This is the way the Race part goes. I am giving you an exclusive look at the last leg of the race in Peru, where Team Zeo was once again able to grab the first place prize. It was a little bittersweet because we arrived second but because of penalties against them from the rules, they placed last and we first. But I wanted to give you a glimpse of the race aspect and give some commentary as well about how it went for us. So get ready, get set, GO!
Destination 1: Puente de los Suspiros
You must get from the dropoff point to the first location on foot- no rides permitted. There are two tasks that you must complete here. First, near this location (Puente de los Suspiros) is a large structure that has fallen into disuse. There is a statue in front of this structure. It is a bust(head) of a person associated with the structure. You must find out his name and how he died. If you do not find out how he died, your team will be given a five minute deduction. Second, at the rear of the structure is an overllok. Take a team photo at the overlook with the structure in the background.
We got dropped off the bus and were given these directions on a paper. We took off running even though we didnt know where it was. We just followed some of the other teams then started asking for directions as we got closer. It was kind of nice having such an athletic team. We went along the road overlooking the ocean and talk about gorgeous. We made it to the old church and found the bust. It was a man whose head had been cut off by a guiottine. His name was Manuel Andres. We took the picture overlooking the structure and then ran off.
Destination 2: Parque del Amor
Your team will need to make its way to this well known spot. Rides are permitted here. There is a large structure at the center of the location and a serpentine wall that is covered in mosaic tiles. The names of many amorous couples are inscribed here. You will need to find one specific couple´s inscription, ¨Edgardo y Liu.¨Take a team photo with the inscription clearly visible in the background.
We took a taxi to this destination and found ourselves following another team which we encouraged our driver to overtake, which he did. When we got to the park there were hundreds of names on the tiles all around the park. Luckily for us, and unfortunately for other teams, some team found it and we got to piggyback on their success. It was beautiful and fun at the same time.
Destination 3: Pacific Ocean
You will need to get to the water on foot. Near the park you will find a walkway down to the ocean. CAUTION: Be careful crossing the streets here. This path terminates on a road that goes down to the ocean. About 10 yards from where the path meets this road, you will need to cross the road (there is a small park, or garden there). Take these steps down to the ocean. Using the dirt pathways (or any pathway other than the designated route) is not allowed and will result in a disqualification.
We had a small map as our hint from the last leg of the race for making it to the hostel first, which allowed us to find the path pretty quickly. We rushed down the path and crossed over the road feeling pretty good about ourselves at this point on the race.We ran down the steps and made it to the roacky beach area.
PHYSICAL CHALLENGE: SWIM FOR THE KEEPSAKE
Someone will be on hand to direct you to a floatation device. Each team member must swim out and secure a keepsake from one of two floatation devices, one person at a time (much like a relay). The current swimmer must be completely out of the water before the next swimmer can begin. If there is a team member who cannot swim, then another team member must swim a separate leg on their behalf (meaning the substitute swims two separate legs). Each and every team member must have their own keepsake before your team can proceed to the next destination. Only four members had to do it, since only four members had to complete the race.
I went with Amy and Leah going twice. When I got into the water it was freezing cold. We had to swim maybe 100 feet to the buoy and then come back. When I made it to the buoy, I was spent- I had no energy left to go back and the waves were very large. I really got scared and started to panic. I yelled to Stacy from Team A that I needed help. So she swam back and grabbed my arm and I went onto my back. I stayed on my back and tried to swim as best as I could as Stacy stayed with me and guided me back to the shore with James Spano encouraging us and swimming with us. When I got back to the beach I collapsed and just sat there. Stacy and James totally saved me and at the cost of time on the race. It was very humbling and amazing to me.
Destination 4: Larcomar
You must make your way from the ocean to Lacomar on foot. You will proceed up the last set of steps you came down. However instead of crossing back over the road and heading back up to the parque del Amor, you will stay on the south side of the road. About 20 yards beyond the little park where you previously crossed the road, there is a set of steps that cuts off the pathway to the right and runs beside a tennic club. Take these steps up to the top. You will needto ask for directions to destination five. Proceed to Larcomar.
I was so exhausted from the swimming leg that I felt physically sick. I told the girls to go ahead and I would catch up to them. But they grabbed me and helped me along to the next place. It was a major shopping andf tourist area and the guard wouldn´t let us in because some of us were wet. So we had to wait awhile until I just went to another entrance and went in.
Destination 5: Manos Morenas
At Larcomar, there is a restaurant called Manos Morenas. Here is where you will eat lunch. Your lunch will be ANTICUCHO. There is an anticucho combo for 14 or 15 soles. Each person must order this combo and eat/drink the anticucho combo in its entirety before you can move on to your next destination.
I wasn´t doing so well still, so the girls braved this one and downed the cow hearts on a stick. They actually looked pretty tasty. I ended up having to have some delicious chinese food instead because it took so long for them to make the anticucho. Aww poor me.
Destination 6: San Francisco Monastary (Catacombs)
This is a famous monestary built above an extensive network of catacombs. You are free to use any mode of transportation that you like to get to this destination. here you are required to take a team photo in front of a round, stone structure in the catacombs that looks like a large water well. In this instance, however, the well is full of carefully arranged skulls. Take another team photo with the skulls plainly visible in the background. From this point until the Plaza de Armas, you will be on foot.
This was amazing. We grabbed a taxi and went on the hour taxi ride to central Lima. The taxi driver gave us a map and even pulled past another car for us. We ducked down so that the other team wouldn´t see and urge their driver on. The guy pulled us up there all quick and we snapped a quick photo with him and went to the monastary. We found the catacombs and it was pretty creepy. All those skulls of people lined up and depositied there.
Destination 7: Barrio Chino
From the catacombs you will make your way to Barrio Chino. There is a specific shop that you are looking for called Chifa Chiu Wu. Here you will treat yourselves to Mim Pau. Like the anticucho, each person must consume the mim pau in total.
After the catacombs, which we wish we had more time to see, we ran out onto the streets and took off for China Barrio of town. We had to keep asking people and jumping over small dogs and around people. It was quite a spectacle for people to see and pretty soon people were just cheering us on not knowing what we were doing. We made it and had the dessert also known as Min Bau (steamed bun filled with a sweet bean paste) It was delicious. I wanted so bad to stay in Chinatown and look around.
Destination 8: Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas)
This plaza is in Central Lima. There are two carriages (or buggys) that are each pulled by a large horse. The driver wears a tux, including a top hat. Each carriage carries six people. Your entire team must take a ride around the plaza in one of these carriages. After your ride is complete, you are free to progress to the last leg of the race and you may once again secure motorized transportation.
We could not find the horse and buggy anywhere. We had seen Team Nessa ahead of us and so we were a little worried. We finally found the buggy pulling Scott´s team around. So we waited patiently and then hopped aboard for the nice relaxing ride. It was cool to be going on one of these crazy little tourist things. We always say we will do it later but never do. Until today.
Destination 9: Top of San Cristobal
The team that makes it to the foot of the cross at the top of San Cristobal overlooking greater Lima wins. All teams are expected to complete the race and to make it to this ultimate destination. After a time of rest (and, we suppose, celebration by the winning team) there will be a time of corporate prayer for Peru in general and, the World Race church planting projects specifically.
It took us six taxis before we found one that would take us to the top of San Cristobal. Not a good sign. But we settled in and enjoyed the ride. When we made it to the base of the mountain, it went pretty steeply up to the top through very narrow streets lined with small huts and houses. When we saw the cross at the top we all cheered and sighed with relief. We looked over the whole city of LIma and were amazed at the glory of God´s creation. It was an amazing race day and so much fun. We came out with the win, but even if we had not, it was well worth it all. Thanks to all for your support and love.
Check my photos to see the photos. Sorry it wont let me post those now.
