First week in Lima: Arrival between family, food and shopping
Lima, Peru - a metropolis full of life, culture and of course food. The first week in Lima was marked by visits to family and friends, countless meals and an extensive shopping marathon. How does it go to settle in Peru's capital? Here is an honest report of my experience.
Arrival in Lima: The start of two months in Peru
After a long flight, we finally arrive in Lima, Peru - the first stop on a two-month journey. Immediately after landing, you notice that the clocks tick differently here. While in Germany, you first have to relax after arriving, in Lima, things get going straight away. Family, friends and acquaintances are ready to greet us.
Even at the airport, you can see how important family is in Peru . Greetings are warm, loud and full of emotion. Hugs, kisses and happy reunions are obligatory - even if you last saw each other a year ago.
The big reunion: family and friends everywhere
As soon as we arrived, the visits began. Anyone who travels to Peru and has family knows that one visit is never enough. Everyone has to be seen - aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, old acquaintances. Everyone wants to know how you are, what you are doing in Germany and, above all, when you will be coming next.
Peruvian hospitality also means that you don't just say "hello" and leave. Each visit lasts hours - at least. People talk, laugh, exchange memories and, of course, eat.
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Eating without end: Welcome to the food paradise
Peruvian food is among the best in the world. The first week was a culinary journey of discovery. From ceviche to lomo saltado to anticuchos – the list of specialties is long.
Eating in Peru is not just a meal - it is an experience. The portions are large, the flavors intense and the variety impressive. What is particularly striking is that there is always rice. Whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner - a meal without rice is hardly conceivable in Peru.
The highlights of the first week:
- Ceviche – the national dish made from raw fish marinated in lime juice
- Lomo Saltado – beef strips with onions, tomatoes and fries
- Pollo a la Brasa – grilled chicken that has cult status in Peru
- Tamales – corn dumplings filled with meat or cheese
- Anticuchos – grilled beef hearts, a popular street snack
The biggest lesson of the week: If you travel to Peru, you should bring plenty of room in your stomach.
Shopping in Lima: Plaza San Miguel and more
In addition to visiting family, shopping was also on the agenda. One of the first stops: Plaza San Miguel , one of the largest shopping centers in Lima.
What makes shopping in Peru special? The mix of modern brands, Peruvian products and street markets. In Plaza San Miguel you can find fashion, electronics, food and souvenirs - all under one roof.
A day of shopping in Lima also means:
- Wide selection: From international brands to Peruvian designers
- Affordable prices: Many products are cheaper than in Europe
- Markets and street vendors: In addition to shopping centers, there are many street markets where you can find unique products
Of course, there was a lot of shopping – from clothes to Peruvian sweets to small souvenirs for the family in Germany.
Peruvian everyday life: First impressions of Lima
Besides eating and shopping, there was enough time to get to know life in Lima . The city is huge, loud and full of energy.
Traffic in Lima: An Adventure in Itself
Anyone travelling in Lima has to get used to a different driving style. Cars, taxis, buses – everything is mixed up, but somehow it works.
Special features of traffic in Lima:
- Taxis without a meter: You should negotiate the price beforehand.
- Combis and colectivos: small buses that drive through the city honking wildly.
- Traffic lights as decoration: There are traffic rules, but not everyone follows them.
The Climate: Summer in Lima
While it is winter in Germany, it is summer in Lima. Temperatures around 25 degrees, sunshine and a light breeze from the Pacific make the city particularly pleasant.
Lima in the first week – An intensive start
After a week in Lima one thing is clear:
✔ Food is a central part of life. No one leaves a visit hungry.
✔ Family and friends are the top priority. There is always someone to visit.
✔ Shopping is an experience. Whether shopping centers or markets – there is a lot to discover.
✔ Lima is a city full of energy. Traffic, people and culture make it unique.
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