it will be interesting to learn to cook new things (=
Now, just to ease those thoughts in your mind, YES, it is true, we can't flush the toilet paper here. We have to use a bin instead. Really, it's not too much of a probelm, unless you accidentally throw it into the toilet... not that I have done that... hahaha
On our 3rd day in Peru, we started to depart to our cities. Most people went by bus, but for me I went by plane because there are no roads into Iquitos. This meant getting up at 3am for our 6am flight (which ran on peruvian time, aka DELAYED by an hour). Those who went to Iquitos, Arequipa or Puno left last. Because there were only a few of us left, we decided to have a jam, so I pulled out my clarinet, there was a guitar, rubbish bin drums, drink bottles and an harmonica. We had a lot of fun =D
The flight to Iquitos was amazing. We flew over the Andes, and wow. They are so beautiful. I can not lie. Then, as we began to land, we flew over the Amazon River. It is so beautiful!
Now I am here in Iquitos, where it is 32C and 90% humidity most of the time, but that's okay.
You get used to it. It is VERY differnent to NZ, and I will write more in my next posts.
I start school next Monday, at 'Republica de Venezuela'. I went there today, and the people seem really friendly.
That's all for now,
hasta luego...
Liam in Peru
I left Auckland NZ at 6.30pm on Tuesday the 31st Auckland. It was really sad, but the moment I got on the plane, I was prepared and set for Peru.
My first flight was 12hrs to Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was too long, and I didn't get much sleep. Luckily I was sitting next to an Australian woman who was very kind. I liked her because she spoke English, little did I know that for the remainder of my journey (After Buenos Aires), I would not speak English until 24hrs later, when the Belgians arrived. To put it short, flying in South America is a bit more relaxed than everywhere else. They use cameras and laptops during take off and landing, despite warnings.. I'm still alive, so maybe it is okay? =)
My first night in Peru was spent in a Youth Hostel named 'Hostel Malka'. I was the first AFS mid-year student to arrive, and I was all alone! But in the following afternoon, AFS Lima took me to lunch at a Chifa, or Chinese Resturant. Peru has A LOT of Chinese cultural influence, more than what you'd first think.
The next few days were spent in a big Catholic Nun's Convent, where we got to know each other as more and more students arrived. There are 24 Belgians, 15 or so Germans, 6 French, 5 Austrians, 2 Swiss, 2 Canadians, 1 Icelanic, 1 American and Myself... maybe more people, but I can not remember.
This, of course, was where we tried our first REAL Peruvian meals. This simply means, Rice with something on the side. Nearly every meal we have rice. In Spanish, they say, for example, Chicken and Rice - Arroz con Pollo.... See, RICE with Chicken. For me, I enjoy this because I come from a house hold where my mother always has rice, so no culture shock there. Also, it will be interesting to learn to cook new things (=
Now, just to ease those thoughts in your mind, YES, it is true, we can't flush the toilet paper here. We have to use a bin instead. Really, it's not too much of a probelm, unless you accidentally throw it into the toilet... not that I have done that... hahaha
On our 3rd day in Peru, we started to depart to our cities. Most people went by bus, but for me I went by plane because there are no roads into Iquitos. This meant getting up at 3am for our 6am flight (which ran on peruvian time, aka DELAYED by an hour). Those who went to Iquitos, Arequipa or Puno left last. Because there were only a few of us left, we decided to have a jam, so I pulled out my clarinet, there was a guitar, rubbish bin drums, drink bottles and an harmonica. We had a lot of fun =D
The flight to Iquitos was amazing. We flew over the Andes, and wow. They are so beautiful. I can not lie. Then, as we began to land, we flew over the Amazon River. It is so beautiful!
Now I am here in Iquitos, where it is 32C and 90% humidity most of the time, but that's okay.
You get used to it. It is VERY differnent to NZ, and I will write more in my next posts.
I start school next Monday, at 'Republica de Venezuela'. I went there today, and the people seem really friendly.
That's all for now,
hasta luego...
Liam in Peru
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