Lima Again

I spent the second part of this trip to Peru working, working, working in Lima (not Lima, Ohio btw).  These were interesting days to be there, since July 28th was independence day and the inauguration of president-elect Ollanta Humala.  I caved in and paid for a Mirabus tour of Lima at night, which was honestly not worth it since I happened to pick the same night that they re-inaugurated the national stadium, complete with a visit from the Peruvian soccer team, who recently placed 3rd in the Copa America.  This resulted in lots of crazy Peruvians roaming the streets dressed in their red and white (and earlier, way too much honking of car horns).  Congrats to them, but ugggh to the noise!  The tour went through Miraflores to the centro historico of Lima, where we got to see the Palacio de Gobierno, the catheral, plaza de armas, plaza de San Martin, and other buildings where we didn't even stop long enough to take pictures.  There was also an hour-long stop at the Circuito Mágico del Agua, part of the Parque de la Reserva, where they've spent I don't remember how many millions of dollars creating a complex of fountains that are lit up at night.  I couldn't help but wonder, in a city of 10 million people, if they all have running water in their houses.  I'm betting not.  Anyways, it'd be a nice place to visit when there are less soccer fans around and when you're not being herded by a tour.

Plaza de Armas and the cathedral

Plaza de San Martin