So, we arrived a while ago in Peru. Staying in a little hotel called Hotel España in Lima. Lima is gorgeous. We were lucky enough to arrive on Peru’s national day - their independence. We saw a parade go by (they had horses which marched in time to the music!) and the President.

The flight over was about a million hours long, it was actually incredible. Because we were flying west, we were basically chasing the dawn, so it never got dark. They played four films back to back, all of which were rubbish :( but Alex got sick so I had his food. There was a Peruvian family on the flight, and their toddler kept, well, toddling about, and he was the best behaved toddler I’ve ever seen! He didn’t cry or make a sound or anything, I was very grateful.

When we touched down, I realised that I had absolutely no idea what my PIN was for my ATM card (basically the only way I can get money) so that was mildly terrifying, but I was pleased to find that my mobile worked, so I was able to get my parents to text it to me. Modern technology!

When we first arrived I was quite anxious about stuff (mugging, diseases, etc.) but now I’ve been here a while I’m a lot more relaxed. The Peruvians are really friendly. Yesterday (national day) we wore Peruvian flag badges, and people were really pleased to see it. Although they did think we were American, which was quite funny and slightly annoying.

Oh yeah! Nearly forgot… First night in the hostel, two Americans walked in and I woke up suddenly. I’m normally a really heavy sleeper, so that was really strange. Anyway, being slightly disorientated I said, “Hello, what’s going on!” much to their consternation. I think they laughed and said, “Shine the light in his face” so I lay back and went back to sleep. Claire, apparently, sat up in her sleep and looked over at someone else on one of the other beds and shouted, “Are you still here?” Don’t think he woke up, but it’s still hilarious. Been waking up really early each morning, it’s quite good. Tomorrow I’m just gonna get up when I wake up and read or something.

Mornings are really nice, so far. It’s quiter than in the day. People drive like maniacs, it’s very good, and they beep their horns almost constantly.

We’ve had a couple of good meals so far. Restaurants in Lima are plentiful, and the food is really nice. Had Papas a la humankshfksafh or however that last word is spelt, and they were really nice. It’s basically potatoes in a creamy pepper sauce. Also had Bisteck a la Pobre, which is steak with chips, egg and a banana! It’s very easy to find a good restaurant in Lima (a note to future travellers).

Tomorrow we’re up early to get the bus to Pisco. My Spanish helped us get those tickets! I can get by quite slowly. There are French people staying here, so I might take the opportunity to babble away in a language I know.

Anyway, got to be getting on and check emails etc. If people want personalised messages, they only have to email me! beingmrkenny@gmail.com