Lima

So...made it safely to Lima!  The flight down was relatively normal with the minor exception of some heavy turbulence while coming across Central America.  First time I´ve been on a plane where everyone actually screamed from the drop; felt sorry for the two young brothers sitting in front of me.  The younger of the two would cower in his brother´s arms whenever the ride began to get shakey again.  Ironically, I´d been reading about plane crashes moments before the rough air hit...definitely like reading ghost stories right before going to bed.

After landing, I met Peter in the airport and we went through customs with no difficulty.  Peter booked us a hotel room in Central Lima ahead of time and there was an incredibly kind taxi driver from the hotel awaiting us.  He made sure to lock the doors after we climbed in and gave us a late night tour on the way to the hotel.  Pointing out museums, important plazas, and main avenues, he and I were able to trade travel information with our rudimentry english and spanish skills.  The hotel itself is fantastic!  It´s a renovated mansion with many different floors, pavillions, and patios.  Literally only 3 blocks from the central square and palace, we have our own room with an attached bathroom.  The sound of traffic (especially persistent car horns) and peacocks has woken us up every morning.  There are 2 peacocks, 2 macaws, and at least 4 turtles that live on the patio adjacent to our room.  Quite the menagerie!

First day was spent exploring the immediate neighborhood.  Lots of art and religious museums, cathedrals, plazas, and even catecombs.  We have had some english guides, but for the most part, I´ve been trying to translate basic explanations of exhibits for Peter.  So thankful I took Spanish in high school...a little learned has definitely helped a long ways.  Thus far, no major communication hold-ups yet.  I´m able to order food for the two of us and follow basic directions from passerbyers.  However, for some reason, Peter has had somewhat bad luck with food.  Seems like they often forget his food or never even bother to take his order.  Just today at lunch, the waiter asked me for my order and then walked off, leaving Peter to ask `What just happened?`

Yesterday and today have been filled of exploring the neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco next to the coast.  Totaled about 8 miles of walking yesterday; decided to jump on a bus to save most of the distance today.  Lots of walking, churros, and taking in the city.  I suppose I imagined more of a Mediterranean-look to the city and, while some parts definitely cater to my preconceptions, most of the city is a gritty realization of poverty and high population.  Beautiful mansions and palaces literally crumbling on crowded, narrow streets.  The smell of sewage and fish so strong in some neighborhoods that it takes you aback.  Political demonstrations in the evening on many plazas.  The strongest impressions though are of the people; so friendly and family-orientated.  Everyone has been very kind so far and we receive many more smiles than frowns.  I hope this understand attitude continues to follow us for the rest of our trip...

Tomorrow we fly across the country to Cusco, tourist captial of Peru.  After scanning Peter´s guidebook, I´m preparing myself for more panderers and aggressive tourist traps.  Can´t wait to see the area around Cusco though!  Big cities are not for me; ready for the peace of mind that comes from being in the forest and open spaces.

On a separate (and slight) note, the antibiotics and steriods I started before flying down have been giving me the weirdest dreams.  It´s very disorientating in the mornings to wake up and have to remember where I am and whether or not my dreams were real.  Luckily, I´m on vacation.  I can take a couple extra minutes without the rush of feeling like I need to get on with my day.

¡Until next time!