For the past two days we have been docked in the port city of Callao, Peru.  Called a city it really is a suburb of Lima. Lima is truly a city of contrasts.  Not only is the contrast between civilizations evident, there is a marked difference between Lima under communisn and now under democracy.  Under communism, all imports were banned (sound vaguely familiar) and many of the large corporations in Lima went bankrupt.  Their huge buildings and plants remain empty and derelict

Many of the churches date back more than 500 years and reflect both Spanish and Italian      influences.  We sampled a Peruvian buffet restaurant that was absolutely first class.  Once again the disparity between society classes is very numbing.  Up until a few years ago only 4% of people paid taxes in Peru.  This year less than 17% of Peruvians pay any tax.  No wonder the schools, hospitals, and roads are appalling.

I am having trouble deciding on which pictures to post.  The pic of a mother and her two kids selling trinkets is special.