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I know most people think of Lima as a "depressing third world city." But take a look at some pictures of how modernized this city has become. I remember the first time I went here about ten years ago. Its nothing like how it is today.
This is so strange... just few hours ago I was checking on air tickets to Lima
It is a very interesting place and so many things to see...
Thank you for the pictures
I was there in 1998...most of those photos are what it looked like back then too.
'Third world' is the outdated term. The mass majority of third world countries have pretty much everything that any first world country has.
The only real difference I see is that first world people get bigger salaries to afford their higher cost of living areas. But, other than that, not that much of a difference. Generally.
I just returned from Peru last week. True, some areas of Lima are being revitalized (like Miraflores and the downtown square). Our tour book said to skip basically Lima (spend minimal time, just to say we saw it) and head for Cusco. We didn't believe it, so we spent a couple of days in Lima and now wish that we'd followed the books advice! Cusco was enchanting and beautiful with it's cobblestone streets and wood-shuttered shops. Lima was quite run down in most areas, and the areas that were revitalized were basically the same as any downtown (no interesting architecture or anything). The downtown square was very beautiful though (but we were done visiting it in about 3 hours). Lima is definitely not as horrible as some say, but word of advice to future travellers... spend your time elsewhere (Cusco or the jungle were our favorites). Cheers!
From what I have been reading in the papers, Peru's economy has been the one of the fastest growing in SA during the past decade. The governments of Alejandro Toledo 2001-2006 and Alan Garcia 2006-now has seen some of the most impressive economic growth figures in Peru's history. I am just concerned whether or not this growth can continue with whoever takes over the presidency this year. Peru may still be "developing" but it may soon enter "middle income" status.
Note: The reason why the Garcia administration may not be as popular as it could be is due to the uneven nature of the economic growth. For example, the growth is heavily concentrated along the coast, especially in Lima, and not in the Highlands region. That is why you are seeing a lot of high-rise building going up in Lima. Just look at the stats on emporis.com A lot has gone up recently.
I've posted about Lima on here before, and about how much I enjoyed my time down there. Then again, I have a soft spot for large Latin American cities. Just something about them. The chaos, sounds, smells, people, street vendors, Spanish architecture scattered among modern buildings, etc. It's a beautiful mix to me.
Hate on Lima all you want, I thought it was very underrated. Then again, I'm sure it depends a lot on the people you are with as well.
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