Chimpun, CALLAO! Chimpun, CALLAO! Chimpun, CALLAO!

Written by Christy Kunkel, Team Member

HSBC Bank - Vocational Visit - 5/9/2011

Banking is big business in Peru and HSBC is the new kid on the block.  Fifth behind Banco de Crédito  de Perú, Interbank, Banco de Comercio and BBVA Banco Continental, HSBC is just starting make it's name known here. 

The financial district is located in the district of San Isidro, while much of the industrial activity takes place in the area stretching west of downtown Lima to the airport in Callao. Lima has the largest exportation industry in South America, and it is a regional hub for the operational cargo industry. Banking is an import aspect of this business.

I met with several members of the Risk and Credit teams and gathered very valuable information to take home to Oregon.  HSBC Peru is currently in the midst of standardizing procedures and making system changes and it was exciting to see the teams in action.

Callao - Cultural Visit to Forteleza Real Felipe and Submarino Abtao - 5/6/2011

The generous and kind members of RC Callao spent the day with us touring the sites of Callao before the afternoon Rotary meeting and presentation.

Our first stop was the Real Felipe Fortress. It was built to defend the main Peruvian port and the city of Lima from pirates during colonial times. Eventually, the fort would also become the fountain of resistance during the May 2nd Combat, where Peruvian forces ousted the Spaniards that wanted to reclaim their former colonies.  The fort has an intricate embankment system with an incline that allowed the fort to be nearly invisible from water invaders. This attribute allowed the fortress to stand strong during the Colonial period and the fight for independence. 

Inside the fort walls is pirate prison that has an eery feel to it, even today. From the top of the historic prison, we had a perfect vantage point to view the bustling seaport of Callao.  The Callao seaport is one of the main fishing and commerce ports in South America, with 75% of the country's imports and 25% of its exports using it as their entry/departure point. The main export goods leaving the country through Callao are oil, steel, silver, zinc, cotton, sugar and coffee.

Next up was the Museo De Sito Naval Submarino Abtao, home to a fully restored submarine that we climbed down in to. Up to 40 men at a time were aboard the Abtao, which is incredible given the incredibly tight dimensions. 

Callao Rotary Club Meeting - 5/6/2011

We were welcomed with open arms at the Callao RC on Friday afternoon.  A jovial group that sings and shouts the Callao Cheer at each meeting.  It was a perfect end to our first week in Lima.  "Chimpun CALLAO! Chimpun CALLAO! Chimpun CALLAO!"

Sincerely,

Team Colibri