Surreality

In the heart of Miraflores, the barrio of Lima where I am staying, is an archaeological dig. A pre-Incan temple is being unearthed and, in places, rebuilt. Huaca Pucllana.

Their theories explaining what they've found are interesting. 

Like they've found that the bricks used to construct this pyramid are placed vertically, as opposed to horizontally which is what most constructions do, along with space between the bricks, as opposed to having them stuck together. Their theory being that this would give the structure protection from the frequent earthquakes that the Lima region experiences.

Or, they've found decapitated bodies of young women inside the walls of the pyramid wearing jewellery that they associate with the rich elite of that time period. Their theory being that the children of the highest class were sacrificed in periods of strife to placate the earth goddess.

And while all of that is interesting, it ignores the complete surreality of an archaeological dig in the middle of a city. Of how a society interacts with something like that. Because it has only been an archaeological dig for thirty-three years. Prior to that it has been an obstacle for people looking to build their homes, so they had to move the pyramid out of their way to lay their foundations. A target for graverobbers looking for ancient artefacts of value. And, as a site for the graves of early Chinese immigrants who did not have access to the Catholic cemeterios.