We live in La Molina, a tranquil, nice part of Lima. Stace drives the kids to and from school each day in another part of town and passes Alberto, a guy in a wheelchair, who sells mints or gum. The kids like him and encourage Stace to buy from him or give to him even when he's out of goods. Stace asked what he needed help with a few weeks ago and he pointed to his tires, indicating that they were wearing out. We decided we'd try to help him out by buying him some new tires. So on Saturday, Sept 26, we met up with him and loaded him into the back of the SUV. He said the place to buy the wheels was 15 minutes away, so we thought it would still be in a nice area. We were wrong.
We didn't have a clue where we were going and Alberto only seemed to know the path slightly better.
We were headed to Plaza Grau--a central market place in Lima.
It took 40 minutes to arrive.Our destination was a street with hundreds of bikes for sale. Once we turned onto the street, we didn't have to find the store, the vendors found us.
We took over 2 hours to get back where we picked up Alberto. Everyone we asked on the streets had ideas on how to get home, but none of their suggested paths out worked.
Later, after telling some neighbors about where we had been, we were told to never go there again, especially in our own car.
Since it was a unique experience in a unique part of Lima, I'm posting a lot of photos.
We drove past many workshops. Check out the housing high on the hills.
Here's a closer shot of the housing.
This is the Lima Fruit Market. The Daewoo minicar (yellow) is a common taxi around here.
Some band going through the streets.
Special price. We went with the high performance nylon.
Ballerina, Asleep, Alberto, Karate Kid.
I told them I'd buy them soda if they got us out of there quick.
Bikes. Alberto in back of car.
Fruit sellers.
Grilled bananas.
These tricycles are everywhere and can hold a lot. Once I saw one with a 2 year old child in the front basket with the husband peddling and the wife on the back rack.
Some semi-trucks using woven mats and sticks to keep their goods in.
Traffic.We were the only car that wasn't a taxi or a bus.
This was a unique stretch we drove through. People gave us the "Gringo, you're totally lost" stare.
A wedding was being held at the other end of the block.
More shops.
Finally made it back to La Molina. Alberto was grateful for the new wheels.
6 comments:
You guys put me to shame. Way to go! Keep up the good work! (And a huge congrats on making it out of there alive!)
You were nice to help Alberto out. Amazing that Jane could fall asleep in such an environment. I think I'd have my adrenaline running 100 miles per hour the whole time. Glad you guys made it back safely. It's cool to see the pictures of the different part of town- now that you have pictures, you never have to go back right? :)
What an adventure! Oh the memories you will have and hopefully your kids will remember them as well. You never cease to amaze me with your giving heart and generosity. Such an example to all of us.
Best of luck....we are eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Creer Adventures!!
okay, first things first, way to go on helping out alberto! you are great examples to me! second, i like the part about telling your neighbors where you went and they told you to never go there again, especially in your own car. third, glad you are alive to tell the tale!
Who said we have to do hard things? I'm glad you made it home alive.
I just came across your blog...what an amazing adventure you guys are having! I can't believe how much your kids have grown since we last saw you! We miss you guys!
-The Jenkins
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