Peru, 2011

February 26, Lima, Peru

Decided to visit the Museum Larco based on guy we met on tour bus last night.  A big place and very impressive displays of many artifacts of the Peru.  Then headed off to Huaca Huallamarca,  which was built about 200 AD.  I guess I have changed from rocks to dirt.  This is a pile of dirt and mud bricks!  Interesting as built is somewhat of a pyramid shape.  Bricks seem to be irregular is shape.  Then walked through a park full of people and olive trees, on my way to Huaca Pucllana, another pile of dirt, built about 700 AD.  These bricks are more regular shaped.  All hand formed, except for the restoration parts.  Bricks are stacked vertically with gaps inbetween, and occasionally a brick is placed opposite.  This is for earthquake proofing.  Must work as withstood many earthquakes over the years.

Supposed to have given Inca's the design of triangular to with stand earthquakes, according to the guide.

spent what was left of the day walking.  Ended up in the Indian Market and also a huge electronics store, I needed to buy a watch, my $6 Victoria market watch has been making funny noises!

February 25, Lima, Peru

Up and caught a taxi to Larcomar mall to catch tour bus to Fort Felipe Real.  This is a 1 hour drive on top of a double decker bus!  Great way to see the city but you have to watch out for low hanging trees but also low power lines and banners!  A challenge when you are trying to watch the scenery!

After a short look at the port, interesting as the the container dock is very close to the main square at the port, jumped on the bus again for a 2 minute ride to the fort!

The fort also was used as a prison.  They were kept in a completely black room, all standing!  Not nice.

Had lunch provided at small restaurant close to the harbour.  it was very good.

Got dropped off at the mall so stopped for a drink.  Spent the rest of afternoon, just walking around.  

Nice to be in warm and dry weather!  Lima gets very very little rain each year.  Measured in millimeters (no I did not make a mistake, very little rain).