A bottle of water here is very affordable and easy to find. In small neighborhood tiendas, a regular 500 ml bottle usually costs between S/. 1.50 and S/. 2.50, depending on the brand and location. In larger cities or tourist areas, the price can be slightly higher. Because many communities in the Andes do not always have potable tap water, buying bottled water is common, especially for travelers. However, since I live with a host family, we typically boil our water to make it safe to drink, which means I do not need to buy bottled water very often.
The best meal I had this week was from a restaurant here in Lima. It was a modern take on Peruvian food, and it was elevated and beautifully presented. I ordered one of my favorite dishes, lomo saltado, but it was made with a little extra flair and creativity. The flavors were familiar, yet refined, which made it feel both comforting and special at the same time. When I head to bigger cities, I allow myself to spend a little more than I normally would. I think it is important to treat yourself to something nice when you have the opportunity. It makes the experience even more memorable.
This week, I have been listening to a lot of Bad Bunny, especially since he just performed at the Super Bowl halftime show! I find it very important to listen to Spanish-speaking songs. Not only does it help me learn new words, but it also helps me improve my pronunciation. I have also been listening to many Peruvian artists. A popular type of music here is called huayno.
