Back from another 10 days in Peru

[JimmySTLOUIS]

Hello again

It feels weird to be back in St. Louis after spending another 10 great days in Lima. I actually enjoy the simple lifestyle. I like going to the markets everyday. Lima seems really dumpy at first but the people really make up for what the city lacks.

I did a fair amount of driving in Lima this trip. Crazy but true.
I backed into a guy once and it cost me around $3.50
I also got pulled over by the police for having tinted windows on the bombed out Chevy Caviler that I was driving. I think that cost me about $10 but I am not sure (I would have went up to a Ben Franklin to have them go away). The money went right to the policeman in a covert sort of way. I also had two tire problems but no big deal. Her family was with me at all times so they did the talking when these problems came up.

I had another great time with the girl that I have been seeing. She is everything I want and much more. I am learning some Spanish words and her family is learning some English. Her English had always been good but is getting much better.

I stayed again at her parents and we went camping for three days at a beach about 1 hour south of Lima. New Years day on the beach in Peru sure beats St. Louis. People in peru seem to have never heard of "pack it in - pack it out" and leaving your trash at your campsite makes the whole place look horrible when everyone leaves. I also wonder if people dont know that the speakers are blown out on their radios or they just like the raspy sound? I though they would never go to sleep at night though.

I did look around at a few beach towns just south of Lima (about 1 hour away). The people with money in Lima love to get away to these towns. I looked at a HUGE place (casa) just above the ocean in a town called San Bartolo. The house sits one row of house above the beach with great vista views.
This casa has about 2000 sq feet and the entire upper level is one big inside/ outside room with doors opening to the ocean view. Its not exactly Hawaii (no rain = no trees, grass etc). Its a lot of house for 35K asking price.

I am not really happy about being here at home. I really would rather just stay in Peru. I am totally crazy about this girl.
I would go back to the airport and fly another full day just to see her again. I dont have a return date sey but I am ready to go.

Te Amo Peru!!!!!!!!

jim

[Red Clay]

... in response to Back from another 10 days in Peru, posted by JimmySTLOUIS on Jan 5, 2004

Hmmm, 35K. We were already planning to do some price shopping for houses, apts, etc. this trip. How far was this house from stores, restaurants, etc.?

Glad you had another good trip. There's no substitute for going often. Did you see anything historic or archaelogical this time?

Brave man for driving yourself, although if there are few/no rules, then the only real worry is survival, I guess.

[JimmySTLOUIS]

... in response to Re: Back from another 10 days in Peru-- ..., posted by Red Clay on Jan 5, 2004

Hi

This house was one row of house up from the beach. Just about 30 steps up. The first row of house has the road between it and the "beach". This beach is more of a rocky area where they launch small boats etc.
The real sand beach is just down the street but there could be a lot of noise there.
Remember that this is really a summer only house - I would consider living there year around only after I rented in the winter. I think things really close up in the winter. These places are really to far to drive into the city everyday and are more for the "rich". This particular place would be a great party palace.

I did not see any historical things at all this trip.
I wanted to go to the English speaking church this time but I did not make it.

If you want to see some real estate go to villaran.com but there is not much. It seems like most people hang out a sign or run an ad. There is no Realtor.com or anything.
The sunday paper is also good.

As far as driving

The rules of the road are
#1 dont hit anyone
#2 go like hell
#3 dont hit anyone

If you need any help with tranlation or driving around the city - my girl could help you for next to nothing. Let me know if I can help you in anyway.

Te Amo Peru!

jim

[Red Clay]

... in response to Re: Re: Back from another 10 days in Per..., posted by JimmySTLOUIS on Jan 5, 2004

Thanks for the offer of help, but I married my guide/translator in 2001 Going to visit inlaws this time.

I was thinking retirement for the beach quarters, hopefully would not need to go to the city too much.

Continued good luck to you two.

BTW, what part of Lima is your lady from?

[JimmySTLOUIS]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Back from another 10 days in..., posted by Red Clay on Jan 5, 2004

My girl is from S.M De Porres right off Ave Peru.

Most people think the area is really bad but there a lot of good people there. I thinks its OK myself.
Her best friend (who also lives in SM De Porres) father is a licensed A & P mechanic (licensed in Peru and the USA). Thats airframe and powerplant mechanic and I wish I had that license because those guys make great money here in the USA. So you never know who lives there really. SOme streets are nice and some are OH MY GOD poor.

I liked Punta Hermosa and San Bartolo the best of the beach towns. Maybe we can start a gringo con una peruana social group down there?  

jim

[Red Clay]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Back from another 10 day..., posted by JimmySTLOUIS on Jan 5, 2004

Thanks Jim-

My wife thinks her neighborhood is not too nice also, but by their standards it's better than most.