Considering that we were not expecting to like the city, Lima was an unexpected surprise. It is a huge and well developed city; compared to what we had seen/experienced prior it felt like Las Vegas! There are three sections to the enormous city; Miraflores, Central Lima and Barranco.

Miraflores is where the affluent people live and the safest area to stay as a tourist. The region starts along the coastal shore and moves inland. There are interesting shops, fantastic parks; salsa dancing, ancient ruins, yummy food, good wine and charming colonial homes bursting with flowers nestled in amongst the high rise buildings.

Central Lima has amazing architecture with a distinct European feel. You gain a sense of the city's history wandering the streets. It also has a China Town offering delicious Chinese food. Ordering Chinese food from a Spanish written menu can be quite a challenge however.

Barranco was my favourite part of the city. It has an artistic and alternative feel. There is a perfect mixture of old and new. Some buildings look well-loved and worn; others are modern but offer a trendy urban feel. There are many funky bars and restaurants, interesting street art and it's close to the shore. The beaches are rocky and therefore not ideal for romantic walks but you can enjoy watching the sun set while drinking a vino.