(LivinginPeru News) -- Tomorrow, Saturday March 10, people in cities around the world, including Lima, will be riding bikes in the nude to celebrate cycling and the human body.

The purpose of the ride is to bring attention to the vulnerability of cyclists on the road in addition to protesting against the world's severe oil dependency.

Safety for cyclists in Lima is almost non-existent. In February alone, three cyclists were killed when they were struck by cars and trucks driven by irresponsible drivers.

Come and have your voice heard around the world.

Visit the Lima Naked Bike Ride site (in Spanish) for further details here (link)

To visit the World Naked Bike Ride site click here (link).


Lima Naked Bike Ride 2007

Date: March 10th

Main meeting place: Parque Kennedy in Miraflores

Time: 09:00 am

Come join us to defend our lives against irresponsible drivers

Come naked, come dressed in a costume, come with body paint, come in bikini, come, with pickets, banners, signs, come as creative as you can be, the point is- just come!

(Provided by amazonswim.com)


Hello Amazon Swim fans!

A lot has happened in the last week; I guess time flies when you’re swimming the Amazon. Here are some highlights from the last two days:

March 4th

Martin was swimming late in the afternoon when he noticed a foul smell. The rotting carcass of a huge crocodile was floating nearby, with three vultures hitch hiking a ride. We judged it at about fifteen feet long, although it had been dead for awhile and the head and tail had both been ripped off, possibly by poachers. We didn’t stick around long, as the rancid odor was making us all feel ill.

March 5th

Martin was swimming on his back near some heavy vegetation when he suddenly stopped and motioned for Armundo and me to be silent on the escort boat.

We all heard a low pitched growling noise: ''EEEEEEEEEEEEEROWWWWAAAAHHHH.'' ''Jaguar.''

Our Brazilian guide warned us putting one finger to his lips in a hushing motion.

''EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEROOOWWWWAAAAHHHHHH.''

It called out again from the nearby foliage, this time a little louder, and a little angrier.
The jaguar is a solitary hunter, preying on fish, frogs, and small alligators near the riverbank. Closer to villages the jaguar will occasionally sneak into town at night to feast on dogs or livestock.

Deforestation, ranchers protecting their stock, and poaching of the valuable hides have caused the future of this stealthy predator to be in jeopardy.

Recently added to the endangered species list, the most vocal of all large cats still thrives in the Amazon region. After pushing forward another 92 km, Martin entertained us all at the dinner table with his low, throaty, growling, jaguar imitation. He can also imitate a howler monkey quite well.

Martin still has over 2,000 kms to go and more than one month in the water.

To view LivinginPeru's feature story about Martin's incredible journey, please click here (link).

(LIP-wb) - A 39 year old man running a currency exchange business in Lima's district of Miraflores was murdered by an apparent kidnapping gang Friday afternoon.

José Hernández Fernández drove in his car down Avenida Roca y Boloña when he was intercepted by a pick up truck.

Gang members jumped from the back of the truck while the victim tried to escape. The delinquents opened fire and shot Hernandez in his thorax. After he was hit he lost control of his car and smashed into a street light post at block 9 of the avenue.

The gangbangers took advantage of the opportunity, snatching his briefcase containing a considerable amount of money that he had withdrawn from a bank minutes before.

Hernandez Fernandez supplied a group of "cambistas", people exchanging money on the streets of Lima's upscale districts San Isidro and Miraflores, his mouring relatives said.

Organic Peruvian Bananas Photo: Peru Marketplaces

(LIP-nk) - Starting this November, Piura's regional government will spend 250,000 soles, or about $80,000, to help organic banana producers, Lima's El Comercio newspaper reported Thursday.

The monies will go towards helping growers get certifications and better position their product in international markets, said Piura's sub-regional government manager, Luciano Castillo, who is in charge of distributing the funds.

Government money will also cover the construction of sanitary infrastructure and the implementation of a quality control system, said the Piura's regional adviser, Elizabeth Calle.

1,500 organic banana producers in Querecotillo, Salitral, and Ignacio Escudero are expected to benefit from the plan.

The Organic Banana Producer's (Cepibo) will provide training and consulting for growers, according to the Andean Agency.

Happy Fiestas Patrias 2006

The LivingInPeru.com team wishes all our loyal readers a wonderful
and joyous Peruvian Independence Day weekend.



Wherever you may be and whatever you do, whether you watch Peru’s change of government or the parade, whether you are traveling or simply relax at home with your family and friends…..

ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS !

Your LIP team