It's A Small World

That's What You Call A Song And A Dance

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

I recently attended a function hosted by the Peruvian Tourism authorities and all of us were given this little memento. It is a brightly coloured box, but when you open the little wooden doors, you see this miniature tableau inside. The bright patterns on both sides of this display are actually the doors after they are swung open. To me, it was a fascinating glimpse of a culture I would love to experience, both as a writer and as a photographer.

Parsley, Sage (Rosemary's On Time)

Time To Be Punctual, Says Peru

Peru's government says it's high time Peruvians were on time. Chronic lateness in Peru, as in much of Latin America, is often overlooked as an endearing cultural trait, with weddings, funerals and business meetings rarely starting on time. It's even considered rude to be punctual for a party. But, according to abclocal.com, the government says the time has come to change that attitude. It's announced a campaign to combat lateness, launching March first. Details still have to be worked out, but suggestions include synchronizing watches, ringing church bells and sounding sirens to alert Peruvians of the time. Schools, businesses and government institutions will be urged to end their generations old custom of arriving on ``Peruvian time'' which usually means an hour late.