A few general observations before I share today’s meanderings:
- I am officially old. On the bus, a twenty-something young woman gave up her seat for me – and I took it. While walking back to the hotel from the bus station, a panhandler called me “abuela.” Nonetheless, if this is how old feels, I’ll take it! 😊
- Lima is a big city – 12 million people. Not only does the mass of bodies remind me of New York, so does the number of people looking at their phones while walking remind me of NY! Hey, people, everywhere – move out of the flow of traffic if you need to look at your phone!
- Colonial architecture is similar everywhere…Spain, Mexico, Peru… Traveling brings colonization to life…
Now, to today’s wanderings… My Lonely Planet book listed a Lima City Walk. I took a photo of the page, instead of carrying the heavy book, and traveled on the metro express bus from Miraflores to Lima. My general frustration with public transportation was somewhat abated after I spoke to my hotel’s receptionist. She gave me paper maps and explained to me, as if I were a third grader, how to maneuver the transit system. Of course, I still went into a bank to get my transit card instead of the metro station! 🤦♀️
Once, I got off of the bus, I explored Lima – plazas, a cathedral, a monastery, central market, etc.
In the Cathedral of Lima, I had an English-speaking guide. I understood maybe half of what he said. In the monastery, I didn’t know if they had English tours, so I joined a Spanish tour, understanding maybe 5% of what she said…however, each room had a sign in English which helped!
Around Lima are public art pieces. My cathedral guide said that women in early Peru were covered up as much as women in Afghanistan, allowed to show only one eye. These sculptures commemorate that time period.
Under construction…
Playing with Black & White photography while perambulating around Lima
Presidential Palace – guards on-duty
In the Cathedral of Lima, the remains of Francisco Pizarra are buried in this coffin. In preparation for this trip, I listened to The Trail of the Incas by Kim MacQuarrie on Audible. The story of the Pizarra brothers – wowza!
In the crypt under the cathedral are many coffins, including those of children. My guide said children were buried closest to the top so they had an easy and quick way to heaven.
Due to the influence of Moors, the tile work is similar to Lisbon and other cities I’ve visited.
Across the Parque de Muralla, I saw these homes nested into the hillside, similar, according to the server in my restaurant, to Brazil’s favelas.
The old city wall, as seen from above the Parque de Muralla.
Outside the Franciscan monastery. Inside the monastery, we could not take photos. If I could have, I guess I would have taken photos of the bones and skulls laid out in the catacombs. There were so many!
