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 spent more time at this stall than I did buying replacement clothes! As I'd cut myself for short for time, I hopped in a taxi (S/8), picked up a few bits and hailed another taxi. Unlike my first taxi, which was pretty standard, this taxi was more like a motor cross car. No working seat belts, no internal finishes, and an exhaust you could barely hear your own thoughts over! Thankfully, he got me back in time and alive to hop on our bus for the next leg of our journey.

And what a bus! We took the most luxurious double decker bus I've ever seen, complete with enormous reclining seats, leather, padded footrests, private tv screens and a hot meal served to us! It would put any airline to shame. As we cruised past miles of brown, dry, dusty hills scattered with impoverished shanty, mining towns, I became extremely aware of my privileged circumstance... doesn't really feel fair. And I can't help but feel guilty for swanning around their beautiful country for fun while so many seem to struggle to even exist in it...

Nevertheless, we reached our next destination after our very plush 4 hour bus ride, the quaint seaside town of Paracas. We freshened up and all went to dinner as a group. Great bonding time! It was happy hour so when our drinks arrived, they arrived in pairs. Two pisco sours (similar to margaritas) to wash down my tasty pescado a la plancha. While we were getting into a deep and meaningful conversation, a man with a generous gut, sat on and played a box, singing some catchy song. He got louder, and faster and funnier than started spinning around on the box! It was hilarious! Seriously, the hardest working busker I've ever seen. Huge round of applause ensued. Needless to say, conversation was aborted.

A few more pisco sours in another bar and lots of drunken group bonding before turning in for the night.

Accommodation: Refugio del Pirata
Weather: Cool and overcast much of the day; clear skies and warm towards evening
Random tidbit: "Cholos": this is a term used by Peruvians to describe Peruvians of mixed decent. Not considered derogatory, as used to describe effectively ALL Peruvians, as they are all a mixture of European, Asian, and indigenous peoples. Well, this is according to my Peruvian tour guide! A self proclaimed Cholo!