March 2017
This month I also took a "side trip" to the Galápagos. Read about it HERE.

The previous month, in Medellin, offered the most beautiful green scenery that one could ask for but Lima offered an equally beautiful ocean front scenery that has to be seen to be believed. It is very cliche to talk about the weather and the "vibe" of a city yet there's no better obsersvation to speak of when talking about Lima. The weather was absolutely perfect. The type of weather that compels you to leave your home and leisurely walk around with child-like wonder and awe. And you quickly feel the vibe of the Peruvian people who are equally warm and welcoming. You got the sense that everyone minded their own business yet didn't come off as cold or distant. There was so much to do and see in Peru that there was just a general sense of joy spread throughout the city. Whether you felt this along the boardwalk, around the various neighboorhoods, or if you found yourself in the beautiful Historic Center.

I spent much of my time touring the charming barrio(neighborhood) of Barranco. It somewhat reminded me of the fantasy town of Spectre from the movie Big Fish because you almost feel like you are in a dream-like state as you walk around and see all the smiling faces mixed in with the quaint surroundings and architecture. The neighborhood could come off as hipster-ish to the untrained eye yet there was no pretentious attitude present. Just a sense that heaps of artistic minded folks lived and played there.

I also spent a large chunk of time in the historic center of Lima which showcases the best there is to offer in regards to Spanish colonial architecture. Everywhere you looked was a snapshot worthy building that may or may not have had a modern relevant use. This isn't a dig at Lima but often times you would find buildings that had amazing historic architecture on the outside yet on the inside was a plain modern bar with no real character. This didn't take away from the beauty but was definitely something noticeable and somewhat jarring. And I topped of my visits to the historic center with a tour through the Catacombs of the Church of San Francisco. So much history is well preserved in this establishment that it felt like taking a trip back through time. Perhaps a darker time in the countries history.

Since Lima is a coastal city, one of the parts of its history I had the most anticipation for was the ceviche. I had thought that people telling me, "You must try the ceviche in Peru" were over-selling it or that the legends weren't true. I've had ceviche plenty of times before in other corners of the world and since the ingredients were pretty simple, I assumed that perhaps it wouldn't be that noticeably better in the city of his birth. But, I admit, i was very wrong. I must of tried ceviche more than 10+ times and each time seemed to get better and better. Lima offered so many delicious combinations of fish, spices and accompaniments. And, I wouldn't be overselling it by saying each bite was nothing short of orgasmic. I quickly noticed that often times silence among friends, is a common occurrence, when consuming ceviche which is the best compliment you can give when dining. I plan to return to Lima just for the ceviche alone. Amazing city.

Highlights

Bike tour around Lima
Eating plenty of Lomo Saltados (sandwhich version also)
Seeing Otto the Skateboarding Dog along the boardwalk
Tasting the best ceviche in my life (the best being at Canta Rana)
Spending many days walking around the barrio (neighborhood) of Barranco
Site-seeing with Eve
Checking out the photography exhibit of Mario Testino at MATE
Visiting the Pedro de Osma Museum of Colonial Art
Touring the creepy catacombs of the Church of San Francisco
Tasting a Pisco Sour at Bar de Hotel Maury which is the place it was invented
Visiting the House of Peruvian Literature
Taking a side trip to the Galápagos islands. Read about it HERE.