Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Republican Boys From Brazil

The Republican Boys from Brazil on Tour of Lima, Peru.

They love America and they like the Republicans.  Their knowledge of American politics is just remarkable I was so impressed! 


Sorry, boys we lost the election.

Lima Historic Tour

LIMA HISTORIC TOUR
Wednesday, October 17  We booked for a private and guided tour ($40) of the city.  The van made a stop in one of the hotels and we met three good-looking guys from Brazil - Pedro, Alcides and Ramon.  I found out they love America and very much well-informed with our politics.  I was very impressed and the more I admired them when they told me they are Republicans and Tea Party and don't like the Democrats.   http://youtu.be/cfmYlR_ZRPk
 The Park of Love
 The white elephant of Lima - what used to house the rich families of Lima, just now an empty building
The Basilica Cathedral of Lima where Francisco Pizarro is buried.  Facing the Plaza Jose San Martin, liberator of Peru



The "Republican" Boys from Brazil
The Presidential Palace
 Guards with guns guarding the Presidential Palace
 Literature Building
 Baroque style facade of the church of San Francisco - built in 1557, it stood for ninety-nine years before being destroyed in 1656 earthquake.  The monastery keeps the holy remains of San Francisco Solano (and probably his violin).  http://youtu.be/uNe5Rp9SrP0




 The Catacombs (Catacumbas) with 50,000 bodies of poor people who could not afford a private tomb.  Skulls and femurs down the well. 



 School children visiting the church

Lima Peru

LIMA
Wednesday, October 17  Our LAN Airlines flight departed from Cuzco terminal at 7:25 AM and arrived in Lima at 8:50 AM. 

 Peru is 80 percent Catholic.
Miraflores is a coastal district facing the Pacific Ocean.  Its tall, modern buildings rise above the cliffs of the Costa Verde.
 Mariel Hotel, Lima
 Breakfast at McDonald's





 So beautiful and shining altar of the Miraculous Virgin Mary

Lima Mercado   http://youtu.be/vN_syMyWlc
 My favorite empanada

Monday, October 15, 2012

Return Trip to Cuzco

RETURN TRIP TO CUZCO
Monday, October 15  The trip consists of a Train ride of 2 hours aboard the Expedition train, followed by  private ground transportation from the Ollanta Station to our hotel in Cuzco (1 hr 30 minutes drive).  The service has all comforts including air-conditioning, heating, quality sound systems, overhead luggage compartment, snack tables and panoramic windows.  Due to limited space, PeruRail will only accept 1 carry-on bag or backpack.  We arrived at Cuzco at around 7:00 PM.  The town was alive and many young students holding school events.   http://youtu.be/E2oLQXRHafM


 Los Portales Hotel
 Twin Standard

Tuesday, October 16   Breakfast at 7:30 AM

 We spent most of the morning at the beauty salon and spa a few doors away.  Luz said she had the best Inca massage in her whole life.
 Maida giving highlights to my long hair - she did a good job.  Better than Mario Tricoci.
 Passing by the Palace of Justice on our way to the main plaza
The city of Cuzco (Cusco) was the capital of the Inca Empire, the most extensive and powerful state ever to exist on the continent of South America - expanding as far as Colombia, Chile and Argentina.  In spite of the ravages and damage during the wars of the conquest and throughout the colonial period, a great deal of archaeological evidence remains.  The original name was "Qosqo" which means "navel of the world."  The Incas gave their city the shape of puma, which was an Inca deity.

The ubiquitous statue of King Pachacutec
Cuzco Cathedral - There's an entrance fee of 10 Solis.  I was a bit surprised - a church charging money.
 The Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on March 23, 1534.  The church was the first to receive a plot of land upon which to build the city's cathedral.  The church contains real treasures of Peruvian art and paintings from Cuzco School and majestic choir stall.
Altar at the small chapel next to the church (free)
 Inka Museum (Fee: 10 Solis) - Contains priceless archaeological treasures, remains and paintings - providing information regarding the empire's glorious and majestic past.  A must see!
Cute restroom but no toilet paper - glad I had extra toilet paper in my handbag.  Travelers should always have toilet paper with them.