Just mozing around...

Mozing (Urban Dictionary) - the act of being physically or actively lazy

Day two in Lima. One more day before the arrival of the rest of my group (aka my favorite Canadians). Since next two weeks are gonna be packed with adventures and activities I decided to take it slow - not planning anything, just mozy around the city, wherever my eyes and busy streets take me... of course my definition of taking it slow is slightly different than any normal person’s - yesterday I “mozzied” for almost 10 miles, today I’m expecting double digits as well.

Middle of the mozing...

It’s not even noon and I already have 6 miles under my belt. I went to the Ermita de Barranco - a very bohemian, very posh, probably expensive, part of the city, that was recommended to me by Maria - a friendly consierge at my hotel. Maria suggested a taxi, but once she mentioned that it’s only 10 minutes ride, I knew that walking is the way to get there. I was rewarded by the most amazing path, a hikers dream, with parks on the one side and the ocean on the other. It was the perfect setup for my mozing. Throughout the day I was watching people running, exercising, playing bacci, chess, or just enjoying some quiet time in a park. Dogs where mostly off the leash, running around and enjoying the freedom. Plenty of couples kissing under the trees - love was in the air! 

The Barranco itself didn’t disappoint - it looked expensive. With gorgeous parks, well mentained condos right on the ocean and quiet, tree-lined streets, it was a perfect place to live. It has a nice, small-town feeling, just minutes from the busy city.
On my way out I noticed big signs across the streets: Ruta de evacuación de tsunami - tsunami evacuation route. They just reminded me that there is an ugliness and danger in every perfection. Suddenly I got homesick for my safe Illinois...

Few advises for mozing around Lima:

• Sunblock, sunblock and more sunblock. And a sun hat. I can’t say it enough. The days start cloudy and gloomy, but around 9am the sun comes out and than it gets brutal. I had some tan already from my previous trip, but still got slightly burned. Nothing destroys your vacation faster than a bad burn.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for directions. Even with very limited Spanish or no Spanish at all, you can get help. Be prepared with a map and a pen and get ready for a lot of hands movements. I discovered that the best spot to ask questions is a bus stop - people are just standing there, with nothing to do, ready to help. Chances are that somebody in the group knows few words in English, and, with collective effort, you’ll get to your destination.
• Even if you don’t know Spanish learn how to start a sentence. Dónde está...? (Where is...), Hasta dónde? (How far is...?), Cuánto cuesta? (How much?). The rest of the question you can just point on the map or in the direction, but your helper needs to know what you are asking for.
• On the streets you are responsible for your safety. Look left and right, pay attention when you are crossing. Drivers won’t give you the right of the way just because you stepped off the sidewalk, they would just keep going, assuming that you are aware of the fact that a car is bigger than you.  
• Choose a well known tourist spot close to your hotel. That way if you get lost somewhere in the city, you don’t have to remember your hotel’s address, you just ask for directions to that place. Or you just tell the taxi driver to get you there
• Take your tablet/phone charger with you. You are gonna be away from your hotel for many hours, you may have to recharge your devices. Don’t forget the converter - power outlets in Lima are different than in US, you won’t be able to use them without the magic gizmo.
• Be adventurous. Get out of your hotel, leave your organized group behind. Enjoy the city in your own time, on your own schedule. Take your time, don’t rush - it’s what mozing is about!

At the end of my busy day I noticed an interesting cultural phenomenon. All day, while I was walking around the city, I was constantly stopped by people offering me trips, taxi rides, jewelry, hats, and whatnot. On my way to the hotel I decided to do some shopping ($6 for a bottle of water from a minibar seemed a little too high). As I was walking with my groceries I noticed that all the hawkers just left me alone! Apparently, doesn’t matter what country or what culture, a woman with shopping bags is considered a local!

Lima is a very biking and walking-friendly city.
Even the busiest streets have a space for bicycles and another one for pedestrians.

Three things to do on the mozy day:

Take the path along the Ocean to the Barranco

Lay down on the grass (yes, it is allowed...)

Have lunch at Creperia Beso Frances - a place that gives a different meaning to the “restaurant with the view”