Lima Peru - February 1

Our guide Jose Casanova - (really) picked us up this morning for a day of touring Lima. It is a city literally built "where the desert meets the sea". Steep cliffs - either volcanic or desert, drop straight down to the ocean for miles and miles of beaches and although Lima is very green - parks, trees, grass, flowers, palm trees ~ they were all brought in and are watered constantly either by hand-held hoses or giant water trucks with a guy atop with huge hose.

We toured our neighborhood, Miraflores, and a couple of historic areas before heading to Lima Centro for the Changing of the Guards at the main Plaza. Mustard Gold is the "Color of Lima" - the government buildings around the main plaza are all that wonderful Incan gold. There were preparations underway for a festival tomorrow- the National Day of Pisco - (the Peruvian liquor). Tens of thousands of people expected. The fountain in the middle of the square will spout Pisco instead of water !

Many Policia present everywhere we've been, apparently most all the time. Jose says the women police are the tough ones, as they don't take bribes.

We toured a church where Franciscan monks still live and hold services. Beneath it is the final resting place of 30,000 Peruvians from 3 centuries as it was the only burial place in Lima for those years. The Catacombs. Creepy.

Our hotel, with only 7 rooms has a view of the ocean and a wonderful rooftop patio for guests.

• WITH APOLOGIES" I am still unable to upload photos ! Hopefully that will be resolved soon !