It seems that most of us were unable to sleep well as the whole crowd was there for breakfast together. Seems like we had barely settled in when it was time for Craig and Lorraine to leave. There was much hugging and taking of pictures together. Once they were gone we took Ruthie up on her generous offer to let us check out and put our gear in her and Chris’s room as they were staying another night to visit with friends. They had a very nice room! It seems the couples saw much nicer spaces than Carol-Ann and I did along the way.
Around 10, a bunch of us walked with the intention of finding the Indian market Nury had told us about. We ended up on the other side of the highway at the Mercado which was a locals food market, surrounded by hardware etc. It was not where we intended to be but interesting. Got turned around and found the area where much shopping was done and we all met to walk back as far as out street where some separated off.
Colin and Wendy, Carol-Ann and I had to meet back at the hotel for pick up at 12:30 for cooking class. Next it was time to say good-bye to ‘The Brits” as they would not be about when we returned from our cooking class in the afternoon. I got all teared up again. I was working on the previous days blog when I heard Wendy getting my attention to see who was there. It was Poppy! He had come to get Nury’s suitcase. We had a good hug. It was a short time later that I turned to see Nury standing there drinking her coffee from the Starbucks cup I had brought from Vancouver and used throughout the journey. I passed it on to her the night before and had written her name on it. It was endearing to see her using it. It is not getting easier for me to say adios.
The guide, Ronald picked us up in a van with a driver and there were already two on board, Paul and Amanda from Scotland. Ronald said we had the best driver in Peru and then asked him what his name was. We took a very scenic route which led us right back to the market we had been at that morning. He gave us a great tour, explaining all the ingredients usually used in Ceviche. We saw a Peruvian hairless dog, they are so odd, all skin and a Mohawk. The most fun was going to the Fish market. On the way we stopped to see a Friar jump off a cliff into the water outside the El Salto del Fraile restaurant. The reenactment is based on an old tale of unrequited love. I videoed the leap and then we all pulled nearer to the restaurant so the Friar could bring his basket round to collect tips. He was much older than I expected.
The Fish Market was lovely. Small but quite the variety. The man giving us the tour was very knowledgeable and seemed amused by the fact that I knew most of what I was saying. He was surprised when I understood he and our guide talking in Spanish. I was surprised to see a tray of Abalone there. This was a favourite of mine when I was young. I have not had it since the late 70’s and the entire industry of harvesting them has been closed since 1990 due to depletion. If only I had known before our last day that I could have had some! We were given silver sides (small herring like fish) to feed to Pelicans! Unlike any other bird I have seen the females are the yellow headed prettier ones. Not far from there was The Siren, the restaurant where we were to learn our next Peruvian Cooking skill. Everything was set and we didn’t take long to make our plates of Ceviche and Pisco Sours. I admit, ceviche is not my favourite. I have had so many odd textures that I am just craving a good old crunchy salad.
After an opportunity to scope out the beach, we were driven back to the hotel in time to once again hug Nigel and Linda and Colin helped them out to their taxi. It would seem an undercurrent of sad would continue to taint the day.
Colin, Wendy, Carol-Ann and I wandered to the pre-Incan pyramid in the middle of the city. It is made of mud bricks standing on end. We got there just as the last tour was begun and it was in English. Once again, such good fortune. It really was quite fascinating. It seems that we have seen such variety in the archaeological sites we have seen.
On the way back we stopped at The Christmas Store around the corner where a 30-50% sale was on. It appeared to be less Christmas, more very cool designer store. I found a cut glass lamp that I knew I had to have and Wendy offered her extra duffel bag so I could get it home. The few remaining (5 Canucks and 4 Yanks) hung around in the hotel lobby. I sat at the bar chatting with Daniel and JuanJose (JJ) and feeling resistant to leaving. Our two vans arrived and we all piled in with bags all mixed up. Our driver was nice and funny and got us there safely.
Once we all checked our bags in we were standing at the agreed upon spot when I realized Carol-Ann was still at the counter. As it happened they did not have a seat for her for the second leg of the journey. As there was nothing to do at that moment we all went for dinner together. It was cheeseburger special night and most of us ordered that. It took a very long time to arrive, had an odd texture and took even longer to pay for. I stood with Mike and Colleen as they waited for their change and finally just gave them the money and waited for it from the server. The saying good-bye to Jim and Lynda, Mike and Colleen were the last of that days emotional hits. I like that we are saying see you again rather than good-bye though.
We finally got our gate number and settled in to wait to board. I ended up with a window seat and an empty seat beside me which was nice. This plane had the fancy screen in the seat back and even included a USB port for charging. We were fed two meals, several beverage services and again a blanket, pillow, sleep mask, ear plugs and headphones were left on our seats. I guess I just pass for a local now as there isn’t even hesitation about speaking Spanish to me. I was also given Spanish Customs forms. I did manage to sleep a little. I have been thinking a lot about all that has occurred in the last couple weeks including the news early on that I will have another Grand baby come May next year. Also news that my cousin, Dale is in hospital for serious heart issues. Dale has been an inspiration to travel and I hope he gets well and maybe we can adventure together yet. Time to let go and let God and get some rest. Saying so long has taken a toll.
MB in the skies… adios Peru
09.28.13
triumphgal 