A perfect day in Lima

Museo de la Nacin
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We arrived early in Lima with very small expectations of anything, except for perhaps the possibility of being robbed. Much thanks to that we had a spectacular day. After finding the hostal on which we had decided to stay at the coming night, we set off to see the first of two museums which we wanted to explore.

The first stop named Museo de la Nación showed a lot of the artifacts of the sites that we had already visited from cultures such as that of Chimu, Chavin and Moche. Obviously we got more information about other prehistoric civilizations that we will be visiting, but it was nice to see some things that you recognize and feel like you have some knowledge now about Peruvian history. All in all this museum wasn´t that spectacular - but I didn´t have any expectations since it was my first visit to a museum in South America.

Enlarged Moche murals
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After completing this visit we moved on to seeing the Plaza de Armas of Lima. As always the main square is surrounded by the most important buildings of the city and a church. In this case there was a cathedral, which when we arrived was in mass. I found it to be very strange that tourists were allowed to enter the church, take pictures, and tours were given during mass time as well. I felt as though this was quite inappropriate, but I had to give in to my curriosity and at least look at the inside of the church. I´m glad I did as I found it to be a very beautiful church - perhaps not comparable with what you might find in Italy - but nonetheless very nice.

Map
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Among the other buildings located around the main square was the presidential palace and some of Lima´s political offices. After quickly looking around we found the main shopping street that was closed off for all motor vehicals. After five weeks of traveling it was time - McDonalds it is! Not a spectacular experience and didn´t taste exactly like in Sweden (I hate US McDonalds), but it was acceptable.

It was now time to visit our second museum, the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera. This was an almost breathtaking place. It is privatly owned and the exibition was very nicely arranged giving the visitors a rewarding experience. Initially when you entered the court yard there were flowers everywhere and you could see a small, but rediculously empresivley furnished restaurant.

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As we soon found out this museum is known for its exibition of pre-Columbian erotic pottery. Intresting - very intresting! Who knew. I´ve never seen anything like these sculptures before, even in the books for my cultural history class. Obviously everybody knows that sex has been around always, but I wasn´t expecting such detailed portrayels of some of the particular acts.

After enjoying the experience of this wonderful museum we just had to have a drink and try some of the desserts that the prestigious Peruvian Chef Gaston Acurio makes. The desserts were absolutely delicious and the drinks were good too, but just a tad bit to much alcohol. We ended up staying buzzed for the rest of the day. Hmm.. I wonder if that´s why the day turned out so well.

Trophy head
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After the museum, we decided to hit a local market and do some shopping. Finally I had the time to pick up some gifts and experience being pestered into buying anything and everything. I guess my negotiating skills weren´t the best after that hugh Pisco Sour, but at least I was very content.

We later proceeded to walk to the water front where we found a mall that was spectacular. By this time we needed a new drink - mmm... After walking around for a while it was time for dinner. We had already decided to go to a more upscale restaurant and were quite worried as to if they were going to let us in or not because of our clothing.

Advanced pottery with private parts
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The La Rosa Nautica was situated in a fabulous building at the end of Playa Costa Verde´s historic pier. It was like siting out on a floodlit ocean. We ordered several dishes and had a tapas of peruvian seafood. All in all the food wasn´t that great, and neither was the service even though the waitors were classically dressed. Our mood however did not faulter and we ended the evening by going to the movies and seeing Heartbreak Kid with Ben Stiller.

It was simply a perfect day filled with drinks, shopping and good company!