Arequipa, Peru

The American dating market is broken so I went to a different one

I take an Uber to the bus stop, to go to Boston, for a flight to JFK, to fly to Lima, Peru, then a third flight to the high desert city of Arequipa. 

“What are you going to do in Peru?” asks the Uber driver.

“I’m not sure yet.”

“Is there a specific reason you’re going?”

“Not really.”

There are a few reasons for the traveling. Avoiding most of the New England winter is one. But the main reason is that Peru is somewhere other than the American relationships market. The extent to which the relationships market in America is broken is not often talked about. Single people in America know how the dating market in America is — not good. 

I take two steps off the plane in Arequipa and I’m already glad I’m here. It’s refreshing to see new mountains. There are lots of people walking around, there are more workers than customers. Products and services are cheaper and slower. There are people walking around selling stuff, all kinds of stuff. In America, people just ask for money without selling anythi…