Lima, Peru - Day 1

Heading off for our next adventure, to check another natural wonder off our list, we met some very special family members in Lima, Peru the last week of February. I was reflecting on the number of photos that we all took and I realized this would not be a one post trip. Breaking it up will make it easier to tell the stories in more detail!

Jared, Jaime and Reeve set off on their first South America trip on Thursday, February 20. They had a layover in Mexico city (in which they have dubbed to WORST airport ever), and then flew overnight to Lima, arriving early Friday morning. They received funny looks from the hotel workers as they checked in around 6 a.m. for their room that was reserved the night before. Why did they do this you ask? Simple, anyone traveling with a 15 month old will understand how important a good place to sleep is!

Jaime and Jared were well prepared for traveling with their toddler. While things may not have played out the way they expected, together, they are amazing parents and did everything that was needed in order to make the trip enjoyable. The days may have seemed longer, and their arms may have been tired, but the pictures and experiences were worth it!

We woke up very early (3 a.m.) Friday morning to fly to join the three of them. Some little ones forgot to pack their tablets (I was not upset by this). So, many books were finished during this trip.

We arrived around 10 a.m., sent Jared and Jaime a message and then we were off to meet them at the Air BnB we reserved. The lady was incredibly accommodating allowing us to drop off and store all of our luggage hours before check-in. The cleaning crew greeted us kindly, gave us a tour, and we were off to find experience our first, of many, Peruvian dishes.

Before leaving on this trip, everyone that has ever been to Peru mentioned how wonderful the food was. We were not left disappointed! Each new experience left us in awe, attempting to find out what made the food so good. Even dishes that we may have tried that were 'common' to us ended up surprising our taste buds. No meal went without dishes being passed around, eagerly encouraging everyone to try what was on the plates!

Our research, and recommendations from our host, took us to ámaZ Restaurante, a restaurant within walking distance. As we approached, we were greeted by many employees and directed toward a large table in the Amazon themed restaurant. Eager to try as many new foods as we could, this restaurant was enticing. 

Sitting in a hut style table, we glanced over the menu and watched as the cousins became reacquainted. In hopes of helping all the hungry children, we ordered grilled plantains with cheese. Everyone was asking for more!

While we did not get pictures of everything, or remember exactly what each person had, Alden tried the pork with bacon and pork skins, Zane tried the duck served inside of cabbage leaves and

I tried the Amazonian rice.

We had much happier children after food was delivered!

After our stomachs were full, we went back to the apartment so Reeve could nap and the boys could play. We enjoyed rounds of Gestures and Uno. 

After everyone was rested, we ventured out to do some exploring near the ocean. In this area of Peru, we were way above the ocean. In order to reach the area, we had to walk down hundreds of steps or drive. As we were exploring, we found a wonderful outdoor mall area full of shops and restaurants called Larcomar. Above this area, was a park, while below you saw the ocean. The cousins enjoyed their time together!

Little Miss Mover and Shaker enjoyed her time. Each set of stairs was happiness for this girl! I cannot say that mom and dad felt the same way, but they were happy she was getting a chance to exercise!

We found a restaurant, called Mangos, and stopped for dinner. This restaurant was huge, but the only place they had for us was upstairs and inside. This made it really hot. We had to walk down a flight of steps in order to reach the buffet. The food was wonderful, but the atmosphere was difficult for families. 

We enjoyed some Peruvian tea and watched the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, before heading home for the evening. 

Greg and I went to the store to stock up on items, while Jaime and Jared took the kiddos back to the apartment. As we were driving around, we realized that this town is full of Casinos! Since all of our research was children based, we did not even know this fact. Fun to see, but a surprise nonetheless. 

Our evenings were spent enjoying adult beverages, reflecting on the day, planning and discussing the next day and just breathing! 

Next Up - The Lima Zoo - Legends Park