De Regreso
Trip Start
May 11, 2006
1
14
15
Trip End
May 21, 2006
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Lima,
Peru
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Bratzo is to give us a city tour on our way to our hotel, but first we stop by Miryam's parent's place, where they have prepared a huge breakfast for all of us. Here we meet up with Margarita and Elva, who have come from the U.S. to attend the anniversary.
With a substantial meal under our belts, we continue to the historical city centre. The historical centre of Lima is well maintained and fascinating. One of the oldest cities in America, the narrow streets in typical Spanish grid pattern are lined by colonial buildings, many with the extensive wooden balconies unique to Lima
1. Pigeon attack. San Francisco
. The city was founded by conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, naming it Ciudad de los Reyes as the location was decided at Epiphany, January 6 (Boston was founded 100 years later in 1630). Lima, its original name, however persisted.We drive through the colourful centre to San Francisco church, where we disembark. We are almost immediately attacked by thousands of pigeons. Obviously they congregate around the church of their favourite saint, and they are well rewarded, as Limeņos are out in droves feeding them. It's a lovely church, under which run extensive catacombs. We walk the few bocks to the Plaza de Armas to see the Presidential Palace and Cathedral. We are only on a fleeting visit, so we don't enter. Nevertheless we notice the strong presence of riot police, including the intimidating black "rochabus", a water cannon that looks more like a tank. Seems there will be a popular manifesto later in the day. Peruvians are still allowed to protest pretty much wherever they want, and as long as you don't mind streaming eyes or a good soaking by the rochabus, the intimate art of protesting government policies is still alive and well in this country.
We drive through the elegant residential sections of San Isidro and Miraflores to our hotel, El Ducado
2.Plaza de Armas.Lima
. Another choice of Yuri, our online tour operator, and a fine choice it is. Snuggled up on narrow Juan Fanning Street, it's a small, spotless hotel with excellent facilities and very comfortable rooms. It's just two blocks to Larco Avenue, the main drag of Miraflores, and a couple of blocks to the coastal cliff-top highway where the swank Larco Mar shopping precinct and the impressive J.W. Marriott Hotel are located. Once at the hotel, the group splits up. Miryam and sisters visiting relatives, the rest visit the National Archaeological Museum. Later on we meet up at a superb seafood restaurant "Al Fresco", the close of another perfect day.
