Straight from the jungle to the mad metropolis of Lima. ...not intending to stop here for any historical enlightenment but pleasantly surprised! Lima central, otherwise known as Plaza De Armas is extremely well organised. Buildings of importance at the time of being constructed by the Spanish bordering the main central focal area for rest, relaxation and admiration, gives Lima an authentic European atmosphere.

We were accompanied by Miguel, who guided us to the ´must see´ places that only a local really knows, we were on and off buses like yo-yo´s exploring from morning till night. An intelligent, passionate individual who knows the history of his land.

Visited underground tunnels containing catacombs and secret passages, within the San fransico Monastery. Felt like we were in the Da vinci Code....100% authentically eerie! Bones were rearranged by an artist...we didnt quite understand why pèople would be interested in the pretty patterns made with the bones! Learnt about the history of the Spanish inquisition by visiting a Madame Tussards style museum . A steep climb via mini bus to the summit of a mountain, to appreciate a 360 view of the city. Clouds were lying low, so not a perfectly clear sky, as is usual in Lima.

A visit to the national museum.....left us yawning....we appreciate history and culture, but dynamic was definitely not part of their presentation, or even part of their vocabulary!!! Great for archeologists though! A positive encounter after leaving the museum presented itself in the means of a book fair.....books translated in english are hard to obtain but also very very costly. So we try and swap books and visit second hand bookshops as much as possible....

A dramatic constrast between the desert hills and the green agricultural plains, but within the eye of this is the gigantic concrete Malls and buildings, against the mountainous backdrops.

Entertained with original folkloric music played by three young boys using the simplest of homemade instruments, filling the tightly packed, humid bus.....producing a lighter, freer atmosphere!

Dined at an exclusive vegetarian restaurant.......waiter service you ask?......it was all elbows and arms flalling for the next available table....well worth the wait! A large meal that we couldn´t finish...so cheekily asked for a doggy bag....woof woof!

Accommodation in the form of a floor in a tourist office.....not quite what we had anticipated, we went with the flow and it actually turned out to be one of the best couchsurfing experiences. Unlimited internet access, washing machine (what a luxury!), use of kitchen and great conversation with a little old lady who only spoke spanish!!!

Views of the mountains from the roof terrace of the building left us in awe.....the stars bringing alive the history of the spanish and native americans, etched into the stones, rivers and mountains.

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