Lima, Peru: 5.1.19

In Atlanta I met Beth and Jana, a mother and daughter team, from Colorado. I had briefly met Beth at breakfast in Iceland on our last day of our Scadinavian trip last fall. When she heard our next trip was to Peru, she was on board. That’s when husband Frank bowed out. Then Beth’s daughter opted in, so now I am the solo traveler with them. Beth’s husband was happy to stay home and golf as Frank was with his pickle ball.

Our hotel in the Miraflores District of Lima

Our first outing was to this archeological museum on the outskirts of Lima. A driver from the hotel took us there, waited for us, then took us back . Here they have found ruins of the Chimor and Inca Empires from the 1400-1500s. The Incas conquered the Chimor in 1470.

Here our guide is showing us their numeric system using knots on rope. Reminded me of a rope type of abacus. .

This door led to the area just for the chief and his family. I had to crouch to get through.

Interestingly the Chimor used ramps to get to different levels while the Incas used steps. They have only found female bones here, indicating that they use female sacrifices. In 2000 they found mummies at this sight but they were not on display at the museum.

Also there was a guinea pig area right outslde their kitchen. Cuy or guinea pig was a mainstay in Peruvian diets. I will never look at guinea pigs in the same way again!

On the way back to our hotel we saw some interesting sights.

Motorcycles often have very interesting cargo.

Lunch was next. We went to a local favorite,

I had Chupe de Pescado or fish soup. It was fish in its own broth with cheese, pumpkin pieces, Lima beans and corn. It is a traditional Peruvian dish. It was tasty but “not the greatest”. Beth and Jana tried raw fish. I did NOT take a sampling.

After we returned from lunch we met Pepe, our tour in the hotel lobby. He invited us to join him along with another couple from our group for supper at 6. So after a rest break, we headed to Kennedy Square with Pepe to Cafe de la Paz.

Chicken empanadas. They were doughy, but tasty.

There was a market area in the center of the square. Of course Beth, Jana and I had fun checking out the wares. It was crowded maybe because it was May 1st, a holiday in Peru similar to our Labor Day.

It was now about 8. The lighting made the area even more festive.

Beth, with the hat, and Jana on the right deciding on a bracelet. All of 10 sole which is about 3 dollars.

Walking back to our hotel we spotted a group of cats relaxing in the square. Can you imagine a hoard of cats in New York City?

I was exhausted but happy about our first day in Lima. Can’t wait to meet the rest of our tour group tomorrow at 11. That’s it for today!

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