LIMA DAY 2: Hit the Ground Running

Saturday, March 5

Ed and I got an early start. Too early, it turned out, because we got to the Phone Store before it opened. Since we are nothing if not adaptable, we went to some joint on the street for Breakfast.

I had a Tamale and Coffee; Ed had Coffee and some Cheesecake. It was early, so I forgot to take a picture of Ed.

We got our phones set up (I finally got rid of my Windows Phone), and ran some errands to prepare for the Luncheon on Sunday. There will be a separate post on the party, but Ed just charmed the Tamale Ladies.

We each had a Raspadilla - basically, a really cool Snow Cone, and then we headed out to meet David for Lunch.

We took a taxi to Magdalena, and met up with David at Los Esteros de Tumbes. David and I have been there before, and I asked if we could do a special repeat visit.

They were crowded, but the wait wasn't long. David and I started with Leche de Tigre -- basically, Cebiche Juice. Excellent.

Then Ed and I shared two plates... Grilled Jumbo Shrimp and Grilled Octopus. Dabvid had Cabrito (Baby Goat).

We did a good job on our plates.

Later, while walking around, I saw a sign for Queso Helado - my favorite dessert.

Worth each and every one of the five soles.

For Dinner, we went to my favorite restaurant, Panchita. How do I know that it is my favorite? Well, in a land with 9083098230 great places to eat, I made three reservations for there in just the 11 days here. That's how I know.

Ed and I were pretty full from Lunch, and Sandra doesn't eat a lot, so we didn't go crazy here tonight.

They start you with the delicious Bread. Even when you're not hungry, the bread is excellent.

I had A bowl of Sopa Criolla and a Rocoto Relleno.

The Soup doesn't look like much in the photo, but all the action is below. There's bots of meat, noodles, an Egg, and delicious broth. The Rocoto Relleno is one of my favorites here -- a spicy Stuffed Pepper. I ate all of the Stuff in the Stuffed Pepper, some of the Potatoes that surrounded it, and maybe a third of the Soup. My doorman loves when I order too much food.

Sandra had a side dish of Pasta and some grilled Vegetables. The photo of her and her Pasta didn't come out well, so I'm including one of her and her drink. Ed had Pez Espalda, which is Swordfish. On a Stick. Sandra had Crema Volteada, which is basically a Flan.

After Dinner, we all waddled (well, Ed & I waddled) away. We caught Isabel Inigo's early set (the photo is terrible; the music was great) at La Vida Misma, and went home and passed out. Tomorrow is my big Luncheon, so I dreamed of Ducks with Rice all night.