Lima * Sixtyexpress

Lima is a huge city and we are in one of the older sections called Miraflores. All together there are 40 separate areas.Today is recovery time translated , we are a bit tired and adjusting to the time zone but you know we should be exploring. Let’s go for a walk and yes it may reveal a few quirky sites. There is an amazing park,Kennedy park.

Single storey.

Yes it’s for the street cats. They are fed by the park groundskeepers.

The park is home to more than cats. Artists, sculptures, walks , gardens, and playgrounds all provide a centre for the local community.

The historical church adjoining the park is called Cathedral of Virgin Milagrosa. It is known for its stained glass windows and lighting. Inside the windows are impressive glowing with purple blue glass., don’t you think.Sorry no photo will show the true colours .

City hall shares the area.

The streets are quiet now but come alive at night. Miraflores is popular with young people as it has many restaurants and coffee shops.

Now you have had a rest, it’s time to go and see the oldest part of the city. Some buildings date back to the 1600’s. There was an earthquake in the 1700’s which resulted in some buildings getting a facelift.

The first photograph shop. They specialised in taking photos of dead loved ones and making them look alive. Many were posed with family.

President’s palace.(fenced off with limited access as they are preparing for APEC

All the different orders of the Catholic religions came to Lima ,so you could spend all day going into their churches. The church of St Francis is the oldest church. It was started at the end of 1500 and finished finally in 1660 only to be damaged in the 1745 earthquake. There are still 45 monks in residence and using part of the original monastery. The rest of the building is now a museum so no photos of the magnificent wood and stonework inside.

Apart from the artwork and statues, the museum has opened up its catacombs. In the first 300 years. 100,000 people were entombed under the church. The bones were aged by archaeologists.

Not my photo, you know I was good and obeyed the signs.

Inside the church.
All the churches have active congregations and services everyday but especially today because it’s Sunday’

Gold is a popular decorative addition in all the churches.

A former bank in a classical style but now is shops. In one small area you can have many different architectural styles . Even a MacDonalds must conform and fit in with the local buildings…no Golden Arches allowed.

The enclosed balcony was for the Moor families that came from Spain. They brought with them many Islamic traditions such as face coverings for women. The balconies meant they could be free to dress as they liked at home . There were statues in the streets reflecting this custom.

Freedom Square is a place of contrasts. There a comedy act, dancers, here families enjoying the last of the sun and police making sure there are no protesters. This is after all the place protest.