Lima May 30

So we arrived in Lima thinking we would stay for one night, have a look around and then take a bus to Mancora for the beaches on Tuesday. However, upon enquiring we found out that all the nicer seats had been taken for the Tuesday and we didn't like the thought of having semi-cama seats for 18 hours when there were nicer seats downstairs. So we decided to bite the bullet and booked ourselves onto the bus for the same day. So, a 21 hour overnight journey to Lima, a four hour gap to explore the city, then another 18 hour journey to Mancora! I'm currently sitting on the bus writing this, so I will have to let you know if it drives me insane! Unfortunately the seats don't seem to recline as much on this bus, but fingers crossed we get some sleep. If not, at least we have a couple of days relaxing on the beach if the weather is kind to us!

During the four hour break in Lima we headed to the main square and got there just in time to see the changing of the guards. This involved a lot of marching as well as a brass band playing, good timing for us! After this we sat in the main square looking at the beautiful architecture when we were approached by a group of giggly girls asking to have their picture taken with us. This hasn't happened since Asia and always comes as a surprise and leaves for an awkward situation. You don't like to be non-British and say no, but at the same time it's a bit weird when a stranger wants pictures with you and you're not famous, who knows where these pictures will end up. Obviously we weren't looking too hot either after our bus journey. So being polite we let them take a picture but this then encouraged more people to come and 'pap' us! Eventually we politely walked away to find some lunch before getting onto another bus and enduring a similar journey to the previous night!