Ballestas Island

Before heading to Lima we took a morning excursion to the Ballestas Islands. Lining up to start our excursion it was obviously a popular outing for locals and tourists alike as we waited for more than half an hour to board the speedboat that would take us from the wharf of the Beach the Chaco - Paracas to the Ballestas Islands. As we speed across the bay we slowed to an idle as we were entertained by schools of dolphins jumping through the waters. Almost close enough to touch they traveled along side the boat. Better than any trip to Sea World.

The Ballestas Islands consist of a group of three islands with narrow shorelines and cliffs that rise to flan areas that cover an area of 3.2 square kilometers. In the breeding season this is where birds build their nests with their own droppings. These droppings, the famous guano fertilizer, are harvested every 4-7 years. The boat trip to Ballestas Islands gave us the opportunity to see the birds, including flamingos, red-legged cormorants, Inca terns, bobbies, lots and lots of playful sea lions, and amusing Humboldt penguins. The islands were literally covered with sea lions, penguins and pelicans, which also resulted in an overwhelming smell of dropping that quickly over took the air around us.

Between the motion of the boat and the smell of the islands there was more than a few individuals hanging over the side of the boat. Fortunately Randy and I weren't affected.

Once we were back at Paracas it was time to head into town and catch the public bus to Lima. The bus station was a small building on the side of the road and we were told that once we boarded the bus to keep our possessions under our legs or in are arms. Placing items in the overhead bins was quite unsecure especially if we happened to fall asleep during the trip. Holding onto our possessions tightly we boarded the bus only to find it was much like the local greyhound here in Canada. I think we were on the milk route as the bus stopped at each little town where passengers patiently waited at the side of the road. Five hours later we arrived in the Lima, the capital city of Peru.

Needing to stretch our legs, Randy, James and I headed out to explore the neighbourhoods of Lima. An art fair was taking place in the central square and we leisurely strolled through the park. Finally is was a warm sunny day and it felt great to be outside without the need to wear a jacket, scarf and mitts.

For the first time in our travels the citizens of Peru appeared to dress like Canadians. Women wore what we would call normal work clothes, jeans and high heel shoes.

Several of us decided to take a guided tour to get the feel of the city. Boarding the Pacific Ocean, a sprawling desert city clings to the surrounding cliffs. We learned that the beauty of the city is often hidden behind a cover of fog. The tour revealed the culture of the city, with amazing architecture, museums and cathedrals. Unfortunately we were getting a bit tired of visiting historical sites and the tour seemed to go on way too long.

While four of us were off visiting the sites of Lima, Randy decided to permanently capture the memory of our time in Peru with a Tattoo. The Condor, Serpent and Puma represent the protectors of the Incas, and from this his tattoo was conceived. So imagine this. We don't speak Spanish well and the tattoo artist didn't speak English at all, but with the assistance of the Google translator a conversation was had and the tattoo drawn. Crazy when you think about it! In a country where we didn't drink the water, and where neither party could talk to each other with any amount of understanding, he chose to get a tattoo. But it did turn out amazing.

After an amazing, action backed, adventurous and even a bit overwhelming holiday we were ready to go home. Our only question....Where would we go next? The trip had exceeded all of our expectations!!