Viva Lima

Age: 42
Location: Lima, Peru
Hometown: Hope, B.C.
Job: Exploration manager, B2Gold Corp.

I moved here because of work. I have worked in Peru as a geologist for Teck Cominco since 1995. This year I accepted the position with B2Gold Corp.

The biggest shock was the high level of poverty. It is quite disheartening to see children trying to earn change by entertaining (juggling, dancing, etc.) at intersections. One really never gets used to this.

The best thing about being here is the relaxed but exciting lifestyle. Peru has a little of the Wild West atmosphere.

The biggest challenge has been learning Spanish and learning to drive the Peruvian way. Turning right from the left lane does work most of the time. The most important part of the vehicle is the horn.

The biggest misconception I had was that Lima would be dangerous. Although crime is fairly widespread, most of it is petty and bodily harm occurs rarely.

What I miss most are winter sports. Lima doesn’t really have defined seasons except for months with lots of sun and months with little or no sun. I miss seasonal changes in weather.

The people are generally very friendly and welcome expatriates into their homes and lives.

The standard of living is variable. Peru exemplifies the extremes of rich and poor, with a small but ever-growing middle class. With a decent income one can often have a nice house, live-in maids, nannies, gardeners, drivers, etc.

The food is great. Peru is ¬famous for its ceviche (raw fish marinated in lemon juice), anticucho (shish kebab beef heart) and cuy (guinea pig).

What B.C. could learn from Lima is to enjoy life a little more, relax a bit and realize everything doesn’t have to be so structured in order to function.