Masajes, jugo, y ruinas (April 11)

This morning we had plans for massages at an "Andean spa" at 10:30am which was an ideal, relaxing way to start the day. After our shoulders had been dug out (yay for EmBoss/Marsky messed up shoulders!) and our whole bodies rubbed down, we headed back to the hostel to meet up with our dorm mates to plan the day. Martin, the charming Canadian decided to accompany us to lunch and our afternoon activities.

EmBoss was determined to find this sandwich shop known for their chicharrones, which were ideal for fixing ones pisco-induced ills according to Lonely Planet. Not having a hangover did not lessen EmBoss' hankering for some delicious pork and some "papaya, strawberry, guava" juice. Marsky enjoyed a grilled chicken plate with some strong coffee and a not-surprising side of patatas fritas. The three tourists ate lunch at the corner counter of El Enana before heading to Huaca Pucllana in the residential area of the Miraflores district.

We expected Huaca Pucllana to be more of a tomb, but it ended up being the site of a sacred temple. The Lima people were the first to inhabit the area around 400AD, followed by the Ichsma, and finally the Inca, who merely used the "hill"as a lookout point. There were several crypts on the site containing human sacrifice of babies (chosen for their purity) and adults, some of which were decaptiated. There was also a lovely garden on site with numerous native plants and animals, such as alpacas and cuy.

Due to the massive quantities of jugo consumed at lunch we required unos servicios after the tour and decided to utilize the extremely fancy bathrooms in the Huaca Pucllana restaurant. We received copious strange looks from he restaurant patrons as we dusty, sweaty tourists traipsed around the fancy restaurant.

All in all, it was a wonderful day!

¡Tengo el mundo a mis pies!

EmBoss