Marine Corps Ball in Quito

Honoring her dad with her "Ike" pin

Shelly's dad Ike Gaunt was a proud and honored U.S. Marine, serving his country in Okinawa and China during World War II.  To honor Ike and his colleagues on the occasion of the Marine Corps' 239th birthday, we went to Quito for the Embassy Marine Security Guard Detachment's Marine Corps Ball.  Belting out national anthems, marching Marines in full dress, pomp and tuxes, proud stories of heroism and patriotism, ambassadorial speeches in two languages, birthday cake cutting ceremony, J.W. Marriott dinner service, and dancing our shoes off.  In short, we had a ball! Made us very proud to be Americans and to be children of heroes.  Happy birthday, Marine Corps!  Semper Fi.

Shelly got a kick out of meeting
the young Marines who reminded her
of her daddy. 

Lima's Altars

Lima is a city of nearly 9 million people.  It has hundreds of beautiful churches and cathedrals, Each has multiple ornate altars. Spent part of last Saturday visiting sites.  Here are some views of Lima's altared reality.

Lima: More Than Beans

Pisco Sour and Capuccino

I've never been a fan of Lima Beans (see link).  Turns out I didn't know beans about Peruvian cuisine, which is one of the world's best.  Had several great meals on my short stay there, and the food will definitely bring us back!  The specialty in many places is seafood, with ceviche as the centerpiece.  Peru's national drink: the Pisco Sour.  The taste and the presentation of Peruvian food and drinks are both excellent.

Ceviche

They let me into the kitchen!

Lima Trick or Treat

A Trip on the Chocolate River

Workplace trick or treating is taken very seriously here in Peru!  Here are some decorated worksites that welcomed employees kids for trick or treating . . .  Thrilling for the kids, and fun for the adult hosts!

Office Transformed as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Candy Everywhere!

Charlie with a Wonka Friend

Oompa Loompas Ready to Sing and Dance

Balloon Forest

Smurf Dance Floor

Office Waterfall

Lima by Night

Am in Lima, Peru for a couple days of meetings.  Managed to duck out for an evening stroll in the Miraflores District, and found some delightful venues; all along the Pacific waterfront is an ambling malecon, with fountains, lights, churches and a large 3 story mall.  Being such an urban wonk, I am very impressed with the scale and elegance of the oceanfront redevelopment!  More photos to come.  Happy Halloween from Peru! (where they take Halloween VERY seriously!)

Centro Commercial Larcomar on the Pacific

Nuestra Senora de Fatima 

Fatima Church in Miraflores