Lima Peru - June 3rd

The morning started with another buffet breakfast at the hotel and then down in the lobby for our tour pickup at 9:00 a.m.  Unfortunately we got a late start due to one group.  They were late and upon arrival said only half the group going.  Turns out they had to be back early to get ready for another event.  After 20 mins of discussion they all bailed.  We picked up another group and headed out on our tour.  John Marco was our guide.  Full of information, but style flat as a pancake.  I think he had a cold, but either way no energy throughout the tour.  The bus was very nice and Jose our driver navigated through narrow streets, turns and traffic with ease.

After a lot of traffic hold ups we went by Kennedy Park on the way to the coast where we hiked yesterday.  Can't go without commenting on society here.  Too not work is considered lazy.  If you are begging and not missing a body part you are looked down on.  Streets, sidewalks and gravel being cleaned by broom at all times everywhere.  Cleanest big city of this age I've ever seen.

Sweeping leaves from the gravel

The visibility was better, so retook some of the pictures from yesterday.  Overall the city just drops off into the Pacific and no sand for beaches.  The water is in the 60's so rainfall in Lima very limited all year round.  They rely on the mountain water as their source.  A lot for 1/3 of the country's population all in one packed city.

Looking North

Panoramic Pic

Mountain at shore in the distance - see cross picture from later below

On the way back to the bus we came across a dog that is the national breed.  A hairless breed called Perro Sin Pelo.  Only tufts of hair were on the top of his head and end of the tail.

We loaded back on the bus where Janie asked for the water bottle.  Of course we thought it was still water, but it was gas water and spewed all over the place.  Thank goodness just water.

The bus made the trek through traffic to the Huaca Pucllana Site Musem where they preserve pyramids made of what look like clay bricks.  Adobe is the common material for the bricks laid in such a way that even earthquakes have had little affect.  Since it doesn't rain much erosion has not done damage.  Most of the damage comes from tearing down pyramids before archeology protection.  Goes back to the Incas.

Left side was not restored

Right side restored

Panoramic

After pictures and a little background we loaded back up to head to the city center.  There are quite a few parks around the city and we went by one of the soccer stadiums.  John Marco said soccer number one sport and Peruvian team sucks.  One park we could not see was all fountains and at night you can see pictures that are projected on the fountains.  We may try to see end of trip.

After existing the bus a guy came by with Churros for 3 Sol or about $1.  They were yummy with caramel inside.

The city center is where there are several palaces and a museum donated by the Italians when Peru was recognized July 28, 1821 when it gained independence from Spain.  We toured the Santa Domingo Convent including the crypt where Saint Rosa of Lima the first women to become a saint is buried.  Of course the crypt has over 25,000 bodies (bones) buried under the church.  Creepy.

Ceiling with 3k wooden pieces installed tongue and groove style with no nails

In the Crypt where the opening has a mirror so you can see the skeletons below

Saint Rosa of Lima is buried here

Alter in the Chapter Room

Library with 25k ancient books including bibles and many languages

Restoration work being done by artist

Garden just outside the entrance and chapter room

After the convent we walked to the city center Plaza where the Presidential Palace is located.

Palace in background

Note the guards at the entrance

Buildings around the plaza

Panoramic View

Walk to plaza

After the walking tour and waiting for the bus, John Marco went over the contents being sold by a street vendor.  Inca Kola was one drink that is domestic and not owned by any of the big bottlers like Coca Cola (see it everywhere).  The Inca Kola tastes like bubble gum, so for 3 Sol had to try it.  And what do you know if is like a cream soda with a bubble gum after taste.  Not bad.

Back on the bus to head back to the hotel, however, John Marco offered to take us to a good restaurant - Lobo de Otani by the ocean for late lunch and recommended some of the food options.  We decided to take up the offer along 6 other tourist.  A couple from the UK and family of 4 from Atlanta and Phoenix.  The Ceviche was different with sole, squid and octopus.  Janie had a fried fish medley and Jeff a fajita stir fry with rice Peru style.  Two Pisco Sours and still water.

Ceviche

Fried Fish Medley

 

After we ate, it was a quick walk back a few blocks to the Larcomar Mall that is built into the coast wall with views of the ocean.  Pretty cool site and a place after walking around to sit and have a cocktail.

Janie had a Pisco Punch and Jeff Pisco Sour.  The punch is Pisco, Pineapple Juice, Simple Syrup and Soda Water.  The sour is Pisco, Lime Juice, Egg Whites and Bitters.

Like Tequila has several variants from pure to sweater

View north along coast line at Mall

View from Mall overlook

Mall is three levels with restaurants, movie theatre and lots of shops

After the mall visit we trekked about a mile to the hotel to relax and work on the blog.  Tomorrow we pack up in the a.m. to catch our flight to Cusco to the Sacred Valley where we will be staying for the night.  Due to the new airport they have us going almost 4 hours in advance.  10:55 a.m. departure for a 2:25 flight.  Some even are departing at 1:30 a.m. for 5:30 flights.  Wow what a crowded city and unknown new airport operations issues can do to your itinerary.