Mike's layover in Lima - not boring at all ;)

Before going to Cusco Mike told me he'd be back in Lima the 29th but just for a long layover - 10 hrs. He said, I didn't have to worry about that, since he could spend all that time in the airport waiting for his connection flight to L.A. No way! if I'm in Lima and a TB is in town, he/she wouldn't get bored in the airport. So, I asked him to send me his flight details and so he did. When he arrived to Lima a cab was waiting for him and at 5pm he was knocking at my door. I gave him a big hug and said: you did it! You survived your 1st trekking :) He had to be back at the airport at 10:50pm, so we had 5 hours to enjoy Lima. He visited the HQ, left his bags and even chatted with another TB. So technically it was a "virtual" Mini Meet Up, haha. Ok, time to start moving. ..

Kitty reloaded was waiting for us and we drove to Barranco.  I showed him the nice and laid back Barranco. There is a way to go down to the beach, which I usually don't take, since it can be dark, but this time I did it! It was so great to be doing something new for me too, haha. We were just walking around and having fun. He was a bit hungry and since he loves chocolates, I made him try one of the most traditional Peruvian chocolates, haha. Something sweet is always perfect when it's a bit cold. While we were walking around, he was telling me about the trekking experience, which was an adventure. I'm sure he's gonna write a long blog about it, haha. We were just laughing and talking so loud, people might have been thinking we were a bit crazy, haha, crazy but happy, haha.

It was almost 7pm and I didn't want to leave Barranco until it was dark and we could take a look at the square with the lights on. Finally it got dark and we could get nice views. I asked Mike if he were hungry and what he'd like to eat. He said anything, but Chinese, haha. He suggested Seafood, he was remembering the soup he had during our Mini Meet Up. I explained him that the seafood is just seved for lunch. Mike loves Argentina and his 2nd option was a "parrilla" BBQ. Ok, I know the perfect place and also it's located in another area of the city. So a new area to know, haha.

After almost getting lost, we arrived to the restaurant early and found the perfect parking place just in front of the entrace. This restaurant is located in Chorrillos. The location is an old house and the decoration reminds you an Argentinean bbq place. He just loved it. I knew it! haha. We ordered our food, which was delicious but too much. Even though we ordered the bbq for one, wow! Now, we had time to talk more about the Salkantay experience and he can show me his pictures. I was expecting tons and tons of pictures, but he admitted he didn't take as many as he would have taken, because he was getting exhausted, oh!!!! But he did succeeded, which is impressive not only because it's a hard trekking, but also because was his 1st one and he didn't have time to get used to the altitude. Right after arriving to Cusco he started the trekking, wow! We had a delicious and really filling meal. We left the restaurant around 8:30pm. Mike and I were full, but we still had some time and Mike told me, we could have a cup of coffee. Sure, that was a nice idea, but I should go back home first. Then we could leave, we just had to be at home at 10pm, since a taxi would be picking him up at that time.

We arrived to my house and my parents were there. Mike stayed at my desk checking his flight status, while I was talking to my parents. I told them I was with a friend and we were thinking about going to a coffee shop near by, but my parents wanted to meet him, haha. Not everyday I bring a fun guy of Philipines home, hehe. So, I asked Mike if he'd prefer to stay, meet my parents and have a cup of tea. His answer was: "Let's stay!" Mike speaks a bit of Spanish and with me as translator, there was no problem we all could communicate, haha. Mike knows a lot about his country and was able to teach me and my parents about his culture. He was telling us, how incredibly long his flight back home would be. He also told my parents what a great time he had in Peru and how much he enjoyed this experience. We all were so happy and laughing. I like it a lot when my parents can be part of my intercultural meetings. They don't travel much, so in some way these experiences are a way to travel.

At 10pm the taxi arrived. It was time for Mike to leave and start the looooong trip back home. I'm so glad Mike decided to stay at home, since we had a great time and during his last hours in Lima, he could experience being with a Peruvian family :) I don't know when I'd meet Mike again. Asia is in my plans and I'm so grateful now I have a friend there. Mike you have a friend in Peru and keep me posted about your next travels, I guess we might cross paths and if it's so you'd have a photographer, haha.