Journal Peru

To a traveller, there are few things more important than a passport. You can’t get very far without it, and you’re asked for it at almost every point of your journey. Fortunately, getting a passport has never been easier: the government has an efficient online service, and you can online passport application forms from several licensed third-party agencies. In most cases, all you have to do is provide the right documentation, pay the fees, and wait for it in the mail.

Other passport services are also available online, including renewals, replacements, and extensions. Renewals are probably the most common service, especially with travel becoming much more accessible today. Ideally, you should renew your passport well before it expires, so you do not get that little window where you don’t have your passport in hand in case you need to jet off. In addition, expired passport renewal can be complicated in some cases, or at least involve more steps than renewing a valid one.

Passport extension is a different service for holders of limited U.S. passports. Extensions usually require additional documentation such as proof of identity, and any documents missing at the time the passport was issued. Third-party agencies such as Flying Passport also provide this service online.

Some people are reluctant to go through a middleman for passport services, but the industry has never been safer. The main advantage of applying through an agency is that you avoid the long lines and bureaucratic hurdles, and you can make sure you’re getting all the right forms and information—although of course you still have to provide the documents yourself. When passport rules change (which they often do), you can be sure an accredited agency will be up to date and help you comply. You can also get expedited service for an extra fee, which can be useful if you need to leave right away or are on a tight deadline.

To make sure you get good service, choose one with a good track record and reviews. One such service is Flying Passport, which has been around since 1984 and also offers visa services to several countries. They also have a tracking service that allows customers to check the status of their application, as well as a travel advice section with tips on everything from getting insurance to fighting jet lag.

You can also look up passport services up at the Better Business Bureau to make sure they are a legitimate business, and ask around for firsthand feedback. This can take some time, but it’s well worth it for something as important as a passport. As long as you do your research and make sure all your papers are in order, you’ll be   jetting off before you know it!

Peru, with its vast beaches and dormant volcanoes, has turned into a major expat destination in recent years. Although it is home to people of various ethnicities, expats moving to Peru often experience a hefty culture shock. This does not come as a surprise. Not only is culture shock a common phenomenon among expats, Peru also has its ups and downs. Luckily, the best way of kicking your culture shock to the curb is by exploring your new home abroad.

As most expats are living in Peru’s bigger cities such as Lima or Arequipa, chances are that you quickly feel trapped between the concrete and crazy traffic and lose sight of Peru’s natural beauties. But getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city will be well worth your while. Peru is a very diverse country with a varied ecosystem. On your travels, you will see the wide mountain ranges of the Andes, beautiful beaches, and vast rainforests. One of your stops should definitely be Lake Titicaca, one of the highest lakes in Latin America.

The Peruvian countryside is also often explored by hikers. Indeed paying a visit to Peru’s rural villages is a good idea, as different traditions have prevailed in different regions of the country. You can even document your trip by filling a beautiful custom photo book from LuLu.com with your Peruvian adventures! The Peruvian people are proud of their Inca heritage and do not hesitate to celebrate it with Andean music and monthly festivals. As you get to know your new home and its culture, you should also stop by Machu Picchu. The ruins of the 15^th century-city is the biggest symbol of Peru’s culture which is closely intertwined with its Inca history. And while you are there, maybe you can learn a few words Quechua along the way.

If you are living in Peru and have decided to take a break from working here, you should not forget to be prepared before embarking on this epic journey. Before taking a trip to the rainforest, for instance, malaria prevention is important, not to mention vaccinations against rabies, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and yellow fever. You can take the Pan American highway to drive across the country. However, you should try to avoid mountainous terrain if you are not an experienced driver or drive extra carefully, as rocks might fall on the roads and block them completely. If you use common sense and maintain an open mind while you enjoy your time away from the big city, you will learn to love your new home abroad in no time.

Apartment living has attracted a growing number of people in the last few years. Whether it’s the unstable state of the housing market or the move towards smaller lifestyles, apartments have gained a strong appeal, in cities and small towns alike. These days, they’ve also gained a special appeal for budget travelers, who often look to cut costs by opting for cheaper accommodation.

Of course, apartments also come on both ends of the spectrum, from dirt cheap to the height of luxury. But unlike in most markets, it’s easy to find affordable apartments without sacrificing quality—in fact, precisely because of the rising demand, landlords are more open to giving you more value for your money. As is often the case, it’s a matter of looking around.

The Internet is one of the best places to look for cheap apartments. There are several companies dedicated to helping people find apartments within every budget and that fit every preference. Often, it’s as simple as typing in your requirements, browsing through a shortlist, and picking out an apartment or two. Compared to skimming through pages of newsprint and local listings, it’s a valuable time saver.

A large number of websites offer comprehensive search options that allow you to search by city, price range, and specific features like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. In most of them, you can also look in specific communities and neighborhoods, which is useful if you’re after a particular location that’s close to work or tourist attractions, or allows easy access to public transport.

What makes online apartment listings particularly convenient is that these companies work with a wide range of property owners, with the common goal of giving them the right amount of exposure. For renters, this means a greater range of choices in much less time. It also means better access to information, whether it’s about the neighborhood, building or community regulations, or the property itself—all without having to make all those phone calls.

Finding the right apartment for the right price is no easy job, but there are ways to cut corners in every step. Starting your search online, especially on well-established websites, can save you a good deal of time and effort in browsing, calling, and paperwork. After all, when it’s something as important as choosing a home, you want to focus on things making the big move and getting settled—in other words, things that matter the most.

Summer’s on its last stretch, but in many travel hotspots, the action is still in full bloom. In Lima, activities are still lined up for the better part of the year, from festivals to public shows to beach  and sporting events. If you’re looking to visit the Peruvian capital this fall and winter, here are some things you can look forward to.

From September to November, locals gather at the Afueras de Lima for the country’s largest equestrian event. The Concurso Departamental del Caballo Peruano de Paso showcases the Peruvian Paso, a native horse breed considered a Cultural Heritage by authorities.

In between, religious festivals abound, most of them during the first weeks of October. The Virgin of the Rosary Festival takes place on the first Sunday of the month, marked by large crowds at the scenic Santo Domingo Monastery. Later in the month, you can catch the Feria Taurina del Señor de los Milagros, a bullfighting event that has taken place yearly since the 1940s.  The feast also features a procession that weaves through the city, taking off at the Church of Las Nazarenas. The El Señor Luren is a month-long pilgrimage in Ica, a nearby city, and is also worth checking out if you’re up for a road trip.

The church-centric events continue into November, starting with the San martin de Porres Festival. Like other Hispanophone countries, Peru also celebrates All Saints Day on November 1^st, which is a national holiday. This is followed by All Souls Day (Day of the Dead), where locals flock to cemeteries to pay tribute to deceased friends and family members. It sounds morbid, but it’s actually a friendly festivity and a great way to understand the local culture.

December is no doubt the most festive month, as Christmas celebrations tend to start early. Throughout the month and even well into January, Christmas events dot the city and its environs, from the Feast of the Immaculate Conception to the Battle of Ayacucho reenactments just a week shy of Christmas. Expect to see lots of live music, dancing, and happy crowds exchanging greetings and reveling in their own culture. It’s also a great time to enjoy the local cuisine, as restaurants often offer up their best fare around this time. If you stay until mid-January, you may also be able to catch the Three Wise Men festival, a more quiet but equally entertaining event that caps of the holiday season.

If you’ve done the whole Inca trail tour, seen the mountains and trekked through the Peruvian Amazon, chances are you’ll want a more mellow stay next time you’re in the country. Luckily, Lima has just as much to offer in terms of comfort and luxury as it does in history and culture. Like most world capitals, it has its fair share of world-class hotels and restaurants, with services right at par with their New York or London counterparts.

The Delfines Hotel is probably best known for its casino—one of the best in Peru—but non-poker enthusiasts will also appreciate the gourmet dining options, a view of the nearby scenic golf course, and cozy, professionally designed rooms. The hotel itself is named after its two resident dolphins, Yaku and Wayra, who are sure to charm visitors as much as the breathtaking views and impeccable service.

Art and culture enthusiasts will definitely appreciate a stay in the Country Club Lima Hotel, located in the upscale district of San Isidro. The boutique hotel is housed in a 1927 building featuring colonial artwork, marble baths, and a generous range of amenities including a health club, sauna, and outdoor pool. This gives visitors all the comfort of a large hotel while maintaining an intimate, personalized feel. All 75 suites feature elegant modern designs, and most have beautiful city views.

The Miraflores Park Hotel is the first choice for most visitors who want the best in comfort, luxury, and convenience. It offers the best access to most of the city’s top attractions, and has consistently been recognized for its service and facilities. Although geared largely toward business travelers—its business amenities are the best in the country—it also offers excellent views of the Pacific Ocean from many of its rooms and includes a fitness center, spa, and outdoor pool. It’s also a great takeoff point for many activities including biking, golf, and theatre and museum visits.

The Casa Andina is also a top choice for art appreciators, with its exclusive art collection featuring the work of many contemporary local artists alongside classic pieces. The 148 rooms are spread across 17 floors, and most have great views of the city and the Pacific. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and a luxurious modern design. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of amenities, which include a heated pool, terrace, state-of-the-art gym, massage room, and a range of business centers and meeting rooms.

Interestingly, Lima is not always a tourist attraction of Peru that people become fond of from the first sight. And there are several understandable reasons why. Even though the city is amazing in terms of what it has to offer, it has several characteristics that are likely to drive you mad when you first come to Peru. Firstly, the traffic. Secondly, it’s distant resemblance to anything traditional that you potentially expect from Peru – comparing it to the Andes and the Inca trails. Amazingly, Lima has a stunning selection of food and museums, architecture and other attractions to offer. If you think of Peru as a human body, then Lima is definitely its heart – vibrating, pulsing, pumping and energising. It has amazing combination of city, ocean and cliffs. If you would like to book a hotel before you get there, you can visit Lima hotels – Booked.net to look through the options.

Lima is a great place to socialise and find new friends and mingle with locals. If you are a surfer, then Lima’s world- famous Waikiki surfing club is for you. You can combine sport, exquisite dining on rare seafood, clubbing and indulge in one of the ice-cream places. If you are in a ‘mood for love’, there is a Park of Love which is something similar to the Barcelona Paradise of Gaudi with lots of fun mosaics and many kissing couples.

Moreover, Lima is famous for colonial tourist attractions such as the upper class areas of work (such as downtown) and Clun Nacional that was specifically for gentlemen only with no passes for women allowed except in the dinner section. There is plenty of art deco and historical buildings. The presidential palace is likely to catch your breath as it has strong Spanish influences and was founded by Spanish conquerors at the beginning of the 16^th century.

For those who favour more modern architecture, several years ago the Magical Circuit of Water opened in Lima which represents an art of combining different types of expressions – water, land, light, music. It has an amazing combination of more than ten fountains. The installation became part of the Guinness Records and is claimed to be better than the  singing fountains in Barcelona. What is special about Lima is the combination of the modern and historical sides and the atmospheres not found anywhere else in the world. This is definitely one of the most amazing attractions of Peru and should in no way be neglected by tourists who rush straight away to Machu Pichu or the Andes. You will be very pleasantly surprised by Lima.