We arrive at the airport in Lima, and immediately we know that we are in another country, another world we see the Quecha Indian women in their traditional costumes waiting for their loved ones to come through the international arrivals gate, other nationalities mixed with us westerners, and the excitement is starting to build. This is truly a country of contrasts and we will see it immediately. We have arrived in Peru...
We will be taken to our hotel in Miraflores which is in a cosmopolitan area, close to the local indigenous markets, the ocean, great local restaurants serving delicious food, pinch yourself we are really in Peru. After a great night's sleep we will taken on a guided tour of the city which was founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, where we will see the combination of Spanish colonial and 19th century European architecture, some  sitting on the Incan ruins!!!
Lima is a huge city we will not only see the Spanish influence, we will also see slums, statistically the slums house 30% of the population, live below the poverty line with 20% living on only $1USD per day plus education is compulsory, the ironies of life. Lima is a place that we don't wander the streets alone especially at night, due to the extreme poverty the children roam the streets hawking wares and they have also become very adept to pick pocketing!!!
In total contrast to the slum areas is the Gold Museum which we will visit, this is truly an amazing experience, here we will see the world's largest private collection of gold and silver artifacts, see pieces that date back to the beginning of the Incan civilization 800BC. Incredible to think that we are looking at pieces that date back that far makes us reflect on our significance. That is why it is important that you take the opportunity to truly discover yourself, other cultures, other people.
Until tomorrow where I continue our South American journey, stay excited.
