Lima (Tuesday)

The Plaza Sam Martin in the heart of Lima. Sam Martin declared independence for Peru.

I arrive in Lima at 4.30am!

I’m catching up and staying with a friend here in Lima. Micht bravely meets me at the airport at 5am and after dropping my luggage off at his place we go into town. We visit the heart of Lima and what an overwhelming site it is. We’re just in time for the ceremonial changing of the guards at the presidential palace. The band plays beautifully and I even recognize some of the compositions. Condor Elpasa is of course a Peruvian classic and an obvious favourite with the many tourists also here for the spectacle.

The presidential palace is beautiful classic Spanish baroque architecture as is much of the architecture in this city. The wrought iron features and those classical old timber balconies and widow boxes are all here. And the colours. They government encourages the use of colours in the buildings and the result is eye catching. Across from
the palace is the Hotel Bolivar, a top-class hotel in a beautiful old building. We go there to sample a traditional Peruvian drink, pisco sour. Its an easy-to-drink potent alcoholic mix that is a favourite here in Peru. I can see why! The sun seems that little bit brighter now after just one of these special drinks! Inside the hotel is stunning. The age-old decor is amazingly authentic, right down to the worn leather chairs that would be dripping with past conversations, if they could talk.

For lunch we make fort the sea port area of Lima. Micht takes me to a classy restaurant right on the water overlooking the ships. We try some traditional seafood dishes and more pisco sours! Ceviche is a fantastic mix of chilled fresh seafood marinated in lime juice, onions, chilli peppers and other stuff. Im not big on eating uncooked seafood but this dish really works. A walk along the water front reveals some of the opulent side of Lima. The homes are again classic Spanish design and of course beautifully kept and perfectly located.

On the way home we visit Micht’s sister and Nephew and niece. Nicole is in fourth grade and has some English homework to do. She has a test tomorrow so all hands are on deck to help her prepare. Of course I am the expert and expected to have all the answers! Fernando is in first grade and he too has some English homework but he’s struggling to apply himself to the cause.

The beautiful Hotel Bolivar

Micht was a primary school teacher but decided on a career change and has gone back to study. He is studying tourism and is practicing his new-found skills on me. He lives near the airport in a dense reseda tusk area. There are many multistory unit complexes in the area, softened with nice little recreational spaces for the residents to chill out. And there are genuine shops, cafes and restaurants about. It’s nice to be able to experience a slice of genuine Peruvian working-class life. Dogs are a popular pet. They are everywhere but unlike my experiences of south-east Asia, these dogs seem loved and well looked after, happy and healthy.