Welcome to Rio de Janeiro
The tour has ended and I have four days to myself to explore and get a tan. The latter of which I am failing at miserably. It is Saturday as I write this, I will be leaving tomorrow.
Rio is an odd place; its a party town, a paradise and a metropolis all at once. You can't lie peacefully on the beach without being offered weed or cocain, or guys coming up to you asking you if you want to get laid. I'm assuming they take you to a seedy place (of which there are many) and get a commission. I was asked many disgusting questions by one guy about british girls and rio girls.
The beaches however are fantastic, as is the nightlife, the restaurants and the bars. While i've been here, its been nearly 30 degrees and have got up every morning to go to the beach and take advantage.
My hotel is pure luxury. I am currently lying on the biggest bed I have ever seen. Theres a view of Copacabana beach. The only issue I have is that i'm on the 17th floor - the very top - and there are only two lifts; i can wait forever sometimes.
Since I've spent the past few days relaxing, i have very little to say, so goodbye
Saturday, 16 July 2011
The End
Forgot about this Blog
Day 54 - The End of the Trip
So, two nights in Paraty, which is a beautiful French-style town built around an old harbour. I would show you pictures but i've been very lazy and havn't been taking any pictures lately, i'll borrow them off other people. It was here that the weather changed and finally became hot and sunny. I finally found the perfect present for myself here, which sums up the trip for me and i love it, even if it did cost me a far bit. I will show you all it when I get home.
The next stay was three nights in Ilha Grande. Ilha Grande used to be an island for the rich, but became a party town in a paradise. This place really was the most paradisical place I have ever been. We went out one night, and walked to secluded beaches and waterfalls the other days. The final day there, we got up early to catch a boat to the mainland, and to Rio de Janeiro.
We only had one day with the whole group in Rio, so we decided to go up to Christ the Redeemer. The man himself is pretty unimpressive, but the views from there were breathtaking. For the first time in a week or so, I actually got my camera out and took loads of photos.
The next day we said goodbye to our leader and some or our group and I spent the day at the beach. That night, I had to say goodbye to Leonie and Bron, which was very bizarre since I'd spent the past 9 weeks with them. I'm still getting over it now. I spent the next day with Erin, which was a great day, we explored and were proper tourists. My next post will be all about Rio
Day 54 - The End of the Trip
So, two nights in Paraty, which is a beautiful French-style town built around an old harbour. I would show you pictures but i've been very lazy and havn't been taking any pictures lately, i'll borrow them off other people. It was here that the weather changed and finally became hot and sunny. I finally found the perfect present for myself here, which sums up the trip for me and i love it, even if it did cost me a far bit. I will show you all it when I get home.
The next stay was three nights in Ilha Grande. Ilha Grande used to be an island for the rich, but became a party town in a paradise. This place really was the most paradisical place I have ever been. We went out one night, and walked to secluded beaches and waterfalls the other days. The final day there, we got up early to catch a boat to the mainland, and to Rio de Janeiro.
We only had one day with the whole group in Rio, so we decided to go up to Christ the Redeemer. The man himself is pretty unimpressive, but the views from there were breathtaking. For the first time in a week or so, I actually got my camera out and took loads of photos.
The next day we said goodbye to our leader and some or our group and I spent the day at the beach. That night, I had to say goodbye to Leonie and Bron, which was very bizarre since I'd spent the past 9 weeks with them. I'm still getting over it now. I spent the next day with Erin, which was a great day, we explored and were proper tourists. My next post will be all about Rio
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Sun, Sea and Relaxation
Days 52 & 53
I've actually messed up the days on here somehow, as I'm a day behind, but I'm going to carry on regardless. As I mentioned in my last post, we spent two days at the Iguazu Falls. One day at the Brazilian Side, the other at the Argentinian. The latter was much more impressive, but both managed to produce views which would shut you up. Both days we got soaked, but was well worth it.
The past couple of weeks have been rediculously cold here - it is winter after all - but finally it has started to warm up. We have reached the coast after a 24 hour bus ride, which was a killer. I am now in Paraty, about to go to bed. Tomorrow will consist of a boat ride to different islands and beaches, and a bar on board. If the weather holds up that is.
With only 11 days left til I get home, people are starting to talk about what they will do when they get back and for the first I am starting to feel abit home-sick. I'm still not ready to come home though, so i'm not counting down the days just yet.
Out
I've actually messed up the days on here somehow, as I'm a day behind, but I'm going to carry on regardless. As I mentioned in my last post, we spent two days at the Iguazu Falls. One day at the Brazilian Side, the other at the Argentinian. The latter was much more impressive, but both managed to produce views which would shut you up. Both days we got soaked, but was well worth it.
The past couple of weeks have been rediculously cold here - it is winter after all - but finally it has started to warm up. We have reached the coast after a 24 hour bus ride, which was a killer. I am now in Paraty, about to go to bed. Tomorrow will consist of a boat ride to different islands and beaches, and a bar on board. If the weather holds up that is.
With only 11 days left til I get home, people are starting to talk about what they will do when they get back and for the first I am starting to feel abit home-sick. I'm still not ready to come home though, so i'm not counting down the days just yet.
Out
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Losing my Virginities
Day 46
A free day in Santa Cruz so me, Erin, Nic and Lupe went to the Zoo, which was so new that it wasn't even finished. I saw my first ever armadillo and now its my new favourtie animal. That night we set off for Brazil.
Days 47, 48 & 49
Our first 3 days in Brazil we spent on a ranch. I'll keep this short as I could go on about this forever as I loved it so much. The first day we went Piranha fishing, and I managed to catch two, the first time I have ever been fishing, and we ate them for dinner. For both nights we all slept in the same room, mostly bunks, that was an experience. The second day we went trekking through the jungle to try and spot some wildlife, but all we found were Toucans and Monkeys. After lunch we did the thing I was dreading: horse riding. Anyone that knows me knows I don't like horses, but after getting on my wonky-eared horse and realised I could control him, I ended up loving it. I was often found jogging (I know thats not the right word but I dont know my horse terms) off infront of everyone. This became the highlight of the three days for me. At night, we went spot lighting for wildlife and found pretty much FA.
The final day everybody except myself went on a boat ride. I was feeling abit under the weather, and 3 days later I am no better. We set off for Bonito that day.
Day 50
Bonito is a deserted tourist town, its the weekend and its dead, it makes no sense. Some people went snorkeling but I stayed behind due to still being ill.
Day 51
A free day in Bonito, going to watch the Brazil match (playing Venezuala in the SA cup). Then tonight a trip to the largest waterfalls in the world, where we will spend two nights. Iguazu Falls is actually spread across a larger distance than Niagra, and it splits up Brazil and Argentina. We will spend one day in Argentina, so an extra stamp in the quickly filling passport.
A free day in Santa Cruz so me, Erin, Nic and Lupe went to the Zoo, which was so new that it wasn't even finished. I saw my first ever armadillo and now its my new favourtie animal. That night we set off for Brazil.
Days 47, 48 & 49
Our first 3 days in Brazil we spent on a ranch. I'll keep this short as I could go on about this forever as I loved it so much. The first day we went Piranha fishing, and I managed to catch two, the first time I have ever been fishing, and we ate them for dinner. For both nights we all slept in the same room, mostly bunks, that was an experience. The second day we went trekking through the jungle to try and spot some wildlife, but all we found were Toucans and Monkeys. After lunch we did the thing I was dreading: horse riding. Anyone that knows me knows I don't like horses, but after getting on my wonky-eared horse and realised I could control him, I ended up loving it. I was often found jogging (I know thats not the right word but I dont know my horse terms) off infront of everyone. This became the highlight of the three days for me. At night, we went spot lighting for wildlife and found pretty much FA.
The final day everybody except myself went on a boat ride. I was feeling abit under the weather, and 3 days later I am no better. We set off for Bonito that day.
Day 50
Bonito is a deserted tourist town, its the weekend and its dead, it makes no sense. Some people went snorkeling but I stayed behind due to still being ill.
Day 51
A free day in Bonito, going to watch the Brazil match (playing Venezuala in the SA cup). Then tonight a trip to the largest waterfalls in the world, where we will spend two nights. Iguazu Falls is actually spread across a larger distance than Niagra, and it splits up Brazil and Argentina. We will spend one day in Argentina, so an extra stamp in the quickly filling passport.
Monday, 27 June 2011
I Can't Believe They Ate my Oreos
Days 41 & 42
We arrive in a Potosi, a town that is actually quite pleasant - i didn't think there was such a thing in Bolivia. We arrive in the afternoon and have little time to explore the place. The second day, we went on a trip to the mines. Potosi was the richest city in the world when it was originally built, because of the mountain there which was rich in silver. now however, its mines are almost dry, yet thousands of miners, some of which are just children, work there. The mountain is known as 'the mountain that eats men' because 8 million men have lost their lives working there. And what i didn't realise until after i went in there was that 16 tourists had been killed in there in the past 3 years. If i knew that i might have decided about going in. The mine was incredibly cramped and we had to climb up a whole only just bigger than my body, so small infact that our hats didn't fit through it. I have to admit, I really didn't enjoy the experience, but i'm glad i did it. The worst part of the trip was when they decided to blow up dynamite without telling us they were going to do it. The whole mine shook and for a second we all thought we were goners, it really was a horrible experience.
Day 43 & 44
Arriving in Sucre, the capital of Bolivia, was again a surprise as it was a beautiful place. We did little here, except have a night out, watch the new pirates film and had a night under the stars chatting all night. We were told to rest as the next few days would be fairly stressful. I loved these two days, especially the nights, it was great to get to know everyone so much better. A few of us also went to a dinosaur museum which was just, simply, a con. but we laughed all the way through it. I also left my Oreo's in my pigeon whole which the reception staff decided to eat that night, which I wasn't pleased about.
Day 45
A short plane journey took us to Santa Cruz, where I am as I write this. Tomorrow we head out of Bolivia and into Brazil. The hot weather starts here. I will not have any internet or phone reception for 3 days for reasons which will be explained in my next post
We arrive in a Potosi, a town that is actually quite pleasant - i didn't think there was such a thing in Bolivia. We arrive in the afternoon and have little time to explore the place. The second day, we went on a trip to the mines. Potosi was the richest city in the world when it was originally built, because of the mountain there which was rich in silver. now however, its mines are almost dry, yet thousands of miners, some of which are just children, work there. The mountain is known as 'the mountain that eats men' because 8 million men have lost their lives working there. And what i didn't realise until after i went in there was that 16 tourists had been killed in there in the past 3 years. If i knew that i might have decided about going in. The mine was incredibly cramped and we had to climb up a whole only just bigger than my body, so small infact that our hats didn't fit through it. I have to admit, I really didn't enjoy the experience, but i'm glad i did it. The worst part of the trip was when they decided to blow up dynamite without telling us they were going to do it. The whole mine shook and for a second we all thought we were goners, it really was a horrible experience.
Day 43 & 44
Arriving in Sucre, the capital of Bolivia, was again a surprise as it was a beautiful place. We did little here, except have a night out, watch the new pirates film and had a night under the stars chatting all night. We were told to rest as the next few days would be fairly stressful. I loved these two days, especially the nights, it was great to get to know everyone so much better. A few of us also went to a dinosaur museum which was just, simply, a con. but we laughed all the way through it. I also left my Oreo's in my pigeon whole which the reception staff decided to eat that night, which I wasn't pleased about.
Day 45
A short plane journey took us to Santa Cruz, where I am as I write this. Tomorrow we head out of Bolivia and into Brazil. The hot weather starts here. I will not have any internet or phone reception for 3 days for reasons which will be explained in my next post
Thursday, 23 June 2011
The New Group and Further into Bolivia
Days 36 & 37
Another two days in La Paz, not much worth mentioning as its a shithole, except for the new group. I've warmed much more to Lupe now, but she does have a very relaxed way of being our leader, not what we're used to. So the new group consists of Ricardo and Mafalda; they got married two weeks ago and this is their honeymoon, they are from Portugal and speak great Spanish which is coming in very handy, although their English isn't great so there are some language barriers. They both seem very nice though, and Ricardo can be a good laugh. There is also Nicole, from Switzerland, who I still havn't got my head around yet, even after 5 days. Lastly there is Erin, from Australia who is always cheerful and friendly. Overall, a good bunch, and i'm sure we'll all become alot closer than we currently are.
Days 38, 39 & 40
An overnight train from La Paz brought us to Uyuni, where we started our 3 day trip across the Salt Lake and Bolivian desert. Uyuni very closely resembles what you would picture Afghanistan to look like, but we wern't there long. There were 4 different groups combined for this trip, which included some young guys who were a hoot. For the 3 days, we were travelling in 4x4, except that in the one I was in for the entire trip, only the back wheels worked. This meant that we constantly got stuck, in snow, the salt etc, which spoilt the trip considerably. I have many pictures of us being bogged. For the first day, we visited the Salt Lake, which is an amazing spectacle, and spent the night is a hotel made of salt. I have little to say about all 3 days as the pictures will, in this case, explain everything much better.
The second day we headed up to 5000 meters where we saw many frozen lakes and travelled across the mountains, mostly in the snow. That night we slept at minus 15 degrees!
The third day was mostly travelling, with a couple of stops for a lake which was bright pink, and my personal highlight for the 3 day trip, the train cemetery. Here, trains of 100 years old have been left in the desert after they have no use anymore. We learnt about Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid who ended up being killed here in Bolivia. The cemetery was quite a sad place really, and the little boy inside me loved it and hated it at the same time. I really can't find the right word to describe it. We spent that night in Uyuni again.
Another two days in La Paz, not much worth mentioning as its a shithole, except for the new group. I've warmed much more to Lupe now, but she does have a very relaxed way of being our leader, not what we're used to. So the new group consists of Ricardo and Mafalda; they got married two weeks ago and this is their honeymoon, they are from Portugal and speak great Spanish which is coming in very handy, although their English isn't great so there are some language barriers. They both seem very nice though, and Ricardo can be a good laugh. There is also Nicole, from Switzerland, who I still havn't got my head around yet, even after 5 days. Lastly there is Erin, from Australia who is always cheerful and friendly. Overall, a good bunch, and i'm sure we'll all become alot closer than we currently are.
Days 38, 39 & 40
An overnight train from La Paz brought us to Uyuni, where we started our 3 day trip across the Salt Lake and Bolivian desert. Uyuni very closely resembles what you would picture Afghanistan to look like, but we wern't there long. There were 4 different groups combined for this trip, which included some young guys who were a hoot. For the 3 days, we were travelling in 4x4, except that in the one I was in for the entire trip, only the back wheels worked. This meant that we constantly got stuck, in snow, the salt etc, which spoilt the trip considerably. I have many pictures of us being bogged. For the first day, we visited the Salt Lake, which is an amazing spectacle, and spent the night is a hotel made of salt. I have little to say about all 3 days as the pictures will, in this case, explain everything much better.
The second day we headed up to 5000 meters where we saw many frozen lakes and travelled across the mountains, mostly in the snow. That night we slept at minus 15 degrees!
The third day was mostly travelling, with a couple of stops for a lake which was bright pink, and my personal highlight for the 3 day trip, the train cemetery. Here, trains of 100 years old have been left in the desert after they have no use anymore. We learnt about Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid who ended up being killed here in Bolivia. The cemetery was quite a sad place really, and the little boy inside me loved it and hated it at the same time. I really can't find the right word to describe it. We spent that night in Uyuni again.
Thursday, 16 June 2011
Bolivia and the Emotions
Day 33
Welcome to Bolivia. No more Peru means no more Pisco! Sad face. We started in Copacabana (not that one) which is the shittest place I've been yet, and the biggest waste of time. It was also the most horrible hotel i've ever stayed in, we stayed a night and I couldn't wait to leave.
Days 34 & 35
We headed to La Paz, the unofficial capital of Bolivia. There are two rules you have to obey to survive in La Paz. 1. Don't get run over. 2. Don't breath. La Paz is purely cars, vans and buses and all the fumes that come with it. If I come home with lung cancer, you know why. I'm here for 4 nights, two with my original group and Ferny, and two with my new group, and my new leader Lupe. As I write this, we've just had our farewell dinner, and it was a little emotional, I can't believe the first tour has ended already. I should explain, my trip consists of two different trips put together, and only myself, Leonie and Bron are doing both. I will miss everyone on my tour; Amy, Yetti, Wendy, Vanda and Murry, and our fearless leader Fernando. These 2 free days in La Paz puts me half way through my trip, and as I feel at the moment, I never want it to end. I've loved every second so far. Even when we go to shit places we always have a laugh.
Tomorrow night we have our first meeting with our new leader, Lupe, and 4 new people will be joining us. I will let you know what they are like. My emotions are running wild tonight, I never thought I'd be like this and become so attached to everyone.
Tomorrow is a whole new day. And a whole new journey.
Welcome to Bolivia. No more Peru means no more Pisco! Sad face. We started in Copacabana (not that one) which is the shittest place I've been yet, and the biggest waste of time. It was also the most horrible hotel i've ever stayed in, we stayed a night and I couldn't wait to leave.
Days 34 & 35
We headed to La Paz, the unofficial capital of Bolivia. There are two rules you have to obey to survive in La Paz. 1. Don't get run over. 2. Don't breath. La Paz is purely cars, vans and buses and all the fumes that come with it. If I come home with lung cancer, you know why. I'm here for 4 nights, two with my original group and Ferny, and two with my new group, and my new leader Lupe. As I write this, we've just had our farewell dinner, and it was a little emotional, I can't believe the first tour has ended already. I should explain, my trip consists of two different trips put together, and only myself, Leonie and Bron are doing both. I will miss everyone on my tour; Amy, Yetti, Wendy, Vanda and Murry, and our fearless leader Fernando. These 2 free days in La Paz puts me half way through my trip, and as I feel at the moment, I never want it to end. I've loved every second so far. Even when we go to shit places we always have a laugh.
Tomorrow night we have our first meeting with our new leader, Lupe, and 4 new people will be joining us. I will let you know what they are like. My emotions are running wild tonight, I never thought I'd be like this and become so attached to everyone.
Tomorrow is a whole new day. And a whole new journey.
The Great Lake
Day 30
Today involved a long bus ride to Puno, which involved a hungover me being woken up by Ferny on many occasions, mostly by his phone ringing and on one occasion by him drooling on me. Puno is the biggest town on Lake Titicaca on the Peruvian side. The views of the lake are fantastic, but the water from the Puno side is dirty and brown, but that soon changes when you get away from the town.
Day 31
We awoke early to get on a boat to first visit the floating islands in the lake. These islands (over 60 of them) are built by the people who live on them. Nearly 2000 people live on the islands which are made of mud and reeds, and can be moved to anywhere they like; a good advantage if you don't like your neighbours. After we dressed up in some very colourful traditional clothing we set sail to a small village on a peninsular on the lake. Here, we split into pairs, I was with Ferny, and we stayed with a family. our Papa was very welcoming and obviously loved having us. We stayed here for one night, living like them, cooking, eating and working like them. We helped with farming and went to the local church, where everybody was pissed as a fart - my kind of church. That night, me and Nandy had a long heart to heart and became much closer.
Day 32
Today we got up early again, a regular theme, and commenced my favourite day of the trip so far. It started with a hike up an island to a civilisation which seems pretty backwards to western society - the men knit all day every day, and they court by throwing rocks at each other. You can't make this stuff up.
We then got back on the boat for a 3 and a half hour trip back to Puno. This was the highlight so far, as me, Ferny and Bron climbed on the roof of the boat and chatted, laughed and played childish games for the whole journey. With the sun blaring on us, and the most beautiful sights and the bluest water, nothing could have made it more idyllic and perfect.
That night was our last night in Peru, a sad moment because i've loved it so much. We celebrated by -you got it - getting drunk again.
Today involved a long bus ride to Puno, which involved a hungover me being woken up by Ferny on many occasions, mostly by his phone ringing and on one occasion by him drooling on me. Puno is the biggest town on Lake Titicaca on the Peruvian side. The views of the lake are fantastic, but the water from the Puno side is dirty and brown, but that soon changes when you get away from the town.
Day 31
We awoke early to get on a boat to first visit the floating islands in the lake. These islands (over 60 of them) are built by the people who live on them. Nearly 2000 people live on the islands which are made of mud and reeds, and can be moved to anywhere they like; a good advantage if you don't like your neighbours. After we dressed up in some very colourful traditional clothing we set sail to a small village on a peninsular on the lake. Here, we split into pairs, I was with Ferny, and we stayed with a family. our Papa was very welcoming and obviously loved having us. We stayed here for one night, living like them, cooking, eating and working like them. We helped with farming and went to the local church, where everybody was pissed as a fart - my kind of church. That night, me and Nandy had a long heart to heart and became much closer.
Day 32
Today we got up early again, a regular theme, and commenced my favourite day of the trip so far. It started with a hike up an island to a civilisation which seems pretty backwards to western society - the men knit all day every day, and they court by throwing rocks at each other. You can't make this stuff up.
We then got back on the boat for a 3 and a half hour trip back to Puno. This was the highlight so far, as me, Ferny and Bron climbed on the roof of the boat and chatted, laughed and played childish games for the whole journey. With the sun blaring on us, and the most beautiful sights and the bluest water, nothing could have made it more idyllic and perfect.
That night was our last night in Peru, a sad moment because i've loved it so much. We celebrated by -you got it - getting drunk again.
Monday, 13 June 2011
Machu Picchu
Its not pronounced 'Pickchu', which means 'Penis' in spanish, as I found out the embarassing way.
These 4 days were easily the most amazing of my life. As I had no internet of phone, I decided to take a pen and paper and write a little diary at the end of each day, just before I went to sleep. My first entry at the end of the first day reads:
Fuck
Thats it. I don't remember writing it so I must have fallen asleep. The first day for me was the hardest, simply because it was so hot. It was mostly flat and some uphill sections. I should mention, the third person on our trek was a girl called Kerri, who put us all to shame with her fluent spanish. We ended up joining with another intrepid lot however, of which included the 2 hundred year olds. Nastily, we all put bets on how long they'd last. I don't remember who won but they lasted to the first campsite of the first day. No joke. It turns out that she has emphasima, which is just stupid of her to try this, and he is just old and knackered. The others in our group were in their 50s, 60s and one guy was 73, who put us all to shame with his level of fitness. All were very friendly and we all got on great, including our guides.
So the second day started with a 4 and a half hour climb, to the highest point (4200m) which was very difficult, especially near the top where the oxygen was hard to come by. The view from up there however was just spectacular. I will put all these photos on facebook. The campsites, i should mention, were all very basic, as you'd expect, and the chefs cooked us amazing meals every night, some of the best I've had while I've been away in fact. I have to mention the porters, who carried over 25kg on their backs everyday which had our food, tents, bags, water etc in them, yet they managed to run past us every day, doing it without any issue. They were warriors.
The third day was mostly downhill, with another 2 peaks in them, bt after the first 2 days, it was easy. We were congratulated with a much needed shower at the final campsite.
The fourth and final day, we awoke before 4 to get up to walk to the gate before most people. It was pitch black until 6ish, and we walked for about 3 hours. Eventually, we arrived at the sungate, where you get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. This vista was like nothing I've ever seen before, no postcard can ever portray it well enough and after 4 days of trekking, I will gladly admit I was a little emotional. As we walked down to the site, we watched a the sun rose above it, shining light over the city.
It was only when we eventually got there, that we realised just how huge the site was. It really is an incredible feat of engineering. We met up with our original group and Fernando, just for a quick hello, and continued with a guided tour round the lost city.
As I said earlier, this was easily the most incredible and satifying thing I've ever done. Did I feel like passing out and giving up on more than one occasion? Yes, but I couldn't let myself do it and I couldn't be happier with myself for it. Its the proudest of myself I've ever been and you don't mind going through so much pain and exhaustion when you get such a reward at the end of it. It is one of the seven modern wonders of the world after all.
These 4 days were easily the most amazing of my life. As I had no internet of phone, I decided to take a pen and paper and write a little diary at the end of each day, just before I went to sleep. My first entry at the end of the first day reads:
Fuck
Thats it. I don't remember writing it so I must have fallen asleep. The first day for me was the hardest, simply because it was so hot. It was mostly flat and some uphill sections. I should mention, the third person on our trek was a girl called Kerri, who put us all to shame with her fluent spanish. We ended up joining with another intrepid lot however, of which included the 2 hundred year olds. Nastily, we all put bets on how long they'd last. I don't remember who won but they lasted to the first campsite of the first day. No joke. It turns out that she has emphasima, which is just stupid of her to try this, and he is just old and knackered. The others in our group were in their 50s, 60s and one guy was 73, who put us all to shame with his level of fitness. All were very friendly and we all got on great, including our guides.
So the second day started with a 4 and a half hour climb, to the highest point (4200m) which was very difficult, especially near the top where the oxygen was hard to come by. The view from up there however was just spectacular. I will put all these photos on facebook. The campsites, i should mention, were all very basic, as you'd expect, and the chefs cooked us amazing meals every night, some of the best I've had while I've been away in fact. I have to mention the porters, who carried over 25kg on their backs everyday which had our food, tents, bags, water etc in them, yet they managed to run past us every day, doing it without any issue. They were warriors.
The third day was mostly downhill, with another 2 peaks in them, bt after the first 2 days, it was easy. We were congratulated with a much needed shower at the final campsite.
The fourth and final day, we awoke before 4 to get up to walk to the gate before most people. It was pitch black until 6ish, and we walked for about 3 hours. Eventually, we arrived at the sungate, where you get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. This vista was like nothing I've ever seen before, no postcard can ever portray it well enough and after 4 days of trekking, I will gladly admit I was a little emotional. As we walked down to the site, we watched a the sun rose above it, shining light over the city.
It was only when we eventually got there, that we realised just how huge the site was. It really is an incredible feat of engineering. We met up with our original group and Fernando, just for a quick hello, and continued with a guided tour round the lost city.
As I said earlier, this was easily the most incredible and satifying thing I've ever done. Did I feel like passing out and giving up on more than one occasion? Yes, but I couldn't let myself do it and I couldn't be happier with myself for it. Its the proudest of myself I've ever been and you don't mind going through so much pain and exhaustion when you get such a reward at the end of it. It is one of the seven modern wonders of the world after all.
Saturday, 11 June 2011
Hello. My name is Dom and i'm an alcoholic
Sorry for the lack of posts, I am alive. Yes, I did manage to climb Machu Picchu, but I'll talk about those 4 days in a separate post. So, out of order:
Day 22
We had a free day in Arequipa today, where we joined up with Natalie. Natalie has a german/belgian accent, and i started slagging off the French infront of her, and nobody bothered to nudge me and tell me that shes actually French. Whoops. Anyway, we went for a bit of a shop, I didn't buy anything, then we walked up the hill to the viewpoint which was pretty not pretty. That night we had an overnight bus to Cusco which should have taken 10 hours but ended up being 15 thanks to it braking down. Leonie gave me a sleeping pill which didn't work, yet she slept the whole journey, damn her.
Day 23
We eventually arrive in Cusco and go for Lunch and a walk round the city. During lunch, we discover that Ferny got his facts wrong, and the prohibition was only for Peruvian people, and not tourists! Thats 2 days I went without a Pisco Sour. So I tried a new sour, called a Coca Sour which was so bloody strong, i felt a little bit pissed just after one. Cusco is a tourist city, with a lot of Inca history, we all loved it there. Its also a big party town (read further for more details). Ferny explained to us how and where we could get drugs and massages with "happy endings" and then told us that if we did either we'd get chucked off the trip, so I don't really know why he told us.
Day 24
Today we were joined by one of the area managers for Intrepid, putting Nando on edge a bit. He was called Gary and from England, and just became one of the group really. We went to the sacred valley and visited a community where they fed us, told us how to make pottery (again), chocolate and Chicha (the corn beer. We spent the night at Ollantaytambo, the night before the big trek. For a bit of very late practice, we climbed up to an old Inca storage site, some great views there.
Day 29
Missing out the trek days for now. Me and Nando went out on a night on the tiles to celebrate our success of getting to MP. I remember very little, but we joined other Intrepid groups and leaders and didn't get back til about 4, where nobody would wake up to open the gate - understandably - and was getting ready to sleep on the street until someone finally opened the gate for me. I was woken up by Yetti a couple of hours later for breakfast. I really shouldn't have got up because I was still drunk, and breakfast in a posh cafe plus sun plus alcohol do not go well together. I soon returned to bed. I awoke a couple of hours later and decided to spend the day by myself. I walked aimlessly for hours and decided to go for a massage (not a seedy one) which I loved. I've never had a massage before and I now really don't know why, it was so relaxing, and i don't care how girly you think it is. It was Wendy's birthday so we went out for a meal in a pretentious restaurant, and then went out drinking again, thanks to some people I've met, mostly Seb, who tries to get me out most nights. Again, I remember little
Day 22
We had a free day in Arequipa today, where we joined up with Natalie. Natalie has a german/belgian accent, and i started slagging off the French infront of her, and nobody bothered to nudge me and tell me that shes actually French. Whoops. Anyway, we went for a bit of a shop, I didn't buy anything, then we walked up the hill to the viewpoint which was pretty not pretty. That night we had an overnight bus to Cusco which should have taken 10 hours but ended up being 15 thanks to it braking down. Leonie gave me a sleeping pill which didn't work, yet she slept the whole journey, damn her.
Day 23
We eventually arrive in Cusco and go for Lunch and a walk round the city. During lunch, we discover that Ferny got his facts wrong, and the prohibition was only for Peruvian people, and not tourists! Thats 2 days I went without a Pisco Sour. So I tried a new sour, called a Coca Sour which was so bloody strong, i felt a little bit pissed just after one. Cusco is a tourist city, with a lot of Inca history, we all loved it there. Its also a big party town (read further for more details). Ferny explained to us how and where we could get drugs and massages with "happy endings" and then told us that if we did either we'd get chucked off the trip, so I don't really know why he told us.
Day 24
Today we were joined by one of the area managers for Intrepid, putting Nando on edge a bit. He was called Gary and from England, and just became one of the group really. We went to the sacred valley and visited a community where they fed us, told us how to make pottery (again), chocolate and Chicha (the corn beer. We spent the night at Ollantaytambo, the night before the big trek. For a bit of very late practice, we climbed up to an old Inca storage site, some great views there.
Day 29
Missing out the trek days for now. Me and Nando went out on a night on the tiles to celebrate our success of getting to MP. I remember very little, but we joined other Intrepid groups and leaders and didn't get back til about 4, where nobody would wake up to open the gate - understandably - and was getting ready to sleep on the street until someone finally opened the gate for me. I was woken up by Yetti a couple of hours later for breakfast. I really shouldn't have got up because I was still drunk, and breakfast in a posh cafe plus sun plus alcohol do not go well together. I soon returned to bed. I awoke a couple of hours later and decided to spend the day by myself. I walked aimlessly for hours and decided to go for a massage (not a seedy one) which I loved. I've never had a massage before and I now really don't know why, it was so relaxing, and i don't care how girly you think it is. It was Wendy's birthday so we went out for a meal in a pretentious restaurant, and then went out drinking again, thanks to some people I've met, mostly Seb, who tries to get me out most nights. Again, I remember little
Sunday, 5 June 2011
The Night Before
A very quick post because i'm knackered and I need my sleep for tomorrow. Tomorrow morning at 07.30 me and Yetti are getting picked up to start the Inca Trail, along with another girl who we havn't met yet. Its a 4 day trek going up to 14,000 ft, up many different peaks to finally arrive at Machu Picchu. I really can't wait. I (obviously) will not have an internet access for the 4 days, so I will let you know how I got on on Thursday night, along with catching up on the daily posts, because i'm behind again.
Also, the 100 year old couple will not be in our group, so we're both happy.
Wish me luck
Out
Also, the 100 year old couple will not be in our group, so we're both happy.
Wish me luck
Out
Friday, 3 June 2011
The Worst Word in the English Language...
Prohibition
Yep, starting at midnight last night, the Peruvian government imposed a 72 hour prohibition. That means no more Pisco Sours, and the Australians are going to shrivel up. Disaster.
Yep, starting at midnight last night, the Peruvian government imposed a 72 hour prohibition. That means no more Pisco Sours, and the Australians are going to shrivel up. Disaster.
Catch Up
Day 16
We arrived in Pisco, home of the alcoholic drink of the same name, a drink which I have come to love, and have had at least one Pisco Sour every day; a cocktail which I will make for people when I get home. The town of Pisco was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1997, but they managed to rebuilt it within 9 months, so is relatively modern, yet still a bit of a dump. We were only here for one night, as a stopover on our way to Nazca.
Day 17
We set off early from Pisco to go to Nazca, but on the way we stopped at a Huacachina Oasis, which is a beautiful oasis town built in the middle of the desert. Surrounded by sand dunes, you can't see for more than a mile out of the town. We stayed in a hotel just for the day, where some of us stayed and lounged around by the pool, and myself, Amy and Yeti went Dune buggying. This was great fun, and it felt and looked like we were in the middle of the Sahara. When the Dune Buggy stopped at the top of a Dune - and i'm talking very big dunes - we were handed a board to go down on. I decided to show off and go down standing up, which didn't really work out how I imagined. The bigger sand dunes I thought I'd play it safe and go down on my stomach, still was great fun.
This day we also went to a national reserve park (read: desert) to look at sand, cliffs, a bit more sand and then some flamingos. I was mighty bored and people couldn't understand why I wasn't fascinated by the flamingos like everyone else was, until I told them I've seen them many times before at Flamingo Land.
We later went to an old Pisco factory, to learn how Pisco was made, where we tried about 10 different types of Pisco, some having great strength. We all slept well after that on our way to Nazca.
Day 18
Nazca is a town built because of the Nazca lines, as well as the mining opportunities around it. The Nazca lines are pictures which have been etched into the desert floor hundreds of years ago. Little is known why they exist, or even how old they are. There was an optional activity to go flying over the lines, but we were warned that its quite unsafe and a few planes crashed last year killing everyone on board. Even our governments warned us about going on them, which meant we would not be covered by our insurance. Knowing all these facts, I decided to go on the flight anyway. And i'm so glad i did, it was brilliant. It was a tiny little 4 seater plane, which went along like a rollercoaster, showing us the lines from above. A Danish guy infront of me very nearly brought up his breakfast. Only myself, Leonie and Yeti went on. I loved every second of it and have some great photos, it was well worth the $100.
That afternoon we went to see some Pre-Inca graves, with the bodies still intact, mostly mummified, some gruesome photos there. There were 12 graves, every one exactly the same as the next. We then went to a pottery guy, where we had another run in with 'the others' and I got pissed off because one of the women was asking everybody except the person she needed to ask whether she could use flash or not. She even asked me. What bothers me the most about this was it was broad daylight so there was absolutely no need for a flash. Grrrr
That night we got a little bit pissed because we had our first overnight bus ahead of us. Most people slept all the way through, with the aid of some pills. I, however, hardly slept at all, and felt awful when we finally arrived in Arequipa at 7 in the morning.
Day 19
Arequipa is Fernando's home city, so he gave us a short tour around. We went to a local market to buy all the ingredients needed to make Pisco Sour. From there we went to Mummy Fernando's house, to make the cocktails. Mum, as we called her, was lovely, even though she didn't speak a word of English, but it was great fun, and we all enjoyed being there. Our sours were the best I've had yet.
We also went to a museum right outside our hotel, which contained a frozen Inca girl who had been sacrificed at the top of the mountain and found only 15 years ago. This was very macabre in a way, because she was almost perfectly preserved by the sub-zero temperatures for hundreds of years. She was only 14 years old.
Day 20
Today was the start of a 2 day tour round the Colco Valley and Canyon. The Colca Canyon is more than twice as deep than the Grand Canyon, and gave for some spectacular vistas. We had a short trek at high altitude (13,000 feet at one point) which was great practice for Machu Picchu. The altitude really doesn't affect me that much, which is a great relief to me as it was my biggest worry. To help with the altitude, we all tried the Coca leaves, which is an ancient remedy for the sickness. One word: vile.
Later we went to a natural hot spring, which was possibly the most relaxing thing I've ever done. At 39 degrees C, me and Fernando laid in the pool, chatting and drinking Pisco Sours. Yes, I really am addicted. Me and Fern had a great bonding session then, talking about anything and everything.
We stayed in the middle of the Valley, in a town called Chivay that night.
Day 21
Today we went on the Condor trek, to try and get a glimpse of the condors. Apparently you usually only see 4 or 5, but there were well over 20 when we went. They are very elegant birds, and fly right over your head, which made some fantastic pictures. I will try and put one up on here. We set off back to Arequipa that afternoon, where we had a free evening to ourselves. I slept.
We arrived in Pisco, home of the alcoholic drink of the same name, a drink which I have come to love, and have had at least one Pisco Sour every day; a cocktail which I will make for people when I get home. The town of Pisco was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1997, but they managed to rebuilt it within 9 months, so is relatively modern, yet still a bit of a dump. We were only here for one night, as a stopover on our way to Nazca.
Day 17
We set off early from Pisco to go to Nazca, but on the way we stopped at a Huacachina Oasis, which is a beautiful oasis town built in the middle of the desert. Surrounded by sand dunes, you can't see for more than a mile out of the town. We stayed in a hotel just for the day, where some of us stayed and lounged around by the pool, and myself, Amy and Yeti went Dune buggying. This was great fun, and it felt and looked like we were in the middle of the Sahara. When the Dune Buggy stopped at the top of a Dune - and i'm talking very big dunes - we were handed a board to go down on. I decided to show off and go down standing up, which didn't really work out how I imagined. The bigger sand dunes I thought I'd play it safe and go down on my stomach, still was great fun.
This day we also went to a national reserve park (read: desert) to look at sand, cliffs, a bit more sand and then some flamingos. I was mighty bored and people couldn't understand why I wasn't fascinated by the flamingos like everyone else was, until I told them I've seen them many times before at Flamingo Land.
We later went to an old Pisco factory, to learn how Pisco was made, where we tried about 10 different types of Pisco, some having great strength. We all slept well after that on our way to Nazca.
Day 18
Nazca is a town built because of the Nazca lines, as well as the mining opportunities around it. The Nazca lines are pictures which have been etched into the desert floor hundreds of years ago. Little is known why they exist, or even how old they are. There was an optional activity to go flying over the lines, but we were warned that its quite unsafe and a few planes crashed last year killing everyone on board. Even our governments warned us about going on them, which meant we would not be covered by our insurance. Knowing all these facts, I decided to go on the flight anyway. And i'm so glad i did, it was brilliant. It was a tiny little 4 seater plane, which went along like a rollercoaster, showing us the lines from above. A Danish guy infront of me very nearly brought up his breakfast. Only myself, Leonie and Yeti went on. I loved every second of it and have some great photos, it was well worth the $100.
That afternoon we went to see some Pre-Inca graves, with the bodies still intact, mostly mummified, some gruesome photos there. There were 12 graves, every one exactly the same as the next. We then went to a pottery guy, where we had another run in with 'the others' and I got pissed off because one of the women was asking everybody except the person she needed to ask whether she could use flash or not. She even asked me. What bothers me the most about this was it was broad daylight so there was absolutely no need for a flash. Grrrr
That night we got a little bit pissed because we had our first overnight bus ahead of us. Most people slept all the way through, with the aid of some pills. I, however, hardly slept at all, and felt awful when we finally arrived in Arequipa at 7 in the morning.
Day 19
Arequipa is Fernando's home city, so he gave us a short tour around. We went to a local market to buy all the ingredients needed to make Pisco Sour. From there we went to Mummy Fernando's house, to make the cocktails. Mum, as we called her, was lovely, even though she didn't speak a word of English, but it was great fun, and we all enjoyed being there. Our sours were the best I've had yet.
We also went to a museum right outside our hotel, which contained a frozen Inca girl who had been sacrificed at the top of the mountain and found only 15 years ago. This was very macabre in a way, because she was almost perfectly preserved by the sub-zero temperatures for hundreds of years. She was only 14 years old.
Day 20
Today was the start of a 2 day tour round the Colco Valley and Canyon. The Colca Canyon is more than twice as deep than the Grand Canyon, and gave for some spectacular vistas. We had a short trek at high altitude (13,000 feet at one point) which was great practice for Machu Picchu. The altitude really doesn't affect me that much, which is a great relief to me as it was my biggest worry. To help with the altitude, we all tried the Coca leaves, which is an ancient remedy for the sickness. One word: vile.
Later we went to a natural hot spring, which was possibly the most relaxing thing I've ever done. At 39 degrees C, me and Fernando laid in the pool, chatting and drinking Pisco Sours. Yes, I really am addicted. Me and Fern had a great bonding session then, talking about anything and everything.
We stayed in the middle of the Valley, in a town called Chivay that night.
Day 21
Today we went on the Condor trek, to try and get a glimpse of the condors. Apparently you usually only see 4 or 5, but there were well over 20 when we went. They are very elegant birds, and fly right over your head, which made some fantastic pictures. I will try and put one up on here. We set off back to Arequipa that afternoon, where we had a free evening to ourselves. I slept.
Thursday, 2 June 2011
The Others
A few days ago we joined another Intrepid group for a small tour. Thinking this was the last we would see of them, we didn´t make much of an effort to socialise with them. It turns out that for their 3 week trip, they are pretty much following us to the same cities and some of the same trips.
We don´t stay in the same hotels as each other as they are on a different style trip to us, where they get nicer hotels (and pay more for the privilege). They have become somewhat of a talking point with us for reasons soon to be explained.
In their group there are 5 people, and their leader Carlos. We have agreed that we much prefer Fernando as a leader, as he is much more charismatic and in general, a better leader. The 5 people include, one Australian couple (in their 50s?) who keep themselves to themselves - i think i´ve seen them speak all of twice. There is another Australian couple (in their hundreds?) who are just plain odd, and the husband scared me the first time i spoke to him because he seemed to pass out of consiousness for 10 seconds while he was talking to me. This couple will be on the Inca Trail with myself and Yeti, which is a very scary thought as none of us think they will make it. The Trail after all, is a demnding trek reaching 15,000 ft at points. I also best mention that I - or anyone in our group - know any of the couples´names; and Carlos has mentioned to us that these couples do not get along at all, therefore do not talk to each other. Finally there is Louise. Poor poor Louise, who is 20 from NZ, is a bit of a party girl and we all get on with her. We feel incredibly sorry for her as she has to cope with the rest of her group. We have spoken to her and Fernando about her joining our tour instead, but this seems to be impossible.
There WILL be more stories about this group to come.
On a side note, after my not so warm welcome to Fernando on my first post about him, I (and we) have grown to like him very much. I´ll explain why in the next post, which i warn you, will be very long, as I am 6 days behind. Oops
We don´t stay in the same hotels as each other as they are on a different style trip to us, where they get nicer hotels (and pay more for the privilege). They have become somewhat of a talking point with us for reasons soon to be explained.
In their group there are 5 people, and their leader Carlos. We have agreed that we much prefer Fernando as a leader, as he is much more charismatic and in general, a better leader. The 5 people include, one Australian couple (in their 50s?) who keep themselves to themselves - i think i´ve seen them speak all of twice. There is another Australian couple (in their hundreds?) who are just plain odd, and the husband scared me the first time i spoke to him because he seemed to pass out of consiousness for 10 seconds while he was talking to me. This couple will be on the Inca Trail with myself and Yeti, which is a very scary thought as none of us think they will make it. The Trail after all, is a demnding trek reaching 15,000 ft at points. I also best mention that I - or anyone in our group - know any of the couples´names; and Carlos has mentioned to us that these couples do not get along at all, therefore do not talk to each other. Finally there is Louise. Poor poor Louise, who is 20 from NZ, is a bit of a party girl and we all get on with her. We feel incredibly sorry for her as she has to cope with the rest of her group. We have spoken to her and Fernando about her joining our tour instead, but this seems to be impossible.
There WILL be more stories about this group to come.
On a side note, after my not so warm welcome to Fernando on my first post about him, I (and we) have grown to like him very much. I´ll explain why in the next post, which i warn you, will be very long, as I am 6 days behind. Oops
Monday, 30 May 2011
Food
A quick post about the food in the other side of the world. Peru and Ecuador have pretty much the same food, in the sense that they both serve EVERY meal with more rice than anyone can eat. In Ecuador, steak, chicken and fish are the norm, with traditional dishes that are nothing special, but they eat massive amounts, none of us could ever finish a meal, but the Ecuadorians gobble it down, yet they're all so petite. We then arrive in Peru and the meals are pretty much the same, but the dishes are smaller and we're left hungry after each meal, probably thanks to Ecuador.
Pisco Sour is Peru's national alcoholic drink. Could anyone have a look in the supermarket and tell me if we have Pisco?? Peru's other national drink is Inca Cola, which is a nuclear yellow fizzy drink which is sold everywhere Its gorgeous and tastes like cream soda, even though I don't like cream soda.
We're all abit bored of the food now, its the same everywhere, but we havn't resorted to KFC just yet. We will be trying Cuy (Guinea Pig) in the next couple of days. Looking forward to that!
Pisco Sour is Peru's national alcoholic drink. Could anyone have a look in the supermarket and tell me if we have Pisco?? Peru's other national drink is Inca Cola, which is a nuclear yellow fizzy drink which is sold everywhere Its gorgeous and tastes like cream soda, even though I don't like cream soda.
We're all abit bored of the food now, its the same everywhere, but we havn't resorted to KFC just yet. We will be trying Cuy (Guinea Pig) in the next couple of days. Looking forward to that!
Saturday, 28 May 2011
Slippery When Wet
Day 14
We left Huanchico to go to Lima, Peru's capital. We wern't looking forward to the 9 hour bus ride, but as soon as we stepped on it, we were in Paradise. It was a double decker coach, with seats wide enough to fit Michelle McManus (remember her?) on. We had a TV each, showing 4 films one after the other, personal service giving us food and drinks all journey, pillows, blankets, and best of all, the seats went back to 180 degrees. Thats completely flat!! With a footrest. I smiled the whole journey, even when I was sleeping.
Day 15
Today we were leaderless as we wern't meeting Fernando til 3. So we had a walk round Lima, which isn't that impressive considering its the capital. Fernando is a nice guy, 26, wants us to be a "family", erm, he's got a beard, not much else to say about him really, not made up my mind yet. After the meeting, we went to the catacombs, which contained over 25,000 bodies, most of which their remains were right infront of you, a very eerie place, built underneath a church. The tour was supposed to last one hour, but we were on the last tour of the day, and our guide obviously had plans; running around the place and talking to us whilst walking the other way. Didn't learn a thing, but was very interesting (not sure if thats the right word) to see of the bones. The tour actually only lasted 20 minutes.
After this, we went to a fountain park, the biggest in the world, which was amazing. Over 20 fountains, some more impressive than others, some 'dancing' in time to music, some which created illusions. Me and Fernando decided to go into the Labyrinth Fountain, trying to find our way through moving torrents of water. Unfortunately, I saw a gap and decided to cheat and run through it, forgetting that the floor was wet, I went straight onto my backside and got soaked. More unfortunate, Wendy caught it all on video. Not my proudest moment, but oh well.
Fernando treated us all to a round of Pisco Sours, a great Peruvian alcoholic drink, and we all got a little pissed. All in all, a good day. Heading to the town of Pisco tomorrow.
Out
We left Huanchico to go to Lima, Peru's capital. We wern't looking forward to the 9 hour bus ride, but as soon as we stepped on it, we were in Paradise. It was a double decker coach, with seats wide enough to fit Michelle McManus (remember her?) on. We had a TV each, showing 4 films one after the other, personal service giving us food and drinks all journey, pillows, blankets, and best of all, the seats went back to 180 degrees. Thats completely flat!! With a footrest. I smiled the whole journey, even when I was sleeping.
Day 15
Today we were leaderless as we wern't meeting Fernando til 3. So we had a walk round Lima, which isn't that impressive considering its the capital. Fernando is a nice guy, 26, wants us to be a "family", erm, he's got a beard, not much else to say about him really, not made up my mind yet. After the meeting, we went to the catacombs, which contained over 25,000 bodies, most of which their remains were right infront of you, a very eerie place, built underneath a church. The tour was supposed to last one hour, but we were on the last tour of the day, and our guide obviously had plans; running around the place and talking to us whilst walking the other way. Didn't learn a thing, but was very interesting (not sure if thats the right word) to see of the bones. The tour actually only lasted 20 minutes.
After this, we went to a fountain park, the biggest in the world, which was amazing. Over 20 fountains, some more impressive than others, some 'dancing' in time to music, some which created illusions. Me and Fernando decided to go into the Labyrinth Fountain, trying to find our way through moving torrents of water. Unfortunately, I saw a gap and decided to cheat and run through it, forgetting that the floor was wet, I went straight onto my backside and got soaked. More unfortunate, Wendy caught it all on video. Not my proudest moment, but oh well.
Fernando treated us all to a round of Pisco Sours, a great Peruvian alcoholic drink, and we all got a little pissed. All in all, a good day. Heading to the town of Pisco tomorrow.
Out
Friday, 27 May 2011
Moan
Reading back my old posts, I notice that I´ve told you all about what I liking about the places I´ve been, so I thought I´d post about what I don´t like:
1. The Peruvian Dog. A dog native to Peru (its got a proper name but I can´t remember what it is) that is completely hairless apart from a tuft on its head and on its armpits (legpits?). Its an ugly little thing, and they´re everywhere. Even the puppies are wrinkly and ugly.
2. Not being allowed to flush toilet paper. I´m sorry to bring this blog down to such a topic, but its something I can´t get over and don´t like doing. Something we take for granted back home.
3. The point that its 30 degrees plus, yet all the hotels feel the need to put an extra thick blanket in your bedding. Some are an inch thick and can only be described as a rug.
4. Nobody speaks English. I don´t actually dislike this point, but I´m running out of things already. Unlike Europe, where most people in Shops, restaurants etc, speak English of some form, people here do not. I understand this is actually my own fault for not learning any Spanish before I came to this land.
Thats it I think.
Out
1. The Peruvian Dog. A dog native to Peru (its got a proper name but I can´t remember what it is) that is completely hairless apart from a tuft on its head and on its armpits (legpits?). Its an ugly little thing, and they´re everywhere. Even the puppies are wrinkly and ugly.
2. Not being allowed to flush toilet paper. I´m sorry to bring this blog down to such a topic, but its something I can´t get over and don´t like doing. Something we take for granted back home.
3. The point that its 30 degrees plus, yet all the hotels feel the need to put an extra thick blanket in your bedding. Some are an inch thick and can only be described as a rug.
4. Nobody speaks English. I don´t actually dislike this point, but I´m running out of things already. Unlike Europe, where most people in Shops, restaurants etc, speak English of some form, people here do not. I understand this is actually my own fault for not learning any Spanish before I came to this land.
Thats it I think.
Out
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Horsing Around
Day 13
Where do I start? Up early for a jam packed day. First we went to a place called 'Chan Chan' which is a massive mud city measuring 22 sqaure kms. This place was just incredible, with tombs, arenas and even a lake built into it, which has survived hundreds and hundreds of years. Our guide was brilliant, he obviously found it as fascinating as we did. Then we went to a slightly newer temple, the name eludes me, which was mighty boring and the guide sounded like a tape recording. It was the same wall over and over again. I have one picture and it shows everything there is to see here.
We then went to see a horse show. I don't like horses. This breed of horse is native to Peru and is called 'the dancing horse' because when it walks, it looks like its dancing. Good to watch for 2 minutes, then the novelty wears off. With this horse was a boy and a girl dancing also. Suddenly, the horse trotts away and the girl comes over to me and puts her hand out to me. So i think 'what the hell' and take it and start dancing with her, some form of latin american dance. Then the realisation that im dancing -well, trying to atleast - in the middle of a field with tens of people watching me, hits in. It was mighty embarassing, and I believe there are many photos, and possibly a video of this.
After the "show", we are toured around the stable, MORE HORSES!, and are shown the local house where the stable workers live. Here we surprise an unlucky couple who are performing a sex act (email me if you want to know which one, you sick freaks) in a hammock. And instead of stopping and running away, they saw us and pulled the hammock up abit and carried on, why not.
A good day overall, and its only 6. Tomorrow is our last day with Johanna (it turns out i've been spelling here name wrong all this time), and we will get our new leader tomorrow night. It will be sad to see her leave because she has been great with us, we all think so. Will let you know my first opinion of our new guy Fernando, tomorrow.
Out
Where do I start? Up early for a jam packed day. First we went to a place called 'Chan Chan' which is a massive mud city measuring 22 sqaure kms. This place was just incredible, with tombs, arenas and even a lake built into it, which has survived hundreds and hundreds of years. Our guide was brilliant, he obviously found it as fascinating as we did. Then we went to a slightly newer temple, the name eludes me, which was mighty boring and the guide sounded like a tape recording. It was the same wall over and over again. I have one picture and it shows everything there is to see here.
We then went to see a horse show. I don't like horses. This breed of horse is native to Peru and is called 'the dancing horse' because when it walks, it looks like its dancing. Good to watch for 2 minutes, then the novelty wears off. With this horse was a boy and a girl dancing also. Suddenly, the horse trotts away and the girl comes over to me and puts her hand out to me. So i think 'what the hell' and take it and start dancing with her, some form of latin american dance. Then the realisation that im dancing -well, trying to atleast - in the middle of a field with tens of people watching me, hits in. It was mighty embarassing, and I believe there are many photos, and possibly a video of this.
After the "show", we are toured around the stable, MORE HORSES!, and are shown the local house where the stable workers live. Here we surprise an unlucky couple who are performing a sex act (email me if you want to know which one, you sick freaks) in a hammock. And instead of stopping and running away, they saw us and pulled the hammock up abit and carried on, why not.
A good day overall, and its only 6. Tomorrow is our last day with Johanna (it turns out i've been spelling here name wrong all this time), and we will get our new leader tomorrow night. It will be sad to see her leave because she has been great with us, we all think so. Will let you know my first opinion of our new guy Fernando, tomorrow.
Out
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Guess What...
I can't Salsa dance. I was terrible. A couple of stars among us, but most gave up after half an hour.
Day 12
10 HOUR BUS RIDE!!!
That is all
Day 12
10 HOUR BUS RIDE!!!
That is all
Monday, 23 May 2011
Deepest Darkest ...
Day 9
Not alot to be said about today, went to a secret place that i cant mention because i bought Shep a present from there and i dont want him to know what it is, but he should get it in about 2 weeks. This was my last night in Cuenca, which is a fantastic City, we agree its the best place we´ve been so far.
Day 10
Another boring post, involved 8 hours on a coach travelling from Peru. Border control was one shed, and they didn´t even check our passports properly. The difference between Ecuador and Peru is amazing. Ecuador is just green, everywhere, whereas Peru is just brown, everywhere. So far, all we have seen is desert sand. We arrived in Mancora, where were staying for 2 nights, and its a proper holiday destination, with bars and Brits getting pissed, not exactly what we were hoping for, but the beach is absolutely beautiful, like something from a paradise island. Again in a little wooden lodge, and bathroom is one hell of a spectacle. Will take a picture and try and put it on here.
Day 11
My ankle is almost better, luckily i didn´t hurt it that badly. Was suppost to go snorkelling this morning, but passed on it because i wasnt feeling too bright. Its nearly 3pm now, feeling alot better, and tonight (get ready to laugh) i´m going for a Salsa dancing lesson. I´m looking forward to it. I´ve spent most of the day in the pool, because i need a rest from everything.
In not so good news, Murry got bitten by a stray dog and has to have 12 shots of the rabies vaccine, so he´s not particularly happen at the moment.
Thats all ive got. Will let you know how the dancing goes
Out
Friday, 20 May 2011
Just Brilliant
Thats sarcasm by the way.
Day 7
Day 7 was abit of a none day, it involed 7 hours on a coach to get to Cuenca, where I am for 3 nights. When i got here i was setting off to go into the town from my hotel room and managed to fall down the stairs and sprain my ankle. Which leads on to day 8
Day 8
Missed out on walking round the national park with everyone, and instead stayed in my hotel room with my ankle taped up on ice. Luckily, i'm travelling with 2 nurses and a pharmacist, so theyre looking after me and i can feel little pain thanks to the drugs. Also luckily, i am on 2 free days at the moment so I not losing any money as i havnt paid anything for these days, but i am missing out on everything else. Its almost 6 oclock in the evening and i'm still in my room with my foot on a pillow. Pissed off doesn't go far enough to explain how i'm feeling. Hopefully it will heal enough for my to bare weight on it in the next couple of days. It needs to be better by the time i clim Machu Picchu in 2 weeks time.
Out
Day 7
Day 7 was abit of a none day, it involed 7 hours on a coach to get to Cuenca, where I am for 3 nights. When i got here i was setting off to go into the town from my hotel room and managed to fall down the stairs and sprain my ankle. Which leads on to day 8
Day 8
Missed out on walking round the national park with everyone, and instead stayed in my hotel room with my ankle taped up on ice. Luckily, i'm travelling with 2 nurses and a pharmacist, so theyre looking after me and i can feel little pain thanks to the drugs. Also luckily, i am on 2 free days at the moment so I not losing any money as i havnt paid anything for these days, but i am missing out on everything else. Its almost 6 oclock in the evening and i'm still in my room with my foot on a pillow. Pissed off doesn't go far enough to explain how i'm feeling. Hopefully it will heal enough for my to bare weight on it in the next couple of days. It needs to be better by the time i clim Machu Picchu in 2 weeks time.
Out
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
ARGH! SOUP!
Day 6
Sorry for the lack of posts, you'll understand why when you've read this one. Best start in chronoligical order, so here goes.
On Day 3, we started by visiting the equator line, which had an interactive museum. This was fascinating, and I can't wait to tell people about some of the experiments there. I know some people won't believe some of them, so I recorded a couple as proof. After that, we went to look round old Quito, where we looked round some old cathedrals (and climbed one) and tried an alcoholic drink called chica (sp) which is 100 per cent proof, so was obviously watered down with a juice, and it was vile. While we were out and about, the heavens opened for about 20 minutes. Now this isn't ordinary poxy english rain, this is rainforest terrential downpour. 20 minutes caused mas flooding (the streets of the old town are like San Francisco, mostly hills) so we dived in a shop and watched the vehicles and the odd person flow down the street. This apparently happens almost everyday, so wasn't a big deal for the locals. Follwed was our last night in Quito, we couldn't be bothered to go out so ordered in pizza.
Quito really was a beautiful city, combining the very old and very new, and very poor and very rich. You walk down a street that could only be classed as slums, and round the corner is a brand new plaza with massive TV screens and modern eateries. At 2,800 meters up, its not easy to breathe and the weather is totally unpredictable, but still worth going.
Day 4
We set off from Quito in the early hours of the morning to go to the Jungle. We stayed in a lodge for 2 nights next to the Napa river, the main tributary for the amazon. Don't be fooled by the word tributary, the river was massive, nearly 100 meters wide at points. The lodge was fantastic, it was exactly what I had wanted to experience. We had a wood cabin each which was just that, a wood cabin. No electricity, no hot water. Only two gas lamps would guide your way around your room and bathroom; an amazing experience which I just loved. After we settled in our cabins, we went to visit a local tribal village, where they showed us how they panned for gold, made pottery and how to shoot blow darts, which isn't as easy as it sounds. On our way back, there were some children from the tribe playing football, so me and Murray decided to give them a run for their money. Four young boys with no shoes, versus me, Murray and Vanda (in their 50s), Yeti (40) and Joanna in goal. We kept up the pace for a good 20 minutes but in the end, the boys with no shoes beat us 1-0. Was a good laugh though. Funny how football solves a language barrier.
That night I had far too many beers (i'm with alot of aussies remember) and we discovered that I was the baby of the group, as Amy is 26 and Joanna 27.
Day 5
The best day so far. We spent an hour nd a half trekking through the thick rainforest, with our local guide showing us all sorts of interesting uses for plants, and some amazing animals. We crossed rivers and mud and finally arrived to what we like an oasis to us. It was 35 degrees while trekking, and the humitidy was just awful, and all of us were exhausted, but at the end was a beautiful waterfall and plungepool where most of us stripped off and dived straight in. I was the first one in and the last one out, it was glorious. Joanna told us that if you went right underneath the waterfall it felt like a massage; lies, it bloody hurt. A couple of people didn't go in so they should have some pictures of us in it. Trekking back from the waterfall, we got back to the boat we arrived in and they told us that instead of boating back, we were going to get in a rubber ring and drift the mile and a half back down to the hotel. Parts of the river were calm and it was so relaxing, apart from one section which was more like white water rafting. Very fun, but got very sunburnt on my back.
Day 6
I was sad to leave the Lodge because I (and infact all of us) loved it so much. Living with all the wildlife (tarantulas, snakes, beetles etc) was such a different experience. But we set off on a four hour bus journey to go to the city of Riobamba, where I am as I write this. We've had a quick look round the place and its nothing special, but this stop wasn't planned, as we were suppost to be staying in Banos, and trekking up the Volcano, except the Volcano has started erupting and all our governments have told us we arn't allowed to go there. So its just one night here in Riobamba, then we're travelling to Cuenca tomorrow, where we will spend 3 nights.
A quick word on us as a group (and I mean quick because this post is far too long as it is) we have all become even closer than before and all get on so well. There seems to be no friction between anyone, and we all have a great laugh and the conversation is always flowing. I couldn't have asked for a better group.
Off for some tea now. Oh that reminds me, every meal in Ecuador starts with soup. I hate soup. I have had more soup in the last 6 days than I have had in my entire life.
Out
Sorry for the lack of posts, you'll understand why when you've read this one. Best start in chronoligical order, so here goes.
On Day 3, we started by visiting the equator line, which had an interactive museum. This was fascinating, and I can't wait to tell people about some of the experiments there. I know some people won't believe some of them, so I recorded a couple as proof. After that, we went to look round old Quito, where we looked round some old cathedrals (and climbed one) and tried an alcoholic drink called chica (sp) which is 100 per cent proof, so was obviously watered down with a juice, and it was vile. While we were out and about, the heavens opened for about 20 minutes. Now this isn't ordinary poxy english rain, this is rainforest terrential downpour. 20 minutes caused mas flooding (the streets of the old town are like San Francisco, mostly hills) so we dived in a shop and watched the vehicles and the odd person flow down the street. This apparently happens almost everyday, so wasn't a big deal for the locals. Follwed was our last night in Quito, we couldn't be bothered to go out so ordered in pizza.
Quito really was a beautiful city, combining the very old and very new, and very poor and very rich. You walk down a street that could only be classed as slums, and round the corner is a brand new plaza with massive TV screens and modern eateries. At 2,800 meters up, its not easy to breathe and the weather is totally unpredictable, but still worth going.
Day 4
We set off from Quito in the early hours of the morning to go to the Jungle. We stayed in a lodge for 2 nights next to the Napa river, the main tributary for the amazon. Don't be fooled by the word tributary, the river was massive, nearly 100 meters wide at points. The lodge was fantastic, it was exactly what I had wanted to experience. We had a wood cabin each which was just that, a wood cabin. No electricity, no hot water. Only two gas lamps would guide your way around your room and bathroom; an amazing experience which I just loved. After we settled in our cabins, we went to visit a local tribal village, where they showed us how they panned for gold, made pottery and how to shoot blow darts, which isn't as easy as it sounds. On our way back, there were some children from the tribe playing football, so me and Murray decided to give them a run for their money. Four young boys with no shoes, versus me, Murray and Vanda (in their 50s), Yeti (40) and Joanna in goal. We kept up the pace for a good 20 minutes but in the end, the boys with no shoes beat us 1-0. Was a good laugh though. Funny how football solves a language barrier.
That night I had far too many beers (i'm with alot of aussies remember) and we discovered that I was the baby of the group, as Amy is 26 and Joanna 27.
Day 5
The best day so far. We spent an hour nd a half trekking through the thick rainforest, with our local guide showing us all sorts of interesting uses for plants, and some amazing animals. We crossed rivers and mud and finally arrived to what we like an oasis to us. It was 35 degrees while trekking, and the humitidy was just awful, and all of us were exhausted, but at the end was a beautiful waterfall and plungepool where most of us stripped off and dived straight in. I was the first one in and the last one out, it was glorious. Joanna told us that if you went right underneath the waterfall it felt like a massage; lies, it bloody hurt. A couple of people didn't go in so they should have some pictures of us in it. Trekking back from the waterfall, we got back to the boat we arrived in and they told us that instead of boating back, we were going to get in a rubber ring and drift the mile and a half back down to the hotel. Parts of the river were calm and it was so relaxing, apart from one section which was more like white water rafting. Very fun, but got very sunburnt on my back.
Day 6
I was sad to leave the Lodge because I (and infact all of us) loved it so much. Living with all the wildlife (tarantulas, snakes, beetles etc) was such a different experience. But we set off on a four hour bus journey to go to the city of Riobamba, where I am as I write this. We've had a quick look round the place and its nothing special, but this stop wasn't planned, as we were suppost to be staying in Banos, and trekking up the Volcano, except the Volcano has started erupting and all our governments have told us we arn't allowed to go there. So its just one night here in Riobamba, then we're travelling to Cuenca tomorrow, where we will spend 3 nights.
A quick word on us as a group (and I mean quick because this post is far too long as it is) we have all become even closer than before and all get on so well. There seems to be no friction between anyone, and we all have a great laugh and the conversation is always flowing. I couldn't have asked for a better group.
Off for some tea now. Oh that reminds me, every meal in Ecuador starts with soup. I hate soup. I have had more soup in the last 6 days than I have had in my entire life.
Out
Saturday, 14 May 2011
Trying to Spend a Penny
In the litteral sense.
Day 2
Today we all went to a mahoosive market in the middle of nowhere, taking 2 hours to get to the town of Otavalo. There was everything you could imagine (and things you couldn't) and i desperately wanted to buy some cheap tat, especially some tatty jewellery for the Mrs as a jokey present, but unfortunately everything was of a fairly good standard, so i bought nothing.
The final person of our tour arrived late last night, she's called Yeti and she's from England (wahay), Worcester (sp) to be precise. I should mention our tour guide Joanna. She's lived in Ecuador all her life and knows everything there is to know about the country. She's also a good laugh and speaks very good English; we're all happy with her.
Tomorrow i'm very much looking forward to. We're going to the Ecuator line, where there is apparently a great museum. Then we're off to the old city of Quito (i'm in the new city) to look round the monuments and cathedrals etc.
Out
Day 2
Today we all went to a mahoosive market in the middle of nowhere, taking 2 hours to get to the town of Otavalo. There was everything you could imagine (and things you couldn't) and i desperately wanted to buy some cheap tat, especially some tatty jewellery for the Mrs as a jokey present, but unfortunately everything was of a fairly good standard, so i bought nothing.
The final person of our tour arrived late last night, she's called Yeti and she's from England (wahay), Worcester (sp) to be precise. I should mention our tour guide Joanna. She's lived in Ecuador all her life and knows everything there is to know about the country. She's also a good laugh and speaks very good English; we're all happy with her.
Tomorrow i'm very much looking forward to. We're going to the Ecuator line, where there is apparently a great museum. Then we're off to the old city of Quito (i'm in the new city) to look round the monuments and cathedrals etc.
Out
Friday, 13 May 2011
The Tour Starts Here
Day 1
Today was actually Day 1 of my tour. I arrived a couple of days early to explore Quito by myself. So this evening i finally met all of my group (minus one who is yet to arrive). There are 7 of us, and i am the only one from England. Everybody else is from Oz and New Zealand, and they are all such a laugh. Most are in their 40's plus, except myself and another single traveller Amy, in our twenties. Theres a group of 3, which includes the only other male in our group, and a group of two women. The latter two will be on the tour with me for the full 63 days, whereas the others are only with me for 36 days. They have already adopted me as "their son" and told me to call them both "mum". I've spend the last few hours chatting to them all endlessly, and I couldn't be happier with them all. Three of them have even been to York.
Meeting them all has cheered me up no end. We have a free day tomorrow but we've all decided to go on a trip together to big market two hours out of the city. I'll let you know how it goes
Out
Today was actually Day 1 of my tour. I arrived a couple of days early to explore Quito by myself. So this evening i finally met all of my group (minus one who is yet to arrive). There are 7 of us, and i am the only one from England. Everybody else is from Oz and New Zealand, and they are all such a laugh. Most are in their 40's plus, except myself and another single traveller Amy, in our twenties. Theres a group of 3, which includes the only other male in our group, and a group of two women. The latter two will be on the tour with me for the full 63 days, whereas the others are only with me for 36 days. They have already adopted me as "their son" and told me to call them both "mum". I've spend the last few hours chatting to them all endlessly, and I couldn't be happier with them all. Three of them have even been to York.
Meeting them all has cheered me up no end. We have a free day tomorrow but we've all decided to go on a trip together to big market two hours out of the city. I'll let you know how it goes
Out
Jackpot
I decided to go to the Sports Bar down the road for my tea last night, however on my way there, i walked past a restaurant called 'British Bulldog' with the tag 'English bar and restaurant'. So i thought sod the Sports Bar, lets go in there. I walked into a empty, but swanky looking place, and was greeted by an English woman (owner) who ended up sitting with me for a good half an hour or so chatting. She explained to me that tonight was the grand opening of the restaurant, and that i could have as many free drinks as i wanted. JACKPOT! After many a beer and cocktail, the VIPs started to arrive, including people from the British and American Embassies, as well as local politicians. They were all wearing suits and fancy dresses, i was wearing jeans and a quick drying fleece! After i ate and had another beer or two, and after many a conversation with people much more powerful than myself, i decided to leave, reflecting on my good luck. A two course meal and many drinks only cost me US$6. Couldn't complain
Thursday, 12 May 2011
OMG! (with a Peaches Yoghurt)
Its morning in Quito, Ecuador. I should have posted this last night but I was knackered and had to go straight to bed. Yesterday was a big farce. The first flight from Heathrow to Madrid was fine, and i was told by a Portugese chap that I looked Spanish, which i assume was why he started talking to me in Spanish. From Madrid it all went tits up. The first plane we all go on ended up being broken, so we had to unload, and wait three hours for another plane. We ended up going back onto that plane because it was "fixed" and headed off. The cabin crew handed us all a free pillow and blanket, which I thought was pretty good, only to find out it was a necessity, at the seats were bloody uncomfortable and the plane was rediculasly cold - everybody on the plane had the blanket wrapped around them.
The captain pipes up and tells us that to be on schedule, we will be skipping out Quito altogether, and going straight to its final destination, a city I can't pronounce, let alone spell. So from this city, we had to catch another plane to Quito. Finally arrived at the hotel at 22.30 local time. To top off the whole journey, i tried to open a Peach yoghurt and it went all over me, and i mean all over me - not a happy bunny.
But i am happy now, had a nice breakfast and glad to finally be in Ecuador. Not met anyone else on my trip yet, but then it doesn't start til tomorrow night. Gunna go for a walk around the city
Out
The captain pipes up and tells us that to be on schedule, we will be skipping out Quito altogether, and going straight to its final destination, a city I can't pronounce, let alone spell. So from this city, we had to catch another plane to Quito. Finally arrived at the hotel at 22.30 local time. To top off the whole journey, i tried to open a Peach yoghurt and it went all over me, and i mean all over me - not a happy bunny.
But i am happy now, had a nice breakfast and glad to finally be in Ecuador. Not met anyone else on my trip yet, but then it doesn't start til tomorrow night. Gunna go for a walk around the city
Out
Saturday, 7 May 2011
The Magic Number
This is going to be my final post (and yes I realise, only my second) before I go. As i write this, I am setting off in 3 days. This has been the worst part so far; being so close and ready to go, but having to wait.
A lot has happened since my last post. I've left my job which I've been at for the past three and a half years, a very surreal experience having it being such a massive part of my life for so long; I have got everything bought, packed and I've finished with being jabbed in my arm; and most importantly to me, I have achieved my proudest moment to date - climbing Helvellyn in the Lakes, along with a few other peaks in the 2 days I was there. This has made me feel so much more confident about climbing up to Machu Picchu, even if Helvellyn is a measily 3000ft to Machu Picchu's 14,000ft.
I rang the company I am travelling with the other week, and amongst other things, asked them how many people were booked up on my trip. Considering there is space for up to 16 people, I was expecting around that number, but to my surprise, I was told only 3 people (including myself) were booked. I'm actually quite pleased about this, as long as they speak english, otherwise it could be a pretty lonely 10 weeks.
Before I wrap this post up, I'd just like to thank my friends and (ex) colleagues for all the presents, support and kind words. The hardest part of this trip will be how much I will miss all my family, friends, and of course, my wonderful girlfriend.
Please feel free to post comments on here, and keep my up to date with the gossip. Alternatively, my email address is: domward77@hotmail.com
Out
A lot has happened since my last post. I've left my job which I've been at for the past three and a half years, a very surreal experience having it being such a massive part of my life for so long; I have got everything bought, packed and I've finished with being jabbed in my arm; and most importantly to me, I have achieved my proudest moment to date - climbing Helvellyn in the Lakes, along with a few other peaks in the 2 days I was there. This has made me feel so much more confident about climbing up to Machu Picchu, even if Helvellyn is a measily 3000ft to Machu Picchu's 14,000ft.
I rang the company I am travelling with the other week, and amongst other things, asked them how many people were booked up on my trip. Considering there is space for up to 16 people, I was expecting around that number, but to my surprise, I was told only 3 people (including myself) were booked. I'm actually quite pleased about this, as long as they speak english, otherwise it could be a pretty lonely 10 weeks.
Before I wrap this post up, I'd just like to thank my friends and (ex) colleagues for all the presents, support and kind words. The hardest part of this trip will be how much I will miss all my family, friends, and of course, my wonderful girlfriend.
Please feel free to post comments on here, and keep my up to date with the gossip. Alternatively, my email address is: domward77@hotmail.com
Out
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Well hello there Readers
Everybody keeps telling me that i should write a blog for my upcoming trip (or as I like to hyperbolise it; my upcoming awesome adventure), so here it is.
For those who don't know, I am travelling across South America for 10 weeks, west to east coast, from Ecuador to Brazil, passing through Peru and Bolivia. Why am i doing it? Because i have always wanted to and i thought if i don't do it know then i never will.
I don't want to make a big deal about this trip, hence why there will not be many posts in the run up to departing (5 weeks til launch) and at the end of the day (hate that phrase), this is a 'travel' blog, not a 'sit at home on the sofa in my pj's writing this whilst watching Jeremy Kyle' blog. I will be posting while i am there, telling people what i am doing, mostly so they know i am alive.
I do have two problems with blogs however. Numero uno (i'm trying to learn Spanish): I always forget to post on them, Numero dos: I tend to forget that this is a blog and not a personal diary, so if i start talking about emotions give me a quick virtual nudge.
Thats all i have to say for now
Out
For those who don't know, I am travelling across South America for 10 weeks, west to east coast, from Ecuador to Brazil, passing through Peru and Bolivia. Why am i doing it? Because i have always wanted to and i thought if i don't do it know then i never will.
I don't want to make a big deal about this trip, hence why there will not be many posts in the run up to departing (5 weeks til launch) and at the end of the day (hate that phrase), this is a 'travel' blog, not a 'sit at home on the sofa in my pj's writing this whilst watching Jeremy Kyle' blog. I will be posting while i am there, telling people what i am doing, mostly so they know i am alive.
I do have two problems with blogs however. Numero uno (i'm trying to learn Spanish): I always forget to post on them, Numero dos: I tend to forget that this is a blog and not a personal diary, so if i start talking about emotions give me a quick virtual nudge.
Thats all i have to say for now
Out
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