September 7-8, 2024
The following day, we walked north along the sea for an hour or so along beautifully maintained bike and walking paths reminiscent of bustling, active Central Park in New York City in the summertime. There were runners and cyclists, dogwalkers and tourists, all enjoying the temperate weather, and we took in the lovely scenery along the way, including the spring blooms of bougainvillea and tulips just beginning. Sushi was the objective (given our lack of seafood in Mendoza).
On our last full day in Lima, we decided to explore southern Barranco, a very artsy part of the district, with fabulous graffiti and galleries everywhere, cafes and brunch spots along narrow, cobblestoned streets lined with fashionable apartment buildings overlooking the ocean, interesting parks and museums, etc. Here, we were reminded of the Village in NYC: smaller, but it has the same vibe. At one gallery, an attendant asked if we had tried Asian/Peruvian cuisine and suggested we go to a nearby 100-year-old establishment (an institution!) for lunch. So, we found our way to Gran Chifa Chung Yion. We were the only tourists in the place on a Sunday. And the experience, sitting under the dragon on the wall, people watching and eating plentiful authentic, classic old-style Chinese accompanied by chicha morada with native Peruvians—what else can you ask for in a lunch?
Then we visited the fascinating Museo Pedro de Osma, a beautiful old mansion turned private museum featuring art and antiquities from the Peruvian Colonial Period and an excellent exhibit detailing the Incan heritage of Lima and the surrounding areas. The residence was the family’s summer house until the 1940 Lima earthquake when Pedro de Osma’s children made Barranco their year-round home.
On the way back to the hotel, we found ourselves heading down a well-maintained stairway that deposited us below the cliffs on a bridge over the highway leading to the sea. We watched the surfers, couples, groups of young people, and (yes) break-dancers on the beach and then made the long climb back up to our hotel to finish packing. Before heading to the airport, we had dinner and drinks at Ayuhuasca Bar and Resto, a fabulous famous bar/restaurant recommended by friends.
Although we experienced only a tiny slice of Lima on this trip, mostly confining our days to within walking distance of our incomparable hotel, we loved the art, gastronomic culture and urban vibe and plan to return soon to learn more!
The link to the photos and videos for days 7 and 8 is here: Lima Days 7 and 8