2012 Cuenca Perspectives Collage

2012 Cuenca Perspectives Collage
VIVA CUENCA

VIVA CUENCA!

My mission in publishing this blog is first to provide a living history of my settlement and life in Cuenca, and to provide myself and the reader with a journal account delineating my reasons for why I have chosen to settle in Cuenca. Second, the posts are my way of staying in contact with family and friends back in the states, and to provide them with an understanding of a country and culture that most North Americans have little knowledge and awareness. Third, the blog is open to one and all who wish to compare and contrast the experiences of expat bloggers living in Cuenca, so that you can determine whether or not from your perspective Cuenca is an appropriate move for you. Fourth, my blog provides another example of how expats view and interpret life in Cuenca. Ecuadorians and Cuencanos who may read this blog are especially invited to post comments that may enhance all expats understanding and appreciation of Cuneca and its people, or to correct any misinterpretations in my assumptions and perceptions of Cuencano culture. Finally, I hope I can convey the feeling of love and appreciation that grows within me each passing day for this heavenly city nestled in the Andes and its very special people.

Monday, April 20, 2020

CIRCUITO MAGICO DEL AGUA--LIMA, PERU


When visiting Lima for the first time, I would highly recommend the Water Park. It consists of thirteen fountains, and other entertainment for the kids as well.  The park is large (19 acres), and holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest water fountain park in the world.  Therefore, be prepared for some serious walking. or take the train around the park.  Of course, the best time to view the park is in the evening.  Otherwise, one misses the fountains bathed in colored lights, and the hologram program scheduled at various times in the evening which takes place in the largest expanse of water fountains in the park.


 Entrance to the Park














                          







The park was transformed into a water park in 2007 at the price of $13 million U.S. dollars.  Many critics thought the price was outrageous, but it has become Lima's biggest tour attraction.  Lima, because it lacks rain, is also perfect for such a park.  Not a day goes by, that rain prevents the park from being accessible and enjoyed.  There's no raining on our parade.  The park is closed, however, on Mondays.

You can choo-choo around the park. 




Juana Carchi, one of our two Cuecana traveling buddies.



The fountain below was decorated for Valentine's Day.















The Fantasia fountain is the park's premier fountain at a length of 130 yards.  With all of the fountains there are endless changes of colors, and the continuously changing sizes of the sprays. 

I myself,  have never been to Disney World.  However, one reviewer on Trip Advisor commented that after seeing the Disney water presentation, they did not expect much from the Lima water park, but were surprisingly blown away by its size and spectacle.






I had visited the park before in my July 2015 visit to Lima.  My companions and I were tired that evening and almost didn't go.  My friend's husband chose to stay behind at our Airbnb.  My friend and I trekked out to the park, and  were so glad we went.  It rejuvenated us, and we spent a couple of hours walking around, and having time to sit and just enjoy the fountains and the park.  This time in later January, the night was humid; so not quite as relaxing, but still enjoyable.








Children's water park play area.




The fountain below with calibrated sporadic water flows and other surprises was a big favorite of the older kids, teens, and young adults as they maneuvered around the unexpected sprays and drenchings.  Definitely repeated soakings were a promise.  There is also a change area and lockers where people can change into dry clothes after they've had their water fun.  
    







The fountain in the three photos below is a walk-through.









Juana Carchi and her son, Paul Tacuri, our traveling companions in Lima.





Below is the hologram of laser, light, and water presentations from my 2015 visit, because the clarity was far better than my photos of the laser show this year.  Also, the program was different, which may change every year; but I enjoyed the 2015 performance better.  That past performance included classical, pop, and Peruvian folk music.  Besides people, as seen in my photos; it also included nature scenes, flowers, and psychedelic patterns.  I found the 2015 presentation to be more creative and imaginative than this year's program.  




















































One of my favorite spots in the park as seen in the photo above and a number of them below is this pillared walkway which leads to what may be a reception hall.




It is like walking through a colonnade in a Roman palace from antiquity--simply beautiful. 




Paul, Juana, and Leo Mola







Jim, Juana, and Leo













Imagine the immense amounts of water used to facilitate all of these fountains throughout the park simultaneously.  I marvel at the engineering and the computer programming and the power of the pumps for everything required to work without a hitch and be synchronized accordingly.  The people of Lima have much of which to be proud in their urban park, which has a well deserved international reputation.









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