Lima

The longer we stay in Lima, the more we like this city. It is situated by the sea, in the desert. We are visiting in winter, which means temperatures of some 18-20 degrees C during day time, but the city is covered by a thick layer of fog that sometimes lift, and sometimes not, for the day. It has been mainly grey since we arrived. It doesn't rain, one middle aged taxi driver told us he had seen a proper rain twice so far in life. The "best" area is Miraflores, and we are staying in San Isidro, the financial district, which is a also a "good" place with many very nice houses and the location of the park Bosque El Olivar.

We did our usual taxi ride one day and visited the places of most interest. Once we got more familiar with how people live, the first impression of dust and mud disappeared. It is a very interesting city. There is a lot of development going on along the waterfront, with greenery, sports areas, stages for outdoors concerts and other cultural activities, and general recreation and enjoyment. And the food is excellent. The supermarkets are well stocked and carry a lot of variety. An interesting fact on the political front is that previous presidents end up in prison, all for corruption. https://andina.pe/ingles/noticia-peru-has-four-former-presidents-in-prison-toledo-humala-castillo-and-vizcarra-1040939.aspx. Everybody is talking about it, and also about the almost guaranteed ending for the current president, the first female Peruvian president.

Traffic and driving in Lima is as exciting as the best amusement park. There is a lot said about it in travel guides, and the advice is always to avoid it. Well, we have been driving (Harold drives, and Karin navigates with Google maps). It is hectic, and going by taxi is an experience indeed. The drivers tell us about the mess and total ignoring of rules and regulations. If there is the smallest opening, you just go for it. Not a mystery why most cars have more than one dent. One of the cab drivers explained the rules for dealing with having a crash. It is best for each driver to just deal with their own damages, since if you involve insurance you have to use their workshops to do the repairs, and those quotes are always high enough for you to have to pay excess and the insurer don't end up paying much. Or do as some people do - make sure the car is a write-off and replaced.