*apologies for no photos, we are in the process of trying to find a SD card reader, please check back soon*
We hadn't heard from Marco yet and were still trying to figure out what was going on for the day. GZ stalked him on Facebook (still one of the greatest inventions, I contend) and then Marco's mom came into the lounge where we were. It was my first time meeting her and like her husband, she is so warm, welcoming, and sweet. She started chatting about Marco graduating college, going abroad, and more about the anniversary party of the entire Peru Star staff. In the midst of the conversation, Marco came over (their family home is about 3 blocks away) and it was a reunion for the 2 friends.
Shortly thereafter, we headed out in his new ride and he took us to his parents' house. It had this beautiful foyer and an awesome backyard. He took us on a brief tour, showing us the adobe clay oven (seriously), the clay stove and this giant mortar & pestle thing. They also have a pool and 2 cute dogs. We then sat down for lunch of "caldo de gallina" (hen soup) which was amazing. Super fresh chicken, noodles, full of green onions, and a clear broth. Yum!! While we were lunching, Marco's dad came in and chatted with us. He then took us on a more detailed tour and told us more stories behind a bunch of the laminated photos hanging in the backyard. The family is very well traveled and I'm so impressed they are a bilingual family.
We then headed out and our hosts showed us the coast/beach near Miraflores (another neighborhood in Lima) and we stopped near Parque Kennedy. As we walked around, Marco's dad told us a bit about the history of the park like how a former politician (either a mayor or governor) used to close the park every day except Sunday afternoons. We came upon 2 ladies carry labrador puppies and I about melted. At first we weren't sure if Marco knew these women as he just went up to the them and picked up one of the puppies. He then proceeded to hand one to me which I just huddled to my chest. It was sleeping and soooooooooo cute. Marco then explained to us that these women bred this dogs (purebred, supposedly) and walked around trying to sell them for about a third of the price of ones you would find in a pet store. He then told us how to make sure what to look for when buying a puppy such as a pink roof of mouth and big paws.
Reluctantly I gave the puppy up and we continued onto the market. This is just like any other kind of artist market you find in NYC. It was clean and each stall had a sign. We saw some live music, saw a guy carving out of marble, and had some refreshing "chicha" (purple corn drink) and what I think was jackfruit juice (so yum). We scoped out some souvenirs and will probably return later. Tons of baby alpaca wool stuff like blankets, rugs, and ponchos. Maybe I can just come home with a baby alpaca.
Our next stop was at a marketplace near the neighborhood of Magdalena which is not too far from the pier. Which means, lots of fresh seafood. Marco parked the car and we headed into this maze of stalls selling all kinds of prepared food, raw meat, toiletries, yarn, anything else you can think of. It definitely felt like an episode of No Reservations with Anthony Bordain. After a few turns, we ended up in front of a stall with white tiles and photos of seafood to the left. On the right was an alcove with a tiled counter and a half door. Marco spoke to one of the women working, pushed open the door, and ushered us in while saying, "Please, into the VIP room." We had a good laugh about that as I sat down, my legs up against a crate of empty Inca Cola (national beverage of Peru) bottles.
They brought out GZ's dish first which was the "White Ceviche" (in no relation to this race) which had white fish, tons of lime juice/onions, hominy, and "canchita" (otherwise known as Peruvian popcorn). The rest of us had "concha negra" which is ceviche of raw black clams. It was drowned in lime juice, tons of onions and again, hominy and canchita. It was freaking delicious! Marco and his dad weren't sure if we'd like it as the taste can be more of an acquired thing. What they didn't know is that GZ and I are seasoned eaters and we can't be grossed out. It was easily the highlight of our trip so far. Sitting around the white, tiled stall, I really felt like I was in a documentary. Marco's dad was so funny, he was saying how he doesn't normally take guests to these kinds of places (I'm assuming dirty and small) and he almost seemed a little embarrassed which was sweet. But it was muy autentico and I loved that.
They dropped us off at Peru Star shortly after and when we got there, GZ ordered the "cuy," also known as GUINEA PIG!!!!! Apparently it's getting harder and harder to get guinea pig so it's also getting a little bit more expensive. Only a few markets still carry them and Marco said they usually go to a farm type place about 20 minutes away to get them.
After a short nap (yep), we headed down for dinner. I wasn't too hungry so I didn't eat much but I did try some of the cuy (photos coming, I swear) which was... mostly like chicken. Much stringier though and very little actual meat. But it's GUINEA PIG! A rodent. Weird.
Plans fell through with Marco's friends so we turned into our room relatively early, ready to rest up for the next day's adventure.
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