Blogs from Lima, Lima, Peru, South America - page 6

So Lima has been delicious so far. The flavors in the ceviche are very special, it must be the peppers. The small ceviche restaurants always think I will start with ceviche and then have “segundo”. I have to make sure I say Solo or I get a huge plate of rice and meat. I learned this the hard way. A few older ladies didn't believe this was all I wanted, their faces reflected mild sympathy for my obvious mental disorder. Also, I am now in love with Lomo Saltado, beef and peppers in a succulent brown sauce served with rice and french fries, I know. Oh and the sandutches, pretty crazy sandwiches that always seem to include avocado. I went to the art museum here (MALI) and fell in love with a couple of the modern ... read more

CHANGE OF FOCUS Visiting the Nazca Lines After diving Costa Rica, Panama, and Curacao, I headed overland to Lima, Peru. Friends and strangers who talk to me about my travels always ask if I have been to Machu Picchu. I have visited temples and sites of ancient peoples, and exactly because it is so popular with tourists, I had no strong urge to put Machu Picchu on my itinerary, but I finally decided to just use it as a stepping stone to Chile, where I planned to take a plane to Easter Island. I had a couple of great days in Lima. I stayed in a charming small hotel, Hostal Kon-Tiki. The concierge was helpful, kind, and interested in the American. While in Lima I found a spa and had a massage and a manicure. I ... read more

It's great to be back in Peru! I left home December 31st, I flew out of Birmingham, Alabama on Delta with connections in Atlanta changing airlines in Mexico city to Avianca. Bad mistake, when making plans, I was assured my baggage would be transferred without incident in Mexico city, WRONG. Terminal 1 is currently the largest airport terminal in the Americas and the fourth largest in the world, with expansion in progress it will be the largest in the world. Here's the deal, baggage is taken off and you must retrieve and get to your next airline (if your traveling on same airline, they transfer). Not only do you have to claim your baggage, you must go through customs with all baggage in tow and go through security check points along the way. So, here I ... read more

Another horror bus ride terminated at 5.30am after a few hours sleep we headed into the faccinating colonial heart of world heritage listed Arequipa. This place is just as attractive as Cusco, is much larger and is better value for money. Tourist numbers are also much lower here which is refreshing when visiting the city's major attractions. Arequipa the white city is at least 500 years old and sits in the shadow of the perfect cone shaped 5822 metre El MistI volcano. The old town is centred around the Plaza de Armas and features a huge cathedral built from volcanic sillar and the slightly smaller Iglesia de La Compania an interesting Jesuit church. Our first stop was an atm followed by one of the second story restaurants that dominate the Western side of Plaza de Armas, ... read more

So Lima is the capital of Peru, and has around 10 million people. Despite this, the only form of public transportation is bus or taxi. A subway is on the horizon for 2021 but you can imagine the traffic issues they have. The roads are average in places and cars often drive on the wrong side of the road, forming their own lanes or trying to make up time in the traffic. Pedestrians do get walk signs however some drivers ignore them which makes crossing the road interesting! I'm staying in Miraflores, one of the safest districts which is 3 districts away from lima district where the old town and many attractions are. I took a half day city tour today and while driving from Miraflores to Lima I noticed an innovative use of the centre ... read more