The first sight of Lima

Lima is the starting point of Peru, hosting the only international airport. In rush hour a fifteen minute drive to the hotel becomes fifty minutes. Almost like being in a live video game, traffic is ruled by the honk of a horn, the unbeatable skill of finding gaps, while missing pedestrians, cyclists and pets.

Volkswagen Beetles survived the turn of the century and owners fill up at the gas stations located in the middle of the road.  

Fire-gear hoses are used to water parks and flower beds because it never rains in Lima, nor is there any sunshine, it feels surreal. The locals enjoy exercising on the free fitness equipment placed in parks and guarded by security. Grey skies might spit here and there, but the drops stay about four meters above the pedestrians’ heads. Only travelers carry umbrellas.

The cleanness of the city is outstanding and the sidewalks are polished to shine. The outer decor of the buildings might be in need of a good paint job, however is starkly contrasted by the interiors that are neat and the display of artifacts and clothes a colourful feast for shoppers. At local markets one can purchase anything under the sun and bargaining adds spice to making great deals.

Lima is divided in 43 districts, each with a major and their own taxes.

Cities in Peru have main squares with local restaurants, travel agencies, tourist stores and pharmacies . The market is surrounded by locals and tourists, eating ice cream sold by the vendors. Smoking is very costly in Peru, in my travels I have yet to meet a Peruvian that lights up. 

On the main square of Lima is the majestic St Frances Monastery. The large paintings displaying the earthy life of Christ and, according to the tour guide, was imported from Europe during the 16^th century. The local natives didn’t understand Spanish and therefore the paintings were used to bring the message. In the basement is a huge collection of skulls & bones, a cemetery for the Priest, the kings and the top layer pupil from the street.
The altars in gold and silver are spectacular. 

Famous for its indigenous character, is the Last Supper that has Maria Magdalena next to Jesus and on the table chili peppers, local fruits and a guinea pig. Guinea pigs are a delicatessen and served on special occasions or to honour guests.

Late afternoon walks on the manmade pebbled shore, where surfers enjoy the waves between fishermen on small boats bear a reminder – a Tsunami exit. Very recently the 7.6-magnitude earthquake has triggered a Tsunami warning from Mexico to Peru. In 1746 the Lima-Callao earthquake caused almost complete destruction of the capital of Lima.    

Despite of earlier destruction and warfare, Lima is a tourist-welcoming city where one can set foot and enjoy the local markets before heading off to climb the majestic tropical mountain, Machu Picchu.






Photographs courtesy of Intuitive Composition