In June 2012, almost 2 years to date. Dave and I went to Peru on an adventure of a lifetime!
AlmaZen - cafe We trekked the 26 mile Inca trail to Machu Picchu, went birdwatching and exploring through the lush Amazon Jungle, got caught in a civil protest on our way to Puno, floated across the highest commercially navigable lake in the world (sitting at 3,811 m (12,500 ft) above sea level), walked many paths known sacred to the Inca’a, stood on the floating islands of Uros, and at the end of our trip thought we’d take in some of the culture in Lima, the country’s capital and the largest city of Peru.
We booked a custom tour through Lima Mentor, we were picked up at the airport and brought to AlmaZen, a lovely quaint vegetarian cafe in the Mira Flores district. We had a quick bite, as we were already quite hungry from a long morning of traveling.
We booked a custom tour through Lima Mentor, we were picked up at the airport and brought to AlmaZen, a lovely quaint vegetarian cafe in the Mira Flores district. We had a quick bite, as we were already quite hungry from a long morning of traveling.
Government Palace After eating we were met by our guide Vanessa. The three of us hopped inside the minivan that would be our transportation around the city and off we went!
The Tour consisted of a walk around the Historic Downtown of Lima (Unesco site). Strolling through its most important streets and squares to observe and learn about the pointed out architecture and monuments.
The Tour consisted of a walk around the Historic Downtown of Lima (Unesco site). Strolling through its most important streets and squares to observe and learn about the pointed out architecture and monuments.
Plaza Mayor
As we turned the corner and headed to a nearby park full of students to catch a good view of one of the prominent landmarks, the hill of Cerro San Cristobal. We were all of a sudden caught by surprise as children were screaming in excitement as if they just saw ‘One Direction” (or whoever the biggest current boy band out there is). They were yelling in spanish so we had no clue what was happening or what was about to happen. The masses of kids started to approach and circle us! Our tour guide was laughing and she didn’t seem to understand what going on any more than we did. She managed to translate for us, explaining that these kids all wanted our autographs! Say what?!
Well, okay why not?!
So then before you know it I was surrounded, I couldn’t see anything but paper, pads, pens and pencils being shoved in my direction. After signing countless autographs, and when the huge crowd finally dissipated, I could now spot Dave and he too must have been bombarded in order for these kids to get his John Hancock!
At this point once the crowd had mimimzed I was finally able to pull out my camera and take some pictures. Wow! That was definitely an interesting experience! Vanessa told us that she does these tours daily and has never in her life witnessed such a thing!
Well, okay why not?!
So then before you know it I was surrounded, I couldn’t see anything but paper, pads, pens and pencils being shoved in my direction. After signing countless autographs, and when the huge crowd finally dissipated, I could now spot Dave and he too must have been bombarded in order for these kids to get his John Hancock!
At this point once the crowd had mimimzed I was finally able to pull out my camera and take some pictures. Wow! That was definitely an interesting experience! Vanessa told us that she does these tours daily and has never in her life witnessed such a thing!
We then continued our tour on this weird high of being “famous”!
Visiting the Convent of Santo Domingo, which is one of the best preserved from the colonial times and were able to climb its tower, and get a great view of the city below. We also visited Museo Larco, which holds the best Precolombian art private collection in Peru.
Visiting the Convent of Santo Domingo, which is one of the best preserved from the colonial times and were able to climb its tower, and get a great view of the city below. We also visited Museo Larco, which holds the best Precolombian art private collection in Peru.
Museo Larco Finally ending our very amusing, entertaining and educational tour with visit to the oldest restaurant in Lima, Bar Cordano which has been serving citizens of Lima for over 100 years. We were there to indulge in the traditional dessert of Picarones. Often referred to as a kind of donut, they are actually something quite different and uniquely Peruvian. They’re deliciously sweetned by adding sweet potato and a local squash to the yeast dough. Deep fried and then the picarones are served with a cane syrup called chancaca.
Picarones
Super sweet ending to our visit!