3:30 AM:

All the packing is finally done... This time it was really difficult because I had places in my itinerary that includes desert, beaches, mountains, jungles so almost everything. So I had to plan my clothes, shoes and other gears accordingly to cover different climates, terrains and other lone-backpacker's needs. Today I arrived in Newark very early in the morning and I have almost 13 hours of layover here. You may think, why am I wasting this much time... But I had plans to see my uncle and aunt who are in US for few days, and whom I have not met in quite a few years, hence it was totally worth to spend few hours with them. I'm at their place now, and will leave for Peru in the afternoon. Will write more once I reach Lima.

11:30 PM:

Arrived in Lima, flight was OK... United does not serve veg meal in the Lima-bound flights so I could not have food on the plane, but I'm cool about it as I had best PuraNpoLi in the world prepared by my PP-expert aunt with lots of Ghee. I had nice dinner and had no reason to crib about questionable veg food by United.

Anyways, the arrival procedures were smooth, and I came out of the airport at around 10 PM after 7 hours direct flight from Newark. I'm staying with a family today whom I contacted few weeks back over the internet. I also had a newly made friend Jorge (pronounced as khor-ge in Spanish) who picked me up from the airport and dropped me to their place. It took us around 45 minutes to reach to Miraflores, an upscale residential area in Lima. After warm welcome by Leo's family with whom I stayed, I went with Jorge for a walk around that area. It's a happening place in the city with restaurants, hotels, pubs on every corner; and thousands of foreigners chilling out on the busy streets of Miraflores. I could easily make out why this area is recommended for the foreigners for BB (Bed & Breakfast). My Mumbaikar friends may want to compare this sea-facing area to upscale districts of Mumbai like Bandra/Khar/Juhu. It was a quick walk because tomorrow I have to start at 3:30 am towards my next plan... Towards the driest desert on this planet, The Atacama! Will write more tomorrow...