Peru Avanza

A gentleman named Mr. Hurt once said that it is important to visit countries so one can see, with his or her own eyes, the changes that take place in the country. Since traveling to Peru in 2007, there have certainly been incremental changes within the country, that have advanced the country's status.

In the 80's and 90's Peru had been locked in a domestic violence with the police, peasants, militants, military, and thugs taking advantage of the chaos. Through the Truth Commission, several pictures and stories have been captured to tell this recent history of Peru. The result of these terrors were that the people were disillusioned by their government, there was terror in the streets for one's safety, and the overall infrastructure of the country was being bombarded, literally, by makeshift bombs, mortar, and gunfire on both sides. 

[PICTURES TELLING THIS STORY WILL BE INSERTED LATER]

Fast forward to today, and Peru remains somewhat shaken by these recent memories. The local newspaper in writing about Lima's mayoral election noted that because of the turmoil, locals are reluctant to elect social leaning leaders for fear they may go too far. Plus, the more conservative party has succeeded in stabilizing much of the country, developing infrastructure, and promoting tourism. 

Change was evident to me upon landing at the Lima airport. The airport has undergone major renovations with cleaner floors, between staffing of the customs and immigration counters, improved systems of security, and aesthetically just feels cleaner and nicer. Moreover, as I travel through the town there are lots of signs that say "PERU AVANZA" with sub-notes that highlight infrastructure projects such as new parks, new facilities, and improved highway systems. For exportation, folks tell me that it is primarily agriculture, fish, and the beginnings of textiles that are made in Peru. Together this is evidence that the country has turned a page, no longer as worried about daily security as they are about improving the living of its citizens. In the shantytown of Villa El Salvador, one can see that families are continuing to build onto their houses, some of the shops seem to be prospering (particularly the bars and discoteks), which have nice facades. And even the currency, the Peruvain Sol, has improved against the dollar. (Or, is that just because the dollar has weakened... hmm). The going rate about 2.70 compared to 3.50 a few years ago. And unlike other Latin American countries, the people are perfectly comfortable using their soles over the US dollar. 

In any case, the politicians are able to go back to business as usual of promises lots of social change, improvements in education, and projects that will benefit the whole of society. And here in Lima, the tide has turned with the first leftish mayor being elected in quite some time. Indeed, Peru Avanza!