Trujillo (05 November 2005)

Our bus for Lima was due to leave at 10pm, so we had only the afternoon and evening left to see some of Trujillo. We visited the buildings of colonial heritage in the city.

One of which was the toy museum. It was a little disturbing to see toys of my childhood there, I was captured on film here viewing model soldiers,

and Lorena was spotted with the dolls.

So sad, the end of our holiday. We are looking forward to more holidays to be spent together in the future.

Huacas del sol y de la luna (05 November 2005)

The temple of the sun can be seen in the background of this photo. It is the largest single precolumbian structure in Peru and was built by the Moche culture (200AD to 800AD). The temple is still to be investigated by archeologists. The smaller temple of the moon, (on which we are standing) has numerous rooms containing ceramics, metals and friezes.

The pyramid was built from 0AD to about 600AD each generation adding to and building over the top of, that which had gone before.

In the photo above one can see soldiers heading off to battle in the upper row, and slaves being led to sacrifice (?) in the lower.

All in all it was another good day. However I cannot finish without paying tribute to Ay-Payec (which should be said in an awed whisper). Ay-Payec is the god of water, and is depicted carrying an axe in one hand and a severed head in the other! Hmmmm.

Huanchaco and Arco Iris (04 November 2005)

After Chan Chan we headed for lunch at the nearby fishing village of Huanchaco. Here you can see the traditional "totora" (reed) fishing boats, still used by the local fisherman.

Here we are on the jetty, (need to work on the camera angle).


Back in Trujillo we visited the Huaco Iris, one of the best preserved Chimu temples. (It was covered with sand until the 1960's). It has slightly pyramidal walls decorated with repeated rainbow designs. Opportunity for more photos!

Chan Chan (04 November 2005)

The Chimu empire (800AD to 1470AD) built their huge capital at Chan Chan (near Trujillo), covering about 28 sq km it is the largest adobe city in the world. The city consists of nine major subcities (or compounds) all of which have been extensively damaged by the ravages of time. A visit to the most preserved area, "The Tschudi Complex" reveals some remarkable constructions.

Here we are in the Ceremonial Courtyard. Being close to the sea the Chimu based much of thir diet on seafood. Hence the theme of the sea in their designs.

This wall is one of the most famous in Peru, the wall showing waves of fish rippling along the wall above a line of sea birds.

Here we are in the "audience rooms," the design on the walls is representative of fishing nets.

Chan Chan was definitely worth the visit.

Chiclayo (03 November 2005)

Chiclayo was a pleasant town, of course we visited the Plaza de Armas.

We went to the nearby Lambayeque to visit the Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipan. This museum is a world class facility and was most impressive. You will have to take our word for it though (cameras not permitted).

And of course a little time spent at the artesenial stalls (in this case while waiting for a bus to return from the archaeological site of Sipan).


Needless to say we did spent quite some time on buses on this trip.

Sipan (03 November 2005)

The archaeological site of Sipan was worth a visit. It was only discovered as recently as 1987, and was found to contain a remarkable number of high quality artifacts. The site is still a work in progress and contains representations of the tomb contents. The actual items are housed at a museum in Lambayeque (nearby).

And here we are viewing another tomb.

The pyramids of Sipan, were constructed entirely from mud bricks.


They have understandably detieorated over time due to wind and rain. Can you spot Lorena?

A day well spent together.

Mancora (30 October to 02 November 2005)

We flew from Lima to Piura and spent the night. The next day we caught a bus and travelled even further north to the beachside town of Mancora. Here we are at the artesenia stalls.


It was good to be able to relax for a time together, without being busy. Messing about on the rocks at the beach with the camera and timer.


This is Lorena's action shot of the waves crashing onto the rocks. You have to believe that there were better ones, only we didn't have a camera ready.

Having a marvellous time.

Fiesta compromiso (23 October 2005)

Friends and family came around to the house to help celebrate our engagement. Here are (from L to R Rear) Tatiana, Brunella, Maria Isabel, Sissy, Carmen, (Front) Raul, Maqui, John, Lorena, Cecilia, Vanessa.

Here we are dancing, it was a great party.

Here we are again (L to R) Brunella, Lorena, John, Cecilia, Vanessa.

El anillo (16 October 2005)

We went for a BBQ with Lorenas family at a club just south of Lima by the beach. Here we are from L to R, Lorena, John, Tatiana, Carmen, Saul. (Alberto took the photo).

Afterwards messing about in the pool.

This was the day of the proposal, and here is the ring.

And here we are, very happy.

Shopping in Lima

Well I have bought more clothes, here we are in a department store - Ripley.

And Starbucks have really good coffee.

Lima (15 October 2005)

We decided to spend an afternoon of tourism in the centre of Lima. Here we are in the Plaza de Armas.

We visited the libary in the Monastery of San Franscisco.

And here in the Post Office messing about.