Monday 7 March 2011

FuFu Travel - Exploring Peru V

Bought a new camera at Arequipa. Luckily Robert, my hiking and tent-mate helped me to look for a cheap camera. It was a long story why i would with him in Arequipa. Sometimes i wonder this is the so-called destiny. Or the game of life.
Lost the camera? Yes. --> Met Robert and his friends at the bus terminal? Yes. --> Went to Arequipa together? Yes. --> I had a great time with them? Yes. --> Did our trekking to Colca Canyon? Yes. --> We are gonne meet again sooner. Yes --> Friendship forever. Yes.
Arequipa, Peru
21/01/2011

FuFu Exploring Latin America
Peru - Part Five | 8th - 28th Jan 2011

Right after getting my new camera, we went to a souvenir shops. I had bought the stuff for my sisters and other family members, so i was there taking pictures and checking out the price for the comparison between Cusco and Arequipa. Well, if you ever come to Peru, try to shop in Cusco, because it is cheaper there.

Arequipa, Peru
21/01/2011
Woke up at 12am and arrived the bus terminal at 1am for the bus to a village named Cabanaconde.
Arequipa, Peru
22/01/2011
Colca Canyon (ASL : 4160m), , Arequipa, Peru
22/01/2011
Patty (or Patricia) is from Bolivia. We were on the same bus to Cabanaconde and the only five foreigners in the bus. She knew that we were going to do the trekking, so she followed us. She left us after an hour of trekking because she gotta back to Arequipa and getting ready for Lima. Though we didnt spend much time together, she invited me to visit her in her hometown La Paz, Bolivia. For sure i will stay in touch with here since i would like to visit Bolivia in the future.
Colca Canyon (ASL : 4160m), , Arequipa, Peru
22/01/2011
It was freaking cold in the morning.
Colca Canyon (ASL : 4160m), , Arequipa, Peru
22/01/2011
Met a girl from La Paz, Bolivia. Got her contact and i will visit here in the future. I lost my camera but what i have gained thoughout the journey is the what i call, the priceless friendship.

Meu Deussssss (oh my god) was the popular term throughout the journey with them. Somehow i think that i was born to make people happy. Or bring laughther to everyone. Also i am quite inffluential. I mean i will make the trip funnier, or the member will feel comfortable or enjoy the trip even more meaningfully. Not necessary to have many different kind of jokes, but with a powerful and sustainable joke throughout the journey, it is more than enough.

Colca Canyon (ASL : 4160m), Arequipa, Peru
22/01/2011
Lunch at a restaurant on the canyon.
Colca Canyon (ASL : 4160m), , Arequipa, Peru
22/01/2011
It was pouring after lunch.
Colca Canyon (ASL : 4160m), , Arequipa, Peru
22/01/2011
The rain was getting stronger, luckily the local allowed us to stay in the house for a while until the rain stop in 20mins.
Colca Canyon (ASL : 4160m), , Arequipa, Peru
22/01/2011
Almost arriving the Oasis of the canyon.
Colca Canyon (ASL : 4160m), , Arequipa, Peru
22/01/2011
Gonna sleep in this small hut. Only Peruian Soles 10 (RM12, USD3.20). Super tired after the trekking.
Colca Canyon (ASL : 4160m), Arequipa, Peru
22/01/2011
Colca Canyon (ASL : 4160m), Arequipa, Peru
23/01/2011
Colca Canyon (ASL : 4160m), Arequipa, Peru
23/01/2011
It was snowing!
Colca Canyon (ASL : 4160m), Arequipa, Peru
23/01/2011
Having Chifa with the trekking members. Chifa is, well a chinese food --> fried rice. According to my Peruian friend, the Chinese will always say Chi Fan (literally "eat rice" in Mandarin) to the guests (i assume Peruians). Probably, the Peruians didnt know Mandarin well at that time, and the called the fried rice as Chifa (the way they pronounce Chi Fan). Interesting. LOL
Arequipa, Peru
23/01/2011
All the bad incidents happened on me will only make me stronger and tougher. At least i am learning the useful tricks to survive here in Latin America. The camera i had purchased is included a camera case and 4GB SD card. So i will now hang the camera in front of me with a whistle. If anything ever happens on me again, i will just whistle to raise the attention.
Arequipa, Peru
23/01/2011
Chicharrones, a typical Peruian dish, or to Chinese, it would be like the familiar roasted pork but served with onion, tomato, mint leaves, grilled corn and potato (roasted pork can be dipped with chili sauce on the table too). The skin of chicharrones are crispy. Yummy. Yummy. Soles 6 (RM 7.20, USD 1.80)
Arequipa, Peru
23/01/2011
Plate of roasted pork. YUMMY. FuFu chicharrones.
Arequipa (ASL : 2335m), Peru
23/01/2011
After chicharrones, i felt extremely thirsty. And there are plenty of fruits stalls at the market. A lady shouted mixed fruit juice only for Peruian Soles 2 (RM2.40, USD 0.70), i quickily seated and ordered one. It was nice to have glass of fresh juice. I didnt expect she would refill the glass with juice again for me. Lucky to have two glass of juice with only 2 soles.
Arequipa (ASL : 2335m), Peru
23/01/2011
The second glass of mixed fruit juice.
Arequipa (ASL : 2335m), Peru
23/01/2011
While walking around, i spotted a stall selling cebiche with a long queue. I saw the lady paid Peruian Soles 2 (RM2.40, USD 0.70), immidiately i lined up.
Arequipa (ASL : 2335m), Peru
23/01/2011
I was the last customer and no other behind me. After paying 2soles, i requested the owner to take me the picture with his cebiche. Again, not easy to earn my money. lol
Arequipa (ASL : 2335m), Peru
23/01/2011
Cebiche is a seafood dish popular in Peru, also in the coastal regions of Latin America. The dish is typically made from fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juices such as lemon or lime and spiced with chilli peppers. (Note : Very spicy!) Additional seasonings such as onion, salt, and pepper may also be added. Cebiche is usually accompanied by side dishes that complement its flavors such as sweet potato, lettuce, seaweed, tomato and corn as what you can see from the picture.
Arequipa (ASL : 2335m), Peru
23/01/2011
Eating cebishe quietly at the corner of the street.
Arequipa (ASL : 2335m), Peru
23/01/2011
Public transportation is not properly provided in Arequipa. And the number of this kind of mini taxi (vehicle is very much similar to Malaysian's Kancil) snaking through the city is incredibly a lot. Well, it is cheap (affordable) and fast to move people from one point to another.
Arequipa (ASL : 2335m), Peru
23/01/2011
The cathedral of Arequipa.
Arequipa, Peru
23/01/2011
Home Sweet Home Arequipa. Only Peruain Soles 15 (RM 18, USD5.50) per night, including breakfast. But the breakfast is fixed with peice of pancake, one bread, glass of juice, unlimited hot water for couples of tea or coffee bags.
Arequipa (ASL : 2335m), Peru
23/01/2011
I would always like to walk to the terminal if i could, to save money for the food. But the Bus Terminal Teresste is located far away from the city centre. Thus i gotta pay Peruain Soles 4 (RM4.80, USD1.60) to the taxi driver.
Arequipa (ASL : 2335m), Peru
23/01/2011
On the bus going to Lima from Arequipa. The passenger sitting next to me was travelling with her pet. LOL She always asked me to take care of this tiny animal when she wanna go to the bathroom. lol
Arequipa, Peru
23/01/2011
Not only we need to pay airport tax, travelling in Peru, you need to pay bus terminal tax if you are moving from one city to another city by bus. Well, it is not that expensive, only Peruian Soles 1 (RM 1.20, USD 0.35). But from Arequipa to Lima, you need to pay 1.50 Soles.
Arequipa, Peru
23/01/2011
Awesome sunset i saw in the bus while heading to Lima from Arequipa.
Arequipa, Peru
23/01/2011
Gonna call it a day after watching such fabulous sunset. The sun was setting over the horizontal of a deserted land.
Arequipa, Peru
23/01/2011
The Presidential House.
Lima, Peru
24/01/2011
At a typical restaurant for Peruian dishes. A cozy restaurant but cheap and yummy lunch.
This would be my last couchsurf in Lima for this Latin American trip. I cant disclose some not rosy experiences here, but will share them later. Luckily and finally i wouldnt need to couchsurf anymore. I have decided to travel less but pay for the hostel and travel leisurely and happily.
Lima, Peru
24/01/2011
Cute alpacar.
Lima, Peru
24/01/2011
Alpacar. Surprisingly, we could see alpacar at a park in the centre of Lima. GOOD.
Lima, Peru
24/01/2011
Lima, Peru
24/01/2011
Having dinner with my host, Edison, his friend, and Coti, from Argentina. It was Coti's treat for the whole day, from lunch till snack time, to dinner. He didnt need to do so, as i was insisting to give him back the amount i had consumed, he said it was his last night in Lima, and it was cheap for him to treat us all. So i owe him a big hug. I invited him to fly over to Malaysia in the future. Because i wanna give him a warm hug in Malaysia. I promise him that i would cook him some nice Malaysian dishes. Coti, you have to visit Malaysia when you go to Asia, ok?
Lima, Peru
24/01/2011
A couchsurfer from Argentina that i met in Lima. Coti is a lawyer, very friendly and speak good English. Lucky to have him to stay together with me at my host's apartment. Will definitely crash at his place when i go to Argentina again. Taking this last picture with him in Lima before headint to Miraflores.
Lima, Peru
25/01/2011
Taking combi alone from Callao to Miraflores. I always wonder why i would always have the guts to challenge my weakness. I couldnt speak Spanish yet i dare to take the combi alone from a totally unfamiliar neighbourhood to a meeting point that arranged by my friend. Thanks god i arrived the destination safely.
p.s. : My face is getting rougher due to the travels, sigh...
Lima, Peru
25/01/2011
On a combi, small van going to Miraflores meeting Karina. Half way of the trip, a father with his son went up to the combi, playing guitar and singing, after couple of minutes, the son will collect money from the passengers. Only two passengers paid. If i had the money, i mean my credit card and camera not stolen, i wouldnt mind to give them 50cents.
Lima, Peru
25/01/2011
Met up Karina, the contact i got from my Prof. She is nice, and i went to her house having lunch with her husband and her 7months old son is cute. This is the typical food i ate. Nice and tender beef cooked with herbs, plus beans and carrots, served with rice. The juice is also made from herbs, good for stomach (digestion?) as what was told. A nice lunch. Thanks Karina.
Lima, Peru
25/01/2011
Ctiy hall of Miraflores.
Miraflores, Lima, Peru
26/01/2011
Went to Colombian Embassy to double confirm if i need a tourist visa to enter the country or not. Result --> Malaysia is not listed in the category of "Need to Apply Visa"! lol
San Isidro, Lima, Peru
26/01/2011
Again, spotted the national flower of Malaysia, Hibuscus (Bunga Raya) in Lima, Peru.
Centro, Lima, Peru
26/01/2011
Parque de la Exposicion.
Centro, Lima, Peru.
26/01/2011
Found a mirror-typed house at the park. Snapped a picture of myself because i found it interesting.
Parque de la Exposicion, Centro, Lima, Peru
26/01/2011
The bus system in Lima is very interesting yet complicated. I found the system quite similar to the jeepney buses in the Philippines.

Well, basically the microbus in Lima would have their own dedicated lane (Bus Solo) in part of the downtown area. The bus driver will coordinate with this guy standing at the door of the bus with a plate stated the place the bus is heading to. If not looking at the plate, you can also check out where the bus since the main road or avenue the bus would go are printed on the bus, differenciated by the colour (yeah every mini bus have their own colour and logo). If you cant see it properly, not worry, this guy will shout the next destination while the bus is getting close to you. What you need to do is to get ready to sneak into the bus quickily because it wont stop more than a second for you.
The fare is from Peruian Soles 1 to 1.50 (RM 1.20-1.50, USD 0.45-0.50).
Centro, Lima, Peru
26/01/2011
After observing the bus system in the city centre, i headed to Chinatown quickily before heading back to Miroflores (gotta have dinner together with Karina, Gillermo and friends at their house).
Barrio Chino, Lima, Peru
26/01/2011
The chinatown here in Lima, not very big, the main street is just 500m long, is located at a very old district of the metropolitan area of Lima. There you can find many old buildings.
With all this travels, i had almost forgetten when is Chinese New Year until i had visited this chinatown.
Feliz Ano Nuevo. Gong Xi Fa Chai. Gong Hei Fatt Choy. Happy Chinese New Year. Selamat Tahun Baru Cina.
Barrio Chino, Lima, Peru
26/01/2011
Stopped over the main square before heading to the bus station.
Plaza de Armas, Lima, Peru
26/01/2011
BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system is relatively new to the local in Lima. Well it is just implemented roughly four month ago. I bought this Metropolitano card with only Peruian Soles 5 (RM 6, USD1.90). One single fare trip only costs 1.50 Soles, the card is totally free of charged. I was a little hurry since i gotta be at Karina's house at 6.30pm, so i didnt really do my own research properly, and because i know i would be back for pictures and videos, so i leisurely enjoyed the bus trip back to Ricardo Palmo.
Ops, need to mention that, the bus ride is very slow, though the concept of BRT system is another pattern of subway/underground/metro (just the vehicle is bus and not train).
Centro, Lima, Peru
26/01/2011
There are Regular A, Regular B and Express buses. Need to be careful what type of bus is approaching you.
Centro, Lima, Peru
26/01/2011
I gotta be thankful because i got the contact of Karina from my prof. at PUCPR. Her husband, Guillermo, an architect too is a super nice guy and her son, Giacomo is very adorable. Ezequiel and his girlfriend are friendly. Ops i found out Ezequiel looks like Phua Chu Kang, a popular Singaporean artist.
Centro, Lima, Peru
26/01/2011
Desiree is very friendly, well she has good personality. We only had met once, and i felt very comfortable to hang out with her.
Fuente Mágica, Parque de la Reserva, Lima, Peru
26/01/2011
Fuente Mágica, Parque de la Reserva, Lima, Peru
26/01/2011
Beautiful fountains with playing water, colored lights and laser rays which dance with the music rhythm. This newly revamped park is a pride of Lima's citizens. The Parque de la Reserva was inaugurated by the Mr. Luis Castañeda Mayor of Lima's Municipality (May 2007).
The Magic Circuit of the Water Tour is currently the world record holder for the largest fountain complex in the world, consisting of 13 distinct fountains, many of which are interactive. All of the fountains are lighted at night, many with continuously changing color schemes.
One of the show you cant never miss if you come to Lima.
Fuente Mágica, Parque de la Reserva, Lima, Peru
26/01/2011
Fuente Mágica, Parque de la Reserva, Lima, Peru
26/01/2011
My favourite fountain.
Fuente Mágica, Parque de la Reserva, Lima, Peru
26/01/2011

9 comments:

Chris said...

wau! peru.. very far ler~

*JeSSieTan* said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
*JeSSieTan* said...

very interested in that roasted pork... hehe... (^__^*) 想问周游列国的fufu,常常在各国吃当地美食会不会有不适应的时候啊?!

嘿嘿 said...

羡慕!很想去,但是太远啦!

Suf n Steve said...

ayoyo! when i see you already i saw a Peruvian!

hei darhling when will you be back in Frankfurt for class?

Fion Chow said...

it's indeed a good trip again...peru..shall pay a visit if i have a chance..it's a beautiful country

迷迭香 said...

any photo taken inside the small hut ? wonder how the interior looks like....=)

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

Wow interesting post about Peru..enjoy from head to toe..sorry to know about your stuff being stolen. tQ so much.

Che-Cheh said...

Sorry to hear about your lost. At least you're okay ya. Be careful.