Lima City Center Tour and Late Night Cruisin'

It's been a great few days in Lima thus far. I've met a bunch of people in a very short time and have learned a lot in these few days. After resting on Wednesday following my exploration of Barranco late into Tuesday, I did a city center tour on Thursday. The city center is interesting - I visited a museum and learned about some ancient civilizations that resided in Peru. Then I went to Plaza de las Armas and the Palacio de Gobierno (the Peruvian White House). This is a cool part of town. There were tourists everywhere, which I hear is a good improvement for Peru. Lastly I visited the Monasterio de San Francisco, a large fascinating church where a group of Franciscans still live. There was this cool library we saw with books dating back centuries. They were all displayed without any sort of glass chambers which made me question the preservation, but I found it is interesting as a history person. There were also catacombs underneath the church which were sort of eerie. I had to duck the entire time as we went through a maze of rooms, where open crypts were filled with dirty bones and skulls. I found that a little creepy seeing some of the teeth still attached to the skulls. Bones were just stacked and lined in rows, representing countless unnamed people who were buried there over the centuries. When we left the church there was a small protest going on, and I stupidly started asking questions as we walked through the protest - one side citizens with signs and bullhorns, the other side police in army gear with guns and shields. I usually am not so oblivious like that, and my guide rightfully scolded me, haha.

My guide drove me around some of the other Lima neighborhoods after that, including San Isidro and Miraflores. San Isidro had a bunch of parks and European architecture. It felt like being transported to a small European village. They represent the legacy of colonialism, and were inhabited by the higher classes of course. Miraflores center has numerous huge Peruvian flags waving, countless cafes, restauarants and bars. A short drive brings one to Larco Mar, where the view of the ocean which leads to a giant cross which is lit at night. Peru is like 80% Catholic or something so that makes sense.

Later that evening I met quite a boisterous crew of Australians and New Zealanders in the hostel. They invited me to dinner which was nice. I also met two Peruvian guys who were friends of their group and took all of us out that night. We again drove into the city center and I was shocked by how desolate it was. For the center of such a huge city, there was basically noone out. There was also lots of trash blowing on the streets. I feel like Lima center has huge potential, and hopefully as it was in the past apparently, it can be revived into an area with interesting nightlife. I shouldn't speak as though that one night represents every weekend or anything so I'm posturing from a point of very little knowledge and experience here. We walked for awhile, passing the big statue of Francisco Pizarro on his horse and some other monuments. We then went to this bar in Miraflores for some pisco sours, and ended up at this club called Help. Inside there was a large flat-bed truck, with kids dancing drunkenly on the back of it, electronic music blaring; the place was pretty full. The majority of people looked pretty young to be honest. I just observed while we were there, mostly because I'm not quite sure how to dance to a slowed down version of "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse.

Yesterday was fun and chill. I met Julian and his high school friend, both pals of my friend JC from college, and they took me around for some snacks and drinks around Calle de las Pizzas in Miraflores. I had this out of control sandwich - pechuga con BBQ w/ lechuga, tomate y criolla. I haven't had a sandwich that good in years. I will always remember that sandwich, haha. Julian and his friend were great though and we had good conversation about their thoughts about Lima, and what going to school in the city was like. I definitely learned a ton. I'm excited to see some Afro-Peruvian Jazz tonight and plan my trip to Chincha. I still need to visit some penas as well. There's still a bunch to do!