Hola from Team Peru! This post describes the first day that Daniel Pippen and I (Lauren Bilbo) spent in Lima, before continuing on to Cusco with the rest of group. This was the start to our Peruvian adventure, so we wanted to include it with the rest of the memories we will record here from the primary part of the trip in Cusco.
Our journey began in Lima began in the Pay Purix hostel, located just a few blocks from the Lima airport. For only 22 soles/night (approximately 7 USD), we found the hostel to be quite accommodating. The rooms were clean, and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. A fresh and bountiful breakfast was served in a groovy common space with multicolored lights, high-backed benches with low tables, and upbeat club music.
Adrenaline coursing through our veins from excitement and fast-tempo music, we hopped in a taxi to go to the southwestern side of Lima near the cost – the Miraflores area. First we went to Parque Kennedy, a public park with statues, fountains, and a multitude of cats. Outside of the park we found a stage where a man was leading a group of people in dance.
From Parque Kennedy we walked down to the beach where we found el Parque de Amor. El Parque de Amor is a small park located scenically on the top of a cliff overlooking the ocean. In the park were benches covered in ceramic tiles, inscribed with famous quotes of love. It was incredible to look over the cliff and see the ocean and surrounding cliffs, and the surfers far below.
We then continued walking along the ocean side, at the top of the cliff. We were interested to see that running, roller-blading, and biking were quite popular in this part of the city. We also noticed that dogs are common pets, and people love to dress their dogs.
Our next stop was Larcomar, a ritzy, outdoor mall set into the cliffside. After acknowledging the expensive, western-style shops, we continued inland until reaching Los Indios, which is a market where local handicrafts and goods are sold. There Pippen found a baby alpaca sweater, which proved valuable, as his luggage (and all of his warm clothing) had been delayed in arriving.
From los Indios we set off farther inland in the direction we believed would take us to El Olivar, another park. Unfortunately we walked entirely the wrong direction, and ended up having to ask the help of at least 5 police officers or locals (and spending an additional hour or two going the wrong way and then back-tracking). Along the way we walked up Arequipa Avenue, a pleasant main road with a grassy, tree-lined bike/walking lane in between the lanes of opposing traffic. It was especially peaceful on this day because the streets were blocked off for what seemed to be a bicycle race. We also saw many people rollerblading.
Finally we arrived at El Olivar, a beautiful park with olive trees. From there we began walking again, towards the city center. We stopped along the way for lunch at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. I was surprised that my two-course, tasty meal cost less than 4 USD!
After more walking and absorbing the city, as well as a short taxi lift, Pippen and I arrived at the Lima city center. The first stop was the cathedral of San Francisco. There we admired the inside of the cathedral, and then proceeded to the convent and catacombs. In the catacombs we saw thousands of femurs, tibias, humeruses, and skulls. There were estimated to be 25 thousand people left in the catacombs. In the convent we saw a beautiful library containing books from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.
From there we found the Plaza de las Armas, the main square.
We were surprised to see that there was a stage set up and a concert happening! Highlights from the concert include a Spanish version of “Let it Go” from Frozen and a fun boy-band. Interestingly there was also a party happening in the cathedral on the plaza in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of San Juan Bosco.
After the plaza we walked along the streets leading away from the square. We were interested to see the similarities to Spanish cities in the way that the streets, lined with all kinds of shops, could only be traversed by foot.
After another yummy two-course dinner (tried IncaCola – it was good!), we grabbed a taxi and headed back to the hostel. In total my phone registered 15 miles of walking for the day.
Later that evening and after a delayed flight, Pippen, Eric, Martha, Eleanore, and Yusuf rolled in from the airport (all in one taxi, with luggage) for a few hours of sleep before departing for Cusco.
EGL Family Abroad 