Day 3 – Thursday. Our trip north was uneventful save the now familiar police stop. This one was different as it wasn’t a roadblock but a “pull over you’re speeding” attempt to secure payment. Somehow our hand gestures and calm disputing worked and we avoided the fine. PS – we weren’t actually speeding.
My initial impression of Lima did it a complete disservice. The Miraflores area is a modern, clean and vibrant section of the city. Still virtually every business and any private car parking in front of the homes is protected by steel gates and razor wire in many instances.
The Lima weather is also noteworthy. Other than late December, January and February it is rare to have a sunny day. A haze and mist clings to the city although rain is virtually unheard of (less than 3” per year). Temperatures, both hot and cool, are bearable but it must get a little depressing.
From high up on some serious cliffs Miraflores overlooks the ocean and is a world away from the airport area we experienced earlier. Here’s the reverse view
The hotel is very comfortable well staffed. Despite never having been I would equate its interior design to Havana 50 year’s ago. Unique decorations and use of old household items as bases for lamps were particularly appealing.
After a walk along the beachfront boardwalk,
having descended 305 steps (which of course meant we had to climb back up later – late training for Inca Trail?), we met our travel group and guide. Five Newfoudlanders, 3 Brits, 2 Americans and 6 of us from Ontario. Early reviews are quite positive although there are 3 Doug’s and 2 Louise’s.
Tomorrow is an early start as we fly to Puerto Maldonado which is our jumping off point for the Amazon segment. Although the camp (a further 2+ hours down river) offers many comforts there is no electricity so we will be off the grid until late on Sunday. Having had the warning do’s and don’t’s explained I should say hopefully we’ll be back Sunday.
The Bennetts On Tour 