You might have seen this on Trip Advisor. Well, not the man in the not-so-tighty-whities, but the ruins behind him. It might be the attraction that is luring you to Lima, one that you are willing to trek halfway around the world to see, even cashing in miles for extra leg room.
But me?
It’s something I see all the time as it’s near my school and super near the international clinic where I have to pee in a cup every once in a while.
It’s Huaca Pucllana.
Truth be told, I went to Huaca Pucllana because it was free, unlike Clinical Delgado in the background, which definitely is not free.
On the first Sunday of every month, this ancient ceremonial site (that dates back to the days Sparta and Athens were at odds), offers free admission to folks who can prove they live in Peru.
I have proof, something called a Carnet, the Peruvian equivalent to a residence card.
So what is this place?
Huaca Pucllana ancient ruins look like a gigantic version of the Silly Sand toy I wanted as a kid, but never got, though the jingle still rattles in my brain. The adobe bricks are the same shade of 70s suede.
I took the free Spanish tour, as you are not allowed to wander around on your own, and I didn’t want to pay the small fee for the English guide.
Besides, I really don’t care archeologists uncovered the ancestors of Sears Roebuck underwear models. I guess I had my fill of history in high school, something my principal could attest to. I prefer colorful places, like the Chorrillos Fish Market, where everything is vibrant, from the murals to the smells.
With the money I saved on admission, I purchased a small red tuna (about eight bucks). The price included the monger fileting the fish into six hunky steaks. I tried making tuna encrusted in sesame seeds. It didn’t turn out like the one featured in the New York Times recipe section, but no big deal.
I have five more tries.
Sending hugs Ginger!