Slowly but Surely

So, for the last 2 weeks, I have just been focusing on getting use to my new life here in Peru. I started working as an English teacher. It should be quite interesting. I have a very good support chain here and they have already assisted in getting me private lessons as well which is extremely exciting! I haven't really had any extremely exciting adventures recently, but have had some quite memorable experiences.



One of those experiences would have to be Halloween! Ok, I didn't celebrate the holiday that they have here and can't even remember the name of it to be honest. Instead, I dressed up and went with my girlfriend and other friends to a big Halloween party. It was great! Most people were actually dressed up and there was 3 dance floors, modeling show, A sexy halloween costume contest, and they even played a little music from the traditional Peruvian holiday. And....we didn't make it home til well after the break of daylight!!!



Another experience that I had the pleasure of seeing is one that is much more cultural and very close to the hearts of many, many Peruvians. It was the procession of the Saint or Lord of Miracles (Milagros). I didn't go and see the extremely large procession in the central square of Lima, but did see one of the small local ones instead. I'm still a little fuzzy on the story, but apparently it has to do with a Christ being drawn or painted somewhere in Lima and then an earthquake hit. After the earthquake, the drawing or painting was still completely intact and declared a miracle. Now, that image and several replicas are taken around Lima during the month of October (that's when the earthquake happened) and is used to bless people and such. The color associated with this event is purple and no, I have no clue why. I'm sure that will be figured out someday. But, now you know that if you are in Peru in October and see people dressed in purple - it is most likely for el Senor de Los Milagros.

A New Place, Same Old Song and Dance

After 26 hours, I finally made it to my new home. Nothing made me happier than to see my girlfriend smiling at me and practically tackling me at the airport. Surprisingly, all my luggage made it with me as well! With all the problems I've had with airlines, luggage has never really been one (knock on wood). Even more surprisingly as we were driving back to her place, I had to ask her if people became better at driving in Peru or if I was just used to it now. She looked at me and said you must have just gotten used to it now. WOW! I never thought that was something anyone could get used to. I just took it for granted that every time you got in a taxi that you kind of assumed it was your last!

Coming back to Peru was really pleasant this time. Right off the bat, I started going out with friends and taking up where I left off in Jackson! It was good to see many of my friends that I haven't seen in about four months or so. It was also great to be paying just a few soles for a beer instead of few dollars!

While some things stay the same, there are many new adventures! First adventure I took was with my girlfriend, her cousins, and her uncle to a shopping area called Gamarra. i wanted to take the camera with me, but was warned that I shouldn't take anything valuable as thievery there can run rampant. The market was definitely a new experience for a Montana boy. The market is several blocks long by a couple wide. You can see the slums up on the hills no too far away, reminding you that you're not in Kansas anymore. This market is mostly a clothing market where several merchants are selling rip-offs of top named brands, but there is also several small start-up companies there with their own designs. It's definitely a place to find good deals though! My girlfriend's cousins bought several souvenirs there.

That's all for now! more about how about I'll be teaching English next time!

My story of how I ended up in Peru

Hi All!

This is my new blog of my adventures in Peru and how a boy from the northern Rocky Mountains ended up in Peru.

First, I'll start with a little background on myself. My name is Brandon, born and bred in Montana. A few years ago, I moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming chasing snow and outdoor adventure. It did not disappoint. The snow was fantastic and the scenery was beyond beautiful. I also met many like minded people that became some of my best friends. It is also where I met my primary reason for moving to Peru! While working at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, I met several South American students on working visas and fell in love with one of them! I have never looked back and am so happy to be with her and to have met the people I did!

So, I have just moved to Peru this last week and it promises to be an interesting adventure! I have traveled fairly extensively and have been to Peru twice before, but this time promises to be the most interesting adventure yet!