Blogs from Lima, Lima, Lima, Peru, South America - page 7

Left Miraflores this morning and caught a Taxi into the city centre. It really is scarey in the Taxi. They have a bad habit of turning right from the centre lane across infront of the traffic. Several time I could have touched the front of another car coming straight for me!!!. Once the taxi ride was over we checked into our new hotel and then went walking around the centro area to Plaza de Armas. Went to the Monasterio de San Franciso then to to the Parque de la Muralla and onto Iglesia de Santo. At midday they had the changing of the guard at government palace which include a lot of pomp. Marching band and soliders goose stepping and saluting some guy who we're not sure who he was. There was a lot of guards ... read more

Lima the Peruvian Capital. I was sorry to leave Cuzco on St. Pat's Day. Even though I had 4 days in the city, I was away for 3 days on treks and tours. One day can not do justice to Cuzco. I could not even go to the Irish Pub for a pint of of the black stuff on St. Patrick's day as I had to be at the airport by 0900hrs. I also did not realise the airport was inside the city unlike in La Paz. The flight to Lima was pleasant and short. As we soared through the valley I could see the the tracks of the Inca trail hugging the slops of the mountains. Lima was far removed from Cusco and Arequipa. It was hot and humid. Even though it rains very little ... read more

We were up and out the door at 0630, headed for the city this morning. We were thrilled to be part of “the miracle.” Lima has NO rainfall, period. Until early this morning at any rate. We awoke to puddles dockside, and also on the streets. Our tour guide told us we had brought “a miracle” with our ship, which is another sign of good fortune. Houses here do not even have roofs for two reasons: One, it never rains here (like once every 10 years according to our tour guide); and two: If the house has no roof, then the owners cannot be taxed for property tax, because the house is “not yet finished.” You gotta love South American politics. There are 43 governors in Lima (one for each DISTRICT here) and one “Boss Governor,” ... read more

The last few hours...or days...have been a kind of a rush. But the point is simple, I'de better write this blog, even in a rush...because on Thursday, we are back on the road...till early March! So my sincere apologizes for those who think I should limit myself to three blogs a month! Won't happen this time! I have this love relationship with Lima and Peru. I've actually stopped to do an exact count, but as of today it must be something like twenty times in Peru. And when at immigration I'm asked the reason of my visit...the answer is easy...comida...pisco...y amigos! It gives me a huge smile...and a big stamp! Most tourists hate Lima, and simply jump out of the city whenever they can. I still recon sending an email to Jason years ago (aka aspiringnomad), ... read more

Was it really time to do something else again? Yes, although the timing for practical and family purposes was somewhat too close to the other Camino, but there were reasons why it could not be done much different. Rainy season in the Camino area start about this time of the year. Later it will only become worse. Additionally, the Camino closes in February, and, as a relevant reason to do it now, the Camino establishes an age limit: 67 years. Since I will be becoming 67 next year, this was the time to go. We, i.e. Ignacio Fombona, Mauricio Salazar and myself, have been looking forward to this trip for a while. If I remember correctly, reservations were made about 4 months ago. Such an anticipation is required because the number of people allowed daily to ... read more