Peru

Why Peru?
I booked this trip on the fly when I found out that Reada is pregnant and coming home for five months in December, then moving from Peru. I'd been meaning to take this trip for three years but since I'd never been able to use my flyer miles for a convenient trip, I'd postponded it. On Sunday I talked to Reada on the phone and heard her news and thought, it's now or never! I have the time, I have the FF miles and I have a place to stay in Lima. Three days later I'd booked a three week trip leaving seven days from then.

Trip down - Wednesday, 12/2
Juan was a rockstar and dropped me off at the airport. I had to book first class in order to use my miles and oh man, what a difference. No waiting in lines, you get to board right away, there is loads of space in the cabin, free liquor the whole flight, hot towels, lobster, dinner, cheesecake, wine, full reclining seats, 40 movies and games to play. It was great and I hope I'll get to fly that way again, but I'd never pay for it cause it's way too expensive. The flight was six and a half hours long. Dave was awesome and met me at the airport.

Reada and Dave live in this beautiful red brick house right on the Pacific Ocean. They have three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sunroom and a space upstairs for tv and computers. They've been wonderful and I can't say enough how much I love being with them again. Reada is one of my favorite people and I have missed her dearly these past three years.

Day 1 - Thursday, 12/3
When I woke up I found out that Reada's school had potential cases of swine flu so they sent her cute pregnant butt home for two days which she was sad about but I was selfishly thrilled. :) I love that Reada cares so much about her students and her job as their teacher. I want to have that kind of passion and dedication for my work someday (soon I hope.)

Lunch - Punta Azul
Puffy corn - This was a little bowl of puffy corn kernals that tasted like corn nuts and popcorn
Calamare frito - Fried Calamari with fresh tartar sauce
Causa - Cold mashed potatoes with tumeric (or they were orange potatoes), layered with a chopped fish and shrimp mayo based salad, covered in grated hard boiled egg, all shaped like a fish. This was my favorite.
Ceviche Punta Azul con Salsa Rocotto - Fish, shrimp, calamari, octopus, lime, and red onion covered in this red pepper sauce. Not spicy at all but really fresh tasting.

Dave left to tutor and Reada and I walked around Miraflores and Parque Kenedy, then taxi'd home to walk Matza and have ice cream in the park. I emailed, read The Ruins, napped, then we went to dinner.

Dinner - El Pollon
Pollo A la Brasa - Rotisserie chicken with fries, salad and Inca Kola. The rub they put on the chicken here is delish, way better than Pollo Loco in San Antonio. I could live without Inca Kola, the golden bubblegum soda they love so much in Peru. Mayonaise is less goopy and more creamy and there's always some aji or chili condiment served with the meal. I'm staying away from salad and any fruit with skin on it in hopes of avoiding The Dreaded Peru Belly.

Back to the house for some reading and internet, then off to walk Matza and get some gelato. I got Panna and Frambose or something. Cream and raspberry in a cone.

Day 2 - Friday, 12/4
Woke up around 10:30, read some, walked Matza with Dave and grabbed some empanadas.

Lunch - Don Mario Panederia
Empanadas de lomo saltado - Flaky potpie-like pastery with strips of beef sauted with onion, garlic and tomato. Delish.
Calzone Mixto - Ham and something empanada

R&D had to sell their second car so they dropped me off at a Starbucks so I hung out using their wi-fi. I know, I know, going to Starbucks in a foreign country is stupid, but I wanted to start my blog and do some trip planning, and people watching at Starbucks for a few hours was a nice way to spend the time.

Dave made us some tasty Chinese food at home and we chilled at home for the rest of the night.