Lima, Peru

On its surface, Lima is nothing of beauty; so far that is typical for Peru. Lima like so many others is a sprawling desert city clinging precariously to dusty cliffs; it spends much of the year marinated in an endless fog that turns the sky the color of whitewashed walls. It is loud, disordered, and gritty; much of its structure is cumbersome and gray. Foreign travelers tend to just pass through on their way to more pastoral destinations in the Andes and Amazon. 

Miraflores is now the cultural heart of Lima, just one of Lima’s various districts, with much of the city's social and shopping scene set here. Central Park is one of the social centers of Miraflores, with many cafes, restaurants and shops. On the coast, there is a modern shopping center and several upmarket hotels. There are a number of tourist attractions in Miraflores, Inca Market that houses several small shops run by the Inca people.

 

Miraflores is without a doubt the most popular place for tourists, visitors, foreign expats and locals. The district has a lot to offer and therefore it is highly recommend for spending some time here and having fun in one of Lima's nicest "suburbs".
 

 

Street crime here is closely controlled by police and the municipality on the streets but still with some level present (as in any metropolitan in the world). A particular police station only for tourists and visitors has been opened to provide a better service.
  
Miraflores combines traditional and popular influences, one of the reasons for Miraflores peculiar charm and flair. Old houses coexist with modern multi-story buildings, hotels, casinos and banks. You find traditional cafes and restaurants adjacent to modern European style establishments or fast food chains, cultural institutions next to discos and bars.




 
It most definitely should be put on you’re to do list…

Northwestern part of Peru from Ecuador

The drive into the Northwestern part of Peru from Ecuador reminded me of the time I drove through Texas; it was a long distance between nowhere and the land was flat and largely unproductive. A major change from the previous landscapes I have traveled through; I hope the scenery will get better soon. I am staying here for five days then off to Lima before going to the Amazon River.

Just outside Trujillo is the town of Huanchaco where the first ever surfers started surfing. I think I will try my hand at surfing here; their boards are decidedly different… so we will see. Huanchaco became a World Surfing Reserve on October 26 2013; now they are spending a lot of money on developing the beach area into a park to protect it from any future developments. 

Once I arrived in Huanchaco, my senses were immediately hit with the strong smell of sea breeze that had a taste of salt. This lovely little town is relatively unspectacular to look at but has an extraordinarily friendly atmosphere, fabulous beach food, and sunsets to offer.

Huanchaco is a village of fishermen in the Moche Valley, on the northern coast of Peru and has a cultural history dating back 4000 years, from the pre-ceramic time through the Salinar, Mochica, and Chimu, Inca cultures, into the colonial time and the Republic. It is extremely gratifying to observe the ancient culture of the Moche civilization with their unique boat design of reeds.

One of the symbols more emblematic of Huanchaco today is what we call “Caballitos de Totora”. The fishermen call them “balsas” and years ago, was called “Tup” name of the language Muchick-meaning Totota boat. The Totora is a plant that grows near where the river and sea meet. Until now, and more than 1500 years ago, the ancient city of the valley Moche domesticated this particular vegetal and grew it in ponds of fresh water named “Wachaques” or “Balsares”. Now days, every fisherman’s family has between 3 and 5 of these ponds where they grow all year long. This plant is the essential material to build these boats and even local houses. 

The Caballitos de Totora is about 3.5 meters long and built with 4 blocks of Totora. They use string called “guanganas” or “quiranas” to hold them together. The construction starts with the back which is a larger place that will serve as a seat for the fisherman and a space to put the fish and nets. The front narrows and curves upward to break the waves, named “chusca” and will give the direction of the boat. This boat weighs an average of 50 kilos dry and could be 5 times heavier when wet; it will support 250 kilos of fish. The oar is a 4 inch bamboo stalk cut in half lengthwise and about 2.5 meters long.

The kids that hustle up and help the fishermen with their boat get paid in fish. The fishermen are finished by 7am then some return around 11 to give rides to tourists for 10 soles as a way to supplement the family income.
  

www.munihuanchaco.gob.pe or www.huanchaovivo.com  

This quaint little town is fast becoming a tourist town. Visit it as soon as possible before the change is complete… It is a great place for the surfer in you, see you in the water…

Ecuadorian Orchids

Rare Monkey Face Orchid

Twin Cup Orchid

 

 
 

Seedlins

Orchids form the Ecuagenera Orquideas del Ecuador (www.ecuagenera.com) is in a small village outside of Cuenca called Gualaceo which is a short 60 cent 45 minutes bus ride. You need a tour guide at a cost of $5, and I got one that was fluent in English.

 

Frog like Orchid

Their purpose is to protect, grow and market Ecuadorian species of ornamental plants, establishing sustainable management of the resource under the concept of preservation. Holding a systematic investigation of new species and maintain and restore natural protected areas to establish their farms and ecotourism. They have been doing this for more than 20 years now.

A Rare Black One

Pinocchio Orchids

 

Chocolate Orchid

 Go online and checkout for yourself as well as place an order. Be the first in your town to have a Chocolate or Pinocchio Orchid.