Lima

Founded by the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro, in 1535. It is now the third largest city in the Americas, just behind Sao Paolo and Mexico City, and more populous than even New York City. It has one of the largest shanty towns on its outskirts, where its residents lack running water, electricity is pirated on a do it yourself basis, and crime is rampant.

To those who plan on visiting this city, I highly recommend visiting the Barranco district, which has a distinctly different flavor than the other neighborhoods of Lima due to its well preserved colonial and Republican style houses, flower filled parks and streets, and trendy artist galleries. This place is perfect for romantics and bohemians. I often encountered people of all ages on the streets with their sketch pads, quietly capturing their surroundings with pencil and paper. Don't let this sleepy daytime atmosphere fool you. The district really comes alive at night, when the town wakens to a bustling nightlife comprised of locals and tourists alike.

Artesania Las Pallas

During my visit to the Barranco, I discovered a gem by the name of Artesanias Las Pallas. It is the workspace of Mari Solari, an ex-pat Scottish woman who traveled to Peru dozens of years ago, made good connections with local craftsmen and transformed a portion of her home into both a souvenir shop and a quasi-museum. She sells an array of Peruvian crafts which she selected by scouring the country for the best items. Ask to see her living room, where she stores her personal collection of items accrued from her travel throughout the country. She provided us with a fascinating story for how she came to acquire her private collection. Don't be frightened by her hairless dog, Nacion Viringo, a breed that dates back to pre-Incan time. Mari, dressed in all khakis, reminded me of an expeditionist from another time. The female version of Dos Equis' Most Interesting Man in the World.

Plaza de Armas

The Lima District, and in particular the historic centre, is where you will find the oldest vestiges of its colonial history. The Plaza de Armas is the main square and faces the government palace, City Hall, and the Cathedral of Lima.

"Cuy", also known as guinea pigs.

On special occasions, Peruvian tradition encompasses the consumption of "cuy", or guinea pigs. As these are not delicacies back home, I was a bit taken aback by seeing these guinea pigs at the restaurant, where they would later be roasted in a spit oven. These indigenous animals have been a staple in the Andean diet for about 5,000 years.

We ate at a restaurant not far from our hotel.