Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Lima, Peru--Short and Sweet

     Our time in Lima, Peru was limited to only a couple of days (and that included a wedding), so I was faced with time limitations when it came to experiencing the city.  I therefore narrowed my to-do list: one, hanging out by the pool; two, eating (duh); three, drinking a pisco sour; and four, salsa dancing.  No worries, I successfully completed all missions.
In case you were a little geographically ignorant, the orange country happens to be Peru.
     Not even 24 hours before our departure to Lima, PDub flew in from a 2-week business trip in Singapore.  Therefore, our Lima itinerary was based around relaxation and recovery.  Thankfully, our hotel had a rooftop pool with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
The closure of a relaxing day.
PDub and two other groomsmen.
Loved this heated, infinity pool.
     As you are well-aware, the Dubs never go any place without getting a good meal (or 3).  According to my handy-dandy Lonely Planet guidebook for Peru, El Enano was the perfect sandwich place, and that it was.  Additionally, like other Peruvian hole-in-the-walls, it had freshly-made juice options.  Of course, we took advantage of this.
I'm not sure why these two guys kept following us....and ruining all of our pictures. 
Jugo?
     Lima is the birthplace of the Pisco Sour, a drink composed of the Peruvian Pisco liquor, Key lime juice, syrup, ice, egg whites, and Angostura bitters.  How could one visit Lima without trying this signature drink?  Well, not me.  Although it's not my top drink of choice, it was refreshing and made me feel like I experienced this city a little better.
Getting my pisco on.
     Latin America is a world of unique music and dancing.  In Lima, we stumbled upon the Jazz Zone, a Lonely Planet recommendation (go figure) where the cover was next to nothing, drinks good, and entertainment unforgettable.  After enjoying our time there, we made a night of it by hitting up another Peruvian place (and joining the bride and groom).  Nights in Peru start late and run into the wee hours of the morning so beauty sleep was never an option.
Some serious salsa music!
This guy is a national champion in salsa dancing.  Who knew?
Relaxing before the wedding day.
     Thankfully Lima wasn't the highlight of the trip.  That was soon to come!