Day 2

Day 2 started early. We had to have our little bags down to the lobby by 7 a.m. We went to get breakfast after dropping off our bags. Our bus left at 8, so we took the opportunity to take a walk around the hotel. It didn't seem like it was really set up for recreational walking. We got on a path that took us from the parking area around past the pool, and eventually to the far side of the Marriott, which is owned by the same company as the Ritz-Carlton, and they share conference facilities. The path basically went into the Marriott, though, which was not what we wanted, so we kind of blaze a trail around the front until we found another path. This one ran out shortly, and we found ourselves walking through the employee parking lot to get back to the Ritz-Carlton. I'm glad we did it, though, because we were in for a long sit. The ride from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) was only about twenty minutes. The ride to Orlando-Sanford International was much longer. I was beginning to think we were going to skip the airplane and drive to Lima. Once we were at the airport, though, we went right through passport control and security. This airport was much less busy than MCO, so there weren't a whole lot of other passengers around at the time. When we got on the plane, Jan and I were sitting in what appeared to be the front row. It's actually row 6, but it's right at the door where we entered. Which means we don't have anyone sitting immediately in front of us. Lots of leg room, but we're right under the lecturer's nose, so no snoozing through the lectures.

I got a headache shortly after takeoff, but it kind of came and went so I tried to ignore it. By lunch, it was more on than off, and my stomach was starting to get in on the act and I wasn't sure if it was a case where eating would help or hurt. I tried eating, but after a few bites of my chicken, it was clear that eating wasn't the answer. After too long a time, I finally took some Advil. By the time we landed, I was feeling better. Lima's airport, at least the one we landed at, was not what I would call a typical modern airport. There were no jetways, they pulled up with the stairs and we got into a shuttle that took us to the terminal. Immigration and customs was efficient and friendly. At customs, they take a baggage form you fill out, then you push a button that tests your honesty quotient, and if you fail, they take you back for a strip search. Just kidding. They have a randomized device. You push the button, and if the light is green, you walk through. If it's red, you have to send your luggage through the x-ray machine.

After we cleared customs, once again our passports were confiscated. Hopefully by the tour company, and we'll get them back before it's time to leave Peru. Lima does not look like a place I'd like to stay long term. Overall, it looks very poor and run down. Our hotel is very nice, but you don't have to go far to see areas that aren't. Most of the city has bars on all the businesses, and most homes. I guess the people take in stride, though, because they go about their business and don't seem to give it a second thought. From the airport we went to the Larco Herrera Museum. This museum was created from a single man's collection that he accumulated while looking for tombs in Peru. There were gold and silver pieces, tapestries, and pottery. There was even a special erotica collection. Carla, our guide, seemed especially proud of that collection. Jan ditched me shortly after we got into the museum, but I didn't notice right away. One of the tour
people told me she went to look for her glasses. Bear in mind this isn't a particularly safe part of Lima. The museum has a big iron gate and they keep it closed even while the museum is open. So the thought of Jan looking for our bus to try to get her glasses was a bit unnerving. I went to look for her, but she was coming back in the gate with Lynn, our tour leader. I was glad Lynn was looking out for her.

We were offered appetizers and drinks at the museum (the lamb was especially delicious), and then we came to the hotel. The Milaflores Park Hotel. Milaflores is an area of Lima. It seems like there are hundreds of named areas in this city. Every few blocks it looked like there was some sign or marker indicating another section. For such a run-down city, they seem to have a lot of pride in their neighborhoods. The Miraflores Park Hotel is very nice, and is in a part of the city where they have parks all along the coast line. There's a high cliff overlooking the ocean. At the bottom is the beach, and at the top are the parks. The parks are very well kept and clean and nice. We went out that night to get some pictures of a large cross that's lit up and looked very pretty. My pictures didn't come out very well, but Jan tried a few that looked pretty good. The tour physician has warned us that we'll probably all feel bad the first day at Cuzco. I've already had enough of a headache to last me the whole trip. I don't need any more.