Taxis in Peru: A Cheap Thrill

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If you know me relatively well you know that I love adventure and am an a bit of an adrenaline junkie. I've been skydiving twice, bungee jumping once, parasailing, ziplining, white water rafting, am a certified advanced scuba diver, and pretty much want to try everything and do anything that I have the opportunity to do. Sunday I added paragliding to that list. And today...I wouldn't call it an adventure sport, but (who knew?!) a cheap adrenaline rush can be gained from a taxi ride to the airport! Who needs coffee in the morning? Brave a ride on the streets of Lima and you're more likely to need a glass of wine when you make it to your destination.

A few (unwritten?) rules about driving in Lima:

1. The white lines in the road are merely suggestions. It might look like there are only three lanes, but you can easily squeeze in a fourth, and in urgent situations, probably a fifth.
2. Break lights in front of you? Quickly analyze your options and move to the left or right before you actually hit the car that is stopping (for whatever reason) and get into the lane that is still moving. There is always one that is moving!
3. When making a left hand turn into multi-lane roads, if the cars in front of you are not able to turn, simply go around them (on their left) and squeeze in front of them so that you can make the turn and they have to wait when the light turns red.
4. People in the street? Beep your horn to let them know you aren't slowing down. They'll move.
5. Dogs in the street? Beep your horn to let them know you aren't slowing down. They'll move.
6. Cars in front of you going to slow? Beep your horn to let them know you aren't slowing down. They'll move. And if not, refer to number 2. If that doesn't work, you can always pass on the right. Officially, that might not be part of the road, but it's OK.  The dirt doesn't feel much different than the road anyway. Just keep your eye out for more pedestrians and dogs on the side. They are a bit of a nuisance.