BONES everywhere
My trip ended with a two day visit to Lima, Peru’s capital. Lima seems to have a poor reputation from visitors, I assume because it’s a typical big city and not easily accessible by foot. But I found it to be a gorgeous city and could have spent another week visiting its sites and attractions. While there are definitely areas with a tourist feel, Lima houses many huge companies and the bustling business employees.
Fortunately, my mom has a friend who’s parents still live in Lima as that is where she is from. Hernando and Elisa Garcia were gracious enough to let Jessica and I stay in their home housed in Miraflores, the more upscale area of Lima. Their home was wonderfully decorated with historic art work, some pieces dating back to the 15th century. While they spoke little English they made every effort to communicate with me and help me set up a local tour.
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Upon the afternoon of our arrival, Jessica and I headed into Central Lima to visit the Monasterio de San Francisco. The museum is famous for its catacombs and its remarkable library holding books from as far back as the conquistadors. The underground catacombs houses nearly 70,000 burials and while it was morbidly gruesome, it was quite exciting to see. Bones of the poor and the rich. After such a visit we were in need of the famous Pisco Sour so we hit up the famous Gran Hotel Bolivar.
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‘After a hot shower in a real bathroom we decided to make our way to LocoMar in Miraflores. Basically a mall built into the mountain overlooking the ocean. Upscale shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants all at an expensive price for the Peruvian backpacker. Yet we still managed to enjoy a top notch buffet with drinks and a wonderful view for roughly $10 each.
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The next morning Jessica and I awoke to an entire film crew who overtook the Garcia’s home. Supposedly commercials are often filmed in their home as they have several balconies, a rarity in Lima and highly sought after for the commercials. This one was a cell phone commercial featuring a tall and lengthy blonde and a short good looking man.
After saying good-bye to Jessica since she was catching a morning flight out, I headed into the center of Miraflores. I started my day by visiting the Indian Market and picking up a few more handicrafts. After eating an “economical” lunch of potato, rice, more potato’s, and chicken for under $2 I enjoyed a 1 hour tour on a double Decker bus. Actually, I enjoyed sitting after so much walking but the tour was in Spanish! I could have sworn I asked the guy if it was in English and he clearly knew I did not speak Spanish when I asked if he spoke English. So I can’t say I learned much about the area of Miraflores but I was able to take some nice pictures and work on my tan. Then on to the Casa Museu Ricardo Palma that was recommended. Ricardo Palma, a famous Peruvian author, lived in the home with his 3 daughters until his death in 1919. The auditorium, music room, bedroom, office, library, and other areas of the home still hold all of his original pieces in their exact place. I had a pleasant tour guide who again spoke great English and was admired by the fact I traveled alone.
By late afternoon I arrived back to the Garcia’s home only to have dinner waiting for me by their live-in maid. And off I was to the airport for my overnight flight back to the States.
To see all Lima photos click here.
Tags: Lima
