Lima is my first stop in the Machu Picchu journey. Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador had an important role in the history of Peru. He is instrumental in conquering the Inca empire. He founded the first Spanish capital at Cuzco in 1533 and later founded Lima as the port city to send the Inca treasures to Spain.
Our exploration of the city began with the Huaca Pucllana ruins. These are the pre-Incan settlement with pyramids and citadel built with hand made bricks. The museum display the tools, ceramics and some textiles recovered during the excavation. This settlement dates back to 100 AD to 650 AD.
The city is beautiful with the winding coastline. We stayed at the JW Marriott at Miraflores. The ocean view was amazing and after a great breakfast headed to the historic center of the city. I am reminded of Madrid with its Spanish colonial buildings and churches. Notable one is the Monastery of San Francisco with its circular cupola and baroque style of art. The monastery and the adjacent churches were built in the 16th century. The catacombs with its labrynthian passage and the neatly arranged skulls gives an eerie feeling.
The Plaza de Mayor is the central part with palaces that were turned into government offices and is vibrant with tourists, and Quechua speaking locals selling traditional arts and wares.
Quechua's are the indigenous people of the Andes. Peru is promoting Quechua language to be included in the school curriculum. Some justice to the descendants of the original inhabitants who were tossed, looted, and exposed to a new culture and way of life. Once again, how can one get angry now for the incidents that happened long time ago? All we can do is not to repeat the sad and inhuman parts of the history.
While coming back from the city to the hotel, I saw a group of school children running happily and beaming with joy. That is the future.
All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.
The city is beautiful with the winding coastline. We stayed at the JW Marriott at Miraflores. The ocean view was amazing and after a great breakfast headed to the historic center of the city. I am reminded of Madrid with its Spanish colonial buildings and churches. Notable one is the Monastery of San Francisco with its circular cupola and baroque style of art. The monastery and the adjacent churches were built in the 16th century. The catacombs with its labrynthian passage and the neatly arranged skulls gives an eerie feeling.
The Plaza de Mayor is the central part with palaces that were turned into government offices and is vibrant with tourists, and Quechua speaking locals selling traditional arts and wares.
Quechua's are the indigenous people of the Andes. Peru is promoting Quechua language to be included in the school curriculum. Some justice to the descendants of the original inhabitants who were tossed, looted, and exposed to a new culture and way of life. Once again, how can one get angry now for the incidents that happened long time ago? All we can do is not to repeat the sad and inhuman parts of the history.
PEACE ON EARTH
All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.
Thanks,Are you able to manage as vegetarian
ReplyDeleteAshok jhunjhunwala, IIT Madras
You can get Italian also Indian! Peruvian cusisine has more potatos and bread is great. I had the best Quinoa vegetable soup in Green Point, Cuzco.
Deletefascinating
ReplyDeleteThanks Kum. As a Historian you will definitely enjoy the archaeological sites.
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