saludos de Peru!

Just so everyone knows, I arrived safely in Peru!

I made it to Lima late Wednesday night. My new friend, Vasco was there to pick me up, and took me directly to his place where he had a room available for me to use. He and his family are very kind and welcoming. They wanted me to know that their home was my home for the duration of my visit to Peru. Vasco lives in a nice part of Lima called Miraflores. On Thursday, I walked around his lively neighborhood, and had my first meal at a restaurant known for its excellent cebiche. How very Peruvian, cebiche and a pisco sour! Yum!

I also visited a museum in the middle of town with some ancient ruins. There were these giant pyramid like structures built around with plazas and large areas on top and inside for celebrations and ceremonies.

Thursday night I took a 14 hour overnight bus ride to Areguipa, which is where I´m at now. The landscape on the way south was magnificent. Mountains on my left and ocean on the right for most of the way, then deserts, and finally farmlands before reaching Areguipa. I am really enjoying this little town so far. My hostel is near the Plaza de Armas which is where the main activity in Areguipa happens. There are impressive churches on just about every other block. Everything is within walking distance. My hostel is within a block of the local biblioteca. Finally, a reason to use the phrase, "¿donde es la biblioteca?"

Not knowing the language has proven to be my biggest challenge thus far. Hardly anyone speaks English at all. Really the only person I´ve been able to have a conversation with has been Vasco. You would think that someone might know English at the "Tourist Information" offices, but no such luck. I´m being forced into remembering back to those Spanish classes I took years ago. Mostly I just smile and nod.

I haven´t met any other travellers yet. So far I´m the only white girl everywhere I go. I definitely stand out in a crowd. The taxis love to honk at me.

Tomorrow I´ll start a two day tour to Colca Canyon and the town of Chivay. Afterwards, I´ll probably head to Puno and Lake Titicaca. I´ll check in again soon. Much love to you!