Yesterday I was near Plaza Grau, in downtown Lima when I saw a banner that announced the upcoming celebration of Lima's 472 year since its' founding by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 18th, 1535. 

Interesting enough Lima was originally named Ciudad de Los Reyes (City of Kings), in tribute to the arrival of the three wise kings to Bethlehem.  The reason for the name was due to the date on which the name was chosen, January 6th, which is the date for the feast of the Epiphany.  With time the use of Cuidad de Los Reyes wore off and Lima adopted instead.  If you look at the picture of Lima's coat of arms you will notice the 3 crowns in the center.  Also on the coat of arms appears the symbols of Spanish King Carlos V and his mother, doña Juana.

Getting back to the announcement though, this Sunday a festival will be held in the Plaza de Armas which will include musical guest performances from Bartola, Guajaja, Julie Freundt, Los Hermanos Zañartu, as well as other recognized Peruvian artists.  The music is scheduled to start at 5pm and entrance is free to all who wish to attend.  The festival will then finish with a fireworks show that is set for midnight, 17th-18th. 

I will definately be attending and I even heard that their will be dance performances of La Marinera, so it should be quite an event.  Expect a full review of the event sometime next week.

It's disturbing and upsetting when foreigners come to Peru and vandalize historic and cultural landmarks but it's even more distressing and embarrassing when that same vandalism is committed by it's own citizens.  Yesterday the Instituto Nacional de Cultura (INC) or National Culture Institute in the department of La Libertad (where the ruins of Chan Chan are located) filled a legal complaint against four Limeñan students from the district of Los Olivos for vandalism and destruction towards the Chan Chan ruins.

These four pirañitas (spanish for piranhas) were on an end of the year class field trip to La Libertad visiting the Chan Chan ruins where they committed their disrespectful and atrocious acts of vandalism not just to a national landmark but to Peru's heritage (patrimonio).  To further prove their lack of overall intelligence and civility the four decided to film their crime (so that later it would be used against them in their up coming trial).  The film displays them kicking, writing on the walls and even throwing rocks against the walls murals all while laughing at their despicable act.

In retort (and I'm so heated up right now that I'm not even sure if this is the right context for this word), the Regional Director of INC is determined to sanction all four students as a preventative measure to any future idiots who might find it amusing to vandalize cultural landmarks.  The DA or Fiscalia of La Libertad is currently underway in a full investigation of the crime to further determine the rightful sentence and punishment for the four vandalists.

Interestingly enough, a news reporter from Frequencia Latina went to interview on of the parents of the four vandals to get his opinion of the entire situation.  What is shocking is his response to the entire crime serves only as an indication to the class of parents that raised the vandals.  The father whose name was not revealed had this to say: "it was nothing more than just a childish prank, and that they just recently learned of the value of the ruins!"  Are you KIDDING ME, excuse me but that's total BS (obviously the father is trying his best to cover for his son but fails to realize that his statements reflect poorly on their family)!

According to INC these acts of vandalism and destruction towards the ruins are constant which raises the question "who is protecting these ruins?"  If sanctioned (and I really hope they do) these four students could be looking at 3 to 8 years in jail for such crimes towards Peru's national and cultural landmarks.  I know I am personally crossing my fingers.

below is the video that was placed on YouTube by one of the students that shows the acts of vandalism.



It's also important to know that when the students were caught and charged with their crimes their laughter changed to fear as they tried to make amend their wrong doings with a simple "were sorry, honest we are!"

so I am currently working on a little project where each month I will chose a photo to be converted into the Inti Aperture banner.  To kick start this project I have chosen a photo that was taken yesterday during an urban trek I did with my family in Downtown Lima.

Here is what the new banner will look like:

This is the general idea for the new monthy banner project, and NO they won't all include me in them!  This just happens to be a new favorite of mine


Thanks guys!

Gold (Au for you science geeks) a precious metal whose bright lustrous shine which has symbolized wealth and value has captivated man for centuries.  A natural resource so malleable and ductile it's been used took create everything from coins to being used to plate Nintendo Wii's!

The Incas along with other Peruvian indigenous groups used gold to fashion several beautiful items which would later be the prized possessions of the Spanish Conquistadores.  Their artifacts were so articulate and ornate that they managed to travel the world. 

Today those artifacts which represent the best of several indigenous groups from Chimú to Nazca are on display in the Tupac Amaru Parlor Room within the Presidential Palace (AKA: Palacio de Gobierno, located in the Plaza de Armas in Downtown Lima).  The Exhibit which is currently on display is being presented by the Central Reserve Bank of Peru and the Hugo Cohen Gold Collection.  The exhibit is open to the public and best of all it is FREE!  Photography is allowed as long as flash is not used. 

The Exhibit showcases some of the best gold artifacts from Mr. Cohen's personal collection, what makes the exhibit even better is the location chosen.  The Presidential Palace is rarely opened to the public which makes for a great added bonus for those curious about what the palace looks like from the inside and those who love great architecture. 

If your in Lima I highly encourage you to go and visit the exhibit it is well worth it.

Here is a map below to help serve as a guide:


View Larger Map

El Anzuelo or "fishhook" in English is a word that best represents the quality of the seafood you will find at the cevicheria El Anzuelo in Chorrillos.  When it comes to good fresh seafood (with the exception of the HUGE fish market in Villa Maria del Triunfo) in Lima no other districts can compete with Callao and in this case Chorrillos.  Both districts are also recognized for the large amount of fishing that takes place in its waters of their coasts.


With great fresh seafood coupled with the love and admiration of cooking, Chef Teo creates wonderful and simple dishes that leave you wanting more.  Owner and well-known Chef Teo provides the citizens of Chorrillos with a large menu of various seafood dishes featuring everything from the Peruvian classic Ceviche Dos Tiempos to the appetizingly spicy calamari stuffed tequeños.   Chef Teo is well recognized for his culinary creations from his days back when he worked as a chef at La Choza Nautica, located in Breña a few years ago.  Deciding it was time for a change the Chef decided to open a cevicheria of his own and today El Anzuelo is a testament of his hardwork and dedication.

At first appearance El Anzuelo has the look of any other local cevicheria on Av. Huaylas, it's small and quaint size may be intimidating but upon being seated and taking in the nautical atmosphere of fishing nets and sea shells along with the aroma of seafood dishes being prepared and will find your appetite grow.  The service is quick and the food doesn't take more than 15 minutes from time of order (on a regular day) til it reaches your table.  Any true fan of seafood who hasn't already eaten at this restaurant will want to give El Anzuelo a try and for what you get, you will soon discover that it's well worth the modest price.


I personally recommend the restaurant and give it a 5 out of 5 in my book.

This is an approximate address:

Defensores Del Morro 271, Chorrillos

Lima 09, Peru

Get Directions

(0)1 291 3170

The restaurant is located on Av. Huaylas in between Av. Santa Teresa and Av. Olaya, across from the Garibaldi Fire Station.  

Price: $-$$

Last week I was unable to post the Saturday Morning Cartoons because I was on vacation in Cusco, Peru.  Not to worry though, since I have the next installment in my favorite Saturday Morning Cartoon series.  This weekend I have a pretty interesting collection of animation goodness.  So sit back and enjoy, oh and Happy New Year!

Left-brained Larry & Right-brained Rachel from Niels  Wee on Vimeo.


Elio from Rob Diaz on Vimeo.


Skhizein (Jérémy Clapin,2008) from Bertie on Vimeo

I just got back from my wonderful trip in Cusco a few days ago and was doing some internet reading when I read this interesting article from the Peruanista Blog about the destruction of ancient Incan walls by Lima-based company Inversiones La Rioja SA.   

I remember seeing the construction site on a hike while in Cusco and wondering what was being built there, apparently the plan is to build a 7-story high hotel that will also consist of 3 underground levels.  Anyways, the article written by Peruanista extensively covers the depth of the damage being conducted in Peru's most popular and highly visited city.  


If you would like to read his article here is the link, he reveals some interesting information.  I recommend giving it a read.  


*Above photo taken from Peruanista Blog