Peru

Back in March 2013 in New York City, I chanced upon the procession of Senor de Los Milagros. I was amazed at the procession, so I mingled with the crowd and prayed for a miracle. After few months, my prayer was granted. Since then, I became a devotee and told myself that someday I will visit his church in Peru to thank him for the prayer granted.

After 6 years in 2019, I found myself inside the church of Senor de Los Milagros in Peru with my 2 dear friends, John and Jenny. It’s fascinating how things happen with God’s timing.

Senor De Los Milagros is a painted image of Jesus Christ on the wall. It was painted in the 17th century by a slave named Pedro Dalcon. History says that all the structures collapsed during the earthquake in 1655 except for the wall where the image was painted. The earthquake happened several times, and the image remained undamaged. That’s the start of the devotion for the Peruvians. Every year during the whole month of October, they celebrate the patron saint with a procession. Peruvians all over the world celebrate this tradition. As a tourist, this may not be the best time to visit Peru with all the crowdedness. But if you're a devotee, this may be the best time to join other devotees. 

Peru is the third-largest country in South America. We went to the capital, Lima, where Jenny was born. Lima is home to some of the best cuisine in the world. After having some authentic dishes with meat and spices, I truly believe their cuisine is one of the best in the world.

You won’t leave Peru not tasting their famous cocktail drink called Pisco Sour. It is a combination of sweet and sour with grape brandy and lime. I love their Inca Kola, which tastes like bubble gum. I encourage you to try it, too.

One of my favorite memories of this trip was my encounter with La Marina lighthouse in Parque el Faro.  The lighthouse is active and wasn't open to viewing. It was originally constructed in 1900 in Punta Coles but was dismantled and reconstructed on this historic and romantic place -  on a cliff overlooking the Pacific ocean.

Miraflores is one of Lima's main tourist attractions, with exclusive residential, upscale shopping, and fancy restaurants. There are a lot of things to do in Miraflores. Right on the cliff are nice areas to hang around. It was Mother’s Day weekend then, so this place was nicely decorated for the occasion.

Traveling isn’t just an opportunity to see new places and experience new things. It can also be an opportunity to do a mini-mission to help other people. Donating some money to buy food for the less fortunate children in Lima was a part of this wonderful trip.

We stayed at Jenny’s house with her parents, where hospitality is at its best. Fresh juices were served on breakfast. Thanks to Jenny for our free accommodation.

Exploring Machu Picchu was not possible during our visit. We needed more days to see this wonder of the world that Peru is famous for.  Our next trip to Peru would be to see Machu Picchu.

Traveling with dear friends and fulfilling a personal mission create a wonderful trip and memories we can share forever.