Lima the Gray Octopus, Peru

Second Largest Cemetery in the World

The biggest is in Iraq. The one in Lima holds more than a million people. After we left the barrio, we drove over to the cemetery which is next to the slum. I think they meld together. Some people live in the cemetery.

Our guide pointed out graves where the crosses wore herbs, animal teeth, hair, and feathers. Paganism, shamanism, and witchcraft are widespread in Peru. There is an area in Northern Peru where 14 sacred lagoons exist. These lagoons play a key role in spiritual healing. “Mystic Tourism” is a growing field. There is also a store in Lima where you can buy everything you need to practice sorcery.

Astrid & Gaston in Lima, Peru

Astrid & Gaston is a restaurant that in 2019 was one of the top 50 restaurants in the world. It is a gorgeous white mansion where you can roam from room to room. Peruvian art decorates the walls.

Maureen and Alex had guinea pigs in chocolate sauce, while Donavin and I ate steak. We all ate sea urchin testicles also known as Uni. It tastes like the sea. I know that sounds strange, but it does. We didn’t eat the rest of the sea urchin because that is what comprises a sea urchin – his/her testicles or ovaries. If you can find Uni near you, here is a tasty-looking recipe for these hotties. Alex said he was not that impressed with the pigs. Maybe it was the chocolate sauce. I don’t know.

The restaurant gave Donavin a carrot cake for his birthday. They gave both children some chocolate and a chocolate-covered marshmallow. Unfortunately, Donavin later grabbed Maureen’s marshmallow and squished it saying, “This is relaxing.” Maureen was mortified. And even more incensed when he proceeded to somehow steal her chocolates, eat them and not share any of his carrot cake with her. Plato said, “Of all animals, the boy is the most unmanageable.”