Mar 8 - Lima (Miraflores), Peru

DONNA PHILLIPS : We were advised by the Shore Excursions that the port where we docked was known as one of the unsafest ports so far, that Lima was not much better, and to just go to a neighboring town called Miraflores - which we did.

My father's posse, however, did not abide by this advice and instead met friends at the Port who rented a van and drove them on a personal tour around Lima and Miraflores. The day for them included the Gold Museum, lunch at a Peruvian restaurant with Argentinian wines, as well as shopping in the famous Indian Marketplace, where Natalie and Diane bartered till their hearts content. As cool as our day went, I know that my father truly did in Lima, what Sandy and I did in Buenos Aires - sucked the marrow from the place. I can't seem to keep up with this 74 year old (twice survivor of cancer) and excursion human 4-wheel drive.

From the pictures, I could tell, that Lima is an amazingly beautiful city, a bit like Buenos Aires in architectural style and design. It was founded by Francisco Pizarro on Jan 18th, 1535 under the name 'Cuidad de los Reyes' (City of Kings). It is the capital and largest city in Peru and the 5th largest city in Latin America with a population of 7.6 million (one thrid of the entire Peruvian population). The average temp is a beautifully pleasant 70-75º.

Trivia Fact : The Lima Stock Exchange grew 185% in 2006 and in 2007 grew 168%, making it one of the fastest growing stock exchanges in the world, in fact, in 2006 the Lima stock exchange was the most profitable in the world!

We got a semi-late start with our new friends Randy and Don taking the shuttle bus for the 45 min ride to Miraflores. The drop off point was the JW Marriott Lima, a stunning hotel overlooking Lover's Park and a myriad of high-end shops built into the cliffside above the beaches. After the warning about Lima, the affluence of Miraflores was somewhat of a shock.

We spent the day wandering the stores where we found a small upscale store sellinng the most killer Tees and dress shirts. I was blown away to read the print on the inside tag saying "Made in America." So this is what the U.S. exports, STYLE. I paid non-negotiable American prices for a new studded dress shirt that turns heads - it was a twist in my expectations for the day for sure.

After roaming the higher priced outdoor shopping mall / boardwalk style arcade complete with kids carnival rides, we found a restaurant overhanging the cliffs and sampled the local fair including paella, calamari, and fish brochette with Incan corn.

I was delighted to try the local brew, Cusqueña negra, which was Malty and a little sweeter like the Argentinian Quilmes Stout. We now have quite the collection of Beer bottles in balcony window along with our Argentinian wooden sparrows (symbols of crossing the Equator twice) we have affectionately named the "Murphy Twins" after an old Irish joke. The Murphy Twins have seen it all this trip while pointing our way home.

We then hailed a taxi for a brief tour of the colorful neighborhoods, old houses designed with ornate wooded Peruvian styled balconies and local bars and restaurants gave us a feel for the more affluent side of Peru. We were able to score copious amounts of local cerveza and vino at the Super Mercado to replenish our on board stocks and we headed back to the ship.

Fortunately there was a small Indian Market set up on the pier ship side where we, along with most of the ship's crew, were able to barter for some uniquely Peruvian items. With a special luncheon on board today, it was the only chance that some of the crew had to shop before heading onto Ecuador, our last stop in the South American continent. ~dkp