From Earth's secrets: Lima, a Metropolis Star in January

    Once known for poverty and pollution, the Peruvian capital has become an effervescent town, an harmonious blend of old and new, due to the economic boom of the last decade, and offers its best surprises in January. 

   The climate in Lima is relatively mild, but plagued by a sea mist, garúa, some eight months each year, a

phenomenon that makes it unique in the world. The conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded the city in the middle of the desert Pacific coast, on 6 January 1535, the Three Wise Men (Kings) day. Situated in a valley along Rimac River, it was originally called Ciudad de los Reyes, or City of Kings. Today's name comes from the name of this valley, which originates from oracle Rimaq (pronounced limaq) and the verb "rimay" which means "to speak" in the Quechua language of the Incas. Today, Lima is a lively cosmopolitan metropolis. Its main attractions are the the beautiful colonial era buildings, Plaza Mayor, the 16th century Cathedral, where is the colorfully mosaiced chapel containing the tomb of Francisco Pizarro (1475-1541), the presidential palace, Rafael Larco Herrera Museum, with pre-Columbian art and artifacts, still white beaches, bars (peñas) with entertaining music, the largest Chinatown in South America. With a rich history of European, Asian, African, and South American culinary influences, Peruvian food is very tasty. Summer season starts in January and the colorful city begins to shine. Lima has 7.6 million inhabitants, a third of Peruvians living in the capital and suburbs. Of course, there are still traces of poverty, 30% of the population living on the edge of subsistence. The development of the city is remarkable especially in the modern neighborhoods Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco. The books of the writer Mario Vargas Llosa (especially “Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter”) capture the best  the spirit that animates them.