Lima

After our long flight across the pacific we finally arrived in Santiago airport where we had over an 8 hour stopover. We were both surprised at the amout of air pollution lingering about in the warm climate. Frano's first observation was that the toilet cubical was below his eye level, the first indication that we would probably stick out.
We arrived in Lima at 11pm local time and had a taxi driver holding a sign with Necane's name. He escorted us to his shitty 1987 beaten up, Mitsubishi station-wagon. This was our first true experience on South American soil as the driver hooned off down the middle of two lanes. It only got worse as we realised everyone else was exactly the same. We also learned that you do not need much more than four wheels and an engine to get a warrent as seatbelts are removed, and the spedo works as a rev counter fluctuating 0-120km/h as the driver accelerated. The indicators have no importance when you have a horn and changing lanes is anyones game, first in, first served. The roads in Lima accomodate for this reckless driving with four lanes turning into two with no warning. Anyway, we arrived at our hostel safe and sound with all bags intact.
The guy at reception was awesome and couldn't get over the fact we were from New Zealand. "You mean, you're from New Zealand where Lord of the Rings is made? You're kidding me aren't you?"
The hostel is really sweet, clean, comfortable beds, a roof'-top bar and free breakfast at a cafe around the corner. So far we had got away with speaking little Spanish, and our first challange came at ordering breakfast with no menu, we're not sure how it happened but we managed to get what we wanted. While we were eating breakfast we were both amused to see a group of teenage boys doing flips and cartwheels at red lights for tips.

We went for a walk down to the beach where soon realised it was possibly more dangerous to be a pedestrian. They completely disregard redlights and pedestrian crossings, it's every man for himself on these streets. At the beach we were attacked by locals wanting to teach us to surf. All of whom were very nice, but very persistant, we did not take up on their offer but may return tomorrow. We noticed the sky was full of paragliders so went to enquire where we found a kiwi guy running the show. The paragliding was insane, we both loved it as we soared above the coast of Lima and got a birds-eye view of the city. Andy, the Wellingtonian running the paragliding offered us a discount and a whole bunch of stories and tips for traveling. He gave us his contact details and said to contact him for anything if we needed it. He also invited us out tonight for a drink so we are looking forward to being showed around and trying 'Pisco-sour', which every Peruvian has insisted we try.

We do stick out a lot on the streets, a lot of people just stare at us, but when we meet people they are so excited we are from Nueva Zelanda, "oh good, you're not from Australia or UK. In that case do you want some weed? It such a nice day!" We declinded his offer.

So far everybody has been really friendly, helpful and tolerant of our lack of Spanish. Most people are happy we know a bit and are keen to teach, but even more excited to practice their English.    

Loving it so far. Hope everyone is well and we'll write soon.