Days 8 - 12

Day 8-

Arrived at a spot on the Panamerican highway on the outskirts of Pisco after dark. We had to negotiate a taxi to drive us in to Pisco, city center. The first driver offered us a ride in for 10 soles and I just laughed and went on to the next one - the next offered 6, the next agreed to 4, woot woot we´re getting better at bargaining! The driver took us down a dark bumpy road (reminiscent of our Cuba arrival) and we half wondered if he was taking us to a deserted area to rob us. But no, thank God, he was just taking us to Pisco! Which is a WRECK! No offense, Pisco.

Two years ago there was a violent earthquake, a 7.9 on the Richter scale!! Many fine buildings were destroyed and what was once a beautiful town now has a lot of cleaning up to do. Many houses are now just walls with no roofs, and no one inside of them. They lost a beautiful church in their Plaza des Armas (main square).

We went to a first hotel that turned out to be full, the staff there accompanied us in the taxi to another hotel which is owned by the same company. The driver wanted more money for this second leg of the trip, but since he got lost trying to get to the first place we were annoyed with him and said muchas gracias Bibo! (Thank you very much Cheater!) We were taught this word by the Chavez´s, it works well when taxis try to rip you off - but on reconsideration we probably should have given the fellow another sole as his look was so downtrodden after our refusal! Unfortunately here it´s a struggle between getting ripped off and giving people their correct due!

That night we finally got settled into a hotel room, negotiated down to 40 soles from 45 (still not a very good deal) but we learned later that we had missed the anniversary of Pisco by only a day, so prices were still high for the festival.

We went out that night to grab a bite to eat, and we were right in the city center in the hustle and bustle. Our hotel was on a dirt road (due to earthquake repairs, and the next day we would see a bulldozer going past a wild dog sleeping on the street, nonplussed) and there was this awesome street shop with hamburgers, hotdogs, and chicken for super low prices. David ordered a Hamburger Royale which ended up meaning that there was a fried egg and chips on top of his hamburger - it cost 2.50 soles. (less than a dollar canadian)

That night we were walking with our food and saw a street vendor selling drinks. Because we were in Pisco we asked if they were selling Pisco Sour. They laughed really hard at this and said no, it was actually a hot non-alcoholic drink that seemed to be mixed with maybe egg whites? It was a very thick drink, but really good. We got to talking with them, and met a friend named Jaime.

In Peru on every street corner it seems, there are people sitting on little stools with cell phones in front of them. They are human telephone booths! You pay them .50 soles per minute to use their cell phone. Jaime did this in the night and by day was a banana seller in the market. His house was destroyed in the earthquake. He kindly bought us another warm drink and we had fun talking to him.

Day 9 & 10

We went to Paracas intending to see the Reserva Nationales Parc there, but on Day 9 there was a terrible sand storm. The town was deserted and there was sand blowing everywhere, it got in our hair and noses and ears! We still stayed for lunch there and ate delicious ceviche.

Day 10 however weather was on our side, which was a good thing because we had purchased an Islas Ballestas tour. The Islas Ballestas tour took us off of Paracas in a huge speed boat with more other white people than we´d seen since leaving Canada.

We went out to some islands where we saw sea lions sunning themselves and barking, penguins waddling oh so cutely, thousands and thousands of tropical cormorants and seagulls who make the islands their home. And not to forget the Peruvian pelican, funny looking dudes!

The islands STUNK though, which you don´t get to put up with from seeing the beautiful pictures. Just imagine- bird poop! Guano (bird poop) is collected by Peruvians for use of fertilizer. Even with the stink, we had an incredible time. It was awe inspiring seeing thousands of birds flying towards these ocean islands. Dave only got a little poo on his hat.

Day 11-12

Since then, we have travelled to Ica and Huacachina, where we have found our oasis in the desert. Something we may not have mentioned about Peru yet is that the vastness of everything we have seen is DESERT. Quite shocking for the Canadians used to green lushness! We have now found the perfect spot for rest and relaxation - Huacachina. Huacachina is a little tourist town off of Ica, and it is essentially a lagoon in the middle of huge sand dunes.

Our time here has been pure delight, suntanning and climbing mountain dunes for beautiful views and sunsets. Pictures are better descriptors, and we will post these soon.