Events like Semana Santa in the Peruvian city of Ayacucho attract many foreign visitors - but do these gringo travelers bring help or harm to developing communities? Matt Finch of La Vida Idealist spoke with Lloyd Boutcher of UK travel operators Sunvil and Georgina Davies of the Travel Foundation to[...]
Archive for the ‘Around Town’ Category
Why Simón, what large sideburns you have!
Before I start, I must beg ignorance; I’ve never considered myself a Latin American history buff by any means. My knowledge of the region is mostly limited to post-1900 imperialist meddling in Central America by an overzealous United States, and the ensuing fallout that lasted well into the [...]
Beyond the Guidebook
If you’re looking to study abroad in South America (or anywhere!) one of the most useful ways to pick a program is talk to other students who’ve just returned. You’re more likely to get the truth than from some university spokesperson. And while there are lots of important questions to ask[...]
Language School and Some Volcanic Mud
These last two weeks have whooshed by. New York was, well, as you would expected one of the world’s greatest cities to be – great. Our first couchsurfing experience worked out really well and, as I am able to write this, I’m sure you’ll be happy to know that the couchsurfer who hosted us in [...]
April 9th, 2011 - 8:26 am § in Around Town, Peru
Escrutinio
It’s almost election day in Ayacucho, and the city is officially dry for forty-eight hours leading up to the polls. There’s not a drop of alcohol to be had, unless you’re a needy gringo with enough nous to talk their local corner store into an under-the-counter sale! [...]
April 1st, 2011 - 12:00 pm § in Argentina, Around Town
My Visit to Jesus Land
Yesterday I ventured to Tierra Santa, or the Holy Land, A Christ-themed amusement park. “Strange” doesn’t even begin to explain the experience. Though the only ride was a merry-go-round for kids, the park itself is quite extensive. I wandered through the sand-colored buildings of the[...]
The Panadería – A Lesson in Venezuelan Deliciousness
How do we not have these in the States?! I’d like to take a moment to talk about the Venezuelan panadería, and why these little shops fill me with warm fuzzies. Panadería translates to “bakery,” but it is so much more. They’re nestled in business districts and resident[...]
February 8th, 2011 - 8:00 am § in Around Town, News
On Hiatus – Thanks for Your Patience!
Loyal readers: You may have noticed there hasn’t been much going on with La Vida Idealist since 2011 began. We haven’t forgotten about you. Our bloggers are still making a difference. And we’re still striving to make this blog your one-stop shop for learning about the world of free[...]
