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Date : 24th September, 2016
Time : 58’ 20”
Total distance run to date : 870 km
Run map and details : https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1382864607
What is it with selfies? I just can’t seem to make them work. Nothing ever looks like it does in the mirror or in other people’s photos. All I get is nose, screwed up eyes and a screwed down hairdo. But not like some cat from Japan – or anything else remotely attractive. (That’s one for you Bowie fans out there.)
The reason I’m wandering round central Lima taking selfies is that I forgot to take my usual pre run photo the night before when I ran with Oscar and his girlfriend. But the selfies are all so rubbish that I’m going for pictures of the artwork along our running route (above and below.)
And a very nice running route it was as well in the equally nice Miraflores district. Along the cliff tops overlooking the Atlantic ocean and through, and by, a whole series of very pretty parks – many containing the impressive, aforementioned artwork
The historic centre is also pretty memorable – full of churches, palaces, big buildings and even bigger squares. And, at least on a Sunday afternoon, lots of live music and dancing. Pretty much any kind of music you can think of. Apart, oddly enough, from the Peruvian pan pipe music that you can hear in virtually any city centre in Europe.
And, to top off the tourist experience, you can then go for the freshest, zingiest ceviche you’ll find anywhere in the world
Of course, Lima’s a big city and not everything’s perfect. I’ve read and heard some pretty negative things about the city – about the crime, the weather, the poverty etc.
Perhaps that’s to be expected. Its home to almost 10 million inhabitants making it the second largest city in South America (after Sao Paulo but before Mexico City). It’s also the second largest desert city in the world after Cairo with elss than two inches of rain per annum.
And perhaps I’m biased in favour of Lima because, for once, my itinerary meant I had some time to look round the city. A welcome break from my usual transfer, check in, run, draft blog, sleep, check-out, transfer, fly out routine.
In any event, I liked it and I’d recommend spending some time there if you do make it to Peru. Even if it’s only to catch your breath after a long flight and before you head for those jewels in the Peruvian tourist crown – Machu Picchu and Cusco.
Oscar plus one, thank you for the company and run. Great to meet you and hope to see you again one day when we’re up and running with that that global Run the World event!
dansgoldchallenge 