Tips to Playing Carnavales

Flipping through some photos, I came upon a few favorites from Carnvales in Cusco which are pretty entertaining to share. (I'm on the left, covered in foam.) These carnavales are basically an excuse for full on water and foam fights.  It's not really like Brasil's Carnival, but also celebrated in February. 

Tips to play the game:

1. If you go outside, you're playing. People go all out for a few weeks and if you go outside you're not considered 'safe'. The main arena for the games is the Plaza de Armas, the main square. I remember some people had buckets of water on balconies, waiting to dump on 'innocent' passer-by-ers. 

2. Stock up. And if you actually want to get in on this action (instead of just wearing a poncho and running), make sure to go fully stocked with supplies: water guns, foam spray(or powder?), water balloons, etc. There are tons of street vendors and shops for all your carnavales needs. 

3. Definitely go with friends. Two reasons: what's more fun with friends than making a giant mess? and So you're not left empty canned and defenseless!

*Disclaimer* I don't encourage using foam spray bottles because they've got weird chemicals in them and I don't think they can be recycled. Maybe a good alternative would be some type of power, like in India's Holi festival. Now I want to try that.

Have you been in something like this? Do you dare get so messy??

Happy carnavales a mis amigos/as en Peru!

On Moving to Peru

Hey there! If it's your first time, welcome. I'm so so glad you're here :)

I'm Lisa and want to share a very frequent question I'm asked: Why did you move to Peru? Some background info is that I've been primarily living in Peru for the past two and 1/2 years. In that time I met my (now) husband, which has mostly kept me there. Also, I'll refer to it as there only because I'm visiting the states for another few months. 

So...that brings me back to the question - why did I move to Peru?

Well, if I were asking myself this, the answer would be simple: why wouldn't I want to go to another country and explore new things? It's part of my nature, which I love. I'm adventurous and challenge myself to get out there, try new things, and discover more about myself.

But really I did take some things into account, so I'll take your through my thought process. First, I would break this question into two parts: why did I want to move abroad? and why Peru? I feel like those both have their own stories.

Why did I want to move abroad?

In 2011 I was in California and had graduated two years previous. I was working with several jobs that I really liked, with sparkling and magical people all around me, but (like many people, I believe) I wasn't completely happy. I would really enjoy life and then slightly freak out about things. I felt like I complicated so much in my own mind, creating scenarios and situations that weren't relevant and didn't make me happy. Maybe it was anxiety? I also may have been slightly depressed. Anyway, I thought that was a powerful sign to step away and sort through my stuff...In summary, it was partially for my sanity.

Another piece to this is that I'd already fallen in love with traveling. A few years before, I'd gone with a large group of other students (who are dear ones to me still) and was studying through a program as part of my Bachelor's Degree in Spain. And oh, did I love it! Like, so much! But this was my opportunity to take it one step further: to travel to a new place, on my own, have a work experience, etc. To me, this was a very important challenge of self-exploration. 

Ok, so... why Peru?

Since I'd developed my Spanish language skills pretty darn well, I wanted to embrace this by using . So I checking my way through my bucket list by visiting every continent - I'd lived in Europe, traveled in Central America... it was only logical that I must visit South America this time! For me, it wasn't exactly about a precise destination, but taking a path there. Peru kind of fell into play because of several people mentioning it, a few friends who are from there, and because I was really interested in shamanism and the ancient cultures. 

That's the whole answer to why I up and out-ed to Peru. And I'll say - I'm so glad I did! A lot has happened these past few years and I'm so grateful for the most amazing guy I've met, special expat relationships I've formed, and really neat experiences I've had so far. 

Happy weekend, friends!

Do you like to move around or be in one place? How do you expand your horizons? 

Expat to Expat: My Holiday Celebrations Abroad

Happy holidays everyone! 

It's been so crazy over here, so I've been putting this bloggy on the back-burner a bit. I've been trying to do way too much these past few days and stressed myself out. So this is a good time to take a break from searching for apartments and do this awesome link-up by Belinda and Bailie! Woo, let's go ~

Has your idea of the holiday season changed since becoming an expat?
Yes and no. 
No, it hasn't changed in meaning. For me, the holidays are basically a time to be with loved ones and be grateful for what we have. It's always about that. Even the Christmas and Thanksgivings spent away from my family, I was in good company and that's what it's all about.
Yes, it has changed in what it looks like. For example, lights and trees aren't very common here, unless you are kind of rich. Since I'm living south of the equator, it's like summer! It's also different in that not EVERYthing is over-commercialized. I mean, there are places that do really go all out with decorations (full-size nativity scenes are popular here) but I don't see as much propaganda, which is refreshing. Oh, and another biggy is that holidays food looks different - the equivalent of egg nog, peppermint mochas, and cookies is a very thick hot chocolate and panetone. It's a fun tradition too.

{source}

How do you build new holiday traditions, while keeping ones that remind you of “home”?
I will admit, I've gotten slightly lazier with holiday traditions here. But Thanksgiving has been an exception to that. The past 3 years my good expat friends in Cusco have gathered and carried out the good old stuff-your-face tradition, American style (this year, we even had a turkey and that was exciting for us).  

October 31st either celebrates Halloween (mostly younger kids) or the typical Peruvian celebration of folk music, Día de la canción criolla (which is common among the older generations). So last year for Halloween some friends had a party for Día de la canción criolla where we danced and listened to lots of traditional folk songs. But this past year, it kind of snuck up on us and I didn't have many ex-pat friends in Lima to celebrate Halloween...so my hubby and I just watched a movie together.

In general, it's nice to celebrate a little bit of the local culture and tie in things from home as well, when it's possible. I've enjoyed sharing with Rafa some of our traditions and trying to explain (and understand myself) American culture. It's all about creating a shared experience and recalling old memories.

With that, I'm looking forward to reading up on some posts from the link-up... Do you have a favorite holiday or tradition??

My Top 10 Peruvian Foods ~ The Expat Diaries

Hello friends. And hello to winter holidays in the heat of summer! The holiday season hasn't quite hit me because of the weather and the under-commercialization of Christmas here in Peru. Although, I was really glad to indulge in all kinds of Thanksgiving delights last weekend with good friends. Life's good, I can't complain :)

Woohoo - I'm linking up with Rachel, Chelsea, and Kayleigh for The Expat Diaries!! Thanks gals for opening up this community space for expats and travelers to share. I'm going to bring the focus back to food...I hope you're on-board with that. 

So Peru is becoming more and more well-know in the food scene. Before I even came here I began to notice quite a few Peruvian restaurants popping up back in states. While there are tons of dishes and things out there I could go on about (perhaps there'll be a 2nd edition), I just narrowed the list down to 10 that I find particularly delicious and/or interesting. So, join me for dessert (it's always first, right?)?

Top 10 Peruvian Foods

Uno. PICARONES: These are pretty much fried sweet potatoes dough drizzled with a spiced honey syrup. Oh my yum (can you tell by my expression?)

{photo: Katie Alvarado}

Dos. ARROZ CON LECHE and MAZAMORRA: Another typical dessert which is sweet rice (with milk and cinnamon) and a pudding-like sauce from maÍz morada (purple corn). Mixed together, they're a perfect combo in my book!

{source}

Tres. ANTICUCHO: A very typical street food that are basically meat skewers, punctuated with a potato. In the evenings, mamítas(women) bring out their barbecues to grill these up! Oh, and they're typically made from beef heart (I'm not fond of) but there are other types too.

{Photo: Jan Ger}

Cuatro. CHOCLO: This is a variety of corn. I think it's really fun to eat because the kernels are so big! It's often boiled in a big pot right on the street corner and served with some squeaky (and salty) Andean cheese.

Cinco. CEVICHE: One of the most typical dishes in Peru. If you want some good ceviche, there are lots of good places I've heard on the coast in Lima. While I'm not a huge fan, most people really love this fish cooked by a lime marinade. Plus, it's a classic so it had to make the list!

{Photo: Jan Ger}

Seis. CUY: Aka, guinea pig! Yep, this is a special plate often found in the Andes for birthdays or other celebrations. It's pretty taste-y if well-prepared, as I describe in {this post}. If you can get over the little claws and head (nothing is hidden here), then I'd recommend giving it a chance. And you get bragging rights :)

{Photo: Frances McCorkle}

Siete. SALTADOS: Chicken, lamb, noodles...These are typical Peruvian-Asian fusion. Before coming to Peru I had no idea that there is such a large Asian influence (a Chifa post will come), much less that it would show in its gastronomy. This plate is one of my favorites because it's pretty much a stir-fry (can't go wrong!). In this picture, I attempted to reproduce pollo saltado in California for my parents...it turned out pretty well - I think they'd vouch for me ;)





Ocho. HUATIA: This isn't as much a type of food as it is a festival/tradition. Essentially, in the Andes during the harvest, people create underground ovens to cook veggies like potatoes, beans, etc. I really love this celebration of the season!

{read and see more here}

Nueve. TAMALES: These are another absolute favorite (I guess that's obvious because it's on this list)... Typical Limeño tamales are very different from Mexican tamales I'd had often (I'm from California p.s.). First they're wrapped in banana leaves for some extra flavor. And they don't have much meat in them. They are so delicious and the olive just tops it off wonderfully!

Diez. SOUPS: So in the U.S. occasionally you have the choice between a soup or salad at meals. Well, in Peru it's soup, soup, and soup! In fact, it's a typical part of nearly every meal. I miss having salads but I really like this tradition of having soup too. This one below was an interesting one made from some type of banana in the jungle.

Welp, thanks for having a little taste with me! Have you tried any of these? Or do you have another Peruvian favorite?

P.S. Another of my food-y posts here! Expat to Expat Q+A: Yummy Food

Prohibition in Peru + Weekly Wishes #6

Hey there. I hope you're off to a beautiful new week...and a delicious one at that! The weekend is going to be guaranteed greatness - visiting friends and celebrating a feast together in Cusco!! There will be lots of givings-of-thanks and face-stuffings.

Before I share Weekly Wishes link-up hosted by lovely Melyssa...here's a fun little cultural bit:

Yesterday was a local voting day in Peru. While I was aware that the elections were happening, I had no idea it would affect our Saturday night wine and movie plans. I went to the store to pick up a bottle - ok, a box - of wine and saw this:

One side of the aisle was blocked off by toilet paper display, placed strategically in front of the liqueur (for a supposed barrier, this was a pretty fluffy choice. I can just imagine someone barricading through triumphantly to grab a beer). I pretty much started cracking up right there.  

At this point I overheard someone mentioning that it was the Ley Seca - or the dry law. And this sign explained. Basically, everyone is restricted from selling any alcohol for 2 days before and the day of voting. Aka, the prohibition for 3 days! 

I was laughing about this to my husband and it was obviously normal to him (he's Peruvian). Voting is required by law here so I suppose its their way of assuring that people will not be too drunk to show up and vote the next day. Apparently there are quite a few other S. American countries which enable this law during voting. All in all, I get it. It is just ridiculous to see the measures that people go to in order to restrict some things. Hahaha! Here's my favorite:

*  *  *

I really like the theme of this week's wishes: new beginnings. It rings true to me and my husband, as we're changing things up a bit now (and he has a new job!). 
Last week's goals:
1) Start going through things. Well, technically...I did my laundry and cleaned up a bit, but I'll still be giving the 'going through things' part another go this week.
2) Be thankful. This one went pretty well. I took some time during public transportation to think about some little things and people. Is this something I can really 'check' off my list, even if it's like an on-going goal. We'll just go with yes for now!
3) Catch up on my online class.  Yessiree! And I'm so glad I finished! This class has given me some good ideas and inspiration in the teaching area. I may even try some more online classes :)

And a few things I'm putting more energy into this week include:
1) Get going on gift projects! I'm thinking of one in particular because it needs a bit of plan time.
2) Show thankfulness. I want to do this by writing a few nice emails and catching up with some special people.
3) Keep practicing yoga. Since I stopped going to the yoga studio (because of conflicting/sporadic schedules), I've been keeping up the practice at home with online videos. I'd love to practice a few times this week to get more focused and open up my heart.
4) Continue going through things....it's a process. 

Thanks for coming by! Go 'em go-getters!! 

Visiting Pachacamac

Hey there, and happy weekend again! This week ended on a really exciting note: my hubby is now employed!! We're celebrating by watching movies and eating salty and sweet treats. Wine was part of the plan, but that turned into a funny story...

Last week Rafa and I took a bus about an hour out of Lima, to visit the ruins of the ancient civilization, Pachacamac. It was nice to take a few hours to explore and do something different. Plus, it was on my Peru bucket list. But of all the really awesome archaeological sites in Peru, this one didn't make it high on our list. The museum was very interesting and had some neat artifacts. It was a little disappointing that most areas were prohibited from entry. This may have been due to the large restoration projects going on...Ok, maybe that didn't come off right - it is an impressive place to experience (and even more-so if you haven't visited other Andean ruins yet!). 

Pyramid with ramp.

Rafa being a rebel.

A little history: 
Pacha means "earth" + chamac means "energy". This Pre-Incan civilization was a very important center in Peru, energetically and ceremonially. For this reason, many people pilgrimaged from far away to this site. Some of the architectures include: pyramids with ramps, a palace, North-South road, East-West road, a cemetery, the old temple, the painted temple, temple of the sun, the female virgin quarters, and the pilgrimage area. Here are some more of our photos!

Acllawasi - the female quarters.

The Temple of the Sun, main ceremonial area. And also at the top of the mountain, overlooking the coast.

Rustic restoration of Temple of the Sun.

Some other cultural snippets from my life in Peru!
Harvest Fest: Huatia
A Cultural Bit: Guinea Pigs

Have a beautiful rest of the weekend!

Harvest festival in Peru: Huatia

Buenas tardes, dear readers.

So, who likes Thanksgiving?? It's one of my favorite holidays because it's all about food! In it's tradition, it's really about celebrating a harvest. It's fascinating to me to learn that most cultures around the world have a similar harvest festivals. For example, there's Sukkoh in Judaism (celebrated with fruit), the Yam Festival from Africa, Harvest Moon Festival from Korea, and lots lots more. 

In Peru, the harvest festival is called Huatia [wat-iya]. Living here for the past nearly 2 years I've been able to celebrate this twice! I love this tradition because first of all it's not about buying things or supporting the commercialization of holidays (*cough* Valentine's Day, Christmas *cough*). It's a natural celebration for the food that has been grown from the Earth. So this feels very organic and something that has been meaningful for thousands of years. And for this reason, it's a holiday for even people who live in poor areas or out in the country-side. That's actually where it comes from. 

So in the mountains of Peru, potatoes are one of the highest produced crops. During the months of May-July, Andean people celebrate the potato harvest. Huatia isn't just about harvesting the potatoes, it's about creating a natural oven to cook them. Over the past nearly two years living in Peru I was lucky enough to celebrate this twice. So below I'll be showing what the process is like. Since I was working at an afterschool program out in the countryside, we did this with the kids. They actually knew more about how to do it than most of the adults. 

First step was to collect some dried dirt clods. Then we started building them up in a U-shape.

The boys also showed off their building skills - very impressive!

And the girls got right in there too!

Next we lit the fire. It burned until the dirt clods were black. 

The black clods means that the fire it is hot enough to add potatoes and beans. Some people also cook meats, but it needs to be wrapped up.

Then it's time to collapse the hot dirt clods.

By burying this with loose dirt, the pile creates a hot insulated oven. All the holes with smoke coming out were covered.

During the cooking process you can take a break on the monkey bars for awhile :)

After about an hour, the food should be cooked. You have to be careful when finding the potatoes and beans in that hot pile! It's literally like 'hot potato'!

Keep undigging until the very last ones are out. 

Then it's time to eat! Everyone gets a few potatoes and can eat it with some different sauces. No washing, just peel off the dirt-y skin and enjoy! Now that's a natural flavor :)

So what do you think of this? Do you have any special food traditions?