January 3rd, 2009 Peru Amazon Medical Trip - Day 8

The combination of the noise from the heavy rain and the stifling air due to the inability to control the temperature of the AC in our hotel room at Europa Hotel woke me up a few times during the night. Nonetheless, the air was crispy fresh after the rain. Not sure whether it was still early or because of the rain, at 6:45am, there were very few cars or people on the streets in the heart of Iquitos.

The continental breakfast was rather simple and definitely pale in comparison to what we had had at Chosen Vessel.

Around 7:30am, Christian came and helped us arrange the free airport shuttle service provided by the hotel. Luis did show up later at the airport to say good bye.

With a window seat assignment, I was able to snapshot aerial pictures of the Amazon River, Andes mountains, and later the Pacific oceans as we approached Lima airport.

Hugo and his wife Naomi were already waiting for us at the airport. They rented a rather big and comfortable Mercedes van with a u-haul-like cart latching behind the van to store our luggages.

It was a huge contrast between Iquitos and Lima in every aspect of life. This type of conspicious contrast can only be found in the third world countries where its urbans are well-developed while its rural areas are way under-developed. One in particular that caught my attention was that brand new cars were hardly seen on the streets in Iquitos but they were everywhere in Lima. Lima is just like any big cities in the States, overcrowded with people and vehicles.

The scenic ride along the Pacific Ocean in Miraflores was very satisfying. Watching those high waves made my heart leap. Would it not be nice to swim in it? Naomi said Lima is a surfer heaven, and she was right considered the good number of surfers in the ocean riding those big white waves.

Hugo and Noami took us to El Hawaiano Restaurant for a big buffet-style feast. The food was unbelievable - the best I ever had.

Huaca Pucllana was next stop. It was a ruin site. I learned that Cairo is the largest desert city in the world and Lima second. The last time Lima had a rain was in 1970.

We spent 1 1/2 hours in Indian Market for shopping-spree. I bought four scalfs, one pair gloves, and a hat.

We then spent some time strolling in the heart of the old town around the Plaza Mayor until 9:30pm where we stopped by for a bite before heading to the airport for USA.

This is a trip I will forever cherish in my heart...........