[Birdnet] Lima -- 3 May

[David Wheeler]

I left my my dear Karen at the airport with enough money to use the internet, pay the exit tax, and then use the train in Atlanta.  I was very sad to see her go, and feel much less secure without her.  She has been a good travel companion.  The taxis at the airport cost 35-40 soles to go to most parts of Lima (including the neighborhood I´m in).  On the street outside, just past the parking lot (three-four minute walk), one can get a taxi for 20 soles.  About 8 minutes walk away is a bus stop where one can get a combi/colectivo (a van crammed with seats and people that acts as a bus) for 1.5 soles, which was my option.  I must say that the combi was NOT designed for gringos, especially those lugging luggage.  It was remarkably cramped for the 45 minutes or so ride through this loud, congested, sprawling, polluted town (have I mentioned that I hate Lima with a passion?).
   
  Anyway, tomorrow I should awake in a much prettier part of the world.  I sent my tennis shoes back with Karen, on the assumption that sandals are much better in the jungle where it can be muddy.  That is what bug spray is for.  We divided our stuff into things that I might still need and things she is to bring home.  Sadly, I discovered some minutes into the combi ride that I have a pirate´s trove worth of jewelry in the pocket of my hand bag.  I´m schlepping more precious cargo than I had hoped.  Ah well.  Hopefully I can manage not to get robbed before I return.
   
  I have bought a ticket to La Merced, beyond Tarma.  The bus ride takes 8 hours, starting at 7:15 pm tonight.  My only regret is that I will travel at night so will not see the descent onto the east slope of the Andes.  The road is said to be beautiful.  The cost is 15 soles (3.1 soles = 1 dollar).
   
  The bus stations to that part of Peru are all in a very bad neighborhood, poor, smelling of urine, and with people warning me to be careful.  I left my things with the bus company--hopefully they will be safe.
   
  I am going to go to one of the Chinese restaurants that are plentiful in this neighborhood (as are striptease parlors).  Apparently the restaurants serve a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian food, which I am eager to try.  I´ve not eaten since morning, but I think I will wait until closer to the journey so I can avoid trying to find food later in the day.
   
  I hope you are all doing well.
   
  I hope to find internet in the jungle, but don´t be surprised if I fail and you don´t hear from me for some days to come.  It was frankly hard enough to find internet in this stinking neighborhood.
   
  David

       
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