(each city in the country has one) and a couple of other plazas. Here's an artsy shot through a fountain of the Palace of Justice (where I assume they have their courts)
Speaking of justice, it was only a block and a half from this spot, in broad daylight, with lots of people around that I was robbed. I felt something on my wrist and looked down to see a man with his hand around my watch. He gave a good yank down and tore the watch off my wrist and then ran down the street and into a building. I was pretty stunned and following after him but wasn't about to go into a strange building where I might get attacked. In fact, the primary thought going through my head was thank goodness that he didn't push me over and grab my pack because it was a lot more valuable than the cheap watch that he stole.
The robber was very distinctive, having long black dreadlocks and a bright yellow shirt, so I thought that I would be a good citizen and report this to the police. They passed me from one person to another until I ended up in a room with several people (not in uniform) at desks with typewriters. One person took my statement and made me give a fingerprint to vouch for what I had said. Then he went and got a couple official stamps and signatures and gave me the form. I asked several times if they wanted a description of the criminal but they just ignored that. So, I got a souvenir but not much else. When talking to a local later, he said that's all the police do is write reports and that they prefer to settle any differences themselves. When I left the area the taxi cab driver pointed out someone else being robbed (at least a policeman was chasing--unsuccessfully--the robber in this case). He also told me about lots of other petty crimes that take place in the city. Welcome to Peru.
The woman at my hotel recommended a place where I could buy a watch and I now have a Peruvian watch (made in Japan) as a reminder of the trip.
That night I had a nice dinner in a restaurant on the beach in Miraflores getting to see a very nice sunset.
004Palace of Justice Lima.JPG - 1600 x 1200 - (400KB)
