Lima - busses, beer and market

Now Lima, the capital of Peru. Was told a lot about it: dangerous, gray, not interesting... So far, ok. I like the cities, but after 1 day in Lima cant say much yet.

As 90% of toursits so was I staying in Miraflores. The affluent district with modern apartment houses, old villas and smaller houses, and SAFE. I also noted, after returning from a day trip to the centre, that the air there was fresher and the ocean breeze in the evening felt nice and refreshing. So, definitely after seeing only some parts of the city, the return to Lime will mean staying in one of the hostels in Miraflores.

Trying to be ¨local¨ - also a stupid idea, as I cant be more ¨gringa¨ than I am - took the bus to the centre. I think it was 40 minutes. But, as long as the bag is kep in your hands, it safe. and costs only 1 sole, which is like 25 Euro cents. The bus ride also gave insight into some of the habits of people. I think we passed at least 30 language schools, many university branches, professional schools. Dont think I have ever seen so many education institution in one avenue (the avenue was those 40 minutes ride without many traffick jams). And what was more interesting, the different institutes had thier own uniforms ' noticed dentists, of course in white overcoats, and secretaries-office managers from one of many schools: only women, in red vests, white shirts, short balack or red miniskirts. Hm.... Could not help thinking about gender stereoptypes, but, ok, this time will leave the professional considerations at home.

While in Lima experienced also the difficult bus system... Well, to give credit, the busses are ok! but from the passengers point of view - to choose with which company to travel - that is the most difficult part. Just before entering the older part of the city, there is a crossing of 2 avenues, where you will find mostbus companies with thier own terminals, ticket offices and information. So, if you want to travel in Peru, you have to know which companies exist, and where to look for them. Otherwise, you can spend 1 day standing goping between those to get the necesarry information. That only because not all phone numbers that you can find on the web work... The concept of a bus station seems to be rather foreign, although they say there is one place in Lima where busses of some companies let off passengers, but to get out of the city, you will have to fing your bus station for the company you have the ticket for.

Then, after all the practicalities, went to the old town. Nice. Not too many people, but neither too much to see. I liked though the colonial 2 storey houses with wooden balconies, and the houses are not only white, but also green, blue and whatever other colour you can imagine. So, in short nice and seemingly safe, but we weretold the contrary.

The day trip to the centre was done in company of 2 girls from the hostel- Ingrit from Belgium and Martina from Germany. Guess being 3 of us made it easier, because Martina said that the day before when she was walking around alone she was constantly approiached by people who wanted to help her. Well, we managed to walk without calling for too much attention and eventually got back to Miraflores without incidents, but after trying ouytanother menu (this time I had option to choose meet), beer and taking some fotos. But, I will be back in Lima in a week, so will let you know more.