After a full 12-hour travel day, my plane touched down in Lima, Peru and my second world adventure officially commenced. Excited and nervous all at the same time, I made my way through customs and out into the crowd of screaming locals. Taxi... taxi... taxi... is all you can hear coming at you from every direction. I quickly scanned around looking for my driver and the welcome sign with my name on it. At first glance… nothing and a moment of panic fluttered through my body, but then there he was standing there with a big welcoming smile all over his face. After making my way through the crowd, we shook hands, exchanged a few words and headed off towards the car.
It was 9 o’clock at night and the air was still warm from the day’s sun. Blaring horns, flashing lights and swerving cars quickly slap you into reality... you are no longer in the comforts of home. Yet... I feel strangely more at ease amidst the third world chaos than I now feel within the boundaries of my own country.
The different languages, exotic foods and fascinating cultures all waiting to be explored send me into a state of sheer excitement that I can’t seem to find when ordering my tuna sandwich on rye at home. Rubble covered streets are packed with drivers who manage to make their way through the wildest potholes ever without even slowing down. Where stop signs are completely disregarded and honking your horn becomes a survival technique that you must acquire quickly or else you won’t make it far. You will find people of all ages pushing their carts filled with exotic foods and succulent fruits. You rarely know what it is that you are ordering off the menu, but it doesn’t matter because even if it does not taste all that good… it only cost you about $2 bucks. Your feet are dirty all the time and for that matter… you are pretty much a sweaty mess all day every day and you gave up caring along time ago because it is the price you pay for the amazing adventure you are on.
First stop was Lima, Peru. The capital of this country is home to approximately 7.6 million people and is the 5th largest city in Latin America. The local currency is called soles and it is about three soles to one USD making daily life here relatively inexpensive. The western side of the city runs smack into the Pacific Ocean, which is nice for those who wish to go surfing after a long day of cruising the city center. However, I must warn you, these beaches are not for lazing around on as they are completely covered in river rocks.
My first few nights were spent at the Inka Lounge Hostel, which is a great place for the budget minded traveler who is not looking for a serious party place. They offer both private and dorm style rooms, a basic kitchen and friendly staff to help guide you around the city. You will find the guests lazing around reading while listening to the relaxing beats of reggae and since the lounge is tucked away on a residential street... it is a tranquil get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
So what to do on my first night in the big city of Lima? Well...Latin America is known for its music, so what better way to kick off the adventure then with a good dancing session and dance we did! I hooked up with some of the other guests and headed out to find a place to have some fun. With the sun rising and our feet covered in blisters… we danced our way home while signing to the sweet sounds of the Peruvian beats. With a spectacular dance session under my belt and a couple of days meandering through the city it was time to move on.
Next stop... Huanchaco Beach here I come. It was time for me to embark on my first overnight bus trip in South America. If it was to be anything like the buses in SE Asia then I knew to expect zero sleep and to pray for my life the entire journey! Wish me luck!
Bienvenidos Peru!
