Exploring Lima and Learning Fun Facts

We start our day on “The Big Bus” and head for the historical city center and Capitol. We will divide into two groups of 15 and 14 when we get there. Llamas and Alpacas. We are Llamas. Later we will ride in two different short buses because the streets are so narrow.

Fun facts about Lima and Peru. Richard, our local guide, regales us with a wealth of information:

• Peru has 90 micro-climates with the coast, highlands, jungle and rainforest being the major climate zones.
• Peru “domesticated” 3,500 varieties of potato! They are the world’s biggest exporter of asparagus and quinoa.
• The biggest war in South America was over bird poop. It was between Bolivia, Chile and Peru over the Chincha Islands off the coast. Apparently that’s where large sea birds did their business in the 19th century. Guano deposits were 30 meters thick in some places. Guano was used in the production of fertilizers and explosives, which made it a profitable commodity. I can’t remember the details of the outcome because I am still trying not imagine 30 meters of bird poop.

Balconies. I’m picturing the Romeo, Romeo, where for art thou Romeo kind. Not in 16th and 17th century Peru. The “modernized ” one on the gold building has glass windows. Big issue for the aristocratic husbands and fathers of yesteryear. It’s one thing for the wife and daughters to look out the window. Quite another for them to be seen from the street.

The balcony on the green building is preserved from the early 1600s. (Spain conquered Peru in 1532.) Ladies can look out, and not be seen from below.

Oldest home in Lima. Built in 1535 it is the oldest colonial house of Lima. It is still occupied by the descendants of the founders, Aliaga family, who were beside Pizarro during the conquest of Peru. Lovely to tour.

A shame that my favorite picture is this one. My first thought is wow, what a beautiful courtyard. My second? This is why our HOA in the desert doesn’t allow ficus!

Lunch at a private “summer home” in Mirafloras. When you travel with Tauck, they find amazing venues to entertain you, including this private home, Alvarado Garcia Alvarado house. The granddaughter, Anna Marie, is our hostess and we dined in her courtyard with musical accompaniment.

Introducing the iconic drink of Peru: the Pisco Sour. Pisco is along the lines of a brandy, 43% alcohol, shaken vigorously with Pisco, lemon, simple syrup and egg white. This one, here is delicious. Think: margarita-like. (It’s the beverage directly under our waiter’s buttons.)

Causa. My daughter and son-in-law told us to definitely eat two things–causa and ceviche. Causa is a layered dish with potato, sometimes tuna, avocado and more potato. Who knows which of the 3,500 varieties of potatoes this one is, but it is delicious.

Ceviche. I am skeptical when my daughter tells me that the ceviche is unlike any in the US, and, in fact, it took them a long time before they ever order it State Side. Really? What’s to modify beyond lime, fish and maybe some minced peppers or onions?

Answer: everything. OMG. Unbelievably tender, flavorful, not too “limey” or strong. We all moan in unison at the first bite. Those large pieces are the ceviche. Note the size of the corn grown in Peru as well.

Spoiler alert. I write this three days after leaving Lima. Just so you know, we made it to Machu Picchu and I will post oh, so much more later.

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