“I want people to feel at home, to provide them with reliable information.”

That is the goal of the Editor of the newly published guide for foreign residents in Lima entitled Lima Survival Guide. She, the editor, is Ellie Griifths, and she has a life-time of experience providing information to Lima's expatriates.

Asked what will serve a new resident best as they come here to live Ellie stated: “Come with a spirit of adventure and a sense of humor. Look for the goods things, always be open to learning because there are so many fascinating things to learn in Peru.”

Formerly the owner and publisher of the Peruvian Times, Ellie has worked for four years to produce this new guide. Survival is available in print and in PDF. form. It is published looseleaf and will be updated with current information every three months.

As she states in the introduction:
'One of the most stressful activities we can face in life is moving home. No matter how many times you do it, it is a difficult situation. And it is even more so, obviously, when you move to a different culture and language.

Whether this is your first move abroad or the tenth foreign posting in your career, the secret is the same everywhere: relax and be flexible.

Lima is a great city for many reasons: The pace of life is pleasant; Limenos are friendly, hospitable and they know how to enjoy themselves; the city offers an active, varied and sophisticated social and cultural life; you'll get a chance to meet people of probably more nationalities and walks of life and careers than you would anywhere else and Peruvian cuisine ranks with French, Chinese and Indonesian as the best in the world.

The recommendations of services all come from the resident community. They have, over time, proven to be competent and reliable. As things do change, updates are done every three months. In addition, comments and suggestions are welcome so that new information can be shared.

A list of the chapters gives an idea of the comprehensive range of information provided: Peru in brief, arrival, settling in, Doing business in Lima, Education, Health, Fitness and Beauty, Security, Services and Repairs, Shopping, Sports and Leisure, Transportation and Communication, Around Town and Out of Town.

A special supplement on “Surviving in Lima with Kids” is also appended along with maps and other useful information.

Copies may be purchased at the ACAP Office, Dedalo in Barranco and through the web-site at www.peruviantimes.com. This is a handy reference volume that will do a lot to make you feel at home in Lima even if you have lived here a long time.