Warm, sunny and humid when we docked in Callao, at about 8am.
This is a massive port and full of all types of cargo ships but mainly bulk carriers, loading grain.
The are shuttle buses to the main square but we were warned not to travel too far from there, as not deemed safe. Bit of a shantytown and really only option was to take a taxi into Lima – about 45 minutes away, depending on traffic.
We negotiated a 5 hour tour with a taxi driver, Richard. He had a modern vehicle with 6 seats but after some halfhearted efforts to recruit more passengers, we decided to take it ourselves, at a price of $US150 – still much cheaper than Cunard excursions, at about 150 each, with cheapest excursion to be dropped off in Lima costing 100 each.
Turned out to be an inspired choice and we visited most of the sights in Lima, including some that were not on the tour itineraries.
We were able to see the contrasts between the well kept splendour of the historic centre, the Inca pyramids, the wealth of the Miraflores area and the poverty of the “Favellas” on the surrounding hillsides.
Apparently, 13 million people live in Lima (25% of Peru population), together with around 2 million undocumented immigrants – mainly Venezuelans
Also had the chance to talk about Peru and living in Lima. As with most people we have come across in South America, Richard was welcoming and friendly but pissed off with the government and corruption, wondering why, in such a rich country, the people had so little.
We returned to Callao and the ship after around 7 hours, rather than the advertised 5 but still charged the agreed price – obviously, added a tip for such a memorable day.
Think I am beginning to come to a definition of first, second and third world countries:
- Third – get out to first by any means
- Second – work hard to educate your children so they can emigrate to first
- First – wonder why all of these people can’t just stay where the “belong”
