I must first begin this entry with a heartfelt apology for my continuing absence. Believe me, it is not in my nature to neglect but for some unknown reason I’ve lost my written voice — and that, unfortunately, has led to a painful apathy towards writing of any kind.
But I am back and I shall spend this time welcoming you back into my world of sunshine and exaggeration.
Now I’ve recently returned from a fantastic trip through Peru and as the bug bites have begun to fade and the memories of lomo saltado and chicha morada melt into the mental abyss I am welcomed back to my unsensational reality.
But before I surrender myself to the responsibilities of adulthood, I’d very much like to regurgitate my past 33 days in South America. Now I initially went into S. Am. with the expectation that I’d be traveling to Peru, Argentina and Brazil. However, sans* passport I was forced to invest the entire trip to Peru — which ended up being a blessing in disguise.
* looooong story, don’t ask..
I don’t wish to recount every little thing I may have encountered and cherished on the trip, but in order to appreciate this entry a map and a “where I’ve been” list is necessary.
Where I’ve Been:
- Lima – Miraflores – Barranco
- Arequipa
- Puno – Lake Titicaca – Islas Flotantes – Isla Taquila – Isla Amantani
- Cuzco – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu
- Paucartambo – Pilcopata (entrance to Manu) – Boca Manu
- Trujillo – Chan Chan – Las Huacas del Sol y de la Luna
- Huanchaco
- Chiclayo – Sipan
- Cajamarca – Cumbe Mayo – Los Banos del Inca
- Piura
- Mancora
So, yes, a LOT of ground was covered.
MY FAVORITE: THE FOOD
If you love seafood, then Peru is the south american locale for you. Sprinkled by hole-in-the-whole cebiche bars (cebicherias) and surrounded by a healthy stretch of water front restaurants your options between crustaceans and aquatic vertebrates are bountiful. Cebiche has been one of the most exciting introductions to seafood I’ve ever experienced (and being Chinese, that says a lot). The simplicity of the dish is its grandeur: slices of very fresh raw fish (usu. seabass) marinated with lime juice..covered with onions..some garlic…and a garnish of salsa de rocoto (local chili pepper-very spicy!)..usually partnered with some corn-on-the-cob bits on the side. Altogether a truly exuberant affair.
Now if you’re opting out of seafood, the infamous Lomo Saltado is right there waiting for you at every cafe/restaurant you set foot in. At first glance this dish might look like a Chinese stir-fry dish — and you actually wouldn’t be far off. It’s a meat-eater’s concoction: each strip of sirloin is normally marinated in lime (sensing a theme?) and soy sauce..then stir fried with bell peppers, tomatoes and parsley…lastly served on top of a dome of white rice. (sidenote: I probably ate more rice here than at home!). It’s delicious, but very very hearty since it’s always accompanied with french fries or some other variation of potatoes.
Well that’s enough food talk for now…I’m getting hungry!
