I love being in another country with all the exciting things to observe. Strolling in our neighbourhood we discovered the souvenir markets that were dripping with paintings, artwork, cups, rugs, they’ve even got Cholimpsons and alpaca everything!
I am absolutely in love with alpaca fleece, it’s the softest thing I think I’ve ever felt. Must take some home before I leave, but I have no space in my tiny backpack to fit even the tiniest of souvenir. We will be back in Lima before flying back to Holland so maybe then I can… but let’s not think about that now!!
Though I was warned by many people of the dangers in the big city, Lima has treated us well. This could be due to the fact that we stayed in the expensive, touristic and modern district of Miraflores where we felt 100% safe. There were definite signs that told us perhaps people were right to warn us, even in the fancy part of town.
Chairs on restaurant patios have straps to lock your bag to the chair, clearly to prevent random snatchers from running off with them as they pass by on the street. Residences are protected by big metal gates or barred fences with big spikes to prevent anyone from climbing in.
I have to say that Miraflores district is very beautiful and comfortable, especially the waterfront mall area that overlooks the Pacific Ocean.
We never had blue sky while we were in Lima but I can imagine it would be spectacular to see the view on a clear day. There is nothing like a long day of exploring and then sitting down for a delicious fruit smoothie with an awesome view.
The other thing everyone keeps telling me about is the Peruvian food. I receive food recommendations from people every day! For some reason, prior to this trip, I never related Peru with food, but I have a feeling we are in for some great meals. We haven’t yet gone in search of traditional food or any particularly great restaurants but I have loved every single meal so far. The mocha with whipping cream was delicious!
Taking a long walk around town after breakfast, we visited the 1,500 year old ruins of Huaca Pucllana pyramids that are right in the middle of the city with a restaurant right in the middle of the ruins that looked very atmospheric (would like to but didn’t eat there). The guide, who is included in the $4 fee, stressed that it wasn’t a city but a temple.
A place of ritual games and sacrifices. Amazingly the royalty were sacrificed and used to honour the gods. Now doesn’t that just make you stop and try to put yourself in the mind of such a culture? Surprisingly, I can almost understand that it’s possible to brainwash someone enough to truly be happy and excited about their death.
Lima is very prone to earthquakes and gets a lot of shudders per year and it’s amazing that so long ago the Incas adapted to their settings by putting spaces between the mud bricks so they wouldn’t crumble but instead would give leeway to the shudders.
Considering it is RIGHT on the coast, I was amazed to realize that Lima is the second driest capital city in the world following Cairo, Egypt. Getting only 10mm of rain per YEAR, the dryness undoubtably has a lot to do with why the mud brick structure has lasted through centuries. I’m still trying to get my head around the fact that Lima is right on the coast and doesn’t get rain. I have lived in two cities on two coasts most of my life and seen nothing but rain.
I wish I had more time to write but I have been SO busy with all the things to see and do here in Peru, that I haven’t had a moment to sit and relax.
Savannah
Ps. Upcoming posts include a city tour around Lima and visiting the catacombs.