Peruvians are crazy about football. Unlike in the UK though they seem more passionate about the national game than the league, especially when the opposition are the world champions, Brazil. So last night it seemed that the whole of Lima was out in party mood. Entire families, young boys and girls, twenty and thirty somethings and a fair number of oldies (like me?). All having a great time on the streets, in the bars and restaurants, singing, chanting and blaring car horns (of course). OK, so Peru lost 2-0 but this didn’t seem to stop the locals having a great time.
I saw no loutish behaviour, no outlandish drunkenness, no tattooed macho men stripped to the waist. It was just a great fun night and a late one as the kick off was not until 9.15pm.
It was, predictably, a very slow start this morning! After the revelries of yesterday evening, I thought a sobering cultural experience might be in order so I headed to the San Francisco Monastery
where 2 – 300 hundred monks used to live way back in the 17th century and where a few still live here today in splendidly tranquil surroundings.
Underground, though, it’s a totally different story where it is claimed that at least 25,000 people are buried in the Catacombs which, for a small fee, you can visit if you like that sort of thing. Well, nothing ventured etc so down I went taking care not to bump my head (the Peruvians are, generally, quite small). It was a sobering experience.
I know that this looks like some Hollywood make believe scene out of Tomb Raider or an Indiana Jones movie but I was assured that these were the genuine remains of citizens who were buried here between the 17th and 19th centuries although I wasn’t clear why or when these were arranged so symmetrically!
Back in the open air again, I was greeted by another political rally held, somewhat strangely, in the courtyard of the monastery. This time, as far as I could tell, the demonstration was on behalf of civil servants working for the navy! Like the football last night it was all very well behaved.
In the afternoon, I headed to Barranco , the Soho of Lima. It’s a bohemian, colourful, cosmopolitan, arty, alternative oasis in the middle of this busy and bustling city .
but like so many other places I’ve been to here, so many steps!
This fascinating gem of a place is full of little restaurants and bars
whilst at the same time maintaining an almost European small town style
complete with Lima’s own Puente de los Suspires (aka Bridge of Sighs)
although I can’t quite see the connection between this and the original.
All in all, a fascinating little gem in this large metropolis. A place to relax and be at peace.
Tomorrow is my last day here. What fun it’s been so far.
Phileas..
thelasthurrahsite 