Lima, Peru
Lima, the capital of Peru and home to over 10 million people. It lies on the Pacific ocean and I am staying in the Miraflores district which seems very lively, full of shops and restaurants. Lima lies within the Ring of Fire tectonic belt and tremors occur quite often, the last one just before we came.
Our first visit this morning was to Surquillo market where the fruit, vegetables, herbs, fish and meat were wonderful and all very clean.
Apparently it never rains in Lima! This morning it was very cloudy/foggy as it apparently is every morning. Then the sun burns the mist away. It has a unique climate being situated between the mountains and the ocean.
The Plaza Major in the centre of town was very impressive, lovely buildings with French, Spanish and Italian influences.
We saw the cathedral where the black vultures ominously encircled the turrets and visited the 17th century San Francisco Monastery, including the catacombs and saw the beautiful cloister.
In need of sustenance we visited Cordano one of the oldest taverns in the city, enjoying a Pisco sour and a local Peruvian dish of potato and chicken
A short walk from the main square was Casa Solar de Aliaga a beautiful colonial mansion which has been in the same family since 1535.
On leaving we saw the changing of the guard at the Government Palace.
Had a free afternoon so walked down to Larco Mar
