Whenever I arrive in a new city I always hit the streets walking, it's the only way to get a proper feel for a place. I must have walked the equivalent of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks yesterday, without the peaks... so not really that impressive. What struck me was how familiar it all seemed. I want to use the word 'westernised' but Peru is a touch father west than the UK so how about 'consumerised'. Tall buildings, designer shops, exclusive restaurants, numerous universities, clean streets and better cycle lanes than I could dream of in Leeds! Lima is a city of 8 million yet doesn't feel hostile or threatening. Not the 'deepest, darkest' Peru of legend, a little shallow and light if anything. There's time yet.
Having stopped for a rest in a tranquil little park a policeman approached me. He wanted to see my passport and the contents of my bag. After some questioning he called control on his mobile to check me out. He described me as being 'clean'... three times. Whilst this was reassuring to hear I hope we don't encounter one another in a couple of months when my hygiene status may well be compromised. It turns out the reason for his caution was the ten storey building behind me, the Israeli Embassy. How strange to think that common traits of potential terrorists include tomato sauce stains, dishevelled hair and a propblem with body odour.
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