So, we have made it into Peru.

The bus across the border was not too bad - apart from having to get up at about 4am to sort out border formalities and physically walk across the border we actually got some sleep and arrived on Monday morning.

First stop was Piura, but we literally stayed there for breakfast before catching another bus to Chiclayo on the North coast. The bus took us through several miles of desert - nothing to be seen but sand for miles around - before arrving at the chaotic city of Chiclayo.

And it is bonkers here - there are cars and people everywhere, seemingly with no organisation and with a constant cachophany of car horns. Yes, there are road markings and traffic controls but these seem to mean little and crossing the road involves dodging between the cars, we've found that following the little kids weaving their way across town seems to work best.

On Monday afternoon we took a stroll around the market - a massive sprawling affair where you can buy literally anything - plumbing supplies, food, live animals, clothes, witch-doctor supplies and shoes each have their own area of the market. We stopped for a drink at this little stall that was whipping up all sorts of concoctions from fruit, eggs, wine, sugar and milk. When we asked what it was we were simply told 'especial'. At one point, a beggar came over to us making puppy dog eyes at Joe. When she said 'no'she got swatted round the arm by the beggar, prompting much laughter from us and those around us.

Today we have been to the beach at Pimental, which was a little disappointing to be honest - a huge strecth of dark brown sand with a jetty and a massive building project on one end. We had some lunch there and had a wander up and down - where we saw some of the traditional fishing boats drying out in the sun - before heading back into the city.

And today we have been out to some of the historical sites in the area. We were orignally going to go on an organised tour of these but that turned into a massive palava with touts fighting over our business ad gabbling away in very fast Spanish until we had to give up and walk away. So we had an adventure of our own - catching Combis out to the various sites.

Combis are minibuses that run on various routes, cramming people into every available inch of space with a conductor hanging out the door shouting destinations repeatedly. and when you think it's full, he'll let 2 more people on. They are crazy, but just about the only way to get around.

First stop was Lambeyeque where we visited the Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipan. Here we saw various artefacts found in the tombs of Sipan, including those belonging to the lord of Sipan, his priest and the old lord of Sipan. There was lots of gold jewellry - necklaces, massive earring 3 inches in diameter, rattles to hang from belts, crowns and breatplates - along with breastplates made of shell and the remains of the people found in the tombs. It was a fascinating insight into the Moche people who inhabited the area between 0 and 700 AD, long before the Incas arrived.

After lunch we went to Tucame, also known as 'valley of the pyramids'. After a bit of a walk we were treated to the sight of several pyramids, the lower layers of which also dated from the Moche period.

After wandering around the pyramids and up to the mirador for a better view of them we headed back into Chiclayo for the overnight bus to Lima. Peru so far has been chaotic but fun. Everyone has been very sweet - from the hostel owner who walked us to the laundry to the Combi drivers who have let us sit up front (with seat belts) and made sure we got off in the right place and even the exasperrated bar maids who thought we were bonkers for wanting cold white wine (apprently only the red is served cold).