Left into Jiron Carabaya passing the buildings with the balconies opposite one side of the Palacio de Gobierno or known locally as the White House. No, not the US one but the Peruvian President's residence now the President's office.

I asked my guide Eduar if I could take a photo of the police all lined up outside Casa del Oidor and to both our surprise they said "Why don't you come over and join us!" So of course I did. True story.

Only little is known about this house standing at the north-east corner of the Plaza Mayor. It dates back to the end of the 17th century and is one of the oldest mansions in Lima. It got its name "Casa del Oidor" (oidor means in Spanish something like magistrate or "the one that hears / listens") because it is speculated that in Colonial times this decent looking but historical valuable building housed the magistrates from the highest courts.

http://www.limaeasy.com/culture-guide/historical-buildings/magistrate-house

  














 












 

About to cross over to Plaza de Armas when a convoy of police cars, bikes and black cars came around the corner and into the White House. Normally such arrivals would be to the side door so this was a rare sight. So whoever this person is he must have been important. There was no flag on the car.

   
 












































































Plaza Mayor has surrounding it La Cathedral, left is the Palacio Arzobispal or home of Lima's Archbishop.

 



























































































































































 



 




















































































































































 





































 

















 
A quick stop to see the some of the locals performing.

Finally into Iglesia de Santo Domingo.
 
It was an all too quick visit to this part of Lima. It is certainly a city of contrasts. A city of those who have made it and can afford to live in Miraflores plus the many more who are still in shanty towns like Villa El Salvador. A city of contrasts, a melting pot of different cultures, colonial mansions, pre-Inca ruins, museums and churches filled with treasures. Central Lima would be the heartbeat of the city, Miraflores the restaurant, hotel, high rise apartments and club haven, Barranco Lima's bohemian side while San Isidro the modern business district.