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LIMA, Peru – From national archaeological museums to fun-filled days exploring historic sites, USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) arranged everything necessary for a good time during the ship’s port visit, Oct. 3-6.
During Washington’s first port visit of its Southern Seas 2015 deployment, Sailors had the opportunity to enjoy the various sights of Peru through tours coordinated by MWR.
Tours offered included the Gold Museum, Colonial Lima city, Modern city & Market, Pachacamac ruins and national archaeological museums.
Pachacamac Ruins is a sacred and religious compound that dates from pre-Inca times.
“Our culture is very rich in history and it’s great to see so many Sailors interested in learning about it,” said Amparo Neyra, Pachacamac Ruins tour guide.
For Sailors looking for something different, a view of the historic site Machu Picchu was offered.
“This was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class J.W. Kirk. “The history of this sacred place was incredible.”
Machu Picchu was built at the height of the Incan Empire around 1450 but was abandoned just over a century later in 1572 after the Spanish arrived in Peru.
“What made this experience so great was the breathtaking view, the history given by the tour guide and being able to complete a bucket list item,” said Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Erin McDonough.
The small town of Aguas Calientes, otherwise known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is a village northeast of Machu Picchu that offered visitors an opportunity to purchase souvenirs.
“I purchased some Incan statues and jewelry for my wife and daughter,” said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Scott Steely. “Over the course of my tour I was able to experience the Peruvian culture and I can’t wait to share that with others.”
Sailors also visited an artistic, cultural, trade and business center in Lima known as Modern City and Market.
“Our tour started off with a tour of Barranco, the art neighborhood,” said Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Kayla Kelly.
Barranco is filled with houses painted different colors, some of which have been converted into restaurants and cafes, with views of the Pacific Ocean.
“After traveling through Barranco we went to the Pedro de Osma museum,” said Kelly. “I was in awe of all the beautiful paintings, metal and sculpture work. After that we went to the market.”
The market offered a great variety of products from all over the country to include ceramics, wool products, masks, blankets, gold and silver jewels and garments made of fine alpaca wool.
“It was really neat to see all these private vendors display their craftsmanship,” said Kelly. “Everyone was really friendly and I bought some alpaca blankets and other gifts for family and friends.”
At the end of the tour, Neyra expressed her gratitude towards the Sailors visiting Peru.
“We have a really good relationship between the U.S. and Peru and I’m delighted to invite everyone back,” said Neyra.
Washington is deployed as part of Southern Seas 2015 which seeks to enhance interoperability, increase regional stability and build and maintain relationships with countries throughout the region through joint, multinational and interagency exchanges and cooperation.
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex L. Smedegard
USS George Washington Public Affairs
| Date Taken: | 10.08.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 10.09.2015 08:32 |
| Story ID: | 178556 |
| Location: | LIMA, PE |
| Web Views: | 19 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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