Lima, Peru - Natalia's view.

Our plane got delayed one more day due to volcanic ash.  After waiting in Bolivia for some time, we flew back to Lima.  That meant about 3 more hours on the plane, plus waiting at the airport trying to find out how the airline was going to handle 200 passengers stuck in a city they were not traveling to.  Everyone was exhausted!

It was about 1am when we arrived to the designated hotel, The Ibis in Miraflores.   Every single person in the hotel was extremely patient and welcoming. They smiled, fed and accommodated a huge group of tired travelers.   Impressive.

Next morning, having time to kill before our afternoon flight, we decided to walk around.  Miraflores’ streets looked busy.  People walking, businesses were open, street vendors and heavy traffic.  El Parque Central was colorful thanks to the gardens placed around the plaza.  Not far from there, we saw another park, this one facing the Pacific Ocean.   This second park is part of a tiny mall, so we decided to try some Peruvian food.  The ceviche was outstanding.

Maybe it was the breathtaking sight, the sound of the waves or the crisp air.  Maybe it was the delicious food, or the kindness of Peruvians, but all tensions were gone.   We got a good taste of Peru, and now we plan to come back for more. 

We were back at the airport at 2:30 pm.  If all goes as planned, we will land in Buenos Aires close to midnight.

News Update

So far nothing new in the news.  Nobody can either confirm nor deny if we'll be able to get on a plane heading south.  I still haven't packed, but I guess I need to get to it now, if anything to go sit in an airport playing scrabble with my lovely wife, until they decide to call us over the intercom announcing that they are only waiting for us to take off.

And the parking situation has not been decided yet.  Either shell out $150+ to park in an enclosed location such as The Parking Spot or the Park n' Fly, or pay half of that to leave it exposed outside of a hotel near the airport. Shenanigans.

Off to pack it is then.

A change in plans.

Looks like the whole visa thing for Spain did not pan out.  We ran out of time & there is no way we'll get it in time to make the trip.  So Argentina it is!  The upside is that it will be less expensive than traveling to Europe, and we can visit Uruguay (which was one of our original choices) while we are down there.

Dates are still set for June 10 through June 24.  Then it's Alaska in July on the motorcycle! Follow me ad Howler on our journey here:

Irregulars

Natalia will stay in South America, more than likely in beautiful Colombia!