Peru Amazon Medical Mission Trip - Lima

The best buffet I ever had.
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The combination of the noise from the heavy rain and the stifling air due to the inability to control the temperature of the AC in our hotel room at Europa Hotel woke me up a few times during the night. Nonetheless, the air was especially crispy fresh after the rain. Not sure whether it was still early or because of the rain, at 6:45am, there were very few cars or pedestrians on the streets in the downtown area of Iquitos.

The continental breakfast was rather simple and definitely pale in comparison to what we had had at Chosen Vessel. Around 7:30am, Christian came and helped us arrange the free airport shuttle service provided by the hotel. Luis did show up later at the airport to say good bye.

Mayor Plaza
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With a window seat assignment, I was able to snapshot aerial pictures of the Amazon River, Andes mountains, and later the Pacific oceans as we approached Lima airport. Hugo and his wife Naomi were already waiting for us at the airport. They rented a rather big and comfortable Mercedes van with a u-haul-like cart latching behind the van to store our luggages.

It was a huge contrast between Iquitos and Lima in every aspect of life. One in particular that caught my attention was that brand new cars were hardly seen in Iquitos but they were everywhere in Lima. Lima is just like any big cities in the States, overcrowded with people and vehicles.

Mayor Plaza
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The scenic ride along the Lima coastal area along the Pacific Ocean in Miraflores was very appealing and satisfying. Watching those high waves made my heart leap. Would it not be nice to swim in it? Naomi said Lima is a surfer heaven, and she was right considered the good number of surfers in the ocean riding those big white waves.

Hugo and Noami took us to El Hawaiano Restaurant for a big buffet-style feast. The food was unbelievable - the best I ever had. Huaca Pucllana was next stop. It was a ruin site. I learned that Cairo is the largest desert city in the world and Lima second. The last time Lima had a rain was in 1970.

Group picture at Huaca Pucllana.
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We spent 1 1/2 hours in Indian Market for shopping. I bought four scalves, one pair of gloves, and a hat. We then spent some time strolling in the heart of the old town around the Plaza Mayor until 9:30pm where we stopped by for a bite before heading to the airport for USA.

BYE.. Peru......

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Summary:

Huaca Pucllana
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If it is logical to use the word "perfect" to describe something in such an imperfect world, I would describe this as a "perfect" trip.  One could possibly believe that the twelve opinionated people from different walks of life could get along so well for the entire 9-day trip.  The hillarious laughters we shared at the deck, the efforts we put into prior to and during the trip, the nightly star-gazing time at the deck on the pitch-dark Amazon River, some one-on-one personal sharing time, those precious fishing time together on Chosen  Vessel, and the list goes one, will be forever cherished in my heart.