City of the Paddington Bear

I have arrived in the capital of Peru, Lima. Lima is a huge metrapolis with 9 million people.

Ancient Library in Lima´s Main Cathedral

My first impressions of the city are extremely positive. I hope to have a really good time here... will hit the nightlife tonight and hope to meet up with some locals.

Thanks to the kindness of my group and leader, I was upgraded to the sole business class seat on the bus from Trujillo last night. I had the pleasure of sharing this with Elizabeth from the other group (21yo student from Oxford University, UK). Given that the bus was full, we had no option but to book two extra seats in the spatious business suite on the lower level of the bus. It is the best bus I ve ever been on. We were served 2 meals on board... dinner and breakfast and the amount of space was fantastic. I arrived into Lima feeling refreshed, and free of my worries of going over a cliff!

Group Pic in main square of Lima

I am really impressed by our leader Julio who, like my previous two Intrepid tours, have turned out to be outstanding... a lot of fun, kind and knowledgeable. As an example, he provided me with his fleece given that mine was washed in dirty water by my last hotel (and now stinks even worse), has offered to take me to the Brazillian embassy to organise my visa for Brazil and has answered everyone of my questions... Andres, I think you may be right in saying that the South Americans are so much warmer than the Europeans. At every turn, I am being impressed by the local people I m meeting. Elizabeth is kind of like me... except that she has fallen in love with Julio (just like Gab did) and never wants to leave the country!

Important Building in Lima

Lima is a lot more attractive than what I was expecting. We are staying in one suburb south of Miraflores, not far from the coastline. We had a city tour this morning which gave us an excellent overview of the city. Julio, having lived in Lima since he was 13, provided us with a personalised tour of the city and I m really grateful for that... The city has many exquisite restaurants and shopping areas, and all for decent prices. Eating at the most exclusive restaurant in town will set you back $US20 a dish. Not bad... and Julio informed us that 2 bedroom apartments on the beach can be purchased for between 80 and US300,000... a far better deal than that of Australia! Travelling RTW is providing me with all these little hints...

Interesting Patterns at Sun and Moon

There is something really great about Peru that is holding my attention, and subsequent desire to return. If only I had more than 2 nights in Lima.

Me in the Main Square of Lima

Me overlooking the immediate area

My mate in Lima, Anderson

Name of Main Building Visited

Outside the main church.

Sasha with ugly looking dog

Skulls and bones in Lima´s Main Cathedral

Temple Sun and Moon 1

The Love Park, Lima