LOVELY LIMA - WEDNESDAY WANDERINGS
I could share so much about Lima… the history… the Museo Larco… the parks… the olive trees… BUT, I am going to share two very different sights of Lima Peru that really stood out for me on my recent trip.
Paddington Bear
The first sight I want to share is a statue of the Paddington Bear located near a playground in a park in the Miraflores District of Lima Peru. It seems the statue is irresistible to both children and adults alike. As I sat in the park, I witnessed the gentle stokes as if patting a beloved pet, to outright hugs, and, of course, the selfie photos with him. I did not grow up reading about Paddington, so I was not familiar with his story. I just assumed that he was a British bear… Union Jack jacket… Paddington Station… so what was a British bear doing at a Peruvian park? Well, here is his story.
The fictional character from children’s literature is a “friendly and polite bear from Darkest Peru”. The bear was discovered in Paddington railway station in London with a note that reads “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” ( HERE is a link to read more about the Paddington Bear story) I enjoyed learning about this adventurous Bear’s link to Lima, but I especially enjoyed watching people react to the statue.
© 2018 SuZan Alexander Paddington Bear Collage. Digital Photography
Street Art
I am going to admit to you that I am fascinated with graffiti. While I do NOT condone damage to property, I admire the creative talent that results at such a fast pace. When I think about how long I sketch, plan, and work on a painting… and then there is the spray paint… how do you learn to control that? No, seriously. Someone teach me how to control spray paint. The garage and it’s contents will never be the same after my last project that involved spray paint. So, there. I admit a few of my graffiti fascinations. But, I am not sure all of these beauties are really classified as “graffiti”. Some of these works are witty, humorous, colorful… some rival works I have seen in galleries and museums, so I am calling them “Street Art” or Public Art.
It seems like the city embraces and encourages these artistic displays. It is everywhere. Look at these samples. I tried to include the artist’s name when possible. Yes. They sign their work. Just imagine. Beautiful.
© 2018 SuZan Alexander. Lima Street Art Collage. Photography
Your Turn
What is your favorite (place/food/restaurant…) that you have been to recently? Do share so we can all add them to our “must see/do” column in our journals.
