October 15th, 2005 – Arrive Peru – Hotel & Meet with Explore Group
Arrive in Lima just before 7:00 a.m. local time. I exchange a little money before gathering my luggage. The exchange rate was $3.30 Peruvian sols for $1 U.S. dollar or, $1 CDN = $2.80. I went through security where for the first time where I can remember I was searched before proceeding. It turned out to be not much of a search as they scanned my luggage one more time and then I was free to go. I was trying to get a taxi for my trip to the hotel but none where available at the time so it was a shuttle bus instead. It turned out to be much more affordable at $8.00 U.S. compared to the $20.00 for the taxi ride.
The shuttle bus was through the city in a relatively short time and at the Hotel Embajadores just after 8:00 a.m. Check in went quickly and I had some time for breakfast before getting some sleep. It was $5.00 U.S. for a buffet breakfast with a good variety of food. Most of the day was spent sleeping on and off; some much needed rest after the overnight flight from Toronto. Notes are put up in the lobby by Explorer and it looks like the tour leaders name is Gwen and we will be meeting in the lobby at 7:30 p.m. for our first group dinner. Some of the members arrived late and decided to get some sleep instead of the dinner. A very modern Town Square was just a 10 to 15 minute walk away with many restaurants to choose from. I ended up trying a local dish called “Ceviche” and it turned out to be more than just a little spicy!!! Pickled fish with some type of hot sauce that I found hard to handle.
Most of the group was feeling the jet lag from their flight out of London. It turns out that I am the only Canadian in the group with the rest coming out of London with the exception of one lady coming from Sydney, Australia. My time difference is only an hour but the time lag for the rest is 6 hours. I know from my trip to Egypt just how the time difference can affect you. It was back to the hotel right after the meal.