With the bulk of my first teaching week behind me (still another class tomorrow), this morning I decided I had to stretch the old legs and head out on a ramble. Before we hit the streets, though, here’s proof that I actually did work the last four days. Brave Wendy here is pretending to be the President of Peru (who everyone vehemently hates, apparently) during our “Answering Difficult Questions” exercise:

Tomorrow I teach a different group of folks, attempting in cram into four hours what I taught the weekday class in 16. (Wish me luck.) But then’s then and now’s now, and I’m sure the gods will be with me.

So most days I miss the breakfast buffet because the MFA picks me up (a new Lexus! a driver!) at 6:30 am, which is precisely the moment when the doors open for breakfast. I’ve been doing with a carry-out bag consisting of a chicken sandwich, a yogurt, and two small croissants for a few days, but this morning, I got to experience the Real Meal Deal again, as it were. Saints be praised:

Heartily fortified for the day, I spent the morning preparing my PowerPoint for tomorrow and then I strapped on my trusty sandals and headed out. First stop – the lovely park with the olive trees for a blessing from the Virgin herself:

…followed by a short chat with the resident turtles:

My goal today was a section of Lima called Miraflores. I couldn’t hit all the highlights, but I was curious to see what are called the Inka Markets, a series of highly commercial bazaars where (ahem) allegedly authentic souvenirs and local goods could be bought. More soon on that. But between HERE and THERE, I found a lovely bike and walking path down a major thoroughfare which would take me very close to my goal and help me avoid a lot of treacherous sidewalks and intersections. If you know Lima, this is part of the Avenida Arequipa:

Another great thing about this stretch of safer pavement was that it gave me good perspectives for snapping shots. Here’s a picture of the Alliance Francais, which, because of the prominent use of its abbreviation, sent my mind in a sadly puerile direction:

Here’s a vibrant mural with historical themes, I think:

…and a sad phone booth suffering its inevitable fate in a country which now, like most, is blanketed in mobile devices…

….a school of engineering and a curious passing cyclist. I hope I haven’t violated any privacy regulations…

…and finally a local bus which crossed my path…

I finally reached my destination, a cosmic sinkhole of tourist shops:

Since I didn’t want to be immediately judgmental, I tried, I really tried, to give the place/s a chance. However, it felt a good bit like the Great Bazaar in Istanbul, if you have been there. Everyone is WAY too friendly, everyone trying to lure you into their teeny tiny stalls chock-a-block full of alpaca hats and sweaters, llamas in wool or wood or felt or silver or whatever, lots of woven bracelets, you get the idea. I did want to take this fellow home:

At least he’s somewhat tasteful, even if you can’t “tocar” him. For you chess players out there, consider these bad boys:

But if you really want to set your teeth on edge, I’ve got just the ticket. And behold:

“Llamasutras,” indeed. And you thought YOU had seen it all. Finally unable to take any more of the local color, I fled back to my quiet expat paradise and shocked the bar staff by mixing a lemonade with a local pilsner for a Lima version of a British shandy. (Actually quite quite good. I’m going to make them try it next time.) Adios amigos…hasta luego.