Lima Peru - June 2nd

Our hotel room is on the small side, the bed is comfortable and everything clean.  It will suffice for sure.  Very cool morning with heavy overcast which must be a winter thing this close to the Pacific Coast.  Temperatures will be in the mid 50's at night and mid 60's during the day.

We have stumbled over things!
I realized this morning no AC, so the window was cracked hence the loud street noise.  Still hear the honks (constant), but overall much quieter.  The buffet breakfast felt like any US hotel setup, except the quality of the food was better.  Fresh eggs, yummy pastries, European style setup with a local beef stew that was outstanding.  Strong coffee and we purchased our first water in a glass bottle.  $2 per bottle.

Jeff's choice for Breakfast; went back for the mini croissants and coffee a few times 
Janie's second set of choices

A couple of special guests were in the lobby when we came down for breakfast around 9:00 a.m.

Miss Teen International and Miss International 2025

After cleaning up we headed out to see the Lima sights within walking distance as tomorrow we tour the old city center kicking off our tours.  We trekked from the hotel north to Kennedy Park.  On the way found a money exchange at a local bank (unlike US they are all over) and converted US $ to Peruvian SOL.  $1 equals 3.6 SOL.


Kennedy Park Entrance - Miraflores the Lima Area for our base

One of the first sites at the entrance was an old church.  Lima has a lot of old mixed with new like so many older large cities.



While some US influence like a Burger King, Subway, Starbucks and Chili's the city really seems more European in overall feel.  Reminded Jeff of Barcelona.  We did notice the streets are very clean even though old and not always in the best repair.  We saw several crews hand sweeping stairs, etc. around the city.  

After the park we headed towards the pacific coast.  Before the walk down we took in views of the coast that was different than expected.  The vista was more mountain cliff like than flat beach.




Sqauch and Tennis Club - Clay Courts

View above rock stairs to bottom

Rosanautica Restaurant on the pier from above

Bridge we crossed and steps down to the shore

With a long set of stairs to the bottom we found the shore line that was all rocks versus sand.  On the trek down, which is the reverse of what we did last night, there was a racquet club all along the hill side.  Clay courts and active.  By the water front were clubs with tennis courts and pools.  There has to be some wealth in the city for these types of clubs.


Terreza Club - Ocean front between roads - tennis and pools


Crabs all over the rocks


Rock Beach, Surfers and Pier


We ventured over to the Rosanautica restaurant where we sat and watched surfers, surf and enjoyed the outdoors.  Guillermo was our server who spent 18 years in Miami, so knew the US.  He guided us through the menu.  Pisco Sour is a cocktail on my list to make for everyone back home.  I checked and Pisco can be purchased in KC.  Ceviche, and other seafood was the lunch finished by a large chocolate cake and ice cream with chocolate made at the restaurant.  This was fantastic food all around and worth the effort to get there on foot.  After lunch Guillermo gave us a full tour of the restaurant that has many areas for weddings, group chefs dinners and indoor-outdoor dining.

Guillermo - Super Experience

Pisco Sour - Yum

Ceviche and Tartar Appetizer

Tatar was awesome

Lobster Pasta and Scallop Risotto



Fresh Roses every few days

Main dining area end of pier with cupola dining second floor

Janie got a rose after lunch!

Then we hiked back up the hill and around the town to the hotel for a rest.  5 plus miles and while cool temperatures humid as all get out.  Staying warm was not an issue.  Jeff tried out a Canos Santero beer while Janie napped (didn't sleep well last night).

After some updates on the blog and resting we headed out for dinner.  It was dark before 6 p.m. which caught us both off guard.  Southern Hemisphere is in winter mode, so like the US dark early and shorter days.  Probably why Jeff slept till almost 8 a.m.

We ate at Tanta just around the corner from the hotel.  Another round of Pisco Sour cocktails and dinner.  Janie had a cream of mushroom, chicken rice plate that was really good.  Jeff had chicken skewers with corn, rice, potatoes and some interesting dipping sauces.  Both meals were really yummy and unique.


Still Water and Pisco Sour
Pisco Sour Toast




Tomorrow we have a 9:00 a.m. pickup for our morning tour of Lima.  Then on our own with flight the next day to Cusco.

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