Lima, Peru

We have been docked in Callao the port city for Lima for the last 3 days.  Callao is about 40 minutes by taxi and there is nothing to do in this place.  In fact, outside the port area is dangerous and a couple of passengers were mugged after they went walking where they were told not to.

The ships’ Location Guide, Lance, gave a talk about what to do in Lima and suggested the Indian markets for shopping.  HAL offered a shuttle bus but wanted $30/person!  We opted to get a taxi with a friend and he drove us to the Inca Mercado for $20 for the ride.  He was also willing to pick us up in about 4 hours and return us to the ship.  Traffic here is horrendous but it seems that they drive like Italians – whoever has their front fender forward has the right of way.  They also drive with the horn and seem to have a code: 1 short beep means “I’m here”; 2 short beeps means “lookout” and long blair means “get the hell out of my way!!”  Our driver was Manuel and he did a great job.  Just as we were heading into Lima the first day we saw an awful accident on the other side of the road: one car t-boned another and they both rolled and crunched…  Manuel was a bit more cautious after that…lol!

The Inca Mercado went on for blocks and blocks – it was a lot of the same stuff but it was like a treasure hunt – I was always hoping to find the right size, color and price so we shopped for about 4 hours.  B managed to find the “husband bench” and the ATM in all the plazas… lol!  He was a great pack mule and we ended up with 4 bags of stuff and lots of fun memories about shopping in Peru. 

The next day we met our taxi driver again and went into Mira Flores, the upscale suburb of Lima.  It had a mall (with shops like home-eh…) and a walking street with shops, restaurants and casinos. We found the post office and bought post card stamps so some of you will get a post card soon.  We decided we were hungry so stopped a cute little outdoor café.  I had shish kebab and B had chicken and fries.  It was all prepared with wonderful seasonings and tasted delicious.  It was pleasant sitting outside and watching the world walk by.  We still had a bit of time before we were to meet Manuel, so we went in the casino at the Marriott.  B found a machine that wanted to pay out so he ended up cashing for $10 more than he put in.  He is ahead for “land” casinos and warned the ship’s casino that things better change…lol!

Last night they brought aboard Peruvian musicians and dancers.  They were marvelous and I took lots of photos and video.  Today is the last day we are docked in Callao and we stayed aboard ship.  The weather is sunny and warm but not hot.  My trivia team finally won Pub Quiz the other night so that is satisfying.  We have picked up new passengers here in Lima so we have to do the boat drill again! Yuck!  Oh well…  We are over halfway thru our trip and will head north this evening to Manta, Ecuador.  I will write again from there in 3 days time. 

Bien Venidos