Lima’s love affair with light

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LIMA – One more entry about Lima, just because it deserves it.

This city has been called grey and dreary and at first glance one might understandably think so, given that the coastal fog that shrouds the city lifts so rarely. But that’s given Limeños the inspiration to play with light in ways that other, more sunny cities don’t, to sparkling effect.

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Case in point, the Circuito Magico del Agua, the water park in Central Lima.

Sara invited us downtown to see the special light show for Fiestas Patrias – a spectacular display of light and water unlike anything I’ve ever seen – even if it hadn’t been for the over-the-top fireworks display. These light shows occur several times a year, so be sure to check the schedule when you’re in Lima. But even without the special performances, the park is a must-see stop on your Lima tour. An interactive circuit of 13 fountains weave together water, light and music for an unforgettable experience, especially at night.

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At the opposite extreme in the city’s historic center are perfectly preserved colonial gems such as the Catedral San Antonio with its famous catacombs, where the remains of thousands of believers can still be seen, some of them arranged in surreally artistic geometric patterns. Photographs were forbidden inside the catacombs, but the cathedral’s bright yellow façade was picturesque indeed, basked as we were in a rare gift of sunshine.

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Lima’s extreme dryness has allowed for the preservation of ornately carved wooden balconies dating to the early colonial period, giving the city a charming European feel. We wandered the pedestrian walkways of the central plaza area, where artisans were selling beautiful filigreed silver jewelry, pottery and basketry. And we ended the evening in nearby Chinatown, enjoying a dinner of chifa – Peruvian Chinese cuisine.


Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.


Comments

One response to “Lima’s love affair with light”

  1. Nice post. Love the pictures

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