Lima / Peru

Located almost on the other side of the world to Japan, Peru is known for the Inca Empire, the ruins of Machu Picchu, Las Lineas de Nazca (Nazca Lines) and many other features. Drive for about an hour from the coast inland and you will see a range of mountains with peaks as high as 3,000-5,000 meters. In addition, there is a vast forest area called the Peruvian Amazon and a desert area. Indeed, Peru is a mysterious country where you can experience tropical, subtropical, and temperate zones. Lima, the capital of Peru, is a major city with a population of about 10 million. In the old town stand many large buildings such as the presidential residence and Iglesia de San Francisco (San Francisco Church). They look just as they did in the days of Spanish colonization. Many buildings, houses, and modern hotels are located in the new commercial and residential areas. On weekends, some areas bustle with young people under neon signs. Since it hardly rains throughout the year, many houses remain roofless. This is a sight you can see only in Peru.

Peruvians attach great importance to meals. On weekends, families go to a restaurant together and enjoy meals. The country is rich in food ingredients. Try the fish caught near the shore, and dishes with fruits and vegetables of Andes origin. They taste delicious. Major Peruvian dishes include Cebiche (fresh fish dressed with lemon), anticucho (cattle's heart fixed on a skewer) and many others. Eat them with a cocktail based on Pisco (distilled liquor made from grapes).

With no railway or subway, the only means of transportation in Lima is the automobile. While the roads are properly paved and divided, you will see a car in the right lane at a crossing (note: Peruvians drive on the right) suddenly turning left without even indicating. This is just one of their daily practices. Cars in the middle lane are used to it and have acquired the skill of stopping just before a collision. Horns ring loudly during the morning and evening rush hours. Small buses cross the street diagonally to pick up passengers. Pedestrians make their way around cars, as they freely walk everywhere on roadways. It is really something. Peruvian people are very friendly and carefree. They never fail to say, "Hasta manana" ("See you tomorrow") before leaving. Despite living here for many years, I still have great difficulty reconciling the quiet and gentle manner of Peruvians with their daredevil behavior on the streets.

With many historic ruins, Lima presents a mysterious mixture of modern and ancient times. I definitely recommend that you experience the mysterious attractions.

A girl dancing in front of the entrance of the ruins of Machu Picchu A cathedral in Plaza de Armas A panoramic view of the city of Cuzco from the ruins of Sacsayhuaman Alpaca in front of a souvenir shop in Cuzco

Marubeni Group magazine "M-SPIRIT" VOL.27 (May, 2005)