Lima sits on cliffs over hanging the Pacific ocean in an arid climate that receives less than 5 inches of rain annually. Average temp is 80deg F. The view of the Pacific is breathtaking. No wonder Francisco Pizarro founded Lima in 1536 after he conquered the Incas in the mountains
There are 11 million people here and it seems they are all out driving all at once. Kudos to our bus driver for navigating the traffic. We arrived at our swanky Westin hotel in the financial district of San Isidro, quite the contrast to our trip from the Amazon and out of Iquitos this day.
We had a bus tour of the city. I was not feeling so well, so I was happy to be sitting and not walking too much. We lunched at the Larcomar mall, shops and restaurants over hanging the Pacific cliffs in the Miramar district. Then we attended the museum of art called MALI, housing Peruvian artifacts and art dating from 1,000 BC to the colonial era. Interestingly, there was no written language for the early native peoples leaving the purpose of many artifacts as yet unidentified. Other artifacts included nose rings that hung over the wearer’s mouth so no one could discern his expression. Also there were ‘necklaces’ of knotted strings which served as communication devices.
Afterwards we visited a beautiful Dominican monastery in the historic district where St. Rose of Lima was buried. The Spanish influence in art and architecture was evident. Many buildings had ornately carved wooden balconies that were removed and replaced during earthquake reconstruction and thus are dated to the 1700s. Also, only the newer buildings are tall skyscrapers as older buildings were limited to 3 stories, again, due to earthquakes. The financial district looks like any other city with tall, glass facade buildings but other districts were less distinctive. There is an exclusive golf course in the center of the city as well as an ancient Incan temple and many plazas. However I can’t say I was able to discern the character or flavor of this city in this whirlwind tour. Sorry, Lima.
So far we’ve enjoyed tasty delicacies such as the many varieties of fish including ceviche, octopus, and dorado and other Amazonian fish, yucca, bananas of all sorts, Peruvian wines (Tacana, Intipalka Valle del Sol) and drinks (pisco sour, caiprina, Amazonian and Gin’ka gin). The fresh vegetables and exotic fruits and juices (camu camu, papaya, Cocomer, guava, potatoes, yucca ) have been real treats. Greg has sampled the beers although there are few local IPAs. The food has been delicious everywhere, very fresh, healthy and plentiful.
We’re heading to Cusco and the Sacred Valley in the Andes tomorrow. And then, onto Machu Picchu!
My new reality 