Comments on: You Could Love Iquitos Peru

By: thomas mastroianni

thomas mastroianni — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 05:36:01 +0000

I came to Iquitos for an anthropology paper. The people were kinder and more open hearted than anywhere I else I have traveled. It was a paradise where I was spared the aggression and pretentiousness so common in my city. The girls were beautiful. I watched a curandero work true healing miracles, though he would be too humble to describe it as such. Peter Gorman, sorry I misquoted you at the conference. I read your book when it was first released and loved it. Confusing a detail of another book with your work was embarrassing for me. And AKO, CAGE MATCH. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

By: JIM

JIM — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:32:49 +0000

I JUST FOUND THIS BLOG AND I MUST SAY ALL THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS ARE AMUZING. GERALD IS A GOOD GUY WITH A GREAT DAUGHTER AND HE JUST BECAME A GRANDFATHER.

I WILL BE IN IQUITOS MAR 15TH TRYING TO FINISH MY HOUSE. I HAVE LIVED IN PERU 18 YEARS AND AS IN ALL PLACES PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE. POOR PEOPLE SOMETIMES DO BAD THINGS. YOU ALWAYS HAVE THE OPTION OF LEAVING IF YOU DO NOT LIKE IT.

PEACE TOUGH GUYS.

By: Trausti

Trausti — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 02:57:09 +0000

Glad that this diatribe found an end. I visited Iquitos for the first time in my life in March with my parents from Iceland, and returned in May 2009, with my Danish friend.
I have lived in Lima for the past 9 years, married with the most amazing Peruvian woman, with whom I have 2 children.
This “AKO”…. well, if he happens to live in Lima, I would be happy to knock some shit out of him…. no, I don’t think anyone can knock any SENSE into this crapper. During my time in Iquitos the second time I got to know a few of the local people, one of whom happens to be Gerald from Texas. My time with him was only positive and yields pleasant memories, but I understand that some people do not like direct approaches and straight forward opinions. That… in my opinion, is not his problem, but rather an indication of people’s personal shortcomings. … and then again, how well can I get to know someone after only a single week? In general terms, I loved Iquitos and it’s people. My wife had been there with a friend of hers a few months before I went, and she loved the place. I have been several months in other parts of the jungle over the years, and liked the people, culture, food, traditions etc. I will be back to Iquitos to enjoy life there, and I am sure that some people still remember me over there, and not for being a bastard… but of course I might be wrong on that account (small chance though).

Looking forward to my next visit to Iquitos, knowing that it will be a pleasant time.

Trausti

By: david sheridan

david sheridan — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:19:56 +0000

Hey Y’all,

SFU here. Gee Bill, I haven’t checked dis here blog in a coon’s age. Took a looky terday and founded out I is a loser.

Anyway my friends. I will be back in Iquitos Sept 6 (week from tomorrow). I am hopefully making some progress on my project.
I know most of the people referred to by AKO or KOA or whoever the jerk is. And it is obvious who has culture and who is without. There are many “Gringoes” in Iquitos that probably have an issue here and there. Unblemished we are not. But I do know there are almost none in the Gringo community of Iquitos that you cannot sit with, enjoy intelligent conversation over a cold beer and be accepted for who you are. What more can one ask. Treat people with respect and fairness, and do not judge by the comments of others. I have friends there. Honest real people. Some are old farts like me. But we are good old farts. I, Bill, Mike and almost all others can sit on the boulevard over a cold beer and know that of the parade of people passing along, none are going to come by that we have to hide our face from. We should all be thankful that the retard AKA doesn’t live there. Rest in Peace Brothers!

By: Jessi_E

Jessi_E — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:47:10 +0000

I really enjoyed this blog, thank you for posting it. I visited Iquitos a month ago and stayed at the Hostel Ambassador. Let me just add that while Iquitos is lovely and the people friendly beyond belief…. There are negatives about Iquitos so have common sense when visiting by….
1) Keeping your money in your front pockets (A few of my friends were ripped off during our stay by the little children selling trinkets on the street)
2) Don’t whistle or talk to women dressed in small outfits (they are probably prostitutes, and Iquitos dosen’t need you feeding a business they are trying to eradicate)
3) Making sure that you know that the ‘local tribes’ on the Amazon are friendly towards your race/homeland. (A day after my group went to a village, another group not afflicted with us were murdered a mile upstream. When the police went to investigate they too were killed, so do your homework.)
4) Travel with a buddy or two. There is safety in numbers.

Iquitos is beautiful, and a memory to cherish as long as you are a defensive tourist.

Barter with the locals at the market(I got a hammock down from 80 to 50 soles!)—If you have a bra keep it there & break up your money into small amounts for trinkets!

Always keep your money in your front pockets I cannot stress this enough!!

EAT THE LOCAL FOOD!!! It is amazing! The drink they call coconut was my absolute favorite, and don’t forget to bring home a bottle of Inca Kola.

—Bill don’t let someone with such incompetence as AKO bother you, he obviously doesn’t know the real Iquitos. Your wife is beautiful. I wish you both the very best, and a long prosperous life together.

——-Oh and although the Yellow Rose of Texas is not traditional by any means the people there are amazing, especially the owner. He was so kind to our group when we stayed there. Not to mention his Texas Rose Burger is AMAZINGGGG

~Jess