Running

My first week in Perú I went for a run through my neighborhood. I was running along some residential and commercial streets next to my house, when all of a sudden, the vista opened up to a glorious view of the ocean. I returned this past weekend to take some pictures.

After passing through my neighborhood, Barranco, and the beginnings of the commercial area, the path crosses this highway (actually malecón, or street running along the coast). In the background are some high-rise hotels, all fighting to offer the best ocean view to their customers.

The path continued to take me around and above the malecón. To my right rested green areas with palm trees and other tropical flora of whose names I have no clue. 

To the left stood Miami-style condos and apartment buildings. This area is one of the most expensive in Lima, and the design and construction of these buildings reflects it.

On my way, I passed a sculpture with this sign. I guess when they say Rotary Club International, they really mean Rotary Club International. Since I passed this sign, I've also noticed Rotary Club signs in many of the other neighborhoods of Lima.

In the end, the trees dropped away, and I was left only with a clear shot of the ocean.

The experience reminded me of an article by Peter Sagal, host of NPR's "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me," while sitting in a doctor's waiting room last year (waiting, coincidentally, to see the doctor for a running injury). Check it out if you have the time. He can describe much more eloquently than I the freedom that running brings.