Now to the adventure.....

Day one -three, finding my feet, knowing my Spanish had to improve and fast, enjoying conversations with Rob (Australian owner of the Hostel) and his staff, Andre, Antonio and Moises. Spanish lessons with Rob, meeting travellers and sharing dinner and great conversations, meeting up with Javier attending a photographic exhibition on Machu Picchu by Peruvian photographer Martin Chimbu, being introduced to the Peruvian delicacy Anticuchos (beef heart cooked on skewers over coals on the street) and Pisco Sour (the famous cocktail with a punch) served at the historical Gran Hotel Bolivar, a most beautiful old Spanish Hotel. I was organising my trip to Iquitos and the Amazon jungle with some help from South American Explorers Club, (which I had joined) much research and emails to adventure companies.

My time in Lima has been full and so much fun.  On the first day, still a little tired from my flights, I took a red bus tour for orientation and part of the tour was to visit a private collection of Moche and Chimu (civilisations) artifacts, a most informative start to my time in Peru. 

Miraflores where I am staying is very safe, friendly and beautiful by the beach.  Their boardwalk is a must to walk along as is the main Plaza in the heart of Miraflores.

Below are photos of the Private Collection Museum - Mueso Larco, Jugglers on the crossings entertaining the traffic, in and around the beachside of Miraflores, around Plazas de Armas, Palacio de Gabierno (Peru's Presidential Residence) the central bronze fountain erected in 1650, other impressive buildings, the beautiful cathedral - La Catedral de Lima

Finally I leave (21st June 2001)

My adventure finally begins!  After a week of cancellations, frustrations, disappointments, I finally board the plane, not to Auckland and Santiago as first booked but to Los Angeles and then directly into Lima.  

I am so grateful to Jacinta, Toni, Kath and Adele for distracting me by taking/meeting me for lunch & coffee. Thursday I joined Toni’s mahjong group, what a delightful game, I won three out of four games played and Toni's afternoon tea was delicious. On Friday, Adele had kindly given me Terry's ticket to see the Dali Lama, thank you Terry! Kath, Adele and I spent the afternoon at the Botanical Gardens listening to his wisdom, though the parking fee was a shock on our return. Later I met up with Jacinta to see Oranges & Sunshine, while waiting for Jacinta to arrive, Deb & Don walked past, heading for dinner before seeing the same movie. Naturally we had a drink and chat.

I am rested and very grateful for the calls, texts, messages of support and love, thank you.

As I had no car (on the Coast being repaired after my two accidents) and my Internet was cut off (I wasn't supposed to be here) I spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday travelling by bus to either Indooroopilly or Kenmore Libraries, trying to research my adventure without the Antipodeans. Thursday I received notification I again was cancelled and would not be flying to Tuesday 21^st and unfortunately the Antipodeans School trip was postponed till September, so my Peruvian adventure was to be on my own. 

I landed in Los Angeles and went through security for the first time (for me) since 9/11.  The queues were long and I eventually exited with my fingerprints and photo taken. LA airport was a bit disappointing, no showers, a few shops and a small food area, nothing compared to our Brisbane airport.  As it was 2am (for me) so I decided to have some scrambled eggs on rye toast. The odd thing was the eggs were served with either rice or potato. 
I landed at Lima airport at 12 midnight their time. I had booked a transfer and was grateful to see them waiting for me. I arrived at the Hostel and again was happy for the welcome, shower and sleep. It had been a long 30 hours.

My Farewell Drinks at the IceBar in Paddington (10th June 2011).

 Thank you to all my friends who came and helped me celebrate my departure to South America.  I had a fabulous time and I trust you did as well.  I thank you for your support, lovely cards, best wishes, hugs and kisses and presents.  I was truly humbled.