Day 3: Ballesta Islands/Huacachina Oasis An early start this morning for a boat trip to see the wildlife on the Ballesta Islands. Lathered up in factor 50, put on my shorts and ready for some sun. Think again. Overcast and chilly... Jacket and trousers on and a short walk to the pier and we boarded "Carol I", a small open top motorboat with rows of seats. On the water for a short time when a flat, stoney beach, covered in hundreds of Pelicans came into view. Be...

Day 2: Lima/Paracas The plan for the day was to depart Lima at midday and take a bus to Paracas, a coastal town south of Lima. So, given that I was still none the wiser as to the whereabouts of my luggage, and we were heading into rural Peru, it was my last chance to pick up anything I needed for the next while. On my way into town, I got slightly sidetracked when I stumbled across an eco market where I found a gluten free food stall - VERY exciting. I actually ...

So here I am in Peru. My long anticipated trip to South America is finally happening! It's the end of my first day in the Southern Hemisphere and so far so great (apart from British Airways losing my checked bag... that's less great...)! First impressions of Lima? Chocka-block with traffic, people everywhere and generally a busy, buzzy atmosphere. It's not the prettiest place I've been; ultimately it's a sprawling city of 8 million people, but there are enough p...