26 Oct 2006 
Lima, Peru

Made it to Lima last night after a bit of confusion with a taxi driver who took us to Hotel de Las Artes instead of Hostal de Las Artes. So, at 2230 in the evening, we were crossing town in another taxi on our way to the Hostal de Las Artes in Central Lima. The Lonely Planet guidebook described the Hostal as being a casa antiqua, owned by Dutch Peruvians, decor of blue Spanish tile, wood framed doorways and stairs, 25 foot high ceilings and friendly managers. They were right. Great place and worth the late night shuffle and hassle.

Spent today at the Museo de Nacion. Wow, an amazing museum that tells the rich history of Peruvian societies and evolution. The country's culture is diverse and has our heads spinning with wonder. We have been to many Peruvian sites, luckily, this museum helped us link time, place and progressions of the societies and their evolution.  Still, we feel there is so much more that we want to know. It helped us understand where to go next and what we have to look forward to in the archaeological sites to the North of Lima.

My urban planning history professors and colleagues should have learned from the Peruvians, as could my structural and civil engineering colleagues who could have benefited from the engineering feats of these ancient people. Much to learn from the past.

Tomorrow, we are off for three or four days to Huanca and the pre ceramic times of the Chavin society. It will be yet another seven hour bus ride to get to Huanca. Then, a day or two to visit the archaeological site and the museum in Huanca. For my Stanford friends, this is the site where Professor John Rick has done his research. I am very stoked to be going to a site where I actually know the archaeologist and we can write him with any follow up questions. Real time learning is so cool.

Lima is far more interesting a city than I expected after our first visit, a month ago. It does take at least a few days to get to know this city. It is huge, really huge, an urban overwhelm. Alas, I am glad we returned for a more in depth visit. The colonial influence is prominent and an urban statement.

Time to pick up the laundry, get some sweet water in our jugs and pack our bags....we have a bus to catch at eight en la manana.

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