"Latina"

I identify myself with that label much more than Peruvian. I do not adore ALL aspects of South America, but I do love some parts of it. I really like Central America as well, even if I’ve only been there twice.

But Peruvian? No, please don’t label me like that. Peruvian history before the Spaniards is awesome, I’ll give you that (the Incas and Machu Picchu ftw), but afterwards… It’s all effed up. I do not like Peruvian food that much, even though most Peruvians will tell you it’s amaaazing, the best thing you will ever try. I don’t like it partly because it hurts my tummy, it is too creamy and spicy for me to handle. But food is cheap here, so that’s good!

The way people behave on the streets is simply too annoying. I am very tall compared to other women, so I immediately stand out. Lima is supposed to be a “big” city, but people do not ignore you on the streets like in other major cities. Instead, they scan you all over. It is an incredibly hostile environment, except when you are indoors.

The education system is shit, even at university level. The government is shit, the democratic system has managed to eff things up. My fellow Peruvians’ system of beliefs is SHIT (very conservative while I’m ultra liberal), oh and the landscape! I do not like it, no, except the portion of Peru that has the Amazon jungle. I do not like the Andes because it’s too rocky and I don’t like the coast because it’s basically a desert. I like green stuff, I adore forests, and there’s none of that here :(.

So yeah, if you ever mention me in a conversation, I’m your Hispanic or Latina friend or I’m your-very-alienated-Peruvian friend :P

Thanks for reading my rant!