Post 82: Lima, and the ride to Arequipa.

F.A.,


We landed in Lima yesterday around 11 am.  Our original plan was to fly to Lima, then take a 9 hour bus ride to Nazca, where we'd take a single engine prop airplane ride over the famous Nazca lines.  However, after considering the cost, and how long it would take us to get to and from Nazca for a 2 hour experience, we decided not to prioritize it.  Instead, we opted to spend the day in a city we have visited before, then take a 16 hour overnight bus to Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru.

After getting a taxi, we had him take us to the lovely Miraflores neighborhood on the coastline in Lima.  To our dismay, the weather was breezy and gloomy, just as it was during our last visit there.  We had opted to go to the mall and see a movie considering we were carrying our bags and had already explored the city on our previous visit.  It was a deja vous experience, being in that area.  It was also our first time traveling someplace internationally for the second time.  We felt a bit homesick as Christmas music played around us.  Unfortunately, the movie theater was closed.

As we contemplated what to do before our bus ride, Gavin and I had previously read about an excellent Cevicheria in the neighborhood, La Mar Cevicheria.  As you may recall, we had thoroughly enjoyed a mixto ceviche dish in Cartegena, and wanted to enjoy that again.  Peru is also known for having some of the best ceviches in the world.  Our minds were made up that we'd go to La Mar.

La Mar was quite busy serving the upper crust of Lima.  Swanky decor, valet parking with Mercedes and BMW's out front, cocktails, seafoods dishes and ceviches all around.  You can imagine how we felt a bit out of place at first, baring our backpacks and trekking sandals.  We were seated at the bar next to where food is served from the kitchen to the servers, since no tables were available.  Service was very good throughout our dining experience, as we were given various complimentary samples of ceviches and desserts, as well as fried plantains and sweet potato chips with various sauces to start.  Gavin and I shared a platter sampling all 5 ceviches on their menu.  From the lime juice bases, to the gingery- teriyaki; all were filled with flavor.  For dessert, I had a Caramel Creme with maracuya (passion fruit), while Gavin enjoyed Chocolate souffle.  We loved the whole experience, but as far as ceviche goes, we don't think anything could top what we had in Cartegena.

To our surprise, the double decker bus we booked was quite luxurious than what were used to in S.A, as well as the states.  Big seats that fold back, pillows, blankets, and movies.  We were even served dinner and breakfast.  When we awoke this morning, we found ourselves riding the foggy, barren Peruvian coastline.  As we drove inland, there was nothing to see but dry, sandy hills.  Miles upon miles of rocky, barren, dry, desert like terrain.

After finally arriving in Arequipa, we both slept a good 3 hours as soon as we got into our room.  We were quite exhausted, but hunger drove us out of our bed.  Setting out to find a place to eat, we walked around the lovely stone streets, passed the Spanish colonial buildings and through the Plaza de Armes.  We settled on a restaurant where Gavin ordered some delicious, medium cooked, tender Alpaca steak.  I settled on some Quinoa Salad, with prawns, avocado, peas, red pepper, figs, carrots and mango.

Tomorrow we plan on exploring the sights of the city while we better acclimate to the altitude.  We also plan on booking a tour of the Colca Canyon before setting off to Lake Titicaca, our last stop in Peru.

June (y Gavin)