Lima

This is a random post of pictures from Lima. They are out of order and do not tell a story.

So before this real adventure begins (we are on day 9) I, Nancy, decided we need to do laundry before we head off to the unknown. So we headed to Calle Berlin (the name of the road) to do laundry. TripAdvisor recommeneded the place, as do would we. We were greeted by a gentlemsn who spoke English and explained that we coule eithe drop off the lcothes and they would wash/dry/fold for us or we could wait and do it ourselves. I am always nervous so we waited. Thre our clothes into the washer and 25 minutes later the dryer. 50 minutes we were done. In that time I caught up on emails and Spider solitaire (now on 2 suits and trying to meet 7:16 minutes). They have free Wifi everywhere here. Cost 19 sols for the 1 load plus soap.  

While we checked out the Laundromat we also checked out Houlihan's Irish pub across the street. This is the tiling in their bathroom. I liked it.

Later in the day we walked to the sea to bask in the sun. I like this image of the lighthouse, glider and the palm trees that look like gigantuan pineapples.

Plenty of people exploring the world of flight.

We walked to the ocean and ran into Parque del Amor.

"Parque del Amor is located following the Malecon de la Reserva after the bridge at the intersection with Malecon Balta. This small park is entirely dedicated to all lovers and offers a stunning view over the bay of Lima. It's really romantic here at sunrise and sunset. The surrounding walls are artfully decorated with mosaics. In the center of Parque del Amor you find the statue "El Beso" (The Kiss) from Victor Delfín. It shows two lovers united in an intimate kiss. (Taken from: "http://www.limaeasy.com/have-fun-in-lima/parks-gardens-lima/parque-del-amor)

Another day we walked down to meet Laura and Joe and their beutiful baby, Tomas! They live right by Parque el Olivar. 

"The real story of El Olivar dates from 1560 when Antonio de Rivera brought the first olive plants from Sevilla, Spain. Only three of these plants survived their arduous Atlantic journey, but these three were duly planted and they thrived. El Olivar had its beginning. Just about two hundred years later, more than 2,000 olive trees were recorded in the olive grove. By the time Peru became an independent state in 1821, there were close to 3,000 olive trees in El Olivar. However, on their way out and as a parting gesture to their former colony, some Spaniards chopped down and generally mutilated many of the olive trees of El Olivar." (Taken from: http://www.oliveoiltimes.com/olive-oil-basics/parque-el-olivar-lima-perus-historic-olive-grove-park/39602)

Beautiful flower. These trees are all over the place and stand out bright in the grey overcast day.

Random buildings on av. Arequipa we walked by everyday.

We did a Free Walking Tour of Lima. This is our guide. At the end of the trip we tried 3 different types of Pisco.

"This is not a Brazilian favela" we were told although it looks like one.  They are called Pueblos jóvenes by the locals, young towns. We know them as shanty towns. The photo is not great but the houses are very colorful. They differ from a favela because the government gives the squatters the property after 5 years of "squatttin". They pay taxes, have government provided water and electricity. The government hopes that people taking ownership will improve their lives.

Lane around Lima centre.

Miraflores is where we stayed.

They have a walk way above the ocean with shops and restaurants, laid out well.

La Lucha lunch. Lomo (meat), egg, bacon and cheese and a tuna sandwich.