Day 10 – January 14, 2011 - Lima, Peru

Both Sharon & I woke up around 6 am, she was going on an early tour while I wasn’t leaving the ship until after lunch.  I took my daily walk around the deck and did my yoga practice up in the “Crow’s Nest”, since it was fairly windy and YES chilly outside.  It must have rained doing the night since the deck was wet.  There was an Asian woman up at the Crow’s Nest also doing her Tai Chi.  The ship was rolling more than usual, if only my yoga instructor could see me now.  I’m sure she would admire my dedication.  Afterwards, I felt some motion sickness.  The price I pay to be serene.
   Heading into Callao

                                                          

San Lorenzo Island with some fog, the usual condition for Lima in the morning, an affect from the Pacific trade winds.
Since I had time, I decided to go downstairs to the Digital Workshop to become more proficient at composing this blog.  The internet is very slow aboard ship and Jeff our wonderful microsoft expert showed me how to use the “Windows Live Writer”.
Sharon took a 6 hour tour through the old colonial part of Lima to see Enrico Poli’s private gold collection.  She enjoyed herself, especially the gourmet lunch that they had in a private home.  Sharon enjoyed the company of exceptional and nice travel mates.
I, on the other hand spent my afternoon shopping at the Indian Market.  It was definitely a tourist trap, with all the booths and their similar Inka crafts.  The ingenious people manning them are delightful. however shopping in Peru is not for those who are really there just to browse.  The salespeople stay right with you and are continually telling you all about the wonderful aspects of the product that you might be holding and of course it’s in Spanish so I couldn’t understand a word.  The street vendors are quite a lot more aggressive:  “Lady, Lady look at this turquoise necklace, yes Lady real turquoise see see”.  You do get used to it but it takes some time and being very assertive back helps but if you look at all interested they will just follow you up the street until you buy or become real firm.  I did relent and purchased one necklace for only $10 solis which is equal to about $3 American dollars.  I was pleased with all my purchases, especially the alpaca sweater and hats.
   Money Exchange
  Nativity set at the market

  A weaver


Chaotic street scene in front of the market

Peruvian Police and they are everywhere, even in front of the Post Office where I sent a birthday card to my daughter, Mary Theresa.  What an experience that was!!
Flowers everywhere – Roses and Cactus


and also construction crews.  This is an earthquake prone country.