Lima, Peru and Chinatown!!?

November 2, 2008

Finally after a plane ride that took forever long we arrived in Lima Peru. Getting off the pory. It was not until wlane was awesome after being cramped for so long. We went through customs which was a breeze after we went back to get more paperwork. Twice. Then " Kelly Nelson and Company" ( as we were so kindly named by the travel agency) were off the hotel. We arrived and after taking a quick nap ( much to Earl's dismay) we set off towards the Nazarene Cathedral which was the site of a historical event in Peru's history

On the plane we realized that we would be arriving on All Saints Day. As we walked towards the cathedral we were crowded by throngs of people all singing songs of praise. Flags hung from the rooftops and vendors were everywhere selling relics of the saints. It felt like something out of a movie. The devotion of hundreds and hundreds of people so resolute, so blind, and so honest was beautiful, yet unsettling.

We walked into a cathedral and it was even more disturbing. There were statues of saints larger than human beings and people were kneeling before them in tears, prostrate, and perhaps the most disturbing image of all was a statue of the Virgin Mary raised above the rest almost as high as the loft sitting on the alter light illuminating from her being. There was a small photo of Jesus below but the focal point by far was the virgin.

After experiencing that important part of the Peruvians culture we went to China town. Yes, China town, there are over 200,000 Chinese in Lima alone. They make up almost 12% of the population. Before we got to china town we saw over 10 Chinese restaurants just situated along the roads. It bore some similarities to the great China town in San Francisco but reminded me more of the one in Japan. I got some hot buns and an eggroll and some Buble tea. ALL were AMAZING. Later for dinner we went to the same restaurant and ordered dinner. It was pretty good. The food had a little bit of twist but not much.

We had a purple drink called Chicha morada The drink is made from dark corn that is allowed to soak with the peelings of a large pineapple. Peruvians will use the 'meat' of the pineapple for a dish then save all the exterior cuttings as well as the core to use in this drink. Although the drink includes sugar, the pineapple adds a sweet zing to the drink that really sets it apart. It's like the national beverage of Peru besides the Pisco sour which is an alcoholic beverage given for free in almost every restaurant. Later we also walked around Playa de Mayo. This is the center for Museums, the palace, and several cathedrals. It is 9:13 and feels like midnight. So I will end this post. Goodnight.

the Peruvian kiss