Day 1 - Our first day in Lima






 We got up in time for last call for breakfast. Still a bit groggy and quite tired. After a diverse and excellent breakfast at the hotel we decided to take a walk down to the Malacon, which is the shoreline which defines Lima’s geography.  It was warm, humid day with sun - but not uncomfortable.  Lots of people, including families, young joggers, and older folks enjoying the day.  It was a mix not unlike we could see in SF along the bay or ocean.  I was struck by the predominance of younger adults and their relatively good physical condition.  This is in contrast to prevalence of overweight people in many parts of the US and in many developing countries.  Most people seemed relaxed and unhurried, despite it being a work day.


We enjoyed the views of the bay and the city behind.  After a walk back to the hotel we consumed the lunch we brought on the plane (our typical frugal behavior) and then after a brief rest (still VERY tired) we walked to Kennedy park - a lovely urban retreat full of flowers and shade - and then on to the Huaca Puclliana ruins in the center of the Miraflores district.  We spend an hour touring with a guide and were amazed at the size and scope of what was, in the period around 500 AD the largest temple complex in what is now Peru.  It is a 7 level stepped pyramid with a large flat top made entirely of mud brick placed vertically like library books on shelves. 
 Millions of mud books!  It was built over multiple centuries as a site for sacrificial and other ceremonies.

We learned that presidential elections are this weekend.  So there is much activity including construction, billboards and loudspeaker trucks.  But it is reassuring to know that democracy is still alive here!

After a walk back to the hotel in the afternoon heat, we curled up for a while and then ate a pleasant dinner in the hotel restaurant.  Nice but unexciting food.  Of course, we had little energy left to eat with anyway!  Then off to much needed sleep in our comfortable (twin beds!) room.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Day 4 - Travel to Cusco and Urubamba

Image
 This was a very busy day. Got up at 5:15, packed, breakfast at 6, met bus at 6:40, at Lima airport by 8 am, flew to Cusco arriving 10:45, got on bus at 11:15, visited an amazing weaving center at elevation 12,000 ft, drove through stunning scenery to the sacred valley, and got to our hotel around 3 pm. Quite a day! The Lima airport is modern and efficient and with Patti’s help we got to the plane without incident.  The one hr flight was crammed full, mostly with tourists but was smooth until the Cusco approach- a narrow valley, mountains on both sides, and a fast hard landing.  The Cusco airport is small but clean nice and efficient.  The  11,000 ft elevation was immediately noticeable with some shortness of breath.   Jews from the bus emphasized the mountain setting and the narrow valley filled with people. Cusco has about 1 million. The weaver center, at over 12,000 ft, was amazing  we had demonstrations of yarn dye making and yarn spinning, weaving...
Read more

Preparing for Departure

 Why is getting ready ALWAYS always such a hassel??  Days of making lists, buying stuff, reading all the recommendations, fretting abouty details, and finally putting it all together!  Almost there!  Time to get excited and look forward to the adventure! OK. Two suitcases and two duffel +2 backpacks and Ben and Judy think we’re ready.!  Now try to get a reasonable amount of sleep between 9 PM and 3 AM when we have to get up for a 7  A.m. flight from SFO.  The joys of travel!
Read more

Travel day SF to IAH to Lima

Image
I   Here we are at San Francisco airport waiting for our flight to Houston.  I used to think Heathrow was the worst carport I’ve ever been in. Now I have to say that San Francisco is currently the worst. The reconstruction of terminal three has made movement between terminals and getting to any of the terminals, particularly, complicated and lots of walking. Well, the staff is friendly and upbeat and trying to be helpful the directions are far from adequate. We ended up walking at least a mile circuitously because we had to check in in the domestic terminal, but the plane leaves from the international terminal.  Whew!  We are FINALLY at the gate.  And the fun didn’t stop there!   The flight was good arrived early. We were able to use the United club which helped us be comfortable for what we thought was a 3.5 hour wait.  Partway through we were told that our plane had mechanical trouble and they had to replace it causing a one and a half hour dela...
Read more