Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Protests in Peru a year after major quake

Residents of Peru's southern coast took to the streets Friday to protest the government's response to an magnitude-8.0 earthquake a year ago that left tens of thousands homeless. The Aug. 15, 2008 quake killed more than 500 people and destroyed more than 40,000 homes on Peru's southern coast, where many residents still scrape by in tents or makeshift wood huts provided by the government. (AP - click here to read complete article)


Thousands join Peru quake protest

Thousands of Peruvians have marched in protest at what they say is the inadequate official response to a quake a year ago that killed 519 people. The protest took place in the city of Pisco, one of the worst affected by the 8.0-magnitude tremor that also left more than 300,000 people homeless. Strikes were held in Ica and Chincha, which were also near the epicentre. (BBC - click here to read complete article)


Bolivia, Peru Brass to La Paz Talks

Bolivian and Peruvian Armed Forces will meet from August 17 to 22 for their 16th round of talks among high ranking commands, reported official sources. The purpose of the talks will be to develop mutual confidence and promote a concept of integral security between both nations. The governments of both nations agree on stressing the importance of continuing these meetings to develop a common policy within a South American framework. (Prensa Latina - click here to read complete article)


Oneworld to promote tourism to Peru

The world's one of the leading quality airline alliance, oneworld, is putting its weight behind one of the biggest yet campaigns to attract visitors to Peru. It is linking with PromPeru, the country's national tourist organisation, to encourage people across all 150 or so countries served by the alliance's airlines to take their holidays in one of Latin America's most attractive, fascinating and welcoming countries. (finchannel - click here to read complete article)


IUPUI delivers shoes to impoverished kids in Peru

John Ashworth didn't immediately understand the joy. One of three IUPUI basketball players to join coach Ron Hunter on his recent trip to Peru to hand out donated shoes, Ashworth was surprised by how much the children celebrated something that seemed so elemental. Eventually, he and the rest of the group began to understand. They weren't giving shoes to kids who didn't have any. They were giving shoes to some who had never seen shoes. (Indy Star - click here to read complete article by Jeff Rabjohns)


Proud parent Peru touts potatoes

At a market along frigid Lake Titicaca, the vendor caught a visitor eyeing her display of chuno, black and white potatoes as hard as charcoal briquettes. She explained how they are made: Peasants place them in a reed basket to be frozen in an icy river. Later, some stomp them to remove excess water. Sensing skepticism about the freeze-dried concoction, Juana Rojas made her pitch. "Cut it in half, put some cheese in the middle, you'll love it," said Rojas, 62, who grew up in this region more than 2 miles high. "And you don't even need a fridge." (Chicago Tribune - click here to read complete article by Oscar Avila)