Going North

For the first time in 8 weeks I had a appointment with a time and place to be. When I realised it, I started to feel a bit stressed and really appreciating my freedom out here. Before Anne and I had split up in Cusco, we had bought tickets for Galapagos Islands leaving from Guayaquil in Ecuador.
Because I had prioritised volunteering for 10 days, I knew I had to fast track through half of Peru, but I didn't mind so much as I eventually will visit Peru again later this year.

Going north from Paracas, I went to Lima, the capital of Peru, where I had arranged to couch surf (if you don't know the concept, check www.couchsurfing.com for more information or my earlier blog from Chile). My host Andrés was so kind to even pick me up at the bus station and with his flat mates, we had a nice dinner and evening together.
My one day in Lima was first used on buying practical stuff for my further travel. Simple things you can buy everywhere back home, can be impossible to find in South America, so I had made a small shopping list including something "as simple" as a yoga mat.
Then it was time for sightseeing, so I walk the old centre, looked a colonial buildings, a cathedral, nice green squares which by now is standard sights for me when visiting bigger cities in Soutg America. Later I went to the area Barranco in Lima, which is an area full of bars, restaurants, more low key hostels and I especially enjoyed all the street art - also known as graffiti - and had an afternoon snack in a old train wagon turned into a cosy café.

In the evening my host gave me a lot of tips for things to do and see north of Lima (another advantage of the couch surfing concept) before I took the night bus heading north. As always, capitals and very large cities are not my favourite thing, but I will look forward to return to Lima and see more and enjoy the cuisine of Lima, which is world class - check the top 100 list of the Worlds best restaurants and you will see.

I woke up in Trujillo after a 8 hour bus ride, and spend my day there with seeing
Huacha del sol y la luna and Chan chan. First mentioned is two impressive temples from inca times where only one is open for visitors. It's built in adobe material (basically dirt) and pyramid style with 5 floors and beautiful, colourful decoration on the outside, which was in good condition despite its age, because the entire temple had been covered in sand, looking like a hill for years and years.
One day in Trujillo went fast as there was enough to do and see, so it felt good getting on the night bus - saving cost of accommodation - and falling asleep.

Next stop was Mancora on the coast in the north of Peru, close to the border to Ecuador. I arrived in the morning with a tired body after my second night in a bus seat, sending warm thoughts to my chiropractor back home. I checked in at my hostel by the beach and went straight to put my feet in the sand and water. "Aaahh! What a beautiful place!" A typical small party and surf town, with a postcard worthy beach and not many tourist attractions, so you felt good about not doing much. Just what I needed.
My two days there went fast with surfing, beach time, walking to a view point, sunsets, delicious seafood, beers in the hostel bar, chatting with travellers, sleeping in and relaxing. Just perfect for my needs and for saying goodbye to Peru for now.

I really enjoyed Peru and take so many great experiences with me. Also thanks to all the amazing people I met on my way, both travellers and locals have been a pleasure to be around and friendships has been made.
Now off to Ecuador and more adventures!