Fly TACA

I have arrived safe and sound to the International Potato Centre (CIP) in Lima! My flight took off on time from Mexico City, and after a stop in San Jose, I arrived in Lima on time, was one of the first people off the plane and through migration, and my bags were the first ones to come off the carousel! I highly suggest TACA airlines...

The International Potato Centre is like a mini-paradise in the middle of Lima - it's a huge property, with fields and greenhouses for the different strains of potato they grow and their agricultural experiments. There are a number of buildings, all facing courtyards with jasmine, roses, birds of paradise and a number of other flowers alongside a soccer pitch and volleyball and tennis courts for the employees to use during lunch or after work. After seeing the madness and dirtiness of downtown Lima yesterday, I imagine people must love the tranquility of working at the CIP. The CIP has its own guest wing, where I have a private room, and they provide three meals a day to guests: lunch is shared with all the employees (300 in total) of the Centre. It's amazing so far!

I'll head up to Huancayo next week, where we pass over 4,800 metres before getting to Huancayo (3,200 metres)...I have some altitude pills and apparently most buses and trains carry oxygen in case anyone gets sick. I've been told it's important to keep my head and neck warm, although why? I'm not so sure...