Lima Beans

Hola!

Here begins my trip in South America! Arrived in Lima, Peru last night and to be honest, I didn't like it much at all. Aside from our awesome and enthusiastic friend of the family that plucked us from the airport, Alfredo, I found it pretty much miserable. The pollution has a strong choke hold on the city that I find particularly offensive after my long stay in Beijing. As 'gringos,' we were pretty much hassled at every place we walked past. Our guidebooks had promised us crime, and lots of it. But as dirty and dismal the place had seemed at night, it improved tenfold on the sunny Sunday we encountered today. The cafe culture is really strong here and many families were out all day in the restaurants, parks, beaches, etc. A strong mist enveloped the beach fizzled by noon and blue skies were on for the rest of the day. High points include watching traditional dancing that lasted for hours in 'John F. Kennedy park,' friendly Peruvian servers and street vendors, and amazing cerviche. I think if given the time, and an insider list of places to go and things to see, Lima could prove an alright place to be.