400

In 35 degree heat. 

Clever.

What a Quinoa plant looks like (from the museum of gastronomy).

Her crown lights up at night. 

Very old, and very abandoned, but still impressive.  

Looking up.

Relic on the veranda.

Real.

Was asked to strike my best 80s sears catalogue pose......nailed it. 

Pack of stray dogs that like to hang out in front of the municipal palace early in the morning. 

Jumping around in Chosica.

Many people now living in Lima hail from the mountain region, and have brought many of their customs with them.  This - la fiesta patronal - is a three day block party in celebration of a particular patron saint.   These parties are considered customary in the mountain region, but are also quite common in Lima.  This party took place in my co-worker's neighbourhood, and I was invited to take part in the festivities. 

Modern day troubadours - complete with tights and puffy sleeves. 

Creepy house, that I love. 

Hike.  Level = pathetic. 

El Centro. 

Look again, there's two. 

I want this door, but it seems impractical for BC weather...

Peruvian dog. 

Unbelievable colour. 

Pachamanca.  A traditional Peruvian dish cooked with hot stones.  Its name comes from Quechua - "Pacha", meaning earth, and "Manca", meaning earthen cooking pot.  Here we have a potato, a piece of yam, a slice of pineapple, an apple, a purple maize tamale, plantain, and chicken.  Delicious! 

Yellow is traditionally worn on New Year's Eve in Peru, to bring good fortune. 

Main plaza in the morning.  I love that I always get to see it just as the centre begins to come to life in the morning. 

The North Star...sort of.  I alway know where I am when I see this thing.  You can't tell, but it's pretty huge. 

"Love is like Light"

Today is my 400th day in Peru.  As my time here comes to a close, I can feel myself lifting up and out of Beautiful Peru, with much gratitude for having spent more than a year in this magnificent country.