When we got to Lima it was about 7pm and so we encountered a bit of city traffic. We caught a taxi to where we were staying in the area of Miraflores, closer to the coast and a bit safer than central Lima. Our hostel, Pirwa Backpackers, had not received our reservation but were still able to sort us our with a 4 bed dorm. We went in search of Japanese food but got a bit lost and settled for a cheaper chinese version! Unfortunately they had run out of wine...and were almost shot by 3 very thirsty girls!

The next day I was feeling the effects of questionable chinese and so let the others go off to explore. They found a HUGE shopping centre based on the cliffs overlooking the beach which also had many bars and restaurants. They were on the hunt for a book exchange as we had 9 to part with and between Mark and Kate it was a battle for who was more anxious about finding their next great read.

We were pointed in the direction of central Lima and enjoyed an informal city tour by cab. Lima really is a big commercial city that is probably quite interesting to live in but doesn't offer much to the tourist. We knew this before going there but needed to break up our journey through Peru. We had no success with finding a bookshop but enjoyed the drive! There are some lovely colonial buidlings and plazas but not dissimilar to what we have already seen elsewhere.

We came back to stay in Miraflores which is a nice suburb with great cafes and little parks. We grabbed a coffee and the girls booked their bus tickets to Ecuador. That night they continued on their quest to find Japanese but spent 45mins in a taxi only to return unfed! Mark and I had ordered a pizza and I was thrilled to find a double episode of Gossip Girl on!!!!

The next day the girls were to catch their bus at 3pm so we went and enjoyed lunch in the sun overlooking the beach at La Mar shopping centre. When we said goodbye they were heading to Quito and we were flying later that evening to Bogotá.

Mark and I posted 3kg of llama and alpaca wares back to Melbourne, now that we were back in summer. We had to find our own box at the supermarket and they said it would take 20-24 days to arrive...which Dad has since confirmed receipt!

Mark and I relaxed before we needed to head to the airport. Our flight was at 10.30pm and so we headed out there for dinner. Unfortunately, even after clearing our backpacks of winter woollies, Mark still carried his hiking shoes separately and they were left behind in the boot of the car! Doh! It may be time for thongs (flip flops) now but they were great shoes!

Next instalment comes from Bogotá, Columbia! xx