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February 10, 2008
This past week residents in Cuzco
protested bringing public transportation to a halt and disrupting rail
traffic between Cuzco and Machu Picchu. The protest involves the two
proposed laws in congress involving the loosening of rules and
regulations of tourism and hotel development. Opponents are fearful that
such development will be for the purpose of enriching foreign investors.
Sponsors of the protests warn that if the laws are passed that continued
strikes and protests will continue.
AP and
other sources
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If you are travelling to Lima in May or
November beware that both Lima and Callao will be very busy when they
sponsor the EU-LAC summit May 15, 16, and the 17th. The APEC summit will
be held November 20, 21, and 22nd. Some fear there will be a shortage of
hotel rooms. Also, these days will be deemed non-working days for local
and government employees.
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Robberies of foreigners are reported to
be down 70% at the Lima international airport for the year 2007. Only 14
foreigners were reported robbed as compared to 44 in 2006. The modus
operandi of most robberies involve the criminals smashing window of
vehicles with spark plugs and grabbing phones and wallets. Most
incidents happen at Faucett and La Marina Avenues which is the main
gateway from the airport to Lima.
Andina
January 14, 2008
In Lambayeque, Peru a farmer has died
from exposure to anthrax. It is believed the infection was aquired from
working with livestock. Five others in Valle Hermoso in Chiclayno de
Monsefú have been confirmed as having been infected. They are being
treated and the health authorities have been called in to study the
situation. One should always beware of meat from animals which the
origin is not known or that have suffered sudden death. "Correo"-source
January 07, 2008
The director of the volunteer firefighters organization
of Peru stated that out of a fleet of 600 vehicles only 20 meet
international standards. Most of the current fleet range between 20-50
years of age. He stated that the entire fleet needs to be replaced at an
estimated 90 to 100 million dollars.
January 06, 2008
A passenger bus in Ica was detained after police
discovered more than 600 cartridges of dynamite.
Asher Green who held both U.S. and Israel citizenship
was missing three-months ago. He was last heard from on November 4,
2007, and was planning on doing some hiking near Arequipa. His body was
found this weekend by a farmer in southern Peru.
Road Conditions - Arequipa
A recent article in a Peruvian newspaper discusses an
accident and states that the highways of Arequipa have "returned to
blood" Also, taxi drivers are in Arequipa are asking the local
governement repair the roads in Arequipa. There are large holes
throughout the city on various major streets. MORE INFORMATION
January 03, 2008
94 miles WNW of Arequipa Peru at 6:26 pm(January 2,
2008) local time, there was an earthquake that measured 5.1 on the
Richter Scale. No reports of injuries or damage at present. Local
reports indicate that the intensity level was a III in Arequipa and a IV
in Caraveli. The epicenter was 385 miles SE of Lima.
On January 2, 2008, a national from the United Kingdom,
after celebrating the New Year, fell into the Vilcanota River between
2:00am and 3:00am after having visited the plaza and discotecas in Aguas
Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). A friend with the victim who was age
44, stated he was intoxicated when he fell into the river. Police have
not located the victim.
January 02, 2008
Peru newspaper "Correo" reports the guerrilla group "Sendero
Luminoso (Shining Path) has made inroads in presenting its communist
beliefs in several elementary schools. A military investigation has done
a specific investigation at the school Tingo María where it has been
found teachers have been involved in the teachings. Results of the
investigation has also found the teaching has been going on in other
schools in Peru. In most cases it is usually being done in very poor
areas where the children may be susceptible to the ideas of communism.
Deaths were lower this year for the New Year
celebrations throughout Peru as compared to years past. There have been
reports of between three and eleven deaths on Peru's highways during the
New Year's period.
Radio Programas de Perú states that on January 31, 2007,
there were 66 fires reported in Lima and Callao. Eleven of the fires
were caused by the use of pyrotechnics.
December 30, 2007
Be on the alert in Lima for new and more aggressive
tactics to steal from you.
One tactic that is used by merchants is called the
exchange or "cambiazo". After you have decided on what product to
purchase, the merchant will exchange it for possibly another or
defective product.. The vulnerability is allowing the product to be
wrapped as a gift.
Another common theft practice is "arrebato" (surprise)
where two thieves work. together. One of them grabs you by the right arm
and the other steals your watch from your left wrist.
The maquinazo also involves two thieves. One of them
will begun to throw insults at out of nowhere. While you are caught off
guard, the other thief will push their hands in your pockets and take
everything that they can.
Peruvian criminals are very astute. Always be careful of
your personal space when in public and beware of anyone you don't know
approaching you. That means anyone. Peruvians, due to the violence in
their country's history are usually suspicious of foreigners or people
they don't know and will avoid contact in public in most cases.
Beware during New Year's celebrations with fireworks.
There are numerous clandestine vendors of pyrotechnics. One of the
infamous devices is called the "rata blanca". A new and more potent
firework is now available and named "mamá". It measures about 20 cm and
contains 120 grams of explosive.
Huanuco - On December 15, 2007, 4 journalists received
threats via pamphlets left in the hamlet of Aucayacu. The pamphlets were
signed "Shining Path". Huanuco is a noted area of drug traffickers,
police involved in paramilitary activity and former guerrillas.
Related Links-Articles about Peru
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