Horah, we are off. After 5 weeks of exhausting coffee mornings and the occasional packing of a box, we are actually heading to the airport. My emotions are mixed, both excitement, nerves along with sadness of leaving my loved ones behind. What will I do without my family, the witches, my fabulous friends? Its just me and Mr Filby heading into the sunset together.
We arrive in Madrid where Mark (second cousin, 3 times removed) is awaiting our arrival. He looks very well, a right slim Jim, and we spend a marvelous day eating and drinking our way around the city. We finish our day by visiting the Arabic baths.
Facts about Madrid:
Long thin doughnuts (churros) dipped in hot melted chocolate sauce are marvelous.
traveling tips:
Do not fall asleep in an Arabic steam room at 11pm after drinking booze all day.
Always remember a hairbrush if visiting Arabic baths, particularly if you are then continuing to party with your cousin and friends.
11th November 2006
Mark headed off to work, looking every bit the school teacher, and left us to find our way to the airport on the metro. Ekk, public transport - how novel! On our way to Lima and were notified of seat upgrade as we checked into the airport lounge. Business class thanks to Adam's gold card. I fully reclined and before we knew it, had arrived in Lima.
First impressions on Lima
Lots of poverty, particularly close to the airport. Tons of people walking in the streets and the roads clogged with honking decrepid taxis and mini vans, crammed full of people. Different from anywhere I have been before - very exciting. The odd waft of poo completed the picture. Took a city tour on Sunday, accompanied by a fantastic guide, Rosa, and enjoyed the highlights of the city. Many children of Lima approached Adam and I, came up close, looked at us and laughed! The gringos have arrived.
Facts about Lima/Peru
- 10 million people, a third of Peru's population live in Lima.
- It never rains in Lima.
- Peru was freed from Spanish rule in 1821 by an Argentinean called San Martin. San Martin's square in the city center commemorates the 100 years of independence.
- Santa Rosa de Lima is the favourite saint of the Peruvians. We saw her very attractive skull in the Santo Domingo church.
- The Moche civilisation proceeded the Incas by hundreds of years, yet were more advanced in many aspects (medical understanding, architecturally etc). All aspects of their lives were depicted in detailed ceramic pottery. http://www.travelvantage.com/per_moch.html
- Peruvian families gather in the main squares on Sunday and enjoy local treats, including deep fried cow hearts and chicken gizzards. (I bottled it, but know my choices will be less varied soon).
- People in South America like to stand on the toilet seat facing the wall, and do their business from a great height. (Give me strength, even I can't hold it in for 3 months).
Our Peruvian tour starts tomorrow. We are heading to Nazca, with a little stop off for sand dune surfing. Sounds like fun!
Physical update:
So far, so good. If I continue to enjoy Peruvian chicken without ill effects, I too may have hips like Shakira (a national Peruvian icon) before too long.
Adam will not let me hold the camera for fear of Peruvian gypo's mugging it from me. Will hopefully have some photos to post soon (Mark Holding, you will be very happy). Bye for now.
1 comment:
Hello Gringo!! Good to hear you have arrived safely. Watch out for those Gypsies they may curse you!!
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