DAY ONE
Hi everyone.
I am doing well even with the jet lag tiredness.
Already met some lovely people. Janet a Peruvian, married to a German chap, lving in Atlanta, with a sister in LIma, who I can go an visit.
Met an american diplomat with lots of tips for going out and about in Peru, where to go and what to see. Met these guys on flight from Miami to Lima.
The American securtity guys are strict ' no smiles from them. One chap really takes his job seriously. With a strong hint of {me man, you woman in his voice said {WE HAVE A PROBLEM HERE, looking at my immigration form. I had not filled in the section of US address as I was not staying in the US. He firmly explained I had to write {in transit{ on the form, proceeded to do so for me and let me pass through, without a {have a nice day{. I responded by with a bright smile ' now I know what to do...
But now I am at last in Arequipa. You can{t see actually where I am on the map... Arequipa is an hour flight from Lima. I{m about to go for a stroll to find a coffee shop. You will have to escape any typos, this key board is spanish! To the relief of some of you, I didnt bring my laptop. Would have been too heavy, but the jury is out as most hotel rooms have free wireless. I{m in the hotel business room' which is pretty private. If its liek this at all hotels, I'll be sorted. Texts are great by the way and I will probably using that mode of comms in the jungle in a few weeks.
Did you know that 46% of Peruvians are considered poor, yet Peru is one the worlds top exporters of gold, silver, asparagus and white onions. Check out your produce labels in Tescos. By courtesty of one of my guides ' Pablo. Journey latin America is grat by the way...they think of everything and guides are great. In Arequipa I am in the capable hands of Antoinette.
Going for a stroll into Arequipa now and then early dinner at hotel... apparently a baked chilli pepper stuffed with meat and cheese is very good...then early to bed before a tour of the city. I'll be able to tell you a little bit more about life here tomorrow. I'm 5 hrs behind you guys by the way.
Uploading photos may be a challenge ' but I will do my best...until next time.
Love.
Marcie
