We stayed at the mansion of famous Peruvian artist, Victor Delfin. . His daughter Lillian operates a bed and breakfast; on the grounds is Victors' studio and another guest house overlooking the Pacific Ocean. He is known for his massive metalwork sculptures as well as colorful paintings. He uses other mediums as well creating works in a variety of styles. His wife and daughter were the subject of many of his pieces of art. We stayed in this home in Barranco, and walked to the neighborhoods around it and Miraflores which is the neighboring district. Lima is divided into 52 districts; each one is distinct with an unique character. It overlooked the Pacific Ocean from massive bluffs; along the shoreline were a few businesses and most of it was being landscaped into an extensive green space with parks and walkways for public use. The climate is dry and arid and never rains . The sun shone very little and it was overcast or foggy most of the time, but the temperature was warm and pleasant.
City Neighborhoods
We walked to several neighborhoods. Lima is a town with many parks and plazas. Close by was a plaza at the library with a pool and floral displays. There were old city streets that went down the hill to the sea with curches, restaurants, street vendors and flowers along the way. We walked down the road on the bluffs with views of the Pacific and many large old homes. We passed the Park of the Heroes and walked through Parque du Kennedy(Kennedy Park) which was also called the Central Park. From there we continued to pyramid ruins in the city, Huaca Pucllana, and a few blocks away was the home of Chef Yurac, where we took a Peruvian cooking class. From there we walked back to the coast to Larcomar Mall, built into the side of a bluff. The scupture, in the Parque de Amor( park of Love) is called El Beso (the Kiss) was done by Victor Delfin, the artist home we stayed at. The model for the woman was his wife. The park have many mosaic walls Here is where we cooked typical Peruvian cuisine. Causa, a potato and avocado appetizer. Tiradito, a fish dish similar to ceviche. Lomo saltado, steak with onions , garlic, and peppers served with rice and french fries. For desert, picarones, a fried donut made from sweet potatoes and drizzled with syrup.
SURFING TRIP-Brian took two surfing lessons from Al, who came to pick us up in his car loaded with surfboards. His mother was there to watch his equipment while he was surfing. She only spoke Spanish so I sat and chatted with her as I was not surfing. Brian got up and rode a long wave for the first time. A group of lifeguards were having a competition and one of the men has difficulties and had to be rescued by the others. We thought he was dead as he did not move for some time. Al recommended an excellent restaurant and he picked up in the evening as we took him to dinner.
Huaca Pullcan Pyramids- In the center of Lima, it was found under a hill that was used by motocross riders. The ruins are adobe and clay that date from 200-700 AD. There is a small museum there and animals and flora and fauna that are found in the area. It is believed the site was used for ritual purposes and burials as several mummies have been found.
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