Forum Rock Cafe
A nightclub like Forum was the last thing I expected to stumble across. It is much more Ayia Napa than Arequipa.
The Casona Forum centre is located on San Francisco, the road that runs north along the eastern side of the Plaza de Armas. Once into the courtyard there are a number of bars that lead off - Retro, a more sedate bar in a '60-'70s theme, Zero, with pool tables, and Terrasse with views over the city and events. Forum however is a good old-fashioned nightclub, albeit one with a rather striking jungle feel. Walls and dividers are bamboo poles, and there is a second floor of walkways suspended over head like a treehouse. Lush greenery explodes from pots and corners, and there is a 'lagoon' by the toilets lit up a dazzling aquamarine colour. There are areas on the ground floor set over to sofas, but the best seats are the small tables upstairs, from where you can watch the heaving crowd on the dancefloor below. You are also on the same level as the DJ booth, a pod which projects out over the dance floor.
I was informed that they generally have live bands on Thursdays - Saturdays. I went on a Friday night and there was a DJ playing south American dance. No loss one might say. The crowd get sweaty, and have much less sense of personal space than uptight Brits; our attempts to move to the music was if anything a source of entertainment to the other dancers!
Forum is the top club in the centre of Arequipa, and the clientele seems to be affluent and studenty. The vibe is one of harmless enjoyment, with an undertone of misbehaviour (if they can get away with it). There are three or four bars spread over the two floors, selling Arequipena beer at roughly $1.50 a bottle. Other favourites are rum and tequila.
For a night out on the town in Arequipa, Forum cannot be beat. All the taxi drivers know where it is. With its striking jungle decor it really is the last sort of place I expected to find in Peru!
From journal Ary Quepay - Here I Rest