Day 3 - Sightseeing day in Lima

 We had Sandra as our guide today and spent most of the day in the city center.  Among the highlights were the Laco antiquities museum and the historical center.  The museum had an amazing collection of ceramics, textiles and precious metal objects from pre-Inca civilizations dating back to BC  We also watched the changing of the guards at the presidential palace- sort of like Buckingham palace but even more pomp and martial music from a live brass band!

The center is filled with “faded glory” - colonial era buildings with ornate facades, fancy balconies and lavish courtyards   They have left in ruin or at least disrepair  apparently no one wants to live in this so there is little incentive to bring back the elegance   I am reminded of Buenos Aires without the restoration   The flight of people from the center was triggered by “Shinig Path”  atrocities and bombings which destroyed the central square and killed many  - so much for communism helping the people  

We had a lovely lunch next to a river park and full view of dozens of CalTrain passenger cars!  Lima received them to run on their planned commuter line - which is yet to be built!

After a few hours to rest we boarded a bus for a 1 hour drive to recreation park where we watched a water fountain light show -  it was a world class presentation worthy of Disney!  A visual summary of the history of Lima from early cultures to the Spanish to modern times  we then wandered through the many water features including riding whimsical mini cars and rushing through a tunnel created by water jets   Fun but wet!

Early to bed ready for our flight Cuzco  













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