into PERU

We land in Copacobana at 5.30. Now we have made the decision to move a bit quicker we really want to leave tonight. The border is only 20 mins away. We are told that it shuts at 6.30. Quite by chance we run into a couple of Italians around our age who have the same plan and are negotiating a taxi. We hurridly grab our excess stuff from the hostel and jump in.

The bodrder crossing is again just too easy. Fourth time now. Excellent.

It does not go so smoothly for our new friends. They left Peru for only htree days to have a quick peek at Bolivia. Upon entering their driver told them not to worry about getting an entry stamp. Bad idea. Getting an exit stamp without one proves to be a corrupt border guards wet dream and they are stung 500 bols each!!! No doubt all of which goes directly to the guards...

Another short taxi, then a 2 hour bus rie we are in Puno. And its raining.

We decide to go with their reccommended hostel, and go out for dinner with them too. Their names coincidently are Lupo (wolf!) and Clementina. I am stunned at what gringo alley in Peru looks like compared to Bolivia. Its so flash we could also be back home again. Our food is admittedly more expensive than what weve been used to, but is presented with some flair which makes a real change too.

Their beer is still pretty crap. Damn!!!

We hit the sack around 10pm trying to calculate the new currency.