Hi Everyone,

I have left Lima recently and had a really good time there this was mainly due to meeting Paolo on the bus who initially only wanted to tell me where to get off the bus on my way into the centre of Lima, but ended up showing me the whole city and help me sort some things such as sending picture with the post, booking bus tickets etc. Very useful to me and very kind of him!

Initially I was really quite down when I arrived in Lima, because I never went somewhere where no one was awaiting me and I was completely on my own. The first step in the hostel was strange although it was a really nice hostel and once I started talking to the others I was feeling more comfortable. One thing to get used to as I am going on to travel on my own.

Anyhow, I saw the key centre (Plaza de Armes) of Lima which had a cathedral and palace there, had lunch in china town and some local drinks including pisco sour at the evening with a couple of friends of Paolo at the Grand Hotel Bolivar, the original place to have this national drink that tasted like sour apple snaps with foam!

The next day I decided to book my Amazon Jungle trip to Iquitos which was a big mission as I couldn't easily take 200 pounds out in one go and the bank people didn't speak Spanish. At one point the lady was trying to tell me that I shall take a seat but as I didn't understand she said "sit!" like you'd say to a dog. Very funny!

My roommates have changed in the meantime in the Barranco's Backpackers and there was Ramon, the slagpacker! He told me that he has almost finished his trip round the world in just over a year and he isn't a usual backpacker as he has got a laptop with him that is connected to his TV at home so he won't miss any of the American programmes, he also has wheels on his backpack (which is clearly cheating) and on top of all he sometimes stays at really posh hotels instead of hostels for free! (long story)

Together with Ramon I went to see some ruins outside Lima called Pachacamac, which were an important Inca site and major city before the Spanish invaded! One really funny thing that happened is that we have got a lift whilst walking around this desert like site. Ever got a lift inside an old ruin site?! ...and it was by a group of 5 Columbian girls who were there to have a hens night. We seven squeezed in - no problem!

And finally, I have been to the best restaurant ever. A full on amazing Peruvian buffet for a few pounds. It was delicious - only the best stuff. I had some ceviche which is mixed seafood in lemon juice and loads more!

Check out my pics, I hope they come out well. In this internet place they seem to look lighter than usual.

Andrea xx