Lima was our jump off point both coming and going on our trip to Peru. Truth be told, we did not leave much time to see things in Lima. We spent a few hours at the Convent of San Francisco after convincing a tour guide to take us on a private tour of the Catacombs underneath to see the bones…
And spent some time in Centro de Lima at the Hotel Bolivar and area…
But mostly, we were obsessed with the “cat park” in Mira Flores. Also known as Parque Kennedy. Now, those who know me know I am partial to cats (good thing my dogs can’t read) – I have always owned them and, well, I’ve been one. So it seemed only natural to explore the infamous cat park of Mira Flores.
The cat park is a sanctuary for stray cats – not feral, just stray – where they are looked after, protected, sometimes adopted when the population gets too big and loved by all visitors to the park. In fact we quickly learned, as far as the cats were concerned, if you are in the park you were there to serve…them… in one capacity (providing a lap) or another (providing food). If you sat down anywhere in the park, it wouldn’t be long before you had one, or more visitors.
When a lap was not to be had, they made do with each other…
Or the heat coming up through the sidewalk grate.
And were ecstatic when the “Cat Man” to arrived with food and treats!
We spent time there both coming and going through Lima. Possibly at the sacrifice of seeing some other things – which I am sure in the cats’ mind, was as it should be.
And with one final photo of this Men’s clothing store mannequin, our trip to South America was complete, for the time being, at least.
Thus concludes the adventures of our South American Summer.
Next up – A Spanish Fall!
For more on South America: Go Here
For more Sweet Spot Travel: Go Here
The “Coup de Gras” of all trips to Peru – getting to 
Next: Machu Picchu!
One of my favorite things to do in a country is drive. Of course, I love trains as well, But, driving allows you to stop at will. You see things that are not in any guide books, or posted on line. You get the authentic feel of a country, catch unexpected views, stop at random roadside stands, and see everyday life in towns.
I am sorry to tell you this – but for the most part, this is going to be a boring post. It is nothing against the Ruins of Pisaq, really – they were amazing and the town was quaint and came with the appropriate amount of South American dogs (aka the street cleaners)…
However, I have to say the most memorable thing in Pisaq was Marco. Marco, is apparently the man in Pisaq, who “makes things happen.” For us – well he made the best Empanades in all of Peru happen. Marco is kind of a mystery, though. All we know is that whenever there was a question on cooking, pricing, firing, ingredients, materials, you name it – in the little back-of-the-building Empanada quiosk – the workers would yell to the front of the shop for “MARCO!”. Marco would come, as if out of thin air, do…something…to make all well and disappear as quickly as he arrived. All I know is, I have never had empanades quite like these before, and fear I never will again.
Until it was time to leave,
For 
The churches were grand and beautiful so as not to be outdone by the majestic surrounding mountains..
But we weren’t hurting too bad as our bus was equipped with personal movie screens and breakfast service!
Finally, it was time to go to the airport (and I use that term loosely) to get weighed for our flight, strap in, and get ready for our first “Ancient Aliens” adventure…
It took 30 minutes in order to get to where the actual figures were, but along the way we began to see signs of the amazing several mile – absolutely straight lines that criss crossed the terrain.
A long day to be sure, but undeniably worth it!
Looking for the Sweet Spot 