Long Layover in Lima!

The Sheraton in Lima was a nice over nighter and provided many comforts for the traveler. Especially nice were some of the little extras such as US style 110 wall sockets and the flat screen tv's! Flat screens in the hotel are a very nice touch!

Downstairs, the staff was exemplerary and the concierge was extremely helpful when asked for activities and shopping options.

I also ate breakfast in the hotel restaurant and I was not let down. The food was very good and the selection was plentiful.

Another nice touch was the money exchange in the hotel lobby. Oh, and don't forget to get your complimentary Pisco Sour from the hotel bar. It is the National drink!

The Blue Market is located near the Hall of Justice, around the corner from the Hotel Sheraton in Lima. Loaded with just about anything that you could desire, the blue market is more famous for being a pseudo-black market than anything else. You can find legitimate and comparable prices on everything from electronics to clothes to music and dvd movies, many of which have not been released, but are far better than you find on NYC street corners.

The indoor structure is several stories and is full of vendors. According to the internet, the Blue Market is a conglomeration of the business interests of all of the vendors who work there as they have created a sort of business community and symbiotic relationship with each other in that they are all owner-operators of the facility. Interesting concept, and it serves to keep the prices low and the demand for the goods high.

If you are a shopper, this is the place for you! And watch for the newest and latest DVD videos...way before you'll ever see them in the video store!

The Larcomar sits high over the Pacific Ocean in downtown Lima. Although not very large, the open air type mall has a little bit of something for everyone. From food to fun to shopping, the only thing I couldn't find that I wanted was Peruvian coffee.

There was an arcade type place for the kids to play in as well as what can best be described as a miniature fair with rides for the kids, this place will keep the little ones busy.

Also tucked in the Larcomar are numerous restaurants, bars and even a night club. Shopping choices range from t-shirt shops to Alpaca specialty shops to camping and hiking equipment, everything is close by.

And the views are incredible. Situated high above the Pacific Ocean, the breaking waves and stringing coastline sprawl out over miles in front of your eyes, it made our dinner at Tony Roma's even better.

If Lima is on your destination list, a must see is the Larcomar. You won't regret the trip or the time that you spend there.

Wow! I was surprised at how busy and large Lima was. It was rather interesting that the city was so hazy though. Almost like a pall of smoke was omniprescent. Perhaps it was haze, maybe it was from the Pacific ocean, maybe it was smog and America is not responsible for global warming all alone! :) Regardless, it was a very large and busy city. The drivers are almost as wild as those found in Italy and the streets were like bumper cars. Another interesting thing was the performers at the traffic lights. Jumping and flipping between the stopped and waiting traffic, the performers are virtual gymnasts!

There is a lot to do in Lima. Make sure that you see the Pacific Ocean while there, the view is gorgous and pick up some coffee, it is absolutely awesome!