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Pastmast

Lima, Peru 2003

Jeanne Zwiebel - Exchange Director

Twenty-two ambassadors to Lima departed from the airports in Omaha/Houston on April 3. We had a relatively easy day of travel, leaving around noon and arriving before midnight. We didn’t even lose a night of sleep.

We met our hosts and this exceptional week of home hosting began. It was a thrill to once again be hugged and kissed (on both cheeks) by our good friends. Many of our hosts had been ambassadors to Lincoln in September of 2000.

In Lima we were introduced to many facets of Peruvian history while visiting museums and historical sites. We had a valuable and informative tour of the Anthropological Museum located in the Plaza Bolivar, where we saw extensive displays of pottery and other relics from the Wari, Pachacmac and Inca cultures.

Cesar and Reyna Zamora invited us into their large and beautiful home for a welcome dinner which included traditional Peruvian foods made by our hosts. We toasted each other with many pisco sours and enjoyed a fabulous dinner. There was music, laughter, and dancing on their spacious patio. No time was wasted on invitations to dance. A hand was extended and you were on the floor, moving to the beat. The group dancing, where everyone joined in, was a favorite. As enticing as any Peruvian dancer, were Bobbe Cusick and Laurie-Ann Scott who wowed us with their moves that night and throughout the week.

There was a bus tour of the city of Lima, which included a stop at the Plaza San Martin, Plaza Mayor and Palacio de Gobierno, where we saw the changing of the Presidential guard. It was a great pleasure to be present for the ceremony and to visit the San Pedro church and the Cathedral of Lima.

One highlight of the week was the evening we spent at Brisas del Titicaca watching the famous Peruvian folk dancers. We learned that sitting close to the stage meant being swooped up often into the dancing and our hosts made sure that we were right next to the stage ready for the snatching.

We traveled south of Lima on the Pan-American Highway 250 kilometers to visit the Reseva National Rousseau. At the Reseva we traveled by boat to the Islas Ballestas, the home of hundreds of sea lions and numerous exotic birds, including albatrosses, sea boobies, Pelicans, Inca terns and a few Humbolt penguins. On the way to and from the island we passed the impressive Candelabra (128 meters high by 74 meters wide). This formation is associated with the Nazca Lines, a series of prehistoric drawings found in Peru. An early culture created these super-size draws by carving lines in the rocky layer underlying the sand and they are still visable today. The boat ride was an adventure in itself. The water was choppy and those in the rear of the boat were drenched from the wind-whipped spray. Those in the front of the boat will remember the sun, blue sky, and great weather. Back on dry land we had a lovely lunch in the city of Chincha at a hotel owned by Peruvian Friendship Force member Louisa Chia and assisted by Carmela Puccinelli.

Our visit to the Asociacion Museo Del Automovil, Coleccion Nicolini began with ambassadors and hosts relaxing and socializing under a sunshade on the grounds of the museum. The museum displays the antique car collection of Jorge Nicolini. Unlike most car museums the sixty-four vintage cars all run and are driven by Nicolini and his wife for pleasure or at special events. The cars range in date from a 1901 Boyer to a l966 Corvette Stingray. They are perfectly restored in the museum’s shop, which we visited following our tour given by Mrs. Nicolini. Ambrosio and Marina Marchand hosted a magnificent farewell dinner party in their beautiful home. The temperature was perfect as we sat at tables in their courtyard. The lovely fresh flower centerpieces were arranged by Amparo Paredes. The centerpiece on the serving table was a bowl containing fruits, many of which we had never seen and enjoyed tasting. We also enjoyed toasting each other with pisco sours. (Seems like I’ve mentioned that before!)

The music was turned up and the tables put aside and the program began. A young man and woman, in traditional dress, danced for us. They were exceptional! Bob Reeves was one great sport, as he was urged by the lovely dancer to be her partner in the handkerchief dance. We all whooped with laughter as Bob danced along, keeping the handkerchief gracefully extended high in the air. That was a picture-taking moment!

Exchange Director Jose Melendez moderated as farewell messages and gifts were exchanged. Exchange director Jeanne Zwiebel presented a Key to the City from Lincoln’s mayor, Don Wesley.

We visited many people and places, but most of all we remember our wonderful hosts, their kindness and generosity. Without exception this was a most delightful and rewarding week.