I am getting plenty old. Pretty soon, I’m sure I’ll need bloodwork. But there are some things that I never seem to outgrow. And violently thrashing around a pit filled with a horde of sweaty, riotous, tattooed youths is apparently one of those things. I’ve had my ears thoroughly inundated with music during my six weeks here thus far and have made a great effort to secure that fact. But I have long been interested in how the Lima musical underground operates. It’s like those nature channel shows where the Aussie documentarian gets right up in there with the tigers, risking life and limb. You can’t just watch from afar. You’ve got to experience it for yourself
So, on Saturday afternoon, I hopped a cab over to the “Super Complejo” in [Continue reading...]

In researching Peruvian music, I’ve recently become aware of a certain unspoken phenomenon. Within the last ten to fifteen years, the female presence in rock, electronic and punk music has just become overwhelming. This doesn’t seem to be one of those intentional and actively-staged rebellions but, rather, a natural progression; one which is very logical when one examines all of the things that already make Peru so spiritedly independent amongst other Latin American countries. Basically, the cosmic beard fest that tends to envelop the bulk of the louder electro, rock, garage, metal and punk music throughout the Americas has a much less fierce pull in this particular area of the world. And that’s really a good thing.
Much like in Japan, the role reversal in music has become very apparent in [Continue reading...]

Just like any other (and by “other”, I mean “inferior”) destination, Peru is a country which one should not tread upon whilst carrying with them the improper attitude. The pure traveler is one who takes their destination for more than its trinkets, tan-lines and tandem bicycles. Don’t let the vacation get in the way of the trip. And don’t let the trip get in the way of the experience. For, as we all know, there is NO SUCH THING as a bad experience.
I’ve spent 6 of the last 7 days on buses. I was horribly ill for 2. I danced (badly) for 5. I ate guinea pigs, cow hearts, sheep innards and something called a “Sex Burger” which, contradictory to its rather lurid title, I found to be both monotonous [Continue reading...]

Not since K.C. and the Sunshine Band uttered the immortal words, “Baby, I want your lovin’” has anybody had such a clear sense of purpose as when I looked down from a 13,000 foot mountain this past weekend, atop the intrigue-laden peaks of ancient Marcahuasi.
But first, I’d like to tell you all about five truths I’ve learned during my first two weeks in Peru. I believe that having a working knowledge of these facts is essential to being able to understand my limited and presumptuous view of Peruvians and Peruvian culture.
1: Limes are very important. Limes can and should be put into and/or onto any thinkable food, drink or cleaning product available in the country.
2: Many Peruvians actually enjoy American football. In fact, they’re very knowledgeable about the sport. [Continue reading...]