Lima

Downtown Lima is pretty okay.  It's not awful but there's nothing too spectacular to say about it.  The roadways are set up that many areas have a big traffic circle/plaza with roads popping out in every direction.  Some of these plazas will have some huge churches or another landmark.  On my first day, I saw an emergency service practice event, which was happening all over the city.

The second two days were spent in the touristy Miraflore and Burranco areas.  They definitely feel upscale, and it feels almost like I'm not in Lima anymore.

The two major things to say are that the food here is much better than Ecuador's.  The ceviche isn't in a broth and tastes amazing, a lot of sauces versus Ecuador's foods, and generally better quality ingredients.  Alpaca products are also extremely cheap in Lima.

I was staying with the friends of a family friends in La Molina, outside the city.  They were really friendly and helpful during my time here.  That said, getting to/from by taxi could take over an hour with Lima's horrible traffic, and somehow I could find drivers willing to do it for $10 or less.  But there were plenty who said no way.

Overall, Lima has a reputation of being a city that isn't exactly exciting, and with its endless blocks with very little going on, with most of the action in more upscale areas, it's not hard to see why.