49. Callao, Peru

Callao, Peru                        77F (25C)

Huge Container Port Here

While the proper name is Callao, it is really part of Lima, Peru. The district is called Callao hence the name of the port. 

We took the free shuttle into town, to a large shopping mall. The welcome message ‘Estas aqui para ser Feliz’ - (you are here to be happy) - on the outside of the entrance had to sink in. 

 

Mall Entrance

No use thinking too much about the why’s and what’s, just forget the past, let’s do this cruise and finish it. Be happy is what I told myself.

We had a coffee at a Starbucks store here and had great internet connection. We made an effort to find sunglasses for Carol but gave up. She will buy them at home when she gets back.

Mostly Low-Rise Buildings

We did not stay long at the Mall… to visit the tourist spots in Lima in the few hours we had was useless. Besides, we spent almost a week in Lima a few years back. Lima has more than 10 million people living in a very spread out area. No high-rises to speak of, so it is huge… all spread out.  Good luck walking anyplace. It would take years to get even an inkling of what is here.

Area Near the Port

We took the shuttle bus back soon after we got our internet loaded and did some needed email writing. 

Well Crafted

We saw on the way back that the port area was rather scuzzy. There were a few tent shops set up right next to the ship and 

Carol found a nice, different, colorful piece of jewelry. It looked modern and totally, unexpectedly new.  Good find… but not that cheap.   

Beautiful Costumes

Entertainment for the night was FANTASTIC.  A Peruvian Folkloric Show was performed by a troupe called 'Inkamerica'; a local group of artists who really had a good, different show. It felt like you saw the best of Broadway. Some things were just unbelievable. 

A Very Talented Group

A Tribal Kind of Dance

A few men did some stunts that simply stunned. Lying on the floor, on their back, they flipped completely around; A full 360 degree turn. One moment they are lying on their back and then, flipped over. No run up movements, nothing. Flop and you could see them spin in the air, the full length of their prone body. I have never seen this before. 

One guy, lying on his back, ‘jumped’ up and stood upright. One move only and the guy stood. How did they do that? I cannot imagine the core strength it takes to do that. Bravo.  It was a fantastic performance.

Colourful

Exquisite Embroidery

Such Beautiful Costumes, I Had to Keep Taking Pictures