Our very last day in Peru! What mixed feelings we have.... should we stay or should we go?
Bruce & I have had such a fascinating trip to this country. Each day of this trip presented itself with new adventures and learning - the places, the people, the politics, the culture, the history, the geography and the climate. Our heads of full of 'Peru"!
Packed up our belongings securely this morning, then tipped the staff at La Posada who were so kind and caring to us during our long stay. Most Peruvians's salaries are so low even though they work such long hours. The staff were always so pleasant to us.
Our desk clerk informed us that today was a religious holiday in Lima - it's Pope's Day, so many businesses remain closed, along with some museums. Unfortunately, because of this holiday, we are unable to say 'goodbye' to our friendly cook at the corner restaurant - someone who helped us so much during our time here!
We taxied to the Historical Centre of Lima again, where we wanted to spend our last few tourist hours. We visited the Cathedral, which was open due to a special Mass being held in honour of this day. The cathedral was packed. I thought I could show Bruce the fascinating statues and small chapels, but these were all closed up during the the Mass. We stayed for awhile, seeingl the bishops, and perhaps even the cardinal, sharing Mass at the altar in the front.
Then we wandered - stopping for coffee at a favourite little restaurant where we had gotten to know the staff, especially the 'touter' who coaxed visitors into his restaurant. He was a young fellow, with such an engaging smile, and to him, his job appeared to be just plain 'fun'. Most of the time, tourists and visitors did choose his restaurant, simply because this young man was enthusiastic, friendly and did an outstanding job of flirting with the ladies! Bruce and I often watched him performing, and we knew the people would return. How good is that!
Our friend Barry is a stamp collector, so we tried to visit the Philetelic Museum, but unfortunately, it was also closed due to the holiday. We tried to purchase stamps for him at another place, but no such luck. So, onward we went, looking at new spots, doing some people-watching, eating our last delicous Peruvian meal, visiting another church, with a remarkable altar and statues, admiring their Pachamama Mary once more!
Stopped for a coke break, then returned to our hotel to wait for our our taxi to the airport, (6:30 p.m.) and say our final goodbyes to the staff. We sat back and enjoyed our last drive through the city.
Bruce & I had no challenges at the airport whatsoever - we had thought our luggage would be well over the weight allowed, but it all went through - 4 heavy suitcases! Browsed around the airport for awhile, for I find these places fascinating! Stopped to eat, purchased a bottle of Pisco, Peru's national drink, at the Duty-Free, then boarded our plane at 9:45 p.m. Take-off for Toronto - 10:10 p.m.
Bruce & I were now happily on our way home. No more mixed feelings about leaving Peru - just so very glad that we had chosen to visit this country, seeing and doing all the interesting things that filled our lives for six wonderful weeks. Our memories of this country, the adventures we experienced, the wonderful people, and the friends we made along the way, will be with us forever!
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