Reflections of Lima

What a mixture ... in some ways, Lima is a HUGE city(over 9 million people apparently ) with some very modern areas as well as beautiful historic areas - beautiful plazas, elaborate balconies, well-maintained parks (people don't walk on the grass areas) ... and particularly the Parque de Luz – park of Lights, which has magnificent fountains with light and laser show. Spectacular ... and definitely worth a visit ... for 4 sole entry!!

From Peru 2 - 2009

But traffic is chaotic!!! We travelled home by local bus. Buses can be 3 lanes wide and passengers, or would be passengers need to dodge through choked lanes of buses to get on of off their bus in the middle of the road. Some of the buses are modern, but many appear to be very old indeed. All traffic weaves back and forth across 3, 4 or 5 lanes of constantly beeping, bumper to bumper traffic.... Well out of the city area, the road is shared with motor-taxis (like the tuk-tuks in Asia). Not sure what 'peak hour' is here.... but we struck traffic like this at 10pm on the night we arrived ..... as well as earlier on other nights.

In the suburban areas, not far out of the city, street vendors line the streets – even at night time. Many hot food stalls seem to become social meeting places. While there are very modern shopping areas, these local market areas are a way of life in Peru... something that seems to be valued and desirable as a cheaper way to purchase items, and probably necessary where wages are not so good.