On Wednesday we slept in until midday before exploring the city. We set off in search of food and followed a recommendation from the hostel. We had lunch at a great restaurant with outside patio seating. Even though it is a bit cold in Lima, we sat near an outdoor heater and enjoyed watching the city pass by. Once we were stuffed we headed to a main square. We walked around the square and observed numerous churches and government buildings. The architecture here is amazing. The buildings are all old, colorful and full of details. We were in awe of each building after being surrounded by Asia's square concrete buildings. After a coffee break we started to head back to the hostel. We stumbled upon a huge festival. We knew that one of the most important religious festivals was taking place however we thought that it was the day prior. We were wrong. We walked right into masses of people, closed roads and armed police everywhere. We watched a processional of people, religious artifacts and observers. As we made our way back we had to dodge thousands of people, street vendors and closed roads. It turned out to be a great unexpected surprise. We decided to stop for dinner at a small restaurant near our hostel. The meal was huge, filling and cheap. Fred had ceviche (fish marinated in lime juice) and I had chicken filet. Our bill for two huge meals and two larger beers was around $10.00! It was a great first day in Lima.
The festival we stumbled upon
On Thursday we woke up and headed to San Francisco Monastery. After a great English tour of the facilities and the connected church we were into the basement catacombs. The small walls and walkways were filled with bones. They were all on display in piles all around the basement. There were piles of femurs, fibulas and skulls. They piles were not covered and open to the public. Our tour guide said that an estimated 25,000 people are buried in these catacombs. A male was buried there about three weeks ago! It was a fascinating yet very creepy tour. We stopped at a very small restaurant for lunch. We each had chicken tamales and I had chicken and rice while Fred had an egg and veggie omelet. This meal was around $4.00! Once we left we headed to the Inquisition Museum. The tour was short but only in Spanish. After nodding along with the group and following their glances as the guide explained the exhibits we headed to another main park in Lima. We relaxed for a while before heading back to the hostel. We hung out in the common area with other guests and learned how to play a Peruvian dice game. We also learned that the hostel owners lived in Minneapolis for five years! What a small world.
Yesterday we woke up with no plans. We decided to go see some ruins, Huaca Pucllana, that are in the center in Lima. We took a guided English tour around the grounds and on the ruins. It was very interesting because it is surrounded by the city. From there we went to a seafood restaurant that was recommended by the hostel owner. It was packed! After a 45 minute wait we were seated. The menu was very difficult to understand however various staff members helped us translate it. Fred settled on a tuna steak and I ordered scallops. The food was incredible! The tuna steak was the biggest we have ever seen. It was seared perfectly and so tender. The scallops were also delicious! After we were stuffed we headed to the beach. After a short walk we were on the beach. It was beautiful but the water was so cold, even for a few seconds on your hand. There is not a proper beach in this area. Instead the coast is covered in stones. We then headed back to the hostel and relaxed in the bar area. We finally tried Peru's most popular drink, Pisco Sour. It is made with Pisco liquor, which is similar to a grape brandy. The Pisco Sour has Pisco, egg whites, bitters, ice and lima. It is sour but wonderful. After a few hours of hanging out with others and the very social owners, Fred headed to bed and I went with the others to a nearby bar. After a drink we were back and relaxing in the hostel.
Huaca Pucllana
Today we woke up and headed to a nearby market. We stocked up on water, fruit and snacks before getting lunch. We went to a popular Peru fast food chain called Bembos. They are suppose to have some of the best burgers in Peru. It was not fast-food like McDonalds but more of a quick restaurant. Fred said that the burger was okay but he isn't craving another. We then walked around and are now in the hostel. Tomorrow we have a flight at 11am to Cuzco, Peru. Lima has been busy, relaxing and intriguing. It has been a great introduction to South America and the time flew by!
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