Ask a Peruvian (alt. Ask a South American)

[Wondering Kid]

Hello fellas! So, I decided to make this thread in response to me watching this:


Link to video.

...And by studying over at the US and finding out most people don't know anything about Peru. Which is amazing considering that Peru is the 20th biggest country in the world.

So yeah, you know how it goes. If you are curious (or really bored) you can ask a question and I'll respond as quickly as possible. Discussions are more than encouraged, and especially if they are about touchy subjects. Touchy things like racism, abortion and the like. Technically you could also ask me personal questions, but I might draw a line or two there. So, yeap.

You could also ask me about issues down this part of the world, South America (hence, the alt version of this Thread's title). I know quite a bit about my region, but if I am wrong in any aspect, you are free to tell me so.

In any case, go for it fellas!

 

[Berzerker]

does the #13 figure into Incan cosmology and if so, why?

 

[sophie]

Biggest by what metric?

 

[CavLancer]

Is it dangerous for a white guy to walk down the streets of Lima?

 

[Ajidica]

What is the best, worst, and oddest thing about living in Peru?

 

[Kraznaya]

why are peruvian dota pubs the 3rd worst in the world behind only russia and brazil

 

[Crezth]

How many mountains does peru have?

 

[GoodEnoughForMe]

What (if any) kind of political debate/situation has taken place over the years regarding the decades of Chinese immigrants?

 

[Wondering Kid]

does the #13 figure into Incan cosmology and if so, why?

Now that's an interesting question. See, several academics are trying to figure out if there really was a link between numbers and Incan mythology/cosmology. As the Incas didn't leave written records (that we can understand anyway) and the Spaniards' records are to be taken with a pinch of salt, there is no "official" posture on the matter. The lack of solid evidence is astounding. However, some temples such as the ones at Pachacamac or the Intihuatana at Cuzco do have 13 patterns scattered in a way that just cannot be a mere coincidence. But again, no way to make it go beyond an assumption by the scholars.

Biggest by what metric?

I think you meant scale. But yeah, Metric scale haha. By the way, we use Metric scale. It is good for trolling Americans

Is it dangerous for a white guy to walk down the streets of Lima?

Now that is sort of a tricky question. See, it depends. Just like any big city, there are many places that range from the nice to the horrid. There are places that are dangerous for EVERYBODY but the locals. And even they are at risk.
Anyhow, most of Lima is "walkable" for white guys. For the record, I fall under that category (according to most Peruvians anyhow). Just don't appear to be a rich white guy. And if you really insist on doing so, stick to the tourist areas and walk with a guide or another Peruvian. Lima is not Mogadiscio or Baghdad, but it still demands respect.

What is the best, worst, and oddest thing about living in Peru?

The food variety is the best one, definitely. So much edible stuff! The worst one? For me, the rampant informality. Even if it is part of our popular culture, whether I like it or not. And for the oddest one... Well, it is a tie between popular culture and the climate. For real. For example, in Lima alone we have approximately 8 different micro-climates. As for the rest of the country, we have 24 or the 26 known types of climate. Bring a raincoat and sunscreen.

why are peruvian dota pubs the 3rd worst in the world behind only russia and brazil

Wow, you've been inside one of those? Hell, I'm Peruvian and I hate them! That one's easy: As to cut down overhead expenses. Blame the rampant informality for that one. My advice? Stick to Garena whenever possible, unless you really want to live the experience.

How many mountains does peru have?

That's a tough one, as Peru is virtually at the middle of the Andes Mountain Range. And there are still some mountains without any formal name. So, while I cannot give you an exact number; I can tell you that we have a whole bunch of them. Several of them are inhabited, despite they stand 3500m! (Reason why I say we should be able to settle cities atop of mountains in Civilization.)

 

[Wondering Kid]

What (if any) kind of political debate/situation has taken place over the years regarding the decades of Chinese immigrants?

Believe it or not, the Chinese were relatively left alone after bringing them as indentured servants was outlawed in 1853 (pretty sure that was the exact year). They kept coming under "contract" until 1874 though. Besides the sporadic racial discrimination episode, and racist politician every now and then, they had it fairly easy. But that mostly at the beginning of their arrival, in the mid 19th century. Some of them assisted the Chileans during their invasion of the country, most just sat idle. Some even helped the Peruvian resistance. In any case, by the time the 20th century rolled, Chinese immigrants were integrated with the rest of the Peruvian population and considered "one of the bunch". The fact that people here really liked their cuisine helped a lot

In fact, the problem was with the Japanese. But that's another question alright

 

[Antilogic]

Are the trendy hipsters in countries like the USA eating up enough quinoa to impose undue hardships on the South Americans who rely on the crop for sustenance? What perspective could you give us from South America on this grain issue and other food supply issues?

 

[plarq]

How about the communist guerrilla warfare?

 

[sophie]

I think you meant scale. But yeah, Metric scale haha. By the way, we use Metric scale. It is good for trolling Americans

No, I meant metric. Do you mean population? land area? ...most children engaging in unsafe mining practices?

 

[Antilogic]

No, I meant metric. Do you mean population? land area? ...most children engaging in unsafe mining practices?

That is an awesome metric.

 

[Berzerker]

Now that's an interesting question. See, several academics are trying to figure out if there really was a link between numbers and Incan mythology/cosmology. As the Incas didn't leave written records (that we can understand anyway) and the Spaniards' records are to be taken with a pinch of salt, there is no "official" posture on the matter. The lack of solid evidence is astounding. However, some temples such as the ones at Pachacamac or the Intihuatana at Cuzco do have 13 patterns scattered in a way that just cannot be a mere coincidence. But again, no way to make it go beyond an assumption by the scholars.

http://www.darkstar1.co.uk/inca.htm

check the 3rd image down and look at the celestial images at the top surrounding the ellipse.

see the 2 groups of "stars" separated (or joined) by the ellipse? That ellipse was a depiction of Viracocha.

the 2 groups of stars are 4 and 5, just like the Nazca Monkey's hands

if Venus as evening and morning star is ignored there's 13 objects if the ellipse counts as 2 levels in "Heaven". The Toltec heaven had 12 levels but the creator occupied 2 by himself - Lord of Duality.

The Toltec also believed in the 9 Lords of the Night, the temple at Chichen Itza had 9 steps.

 

[Wondering Kid]

Are the trendy hipsters in countries like the USA eating up enough quinoa to impose undue hardships on the South Americans who rely on the crop for sustenance? What perspective could you give us from South America on this grain issue and other food supply issues?

Alright, I never expected to be answering this one. See, on that one we can blame hipsters, scientists, upper class Peruvians, and the Peruvian Government. Oh yeah. See, because of the whole "gastronomic boom" of Peruvian cuisine, now people demand quinoa. Which was, traditionally, "a food for the underprivileged, the marginalized and the working class". Or, "Cholo" food; because, yeah, racism is even present on culinary habits.
Anyhow, after scientists found out that quinoa was indeed good for your health; and that it was dirt cheap, so foreigners decided to give it a try. Those you call hipsters, but also wealthy fellas. This made the prices of quinoa rise, which caught the attention of the upper class Peruvians. So they decided to eat it and produce it, so that it could be exported. Then the Peruvian Gov realized that they could get a lot of taxes from that one. Now several firms are receiving subsidies, the State propaganda is encouraging people to eat quinoa (keeping demand high) and even named this year "The Official Year of Quinoa (sic)". Thus, now quinoa is expensive; and the only kind of quinoa poor people can afford is the one that was deemed unsuitable for exporting. Isn't that quite a downer ending? Similar issues have arisen with soy, corn, potato, rice, sugar cane and many others throughout the continent. But that is indeed worthy of a post of it's own.

TL;DR: hipsters. Their money is not enough for what they have triggered.

 

[Wondering Kid]

How about the communist guerrilla warfare?

Those guys are still out there, but the Gov has had a rough time trying to wipe the out for good. They get a lot of money from drug trafficking. Some politicians have been linked with them. Yes, corruption runs deep down here. There is a reason why the Congress, the Army and the National Police (the last two are the ones sent to the "emergency areas [official name for dangerous zones]" to "pacify [read. eliminate all hostiles]" all subversive activity) are regarded as the most corrupt entities in the whole country. But even despite all of that, progress has been made. They are no longer the boogeyman they used to be. I am confident that they'll be wiped out in the next 5 years.

No, I meant metric. Do you mean population? land area? ...most children engaging in unsafe mining practices?

Land area. Although, now that you mention it.... We need a "Most children engaging in unsafe mining practices" metric. Aye, we have that here; and it is very sad. Most of them have chronic dermatitis and stunted growth due to heavy metal poisoning.

http://www.darkstar1.co.uk/inca.htm

check the 3rd image down and look at the celestial images at the top surrounding the ellipse.

see the 2 groups of "stars" separated (or joined) by the ellipse? That ellipse was a depiction of Viracocha.

the 2 groups of stars are 4 and 5, just like the Nazca Monkey's hands

if Venus as evening and morning star is ignored there's 13 objects if the ellipse counts as 2 levels in "Heaven". The Toltec heaven had 12 levels but the creator occupied 2 by himself - Lord of Duality.

The Toltec also believed in the 9 Lords of the Night, the temple at Chichen Itza had 9 steps.

Yeah, but in the case of the Nazca and the Inca; those are different cultures that existed in different time-frames. The Inca were more of venerating their ancestors, which were mummified. Just like the Egyptians, only that Incan families would have their mummies alongside them if they could help it. They had "ranks" as of which mummy is which and how it should be treated.

Fun fact: The word "Mallqui" is Quechua for mummy. It is also a very popular surname here in Peru.

 

[stfoskey12]

Is Internet access widespread in Peru?

 

[warpus]

I had the fortune of visiting your country last may - the highlight was the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, although I also really enjoyed Miraflores and Huanchaco.

My questions:

- What's up with the grey area legality of coca leaves? From what I've been told by our guide, the government allows farmers to grow it, with the caveat that they have to sell 99% of it .. to the government. The rest is sold at markets, made into candy, and used by the local Quechua populations for spiritual reasons or whatever. Is that mostly accurate? If so, what do you think the government is using the coca for?

- How much is tourism helping Peruvian communities who live in the mountains or other remote regions of the country? I went on several tours where we were told that the communities we visited were directly helped by our money, in the sense that without the government-sponsored tourism program a lot of the people there would have no jobs and lead horrible lives. I'm talking about (for example) a house you go into, watch a presentation on how traditional clothing is made, and then have an "opportunity" to purchase some of the products - scarves, hats, etc. How much of this is bullcrap and how much of it actually helps the communities?

- In Lima I witnessed a very elaborate changing of the guard at the presidential palace. It looked sort of expensive to organize. I was told that it happens every day and that once a week (I think) they make a super fancy changing of the guard. Are Peruvians upset that money is spent on senseless displays like that while most of the country is relatively poor, or is it seen as a patriotic tradition that must continue? I'm not only talking about the changing of the guard here - but also anything lavish that the president partakes in.

- Will the Quechua language and culture survive?

- I've heard that Machu Picchu might get shut down to tourist visitors. Is this a lie? I can't see them closing it down - it brings in a lot of money.. but on the other hand closing it down so that it can be preserved makes sense as well. Do you know anything about this?

- What's your favourite Peruvian dish and can I have the recipe?