The Things I Learned in Peru

I am not sure if most or all of this just pertains to Cusco, but here is my list.

When there is a trash receptacle next to the toilet, it is likely that that is where your toilet paper goes when you are through using it. This would bring me to the next thing I learned in Peru.

I learned to appreciate proper plumbing. Gotta love the sophisticated plumbing we have here in the U.S.

Peddlers are all over the place. From young children to kupuna. They wait outside of your hotel, bother you at restaurants, even follow you down the streets. They are very persistent in selling their merchandise. It gets to be overwhelming and annoying, but you learn how to deal with it.

The saying "NO GRACIAS!" when said in a strong tone with no eye contact comes in very handy. When done correctly, it sends peddlers on their way to the next person. If you don't do it correctly, they will just continue to follow you. "You buy chalina, Senorita? I give you special price."


About that special price, never pay the first price they state. If they say 20 soles, you try for 15. If they say no, just start to walk away, and then they say, "Okay, I give you for 15 soles." Bargaining was fun.

When bargaining, make sure that you are on the same page as the seller. Is the price in dollars or soles? HUGE difference.

Cuanto es... means how much is. Other than "NO GRACIAS!" this was probably the phrase I used most in Peru. Hahaha.


Synthetico (synthetic) versus natural. "These are colores natural, no synthetico!" Oh, and maquina versus mano, machine versus hand-made.

Always try to pay for your merchandise with the correct amount of money. If you need to get change when buying something from the market, make sure you check for the anti-counterfeit strip.


Along with the many peddlers, the streets are filled with stray dogs. You see them all over the place. They are fluffy dogs, some are even cute, and they don't seem to be starving.


Some look pretty scary, but they bother no one. They don't even go in the open buildings.


They just go along their merry way.


I sneakily snapped the photo above, but just a little tip, if you do take a picture of some of the people, even the children, be prepared to tip them. "Propina!"

You see those kids? Well, they are everywhere too. Some seem to be all alone with no parents near by. This got scary sometimes especially when you see them next to the roads.

Don't even get me started on the roads. They are crazy drivers. Good luck riding in a taxi. If you have to ride in a taxi, sit in the back unless you want your life to flash before your eyes. YIKES!!!!

Crosswalks mean nothing. You are definitely risking your life when crossing the road.

Lanes on the road mean nothing too.

The roads, the stairs, floors in general are slippery. Learned that the hard way and I had a bruise to prove it too. OUCH!!

Think twice before opening your mouth in the shower. And brush your teeth with bottled water. Not sure if I really had to do that at our hotel but I was taking no chance.

This one wouldn't be something I learned, but more something I was pondering. As I see the peddlers, merchants, kids and kupuna, annoying as they may have gotten at times, it made me think of the type of life they must live. I was wondering if there were actually some kids or even adults at home just watching t.v. doing absolutely nothing. I highly doubt it. They all work very hard, probably all day and night. Sad thought, but probably so true.

This was a very interesting trip. I experienced things I never experienced before. Through these experiences, the most important thing this trip has taught me is to appreciate all that I have and to never forget how privileged I am. Mahalo, Peru!