This morning we arrived into Peru’s capital Lima via a night bus. We had been recommended to stay in Miraflores so booked a hostel not too far from the beach. From what we have seen today, this city is surprisingly different to what we had heard and expected, and we are convinced that our night bus has actually somehow magically teleported us to a completely different country altogether. There were about 12 indicators throughout the day that alerted us that we may not actually be in Peru anymore.
1. There are lots of working traffic lights, and people actually obey them. No traffic police are necessary in peak hour here.
2. Restaurants are open later than 7pm.
3. There are brand name shops-a-plenty and several KFC, Pizza Huts, McDonalds and Burger kings within spitting distance of one another.
4. There is no street side garbage, dirt or dust in sight.
5. No street dogs, but a nice cat park/sanctuary.
6. No street food.
7. Change! people ACTUALLY have change here for any denomination you throw at them.
8. No combi’s (mini vans).
9. Tourists! In Huanchaco there were plenty of backpackers and beach bums around because it was a surf town/beach, but this is the first city where we have seen an almost equal amount of tourists and locals walking down the street.
10. English. We have overheard just as much English being spoken today as there is Spanish. Most locals here seem to speak at least a little English too. In some cities over the past several weeks we didn’t hear English at all except between ourselves, sometimes for a week or more.
11. Hostels! Real life, sociable, common area hostels. Pretty much every hostel north of here (except a few places in Huanchaco) are actually cheap Hotels disguised as Hostels.
12. This photo! Look, Its all super modern and stuff. I think we will need to step outside of this district to see the real Lima.
