My Original Flight Schedule (Iguazu - Buenos Aires - Santiago - Lima)
In the end, it was shortened to Iguazu - Buenos Aires - Lima (arriving at 2pm instead of 11.30am)
There was a change in the Bolivia domestic flight (a few weeks later) that I booked when I was in Singapore. I had to call Expedia in USA from Buenos Aires, Argentina to understand and acknowledge the flight changes in Sucre, Bolivia. This is indeed a globalized world.
Flight to Lima from Buenos Aires was delayed for 90mins.
LAN being a reputable airline, compensated us by offering us an option to have a US$250 discount on future flight (to be redeemed within 1 year) or a US$90 cash. We chose the latter option, but the sales office in the airport could not disburse the money, and we had to go to other sales offices. In the end, we got our money in Cusco, Peru after 2 visits to the sales office as there was no proper documentation.
While LAN airline is one of the best airlines in South America, there is still a gap in terms of its system and services when compared to the Asian premium airlines like Singapore Airline, Cathay, Qatar etc...
The barren highland of Bolivia
I am not sure if the white flat plain is the Uyuni Salt Plain (which I visited a 2 weeks later)
"Lima is the capital and the largest city of Peru. It is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, in the central part of the country, on a desert coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With a population approaching 9 million, Lima is the fifth largest city in Latin America, behind Mexico City,São Paulo, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. Lima is home to one of the largest financial hubs in Latin America.
Lima was founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, as la Ciudad de los Reyes, or "the City of Kings". It became the capital and most important city in the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru. Following the Peruvian War of Independence, it became the capital of the Republic of Peru. Today, around one-third of the Peruvian population lives in the metropolitan area. Lima is home to one of the oldest higher learning institutions in the New World. The National University of San Marcos, founded on May 12, 1551 during Spanish colonial regime, is the oldest continuously functioning university in the Americas."
My first impression of Lima City, Peru
It definitely looks less developed than Sao Paulo, Rio De Janeiro & Buenos Aires.
Hello! Pacific Ocean!!
I got to surf at the pacific ocean again, the last time was many years ago in Santa Cruz, California. The water was cold (not freezing), so I decided not to wear a top. It was a bad decision, as I had abrasion on my chest and nipples. And I did not manage to stand on the surf-board. =(
Nevertheless, it was a good experience!
Miraflores
Lima City.
I must admit that Lima is more developed than I thought. You could find designer brands like Chanel in the shopping malls and lotsa fast-food restaurants (except KFC). I always imagine Peru as a country of Inca history and indigenous people in their traditional outfits. The good thing about traveling is that it breaks the stereotyping that we had due to our ignorance.
At the same time, Peru has distinct class differences in the society. The whites & the Mestizo (people with mixed European and Native heritage) seemed to be more affluence being the middle and upper class of the society. While the indigenous people (majority) are the working and lower class of the society. I believe that is the legacy of the colonialism.
I also read about the invasion of the Spanish imperialist. There was huge massacre of the indigenous people and cruel religion conversion by prohibiting the practice of local religion. Non-adherents were killed. How could the Spanish invaders be so cruel and religious at the same time? What is in their mind? Isn't there inherent conflict with between Killing and the Christianity Teachings? Why adopt such a brutal religion conversion? Do they think that they are superior just because they are more technologically advance during that time? Look at the Spanish economy now!!!
"Rudolph J. Rummel estimates that 14 million native North and South Americans were killed by Europeans (and their American-born descendants) in democide in the conquest of the Americas. Much of this, especially in the Caribbean and South America, was driven by European Roman Catholicism."
Anyway, that was the past. But we should never forget the lesson.
Staffs of Pariwana Backpacker Hostel. (Photo taken by HY)
Had a great new year countdown at the rooftop of this hostel.
Latinos sure know how to party!!
=)
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