One last busy day in Lima - part III - ChocoMuseo, Inka Plaza, and some burgers

During my final afternoon in Lima I was to try out one of the chocolate workshops at the Choco Museo, which is within Inka Plaza. If there was any doubt that you were within the epicenter of souvenir shopping in Lima, the walk over to Inka Plaza from the Parque Kennedy area would clear that up for you right quick.

I was there for the Bean to Bar workshop, 3pm version. I got there a few minutes early. Easy to find the location, but didn't seem like they were getting ready for anything quite yet.

I spoke with one of the young women to understand what was going on. She seemed a little surprised to hear that I was part of the upcoming session, as it would be en español. Apparently una familia Mexicana had booked up most of the slots in the 3pm session. I thought I was to be testing an english version of the experience, too. But I told her that sí, hablo español, entonces no habrá ningún inconveniente. However, I did still have a few minutes until the workshop started, so I did a quick spin of the pasillos in Inka Plaza. Good to see some familiar items that Judy and I had picked up back during our visit in 2006. Our golden sun mirror is long gone, but we still have maybe 4 of those little foldable stools that we paid $6 each for. Now they run like $20+. Inflation.

Eventually we did start the bean to bar workshop. We began with making our own chocolate bar. Step one was picking your preferred chocolate, dark or milk. I'm a dark chocolate fan. But since I would be sharing my handiwork with Judy, I opted for milk chocolate.

Next it was time for the toppings. I felt that quinoa y almendras would be a good combo (spoiler alert: I was right). Lot of choices and you can see how kids or anyone with a sweet tooth could get carried away.

Once you've got your bars all done they are taken away and set in the nearby fridge.

Then it's education time. First you get introduced to the gigantic cacao fruit. And yes, junior did seem to be wearing pajamas and that face was representative of his mood for most of the workshop. But his two sisters, mom, and su abuela were there to keep him entertained and in check.

Next we got a lesson about the fermentation process. Definitely did not know any of this.

Then it was bean roasting time. We were told to pick out 6 good ones each for collective roasting.

Around this time I was fading and less vigilant in capturing every step of the workshop. We tried a couple of traditional drinks. One dating back to Incan times, another more Mexican in nature. I was happy with my bean grinding skills.

And of course I was pleased with my final product. Combo learning experience, hands-on activity, and a built-in gift to bring home for the wife.

Now I had about 90 minutes or so before my car would take me to the airport. I decided to hit one of the Inka Plaza locales and get a baby alpaca tapete for the dogs. Lucha approved once it got home.

I also decided to patronize the McDonald's at the northern tip of Parque 7 Junio. If you look closely you can see a Burger King sign across the way. I had tried the BK on my first night in Lima. Didn't love it. If you're deciding between which US mainstream burger place to eat at during your visit in Miraflores, I highly recommend the McDonald's. Much better atmosphere.

Two hours later I doubled down. Yes, I went for Burger Boy at the airport. Well, not a true double down. Went the healthy route with a chicken sandwich at McDonald's. But a double dinner nonetheless. Slept pretty well on the red eye back to Mexico City.

Quick Review: Hotel Casa Suyay - Lima, Peru

During my 'last busy day' in Lima (part I, part II, with part III to come), I decided that I did want a place to stash my luggage and maybe nap and shower before my late night flight back to la CDMX. So after my tour of Museo Pachacamac but before my chocolate workshop I scanned Booking.com for something close and inexpensive. I landed on Hotel Casa Suyay. It had solid reviews, was right in Miraflores, and would cost me ~$31 for the night. Deal.

It's right near Parque Kennedy & Parque 7 Junio, which was convenient for what I had on the agenda rest of the afternoon (a workshop at ChocoMuseo and some shopping at Inka Plaza).

Nice enough 'curb appeal' as you walk up to the entrance. This particular street within Miraflores appears to be a calm mix of residential, cafes, and light retail.

Decor is a version of rustic chic, though with definite bullfighting and taxidermy aspects that might be offensive to some. But the reception area is clean, nicely detailed, and they offered me a muña tea while I waited for my room to be available. Pleasant.

Room was about what you could expect for $31. Basic, with a view of a wall nicely painted to give the sense of greenery.

Bathroom was actually solid. Large. Older, but large.

My car picked me up around 7:30 I think, so I wasn't there later at night and obviously didn't stay over, so no idea what it's like to sleep there. I imagine it could be a solid budget option if you're just passing through for a night coming from / going to other parts of the country. I paid $31 for ~5 hours of luggage storage, a hot shower, and a short nap and was happy with my decision.

Update: found a couple shots of the street the hotel is on, which I took walking back from my ChocoMuseo activity.