On the main highway into Lima we passed Lennox McNeeley stopped by the side of the road with a Peruvian motorbike policeman pulled up alongside. We learnt later that he had been stopped for speeding and the fine was five gallons of petrol! Apparently the Peruvian police have no money for fuel and that is the reason why we have seen many police Toyota Landcruisers parked by the side of the road. They don't have enough money to buy fuel to enable them to patrol!!
We drove alongside the Pacific Ocean into Lima and the outskirts were pretty dreary. The El Pueblo hotel, where we are staying, is an oasis. It is a large "holiday village" with different coloured houses, pretty gardens and pools. We had a cabin opposite a swimming pool, not overlooked at all. We met up with the others who came to Lima on the other route ("over the top"). I think some had thought it worthwhile, but many had damaged their cars and were not very happy. We had a meeting with HERO to find out the latest about the travel company, who have gone into receivership!
We met up with Peter and Carolyn for drink at the bar of the hotel.
In the evening there was a party with food in the plaza and we were entertained by musicians and dancers in fabulous costumes. Some were on stilts. We ended the evening with coffee and cake in the cafe.
Today's drive was 197 miles
