Daily Life in Lima,  Looking Back at the United States

Photo of the Day: Lavanderia San Antonio

I took this photo a few days ago when I was walking Lola. It was 8:30 a.m., and I figured that the dry cleaners would be open at that hour but it wasn’t.  One of the women who works at the front counter was sitting outside the locked metal doors, waiting for the manager to open.

Come back at 9, she said.

I use the Lavanderia San Antonio because they do a good job and they’re cheap and the workers are nice. Sometimes dry cleaning people can be unhelpful or sullen, even ornery. I noticed this in the United States, and it’s true in Peru too. Maybe it’s all those toxic chemicals they use. They use the same chemicals in this lavanderia but the people smile at you.

I like Lavanderia San Antonio for another reason, purely aesthetic. The sign has the same colors as Krispy Kreme, back in the U.S. The red and greenish-blue make me think of greasy glazed donuts, hot from the assembly line.

–Barbara Drake, An American in Lima

I am an American writer who lived in Lima for seven years (2007-2014), where I covered Andean traditions, melting glaciers and daily life in the capital for Miami Herald, MSNBC and Huffington Post. I now live and work in northern Florida where I champion climate change advocacy and compassionate, affordable eldercare.

5 Comments

  • Paul in Miami

    Oh boy! An American in Lima is back!

    Missed you Barb, and your posts about life in Lima. Glad to hear things are going well. I look forward to reading your blog again regularly.

  • Jorge en CR

    Hello there, just finised reading all of your blog entries since u started πŸ™‚ I am from Costa Rica, I visited Peru in July of last year and FELL IN LOVE. So much so that Im returning this year with my girlfriend. We arrive July 5th πŸ™‚ Im so excited. Its been a blast reading all of your blogs. I really could see myself living in Peru one day. I am in love with the place πŸ™‚

  • Barb

    Thanks Paul. And hi, Jorge from Costa Rica. So nice to hear from both of you.

    I”m sure the Peruvians who read An American in Lima are gratified to hear that you’ve fallen in love with Peru, Jorge!

  • IncaPrincess

    I am going back to lima after 20 years, through your blogs i can see that everything has changed (for the best), at least i get a closer look through your pictures, thank you.
    I am looking into checking the best places to eat too, have you seen Cooking up dreams? a wonderful Peruvian Movie about Peruvian Cuisine, similar to Soy Andina but going towards Peru’s Culinary History, i would love to read your blogs on it. Check it out.
    Thank you again.
    Inca Princess

  • Rachel

    Hi Barbara,

    I am an American and will be moving to Lima in September. Are you still living there? I really enjoy your blog and hope that if you’re still there you can continue writing.

    Hope you are well.