Safety First!

Safety is always the number one priority, but it's especially so in Lima. There are many precautions that you need to take here to remain as safe as possible.
The first, watch your purse, ALWAYS! When youre walking down the street, always make sure your purse stays right at your side or in front of you. Don't let it get behind you. The same goes when you're on the bus. The busses are CRAZY and always jammed pack. They're similar to subways in New York, where there are many people standing, but they're about 10 times more extreme. They're very small, and it's very hard to maneuver your way to the exit. Because they're so packed, it's not too difficult for someone to casually take something from your purse without you noticing, so always make sure your purse is in front of you, and you can see it at all times! The same goes when you have a seat on the bus. Put your purse in your lap and hold it with your hands. It's rare that someone would just grab your purse off your lap, but better safe than sorry!
Another safety precaution that I've been told to take is to be careful with your phone. If you're on the street and you get a call, it's usually safer to go into a store to answer it. And be careful about taking it out on the bus too. I think the most common crime here is theft, so it's something that you always have to pay close attention to, just like in any big city.
When I first arrived here, I found it strange that you have to do all of these things just to make sure nothing gets stolen. Bexley is such a safe town, and I guess I always took it for granted.

It's not difficult to keep your stuff safe, just as long as you understand the precautions you should take. Don't worry Mom and Dad, I'm keeping my purse close at all times, and I'm staying very safe :)