Those who know me know that I know nothing about soccer.  I played one season in the 4th grade… and then to everyone’s relief, I went back to softball. Not surprisingly, I am clueless about international soccer.  But the day we were in Lima, Peru was playing Brazil.  (Which made walking around the city on a Sunday even quieter… except for the periodic collective shots or groans at corner TV shops & bars.)  Peru ended up tying Brazil 1-1…. which I’m told is huge for Peru and a bit embarrassing for Brazil. On our flight out that night, we were …

I have fond memories of reading Paddington Bear as a kid.  But I guess I didn’t actually remember much of the story. In Lima, I was surprised to see Paddington Bear in Peru… until a friend reminded me that Paddington Bear came from Peru. From Wikipedia: This gentle bear was found at Paddington railway station in London. …  He has arrived as a stowaway coming from “Darkest Peru“, sent by his Aunt Lucy (his only known relative, aside from an unnamed uncle who gave Paddington his hat), who has gone to live in the Home for Retired Bears in Lima. …

We had less than 24 hours in Lima.  Our flight from the States arrived after midnight and we flew to Bolivia the next day at 8pm.    Most folks said recommended bypassing Lima completely, and we had planned on (mostly) taking their advice. A friend’s parents live in Lima, and we had the pleasure to spend the day with them.  (Thanks Islas!)  It was a lot of fun, and we were pleasantly surprised by the city.  The neighborhoods of Miraflores & Barranco were very charming, and Lima Centro was beautiful.  I guess the current mayor has done a lot for the …