Peru 2014 - Part 12 Lima

Tuesday August 26

 We decided to go back to the Primavera Mall today, so we grabbed a taxi with a good conversationalist driver. We went through several back streets and past a  nice  black car in a neighborhood close to here. The driver informed us that the president of Peru lived at that humble house, when  he was not at the Presidential Palace.
We got to the Primavera Mall about 10:00 am, wanting Dunkin Donuts, but alas, doughnuts are just another sweet greasy American snack, not a breakfast food, so they didn't open till later. Fine with me, instead I got the best Starbucks Carmel marciotto ever. We walked around for a while, then bought some books and stuff. We had lunch at the food court where I could try more Peruvian food and Mark could eat Pizza Hut. I had tallarin pollo - very good. Giancarlo texted me and we made plans to meet at 3 to hang out. It was good to just sit and talk a while. Then we went to another Peruvian restaurant that had food from the jungle. I ate meat from a tapir!

It was good, and tasted like ham. It was a long day, with another several mile walk with the yorkies.

Wednesday August 27


We will be headed to the airport at 3:00 am tomorrow, and won't be in Arkansas until 10:00. We are ready to come home. Ready to see the pups, and get hugs from family.

Last day in Peru! We were up late when Rafeal called to ask if we wanted to go out to some ruins here in Lima. Before I had a chance for coffee, Rafeal arrived ....on time! Not Peruvian time, but really on time 9:30 on the dot. Rafeal is such a sweet young guy. Very careful driver, very polite, always called me "Señora Rebecca". We went up to a place called Pachacámac, where they are still excavating a huge find of ruins dating back to 100 A.D.  They have found lots of pottery and tools. The found an accounting system - really old school calculator - using a system of a stick with threads tied in knots. The Incas took over in about 1400 and constructed a Sun Temple  where you can look out over the ocean. It was cool, and we got some steps in. Rafeal dropped us off at our hotel with a hug and kiss. People greet and say goodbye with each other with hugs and kisses on the cheeks if it is a woman. Mark has been kissed by more women in this trip! Even when you are just introduced to someone you greet with a slight kiss on the cheek. It is sweet.

We met up with Giancarlo at 1:00 to go eat ceviche along the ocean in Chorillos. The cevicheria was a little dive next to the beach. Ceviche is the iconic food of Lima. It is raw seafood cooked only by the acid of little limes, like Key limes. I could not come to Lima without trying it. It was good, fresh from the ocean. I have always avoided sushi, but now I might have the courage to try it. After that we walked to the next neighborhood of Barranco, up a lot of stone stairs, and into the old artsy town part. We needed to grab a taxi and go back and rest.