Hello all- greetings from Peru!

Have been hanging out by the beach and then in the Andes and now we are in the massive (population 10 million, 1/3 of Peru´s population), loud, dusty capital city, Lima.

Entering Peru was interesting. We reached the boarder and left Equador (boooo :( bye Equador) without a problem. However, it was only until 4 hours later that we were allowed into Peru. The old boarder police were having serious computer issues, however we filled our time with rugby and football by the truck, then setting the stove up and cooking sausages- boarder policia= not happy. But we made it through in the end, and reached Mancora, a town on the beach, in time for plenty of rum slushies and pina coladas!

Mancora is a blur of beer, beach, hammocks, sea and sunshine- 2 days were spent doing not much, which was so lovely. Loki Hostel was totally awesome- a seriously eclectic mix of all sorts of people. Food and drink were very available which meant we didnt really need to leave the hostel complex. Fantastic (albeit expensive, whoops) few days with my lovely tour group chilling out in the sunshine and staying up late. Lush.

Huanchaco was our next stop- another beach town famous for its awesome surf. On the way to Huanchaco we stopped at the Lord of Sipan Museum for lunch, the highlight of the museum was the end section- a freaky display of disturbingly life like moving Mochi models that went on for an uncomfortable amount of time. Weird. Arrived at the campsite, pitched the tents, and had lovely chicken and chips for tea. Could almost have been in nandos.,!

During our time at Huanchaco we visited the nearby Trujillo, a busy city with a mental public transport system. If the guy hanging out of the door shouts where you want to go, run and jump on. If you are too slow, unlucky, they have gone without you. Manic. Standing at the side of a massively busy road trying to get back was an experience! Had a lazy afternoon sleeping on the beach (before being awoken with a crab on my shoulder, thanks chiccas) after getting a Surf Burger for lunch (loving Peruvian culture). Headed out into the not-so-´happenin´´ Huanchaco for drinks after dinner and another salsa session, lovely.

Our last day in Huanchaco was spent visiting the Chan Chan ruins and the ancient Temple of the Moon and Sun, Huaca Luna Sol. Both were amazingly well preserved under layers of sand for thousands of years- the moon temple´s outside wall in particular was amazing, massive stone work and carvings still so clear. The sun temple is still buried as they do not have the money to start excavations. Would love to return when it has been uncovered- perhaps an excuse for another trip away....!

Next stop, Huaraz. This drive day saw the Tucan Truck, Rosita, rise from sea level to over 3000m in the Andes. The scenery on this drive day was amazing- the Andes are spectacular and it is easy to see why Huaraz is so popular with mountaineerers. We stayed at Jo´s Place (HOT SHOWERS!) and pretended to be part of the mountaineering crew by watching ´Touching the Void´(took place on a mountain near Huaraz) with a take away chinese. Yum.

On our first full day in Huaraz, we decided to hike to Lake 69. However, on the way we came across a teacher protest which had blocked the road- the little old ladies were throwing stones, eggs, and burning tyres. Huevos Locos. They absolutely love their protests in Peru. So we had to turn around and instead we hiked up to 4500m, to Lake Churup. The effect of the altitude really surprised me- the only way I can describe it is to say that I was walking at a snail´s pace but breathing and feeling as if I was out for a run- bizarre, and such such hard work! But we made it, and it was 100% worth it. Beautiful views, the best picnic spot ever- really fantastic. And I slept for 11 hours that night. Bliss!

So now we are in Lima! We are off out tonight in Miraflores to say goodbye to the lovely Alicia who is leaving the tour today, and then we join up with 11 new people tomorrow. Exciting times!

Time is absolutely flying. Totally living the dream.

Lots and lots of love and hugs from a moderately dodgy internet shop to all at home xxxxxxxxxxx