February of 2005 would mark my first visit to Peru. I had no idea how much this trip would change my personal perspective and my life. It had been 4 years since my husband had been back to Peru. He took refuge in the United States after suffering a severe and debilitating knee injury. It happened at a Taekwondo competition that would have qualified him to compete for Peru in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He may have lost an Olympic dream, but he did gain a family out of his unfortunate circumstances.
When I first entered my husband’s childhood home I was shocked to see an unfinished cement floor. He had warned me on the taxi ride from the airport in Callao to Chorrillos that his family wasn’t rich, but I didn’t expect to see conditions that would be considered 3rd world poverty in my country. His father showed us up to the second floor where we would be staying. If the first floor was a shock, then the second floor would be the “awe.” The walls were exposed brick and the roof made of corrugated material. Even though his family lacked much of what I took for granted in the United States, the one thing that they had an abundance of was life, love, and a sense of family. We only spent 2 weeks in Peru, but by the second day after getting over the initial surprise, I was hooked!
While much has changed since 2005, the one thing that hasn’t changed is my love and adoration for Peru and its culture. Since May of 2009 we returned to the United States to complete our educational and professional goals. We will return to Peru once these have been achieved. In the meantime, The blog will continue to be updated with Peru-centric information and features on a sporadic basis.
Thank you for visiting and reading “Rachel in Peru.”
Hi Rachel.
My name is Cesar, I was born there.. Thank you very much for posting those priceless pictures. Thank you for you interest in the country.
God bless America and Peru too!
Cesar
loved reading how you made it to peru. I must say that my first trip was in december 2007. And it definitely opens eyes. Like you, what I like most is how strong the family is. It does not matter what you have, family value and tradition is so strong. Sometimes i wonder how so many people want to leave. Money looks good in other countries. But as the saying goes, the grass is greener on the other side. Needless to say, I stayed in peru a month. I saw christmas and new years, two holidays while yet celebrated in america i found different in peru. I loved it! I love it all. And while the first time I stayed in miraflores i made the trek to zarate (really a dumpy place in my mind) to visit my then girlfriend (thankfully now an ex). I have also stayed in san borja and surquillo. I found myself bored out of mymind at many times and wandered the streets of surquillo and san borja looking for pollerias to drink beer and eat at 2 am. I have made many different trips within the city usually to less glamorous parts and while they may not be easy on the eyes what you find in those places is the same. Most everyone has the same values. anyways, enough ramble. It’s clear I’ve fallen in love with peru. Right now I am kinda involved with a sweet colombian woman. And while love is what is on my mind. I really think about if i will have to choose between peru or colombia, love or peru, or if things continue with this woman can peru sweep her off her feet and she can still feel her colombian roots?
+1
Just read through your entire blog while reading up on Peru! My husband and I visited Lima for the first time last year and are planning to return this December – for at least a month. Actually we have considered moving there. I loved everything about the place – the people, the culture, the FOOD! Love your blog. Love your story.
loved reading how you made it to peru. I must say that my first trip was in december 2007. And it definitely opens eyes. Like you, what I like most is how strong the family is. It does not matter what you have, family value and tradition is so strong. Sometimes i wonder how so many people want to leave. Money looks good in other countries. But as the saying goes, the grass is greener on the other side. Needless to say, I stayed in peru a month. I saw christmas and new years, two holidays while yet celebrated in america i found different in peru. I loved it! I love it all. And while the first time I stayed in miraflores i made the trek to zarate (really a dumpy place in my mind) to visit my then girlfriend (thankfully now an ex). I have also stayed in san borja and surquillo. I found myself bored out of mymind at many times and wandered the streets of surquillo and san borja looking for pollerias to drink beer and eat at 2 am. I have made many different trips within the city usually to less glamorous parts and while they may not be easy on the eyes what you find in those places is the same. Most everyone has the same values. anyways, enough ramble. It’s clear I’ve fallen in love with peru. Right now I am kinda involved with a sweet colombian woman. And while love is what is on my mind. I really think about if i will have to choose between peru or colombia, love or peru, or if things continue with this woman can peru sweep her off her feet and she can still feel her colombian roots?
Hola Rachel,
You have a great story! I just wanted to drop a line and welcome you and all Americans living in Peru. You can read (a little) about me at http://www.enaguevara.com . I live in the mountains of Georgia (Rabun County) with my husband and daughter. However, I always visit Peru (Ica) – like in 2 weeks. I am excited about the trip – I will see my family and have fun at the beach (no doubt!) and visit my running friends whom I am taking running clothes for the team. I been helping them in the past 5 years with training and advice and they have won the Junior Nationals this year.
I am trying to create a fund so I can supply them with shoes, uniforms and other needs. Unfortunately, about 6 young athletes and 2 juniors lost all their homes with the earthquake last year.
Anyway, I will create a blog myself and I just wanted to give you support with your experience in Peru and I wish your husband the best with his sport. As a former Olympian for Peru , it requires plenty of discipline and determination and support from the family – financially and emotionally.
I hope we can stay in touch and wishing you the best to you and your family.
Ena
Hey Rachel –
I just saw your reply to my question about crime in Lima. Thanks so much. MUCH different than Arequipa. ¡Bien tranquilo acá!
Your story sounds so romantic. And you got kids and everything. Beautiful!
I only have eight months here and I look forward to reading your blog. I’m at http://www.expat-chronicles.com
Best of luck,
Colin
What a cool story. And girls who can kick butt are sexy too!!!