Ceviche in Peru: check.

The other day, Stephany, Ximena, and I treated ourselves to a lovely girls lunch at La Mar in Miraflores. We figured it'd be worth going to a nice place known for their Ceviche to get our fix. The banana and sweet potato chips (chifles) that were brought to the table with various yummy sauces definitely were a hit. Our waiter was kind enough to bring us a second bucket full since we attacked them the second we sat down.


Then the Ceviche arrived. It was indeed delicious, though a bit too spicy for Steph and myself. We were chugging our water in between bites and didn't realize we could've requested the flavor to be toned down a bit since we have sensitive tongues. After getting our fix at La Mar, we wandered around and did some afternoon shopping. It wasn't until the next morning that we realized the spicy Ceviche wasn't going to let us off the hook that easy. So, we learned: in the future, when consuming very spicy food, absorb it with something starchy or of stronger substance than just corn and sweet potato. Otherwise it doesn't turn out too pretty on the other side.

I Scream, You Scream...

D'Onofrio is one of the most famous ice cream brands in Lima. You can't go more than a block without seeing a billboard, bus stop ad, bodega, or little man on a bike riding around with a cart on the back. I'm very glad to see the people of Peru are big fans of ice cream. I approve. This was my first of many helados to come!

A Passerby

This woman is another one of the few I've seen walking around town with a chic, put together look. Her outfit conveys an older, more sophisticated and sensible style. Unfortunately, she refused to stop walking and pose for me after I politely asked so I just snapped a discreet paparazzi shot anyway. Couldn't help it- the navy and white ensemble with a touch of red, polka dots, and white espadrilles.

Cafe Time

While Stephany, Ximena, and I were enjoying an afternoon cafe y postres (coffee and sweets) at the lovely San Antonio, I couldn't help but notice this woman. She is the epitome of relaxed, casual chic to me. She's one of the few people I've seen since I've been here that has style and dresses well. There aren't too many people worth stopping to take their photo as there is a lot of mass-production of what is popular so nothing too unique or attention-grabbing. I felt a bit paparazzi-esque snapping her photo, but as you can see, she probably didn't even notice. I love how she and the two men she's with are just simply enjoying finishing their red wine on a warm, sunny afternoon. This is Lima: laid back, relaxed, and all about Almuerzo (lunch).

Oh, and this chick is pretty cool too. Here's Stephany and her chill, retro style... before the pastries disappeared.

Saludos desde Peru!

Hola! I arrived in Peru early Thursday morning after a grueling red eye flight. I was greeted at the airport by Ignacio, Stephany's friend, holding a sign with my name on it. We spent the afternoon walking around his area Miraflores, which is very beautiful. He took me for a walk by the coast here and I was snapping tons of pictures- he jokingly said I was like a Japanese tourist. But I don't care, my pale skin and tall lanky physique stand out here as it is, so I might as well embrace my inner gringa tourista! Although already I've been speaking tons of Spanish. I was immersed in it the minute I got to the airport and all the announcements for our flight were in Español first. Yesterday and today, Stephany and I went to big family lunches (almuerzos) filled with tons of delicious, homemade Peruvian food. Followed by siestas. Last night we went out and I experienced Peru's famous drink- Pisco Sour (what Tequila is to Mexico, Pisco is to Peru) along with las discotecas! We had lots of fun and are doing round two tonight. Bailamos!

I'll try to write more during down time and post more pictures later. It's so great to be on vacation, especially with girlfriends. The Bloomingdales Brigade of me, Steph, and Ximena, is united!

Inside my toy box...

toy soldier

raggedy ann

pinocchio

ballerina

This is from a shoot I did a couple weekends back at FIT for their program that allows photographers and stylists to collaborate and practice assembling a real shoot. The styling was amazing I loved all the outfits and the feeling of being a little girl playing in a toy box.

Feeling nerdy

Some pictures my good friend Bay snapped on a rainy day. I bought these fake glasses in Tokyo. I have a thing for glasses I don't know why. I have eagle-like vision but like to wear these around when I'm feeling nerdy or just because they add that extra touch to the outfit.