First day in Lima

After a fitful sleep filled with dog barks, late arrivals and street noise, our first morning in Lima started out with a loud banging on our door.

Unsure of the time, Hal had arrived, bright-eyed, showered and ready to go before anyone else. We sent him to get coffee and later, we all enjoyed a nice simple breakfast of breads, fruit and freshly squeezed papaya juice. During our meal, Anna also informed us about the cockroach in her bathroom which Mom later showed her how to pick up and deposit outside in the flower bed.

We piled into another taxi. This city of 10 million is pretty spread out so taxis are kind of the only option unless you are ready to mater the bus system (which we weren't) or run a marathon. We explored the central area of Lima, including two main plazas. Lima has nice city workers who wear notable lime green jackets who help you find things and orient gringos like us to their lovely city.

We took in a couple churches, including the Monastery of San Francisco. The tour included an overview of the papal monk life, including some amazing tilework and art, along with skull and bone-filled catacombs underneath.

After a lovely, long lunch of ceviche (citrus marinated fish) and tacu tacu (pan-fried rice and beans) with a steak the size of a frying pan, we walked down to a park to check out the art museum. Alas, the main collection was under renovation so our visit was short. Then we followed some noise to the street and discovered rainbow flags. It was the Lima Pride Parade! What a site to behold and for Hal it was pretty special. It was like a Mardi Gras -- too fun!

Now we are back at the Hostel Patio just chillaxing. Dinner is later here but we are all so tired I don't think we'll make it to the 9 p.m. dinner hour.

Tomorrow...the archeology museum.

P.S. Peru by far has the CUTEST babies we have seen during all our worldly travels.