Lima, Peru: Christmas and Catholicism

Today, I had a few hour to explore Lima.  One of the first things I saw in Peru's capital city was a giant Christmas tree on the corner of a plaza, right in front of a shopping mall, in the corner of which was a Starbucks serving 'Christmas drinks' and playing American Christmas music.  Oh America, have we really commercialized Christmas for the world?  At least it's November, not October...

After I left that (somewhat disturbing) scene behind, I found the Plaza de San Martin, which is about halfway between the city center and my hostel.  Despite the overcast skies, it was still pretty, and the flowers were great.

Near the Plaza de Armas, the town center, is the Convent de San Francisco, a giant clositer/church built and used by the Franciscan order from the 1600s until the mid-1900s.  Though you couldn't take pictures inside, some highlights included catacombs that housed the remains of 25,000 people (the first cemetery in Lima wasn't built until the 1850s, so until then, people were buried under the churches); a 25,000-volume library of rare, really old books; a cloister with azulejo-tiled walls from Sevilla; and an awesome choir stall.  The $3 entrance fee even included a guide!

After the convent, it was time to hit up the Lima Cathedral, which is stunning.  This entrance fee also included a guide, so I learned a lot about the history of the cathedral, its chapels, and its art.  This cathedral also houses the room where Peru's declaration of independence was signed in 1801, which happens to be the same room where the garments PJPII wore during both his papal visits are on display.  Throw in some catacombs, and it was quite the tour!

 

The last stop of the day was Plaza de Armas, Peru's central plaza and home of the central government.  This plaza and the surrounding pedestrian streets were a nice respite from the constant honking and crazy traffic of Lima (though you could still hear them in the distance).  While I am glad I got to see Lima's 9-million-strong capital, I am really excited to see a bit of the quieter side in Cuzco.  Twenty-two-hour bus ride, here I come!