LIMA

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Just When You Think You're Gone

So here I am fresh from Cuzco and ready to fly to Lima. As I come to the airport I see the two french girls yet again excpet they are flying more north then me. We sit down, have some coffee and realize that our flight has been delayed due to bad weather in Lima. Apparently this is quite common as it is almost always foggy in Lima. I was not pleased with this news simply because I wanted 5 days in Lima and that would just cut more time from Ecuador. So we all herded towards the customer service desk where they hooked us up with a nice hotel and free food for the that day and the next morning. At least that I did not mind.

That afternoon I went out to eat to the place where they gave me the coupons for and it was some kind of a restaurant for charity. It was kinda neat actually. I sit down and proceed to order and then I find out that the server was from Canada. We talked for a bit and it turned out he is also from Calgary. The food came and it was really delicious, I was expecting it to be crappier since I wasn't in a fancy restaurant but I was definitely impressed with the whole shabang.

The next morning, I got to the airport and there was a delay again. I was getting slightly irritated because I was beginning to suspect the daily pattern here. I decide to be a trooper and troop it out, in other words wait and hope for the best. I met up with the Israeli guy from Antarctica and Brazil which was quite a coincidence. We chatted for a bit and then he gave up the wait and went to town again for another night. He was flying to Colombia. I waited longer and they finally announced that the flight was boarding so I was happy again. Yes, the weakest emotional rollercoaster I have been on...haha.

The French Connection

I met the french girls in Lima again and we took a taxi to the center of town, actually the more upscale neighbourhood of Miraflores. The drive was interesting, and the city looked increadibly ugly until we got to Miraflores. That neighbourhood was really european with lots of parks and colonial buildings. I checked into my hostel and we went to eat to the nearby restaurants. We all decided on a pizza place. There were plenty of restaurants and all the servers try to get you to come in but since I didn't find any of them particularly convincing (or hot) we went for the one with the best atmosphere in it. You know how it is...if you can't stare at the talent you might as well get good food. Now this specific neighbourhood is the most expensive in Lima yet still cheaper than Canada, don't worry.

As we are eating, enjoying the food, this french guy comes over and starts talking to us. He was amusing for about 15 seconds. Then he wouldn't shut it and kept on bragging about himself about how he knows all these languages and all these countries he has been to. I had it with the mofo so I completely started ignoring the bufoon and concentrated on my pizza. At least that was good. He thought I spoke french (maybe because I was ignoring him like zeee french do).

When he finally decided to let us finish our pizza before it completely got cold, we were left with the satisfaction of knowing exactly why he has no friends. We pondered this idea for a while simply because it was the best topic at the time.

At night, all the sausages from the hostel decided to go out. Oh ya, there was one english girl. First, we went to this club that had all the women there so I quickly found out that it was actually a pickup joint/whorehouse. We drank a bit and then one of the locals decided to take us to a busy club. It was a monday night so the choices were limited. So we arrive and I think of dejavu. I was transported back to Santiago, Chile. YES, MY FRIENDS....ANOTHER GAY CLUB! At that point I just gave up and didn't feel like drinking too much just in case. Apparently I was the hottest thing there according to at least 2 guys and they were quite saddened by the fact that I was not gay. I was actually quite happy about that fact and I was not about to change that night. After about 2 hours of dancing, we decided to go back to the pickup joint where we started. I think one of the guys took off with one girl from there and then we all went back to the hostel.

Next day it was time to call up one of my friends that I met on the internet. We arranged to meet at the Plaza Des Armas so I told the cabby to go there. He dropped me off at some church and I asked the moron if that is the place. He says yes and drove off. So I am waiting, an hour goes by, then another half an hour and I have had it. I approached a security guard and asked him this is the place. I told him to call the number of that girl because she was cutting out and I couldn't understand her much. So finally we met up and just walked around the centre. Lima has lots of churches and pleasant streets that you can walk. My friend Geraldine,showed up with her sister and knew where all the goodies were. It was good for me because I couldn't speak any english whatsoever as they didn't know any english. It's amazing how quickly one learns when forced. =) Since it was late, we arranged to meet the next day so they can show me around some more.

Next day we met up without any confusion. I learned the going rate for taxis as some of them try to rape you because they think that you are an idiot turist who doesn't know better. I bet a lot of the times they are right.

One of the first places we visited was the Iglesia de San Francisco or the San Francisco church where they have the catachombs. We had some Peruvian fun there as I examined the bones of dead people, I just had to touch them, wouldn't you? Would you be a good tourist?

It's Good To Be The King

Then we just moped around the city a bit and they took me to their house. The mom was already aware that the Russ was coming over for some serious dinner but it turned out that the Russ was not ready for some serious Peruvian style dinner. First she brought some tamales which is some meat wrapped in dough. She gave me like two or three fat pieces and I was like thanks...that was good. I was almost full. Little did I know that THAT was the appetizer. Then I was fed some soup which I could only half finish because I was seriously getting full. After that, I was dumb enough not to refuge a heaping portion of meat, potatoes and vegetables. I was almost embarrased as I pushed the food aside after 2 bites or so. In the meantime, I was fed some chicha, which is a local drink but I can't recall right now what it is made of but it's purple for those curious minds. Then came the desert, and I was like what the hell is this??? Who in the right Canadian mind would be capable to eat all this? But I tried the desert and it was good, both bites...lol.

Then we just sat around, digested the food and watched a couple of movies on DVD!! Yes, folks, they do have dvds in Peru. Actually, their house was quite modern, kinda like here which surprised me. After we finished the movie, I took the bus home and on the way there I got lost cause I thought it was closer than it was. So I took the cab and it took him like 10 minutes to get to my hostel. It's a good thing I did not walk all that especially at night.

The next day comes and it was the same sort of agenda. I met up with the two sisters and they showed me around, once again took me to their house to a dinner I could not possibly finish, watched a quick movie and then I was off because I had to meet up with another person. So I did even though I was late. We walked around the coastal side of the city and it was really nice (and foggy). At the end of the night, I went to see Mission Impossible 3. Who would have thought I would see it in Lima? Surely not I, says the Russ to himself!

On my last day, I just walked around after I had my breakfast and admired the lovely ladies of this city. They were quite nice I must admit. Despite the fact that a lot of tourists did not like Lima and did not have many nice things to say about it, I enjoyed myself here and once again it had to do with hanging out with locals instead of other tourists. I enjoyed myself in Peru, quite a fascinating country but by now I had my mind set on Quito and see what awaits in Ecuador. Feel free to comment on whatever you wish people.

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Photos

Lima - San Franciso Church
Yes, it's time to touch it!

Lima - San Franciso Church
The Showcase

Lima - San Franciso Church
Nothing like the torture room from the Inquisition times!

Lima - Centro Historico
Local delicacy...I believe it's called Churro.

Comments

[Ryan C]

See You Around Ecuador
It would seem that you're gonna get yourself into some trouble sooner or later. I'm down in Ecuador as of July 14. Maybe I'll run into you before I head off for the Galapagous and Lima. Stay out of trouble.