Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Big, humid and dry—no rain


Lima is the fifth largest city in Latin America. It is home to almost a third of the country’s population of over 29 million according to the 2009 census estimate. Lima lies on a coastal desert and presents very mild temperatures, the lowest being 54 degrees in the winter and up to 88 degrees in the summer. It never rains but it is humid all year round. Winters are foggy and misty and for Americans this metropolis can be depressing in June, July and August. Remember that seasons are reversed since Peru is in the southern hemisphere. Beware if you are prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD.)
No, Lima it’s not on the Andes but right at the coast. Foreigners tend to believe that all Peru is mountainous. It is a city of contrasts where extreme poverty shares the city with colonial architecture, booming districts and a western lifestyle. It’s not uncommon to see barefoot beggars walking by people getting out of Mercedes Benz sedans.

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