Day 280 - Miraflores, Lima

Peru is celebrating the Day of the Revolution.

We are planning an excursion up the coast, but our security guard advised us to stay here for safety.

Radio Lima broadcasts that a strike by the Civil Guard police broke out. Anti-government forces were exploiting the opportunity to demonstrate and riot. Buildings and cars are set on fire in the inner city. Rioters vandalized stores and attacked the United States Embassy. Gunshots are being fired. All banks closed immediately.

The local TV showed T-55 Army tanks blocking all the city exit roads and moving toward the inner city. A spokesman announced the Military was taking over security, but personal safety is not guaranteed. Citizens should stay home and remain calm. No groups larger than four persons may be formed.

A strict curfew was imposed from 8:00 PM until 5:00 AM.

We did not know what to expect but weren’t too worried. Rodger and I rushed to the supermarket for supplies, but it had already been looted, and the entrance was barricaded.

Later in the evening, we could hear shots fired in the distance that sounded like submachine guns. It was a bit scary. How bad is this going to get, and when is it going to end?

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