Lima,
Peru
Friday, September 15, 2006
It gives me a real buzz to think that I am inspiring some of my mates to travel... especially to South America. You won´t be disappointed! Dean, it was great to hear that you are looking to come to this continent. Having Julio as my tour leader has given me an excellent insight into many facets of South America and I´m glad I´ve joined a tour at the beginning of my travels through this continent. Even though I´ve travelled at a fast pace in 2006, I´ve also been able to clarify my preferred travel destinations for the future... The beauty of Peru is that it is so different to my life in Australia and meeting locals has encouraged me to reflect on and embrace the cultural differences between our two nations. I´m loving being here and can honestly see myself spending another year or two (or more, depending on the next few years back in Australia) of my life working and living in foreign places... being a teacher makes that possible... but, I hope to gain my TEFL teaching qualification along with another language (Spanish) to make it even more possible. I met a 60 year old lady volunteering her services in Peru... I can see myself following a similar path... goes to show that you are never too old. It was interesting reading an article on the internet about how people spend some of their retirement years in international destinations... I am constantly meeting older people everywhere I go having a blast spending their retirement years in their favourite places... and cost is no obstacle. Bangkok, Marakesh and Lima are all VERY affordable... much more so than the expensive cities back home. Travelling RTW has opened up the opportunities available to people who love international experiences. Goes back to my opening quote... how true is it.
Last night, Anderson introduced me to three of his friends and we spent the better part of the night dancing at one of the clubs in Miraflores. I am in awe at the Peruvian´s sense of passion, love of their friends (and visitors!), and exquisite dancing styles. The club I went to was ultra modern and had two floors... one for popular western music and the other for salsa. We spent most of our time in the Salsa section... definitely a lot of fun spending the night with Anderson and his friends. But, with all my goodbyes, it was hard leaving these guys and I only wish I could meet up with every single person I´ve met in Perth!
Today we travel to Pisco, for our tour through Southern Peru. I can highly recommend Lima as a stop over... Miraflores is beautiful.
