Page 152 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2024 LIMA

head and tomatoes of every imaginable
color. A few stands were selling prepared
food, art, and baked goods, but the pro‐
duce was the star. Not being able to shop
for home was almost painful. I did get
lavender lotion straight from the farm for
a birthday gift and an absolutely divine
flaky pastry loaded with butter and cinna‐
mon.
I took a break midday to languish in my
clean, airy suite for a few hours. I fixed a
cup of tea (I always pack an immersion
coil) and littered pastry flakes all over the
floor as I lolled on the couch and read
through the various brochures, maps, and
notes I’d accumulated along the way. A
nap was in order, followed by a hot shower
in the enormous bathroom. Then it was
time to get back on the street.
I noted an increase in the noise from
outside my room, opened the blinds and
watched the Thursday Sunset Market come
together. The market attracts thousands,
for good reason. It stretches for blocks
with more food options than you could
imagine. I spotted Polish, Vietnamese, In‐
dian and Greek food along with the usual
roasted meats and an abundance of Latin
food. As time went on families filled the
streets munching on all sorts of treats. I
sampled West African dishes while sitting
at a table listening to an excellent band,
then wandered about a while longer,
checking out other bands and crafts ex‐
hibits. As the market wound down (it closes
at 9 pm) I meandered back to the Brick
and the Cococabana Rooftop Bar. The
place was packed with revelers sipping
cocktails, some in the requisite coconuts. I
grabbed a seat overlooking the market,
enjoyed one final margarita, and took in
the scene below before collapsing into bed
once again.

152 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2024