Magical Waters

These pictures are of the Circuito Magico de Aguas (Magical Water Circuit) in Lima's Parque de la Reserva, near the National Stadium. When we were there in August construction was still going on, but they finished it in time for the warm austral summer evenings.
According to the brochure Liz brought back, the circuit consists of 13 fountains, the tallest which reaches 80 meters and has won distinction as the world's tallest public fountain. Liz says that the interplay of water and changing lights is breathtaking and truly magical, and a must-see for visitors to Lima.

Ayacucho, Carnaval 2008

Here are two short videos taken by Diego of Liz and Co. dancing in the streets and plaza of Ayacucho during Carnaval. If you keep your eyes open you'll also be able to spot Danny and Juan Ramon in the comparsa. They did this for three days and on into the nights, and though it rained often, "it didn't dampen any spirits, just our clothes." The semi-official estimate is that 150 such groups took part in this year's Carnaval festivities.

From Liz

Having just arrived in Lima, Liz is given the traditional welcome at Mi Carcochita, in Lince.
Those are my cousins Diego, on the left, and Juan Ramon.

"We´re in Ayacucho, having arrived on a flight that got us here at 6am.

"As it is Sunday, the town was still sleepy and it took us about an hour and four stops to get a cup of coffee and chaplas con huevo. Cafés either weren´t open or they didn´t have bread or they didn´t have coffee or the water wasn´t hot yet...finally our success came the second time we stopped at a stall in the mercado.

"After that Danny and I did a little shopping...trying to find boxer shorts and T shirts that fit him [his luggage did not arrive in Lima with him] was a true treasure hunt, but we had a bit of success. At least he now has clean calzones, two shirts and a tooth brush. We both got some music and I purchased some fresh wawa from Betty's tia. Yummm...

"Siestas for everyone after that...

"Here I am now. Having a great time, but still thinking of you all. Yesterday was El Dia del Pisco and we celebrated like true peruvians, drinking all types of Pisco drinks at the festival in the park in Surco. We collected a whole bag of cups from the different distilleries, and Danny and I made a purchase or two.


"Poor Toya and Willy..we stopped off to have cuyes afterward, but as we were all thoroughly wasted, I don´t think we were good for business, as we had the table right up front. There was talk of karaoke or dancing, but we all went back to the resi and to bed, having to get up at 2:45 to leave for the airport. Ughh.

"The plane had 20 seats...very small, but we were all so tired, we slept (with the addition of some rhythmic snoring from Juan Ramon). I woke up about a half an hour later to a beautiful sunrise over the Andes."

Liz is in Peru

Yep, Liz is in Lima to enjoy some sun and leisure for a bit. Tomorrow she journeys to Ayacucho for Carnaval.

As a preview of what awaits her, I offer this video by Ayacucho singer Kiko Revatta, featuring some of typical street dancing in traditional dress (It also has some good views of the historic downtown streets):