Sunday, November 13, 2011
Another adventure!
Well, It has been a long time since I made it home safely from South America. I spent a year living in Uptown Minneapolis with 4 of the best girls and teammates I could have found. Played a great season of rugby and continued to improve myself in all areas. I was getting ready for another season playing with the Twin Cities Amazons, when an unbelievable opportunity came my way. I was offered to be the Athletic Trainer for the Lao Women's National rugby team in Laos, SE Asia. So with one month to prepare, I packed up all things i would need in my backpack, and the rest of my things I moved them back out to my parents house. It felt different this time. When i flew to South America, I was terrified...this time it felt completely right. Like I was supposed to be taking this trip.
Ive been here in Vientiane, Lao for about 3 months now, and things are really going well. You can follow along on my new experiences on the second edition of my blog at:
http://megstravelingturtle2.blogspot.com
Thanks,
Meaghan
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Thank You!
Thank you South America for an amazing 7 months of my life. I was able to visit the beautiful countries of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. I even enjoyed the beaches of Chile for one day, and viewed the mountain tops of Bolivia from across the lake of Titicaca. I have many wonderful memories, adventures, and stories to tell from this trip.
I am very grateful for all the amazing people i met along the way and will hope to see them again in another country, on another adventure. Alot of the people ive meet, have made such an amazing impact on me, that i would considered them family and am grateful for the time i spent with them. You all hold a special place in my heart.
Especially all the Peruvians I have met. Whether it was the random woman outside the bus station telling the taxi driver he´s charging me too much, (which happened a few times) I loved these older woman, they would look after me without knowing me, and give me that look like, dont take that crap from them! haha.
Thanks to Pablo and his family for taking me in and letting me work in their restuarant and hostel, and in exchange i received so much love and friendship, it was worth so much more than the bed and food they gave me in exchange for the work.
And thanks to the people i met on my last days in Lima, for making my last memories enloyable with your friendliness, kind words, and nice smiles.
Thank you South America...I will be back. I have so much more to see.
Here are some words by my friend Thays Manhuz from Brazil, whom i met at PSF, the volunteer place in Pisco. ¨Quero te contar do vento que sopra das asas de mil borboletas!¨ Translation...¨I want to tell you about the wind that blows from the wings of a thousand butterflys!¨
I am very grateful for all the amazing people i met along the way and will hope to see them again in another country, on another adventure. Alot of the people ive meet, have made such an amazing impact on me, that i would considered them family and am grateful for the time i spent with them. You all hold a special place in my heart.
Especially all the Peruvians I have met. Whether it was the random woman outside the bus station telling the taxi driver he´s charging me too much, (which happened a few times) I loved these older woman, they would look after me without knowing me, and give me that look like, dont take that crap from them! haha.
Thanks to Pablo and his family for taking me in and letting me work in their restuarant and hostel, and in exchange i received so much love and friendship, it was worth so much more than the bed and food they gave me in exchange for the work.
And thanks to the people i met on my last days in Lima, for making my last memories enloyable with your friendliness, kind words, and nice smiles.
Thank you South America...I will be back. I have so much more to see.
Here are some words by my friend Thays Manhuz from Brazil, whom i met at PSF, the volunteer place in Pisco. ¨Quero te contar do vento que sopra das asas de mil borboletas!¨ Translation...¨I want to tell you about the wind that blows from the wings of a thousand butterflys!¨
Flight Cancelled!
So after spending 3 days on a boat, 2 days on a bus, all i had left were 15 hours by plane and i was to be Home Sweet Home! That was until SpiritAirlines had a pilot strike, and my flight was cancelled. When i got this email, i was in Chiclayo, and still had a 12 hour bus ride to get to Lima. So until i got to the airport there was nothing i could do.
I spent the day with 2 other people i met on the boat, walked around the town, through the market, and took the bus to the beach. It was an enjoyable day and boarded my bus at 6pm. Off toward Lima.
I made friends with the woman sitting next to me, and when we arrived to a bus terminal on the outskirts of lima, she told me to get off with her and we will share a taxi. It would be closer to the airport than going all the way into the city center. I got dropped off outside the terminal, and walked inside. Asked where the offices for SpiritAirlines was, to only find out they are only open on Saturdays and Sundays. Great! I needed to find internet, and the internet in the airport, is extremely expensive. So i left, walked up and over the bridge, and to the other side of the busy road to some offices. Inside i found some interent.
The woman in this store were very kind and let me store my huge bag in the back storage room and use their bathroom to clean up. I also told them i didnt want or need a few things and they let me leave a bag of stuff with them.
I was able to contact my mom through Instant messenger and she called to find out what was going on about my flight. Apparently, it was back on schedule and i was checked in. Good! So the rest of the day, i took my time. Wasted a few hours on the internet, found a cheap restaurant with amazing food. Walked down the street more to the market and bought some last minute presents, and since i had the time and a little money left. I splurged and got my 2nd South American pedicure. I wanted to have nice feet for when i came home and it is extremely cheap here. Everyone i met was extremely nice and friendly.
So pretty feet, my bags are packed, I thank the woman for helping me, and head over across the street to the airport 4 hours before my flight. I wait around for about an hour even before the counter is opened. As i was sitting, i started talking to a woman next to me. She is from Poland but lives in Albany, New York. She is traveling for 2 weeks. I gave her some information about Iquitos, since that is where she is flying to. Although, her flight was for the next morning, she was planning on sleeping in the airport that night.
My counter finally opened and i went to check in. Excited that after an amazing day, talking with so many peruvians, i was ready to go home. When i got to the counter, the woman told me it was cancelled. Again! This time, there was not even a plane at the airport. She gave me a voucher for $100 for my next flight perchace. She told me i was schduled to leave saturday night. I didnt mind waiting, the only problem was i had a connecting flight in Chicago to Minneapolis, i would miss, and i had no way of contacting them. I went to use the extremely expensive internet to thankfully talk to my mom again, and my parents called the airline. After about an hour, nothing could come of it, and i was going to miss the flight. There was nothing i could do now, and just really needed to find somewhere to sleep for the night. I asked a few different Information desks, and they didnt give me any information. As i was about to leave, i noticed the Poland girl walking, pushing her cart of luggage. I waved her down and she was happy to see me. I was going to go back and sit and talk to her more after i checked in, until this whole mess occured.
I told her what happened and that i was stuck here for 2 more days. I told her i just wanted a beer, and she said she would buy me one, she felt so bad for me. We walked up stairs and into the caffeteria area and found a beer. I felt bad, i didnt want to spend her travel money, but she insisted. We sat their talking for a good while and she asked if i wanted to spend the night in the airport with her. That way she wouldnt be alone. Ok, ive slept on the floors in the London airport, why not Lima! A little before midnight, we walked over to where the internet place was. Earlier i had seen someone curled up against the wall, and it was in a hidden area from the rest of the airport. I layed down my hammock, and curled up in my blanket. Few minutes later, a whole group of churchy volunteer people came over by us. Thank goodness i still had some ear plugs, put them in, and was out in minutes.
Waking up a few times during the night, so switch sides, shivvered, and fell back asleep. I finally woke up a little before 7 and decided to go to the bathroom. When i came back, i watched out the airport window for a while until the polish girl woke up. She wanted some coffee, and offered to buy me a donut. I enjoyed talking to her, she is an interested young woman, only one year older than me. I decided to give her one of the bracelets i bought as presents, for helping me in the airport. In exchange, she gave her necklace which she had 4 more also for presents. It was very touching, and we exchanged emails as well. It was time for her to go check into her flight, so we hugged goodbye, and i was going to head back over to the intneret place across the street again to figure out what i can do about my connecting flight.
When i got back their, the woman were shocked to see me. I told them my flight was cancelled until sat night. So i stored my bag again, and used the internet to call the airline. After an hour, the only logical thing i could do, was to buy another flight from Chicago to Msp. and just do nothing about the one i was going to miss. So another $200s, and i was set. I purchased the additional insurance, just incase something else were to happen. I thought the travel insurance i had would have covered missed flights, but it didnt. great!
Once the flight was set, i needed a hostal. I was tired and just wanted a place to lay around for a while. I asked a few of the helpful, friendly peruvians outside of the office, and one guy new of a place down the street. He walked me down there as another guy followed, chatting away asking all the same questions. They helped me get a room, and one of the guys wanted to take me to lunch. So we walked back to the market, got some food, and now all i wanted was to sleep.
I got a room with my own bath and a tv and luckily found a few english channels. It had been a long time since i watch any tv. I was quite happy and content being in my own room. I ventured out later, to check internet quick, get a little bit of food, and back to watch the movie ´Ray´ before going to bed.
This morning i slept in to an amazing 7am. and with nothing better to do, turned on the tv. I found some american tv shows until later when i came across a South Africa vs. Italy rugby game. Perfect! and after this game was New Zealand vs. Wales. Both good games, i was happy to see some rugby again. I showered, got ready, and checked out by the 12:30 checkout time. My plan was to walk back towards the restaurant i ate at the afternoon before, and then go use the interent back at the same office i used before.
As i was walking i somehow got lost, and was heading in the wrong direction. I asked for directions but i still wasnt going the right way. So finally flagged down a mototaxi, and realized, that the street i was following, curved to the left when i sould have kept walking straight. I wasnt paying attention and was just following along the storefronts. Once i recongnized where i was, i got out, and found my restaurant. I decided to order a beer, it would be my last cerveza in peru. Hopefully! And back to the offices. I saw again the same old men who i had talked to before, and went to my interent place. The woman told me they were closing. They only work half days on friday. Oh well, so i went serching for another internet place in a not so nice looking neighborhood. But, i spend a few hours here and head back to the airport again 4 hours before my flight. Hopefully, everything goes well, and i can fly home tonight.
I realized while sitting in my hotel room, that i am defineatly ready to come home. And even though i dont know what im going to do, im not worried. After my whole flight fiaskel, im in a new, calmer, state of mind, and am just going to go with whatever is presented. Because really when things dont go your way, there is nothing you can really do about it. All you can do, is step back, calm down , think about it, and then you will figure it out. I know when i get all worked up, i only make things worse for myself. So easy does it!
The other thing i thought about was, how thankful i was for the people i had met and how in small ways, they helped me. And i hope to continue to offer help to others when i see they need it. Its one big circle, and if you continually give, you will continually have. That is one thing ive noticed on this trip. Its amazing how it works.
I am however, excited to see my family, friends, and have lunch with my grams on monday. But, ill keep that excitement down until im officially on the plane!!!
See you all soon.
I spent the day with 2 other people i met on the boat, walked around the town, through the market, and took the bus to the beach. It was an enjoyable day and boarded my bus at 6pm. Off toward Lima.
I made friends with the woman sitting next to me, and when we arrived to a bus terminal on the outskirts of lima, she told me to get off with her and we will share a taxi. It would be closer to the airport than going all the way into the city center. I got dropped off outside the terminal, and walked inside. Asked where the offices for SpiritAirlines was, to only find out they are only open on Saturdays and Sundays. Great! I needed to find internet, and the internet in the airport, is extremely expensive. So i left, walked up and over the bridge, and to the other side of the busy road to some offices. Inside i found some interent.
The woman in this store were very kind and let me store my huge bag in the back storage room and use their bathroom to clean up. I also told them i didnt want or need a few things and they let me leave a bag of stuff with them.
I was able to contact my mom through Instant messenger and she called to find out what was going on about my flight. Apparently, it was back on schedule and i was checked in. Good! So the rest of the day, i took my time. Wasted a few hours on the internet, found a cheap restaurant with amazing food. Walked down the street more to the market and bought some last minute presents, and since i had the time and a little money left. I splurged and got my 2nd South American pedicure. I wanted to have nice feet for when i came home and it is extremely cheap here. Everyone i met was extremely nice and friendly.
So pretty feet, my bags are packed, I thank the woman for helping me, and head over across the street to the airport 4 hours before my flight. I wait around for about an hour even before the counter is opened. As i was sitting, i started talking to a woman next to me. She is from Poland but lives in Albany, New York. She is traveling for 2 weeks. I gave her some information about Iquitos, since that is where she is flying to. Although, her flight was for the next morning, she was planning on sleeping in the airport that night.
My counter finally opened and i went to check in. Excited that after an amazing day, talking with so many peruvians, i was ready to go home. When i got to the counter, the woman told me it was cancelled. Again! This time, there was not even a plane at the airport. She gave me a voucher for $100 for my next flight perchace. She told me i was schduled to leave saturday night. I didnt mind waiting, the only problem was i had a connecting flight in Chicago to Minneapolis, i would miss, and i had no way of contacting them. I went to use the extremely expensive internet to thankfully talk to my mom again, and my parents called the airline. After about an hour, nothing could come of it, and i was going to miss the flight. There was nothing i could do now, and just really needed to find somewhere to sleep for the night. I asked a few different Information desks, and they didnt give me any information. As i was about to leave, i noticed the Poland girl walking, pushing her cart of luggage. I waved her down and she was happy to see me. I was going to go back and sit and talk to her more after i checked in, until this whole mess occured.
I told her what happened and that i was stuck here for 2 more days. I told her i just wanted a beer, and she said she would buy me one, she felt so bad for me. We walked up stairs and into the caffeteria area and found a beer. I felt bad, i didnt want to spend her travel money, but she insisted. We sat their talking for a good while and she asked if i wanted to spend the night in the airport with her. That way she wouldnt be alone. Ok, ive slept on the floors in the London airport, why not Lima! A little before midnight, we walked over to where the internet place was. Earlier i had seen someone curled up against the wall, and it was in a hidden area from the rest of the airport. I layed down my hammock, and curled up in my blanket. Few minutes later, a whole group of churchy volunteer people came over by us. Thank goodness i still had some ear plugs, put them in, and was out in minutes.
Waking up a few times during the night, so switch sides, shivvered, and fell back asleep. I finally woke up a little before 7 and decided to go to the bathroom. When i came back, i watched out the airport window for a while until the polish girl woke up. She wanted some coffee, and offered to buy me a donut. I enjoyed talking to her, she is an interested young woman, only one year older than me. I decided to give her one of the bracelets i bought as presents, for helping me in the airport. In exchange, she gave her necklace which she had 4 more also for presents. It was very touching, and we exchanged emails as well. It was time for her to go check into her flight, so we hugged goodbye, and i was going to head back over to the intneret place across the street again to figure out what i can do about my connecting flight.
When i got back their, the woman were shocked to see me. I told them my flight was cancelled until sat night. So i stored my bag again, and used the internet to call the airline. After an hour, the only logical thing i could do, was to buy another flight from Chicago to Msp. and just do nothing about the one i was going to miss. So another $200s, and i was set. I purchased the additional insurance, just incase something else were to happen. I thought the travel insurance i had would have covered missed flights, but it didnt. great!
Once the flight was set, i needed a hostal. I was tired and just wanted a place to lay around for a while. I asked a few of the helpful, friendly peruvians outside of the office, and one guy new of a place down the street. He walked me down there as another guy followed, chatting away asking all the same questions. They helped me get a room, and one of the guys wanted to take me to lunch. So we walked back to the market, got some food, and now all i wanted was to sleep.
I got a room with my own bath and a tv and luckily found a few english channels. It had been a long time since i watch any tv. I was quite happy and content being in my own room. I ventured out later, to check internet quick, get a little bit of food, and back to watch the movie ´Ray´ before going to bed.
This morning i slept in to an amazing 7am. and with nothing better to do, turned on the tv. I found some american tv shows until later when i came across a South Africa vs. Italy rugby game. Perfect! and after this game was New Zealand vs. Wales. Both good games, i was happy to see some rugby again. I showered, got ready, and checked out by the 12:30 checkout time. My plan was to walk back towards the restaurant i ate at the afternoon before, and then go use the interent back at the same office i used before.
As i was walking i somehow got lost, and was heading in the wrong direction. I asked for directions but i still wasnt going the right way. So finally flagged down a mototaxi, and realized, that the street i was following, curved to the left when i sould have kept walking straight. I wasnt paying attention and was just following along the storefronts. Once i recongnized where i was, i got out, and found my restaurant. I decided to order a beer, it would be my last cerveza in peru. Hopefully! And back to the offices. I saw again the same old men who i had talked to before, and went to my interent place. The woman told me they were closing. They only work half days on friday. Oh well, so i went serching for another internet place in a not so nice looking neighborhood. But, i spend a few hours here and head back to the airport again 4 hours before my flight. Hopefully, everything goes well, and i can fly home tonight.
I realized while sitting in my hotel room, that i am defineatly ready to come home. And even though i dont know what im going to do, im not worried. After my whole flight fiaskel, im in a new, calmer, state of mind, and am just going to go with whatever is presented. Because really when things dont go your way, there is nothing you can really do about it. All you can do, is step back, calm down , think about it, and then you will figure it out. I know when i get all worked up, i only make things worse for myself. So easy does it!
The other thing i thought about was, how thankful i was for the people i had met and how in small ways, they helped me. And i hope to continue to offer help to others when i see they need it. Its one big circle, and if you continually give, you will continually have. That is one thing ive noticed on this trip. Its amazing how it works.
I am however, excited to see my family, friends, and have lunch with my grams on monday. But, ill keep that excitement down until im officially on the plane!!!
See you all soon.
3 days on a boat to Yuamiguas
AFter my jungle expedition, I planned to take a 3 day boat ride from Iquitos to Yuamagua. From there ill spend 2 days on a bus to get me back to Lima, hopefully in time before my flight on Thursday night.
I went down to the docks on saturday to find a boat leaving within a few hours. I quickly went home, got my stuff, said goodbye, and took the mototaxi back to the boat. I was told it was 70soles, and i told the woman, my friend told me it was only 50, and asked for a discount. When she was writing up my reciept, i noticed she wrote 50 down as the price, and then told me not to say anything. Ha...i wont, thank you!!!
I had 5 days to get back to lima and only enough money to get me there, so any i could save along the way, would help.
On the boat, It was already packed with hammocks hanging from the ceiling. I was standing next to a family, and the man told me i could put my hammock up next to theirs. Squeezed in between his and another guy. He helped me put mine up, and i was set. Behind me where 2 other ´gringo´backpackers and i tied my bags together and pushed them back against a pole, next to their bags.
Talking with the family, they had 4 kids. The 3 that were with them was a baby, a 2yr old girl, and a 5 or 6 yr old boy. They were all cute and playful. Waiting for the boat to leave the port, i went to stand along the railing and met 2 new younger guys. They asked all sorts of questions about what i did in Iquitos, the jungle, where i was going, and that i was flying home to the States on Thursday. After joking around with them for a while, i went back to my hammock. It was dark, and i was tired. So an early night it was going to be.
3 days on a boat, there is not much to do. I luckily had a brand new book to start reading. And spent most of my time absorbed into the book. I talked with my hammock neighbors, and the two guys i met the night before, would stop by my hammock and talk to me. When we would arrive at a village, they would invite me to walk over to the railings to check it out. I talked with the other 2 girls who were from Germany, and met 2 more backpackers. Another America girl from Minnesota and her Colombian boyfriend.
At one point, while sitting in my hammock. The dad next to me started to take off a bandage around the little 2yr old girls hand. I was watching and noticed she had a huge cut, gouge in the webspace between her thunb and first finger. I pulled out my med kit, and gave them some gauze and put some natural stuff on it. I also offered arnica, which im surprised he gave to her. I told them my job in the states was in medicine. And told him the medicine i had was natural. Even the next day, when the little girl had a fever and wasnt feeling well. I pulled out my handy dandy travelkit of remedies, and found one to give to her. With in a half hour she was playing around and laughing again. Its crazy how much this stuff works. They were very grateful and thanked me for helping.
They got off in a village the night before reaching Yuamaguas, where i was going. So in the middle of the night, i woke up to see them packing up their stuff. Waved goodbye and the Dad, shook my hand and said safe travels. Thanks, ciao!
My other 2 guys friends, slowly got off at other villages along the way, and i was slowly loosing friends. Before we got to Iquitos, i talked with the other gringos about what their plans were. The other MN girl and her Colombian boyfriend had similar plans to me. We were able to buy a bus ticket for Tarapoto on the boat, and after getting to the port, took a mototaxi straight to the station. Within a half hour, we were loaded on the bus and heading to Taraporto. Very easy. In Tarapoto we found a bus leaving within 2 hours toward Chiclayo. From there, they were going to stay a few days, and i was going to continue on to Lima.
We had the best seats on the bus, right up front, 3rd row, which was on the level floor. The 2 seats infront were a step up, so i could rest my feet on that step. This was the best seat ive had in all of my 7 month traveling. Usually you have no where to put your feet, and i could comfortably, lay them out infront at a perfect level! After a 16hr night bus ride, we arrived at 7am in Chiclayo. Found out the next bus for Lima would be at 7pm that night, i bought my ticket, and left with the couple to find them a hostel. I took them to the same hostel i stayed at when i visited Chiclayo in June.
While they got ready, i went to check my email to find out my flight had been cancelled. ¨Shit. nothing i can do until i get to Lima, so we went out to adventure the town. We walked to the plaza, down to the huge market, and i showed them all the crazy things i remembered from when i was their before. We tried ceviche, rawfish in lime sauce with onions. and an interesting friut smoothy with a black beer and egg in it. Not too good. I bought some last minute presents, and we went back to the hostel.
We changed into our swimsuits, and the Columbian guy, trying to improve his english asked if i had a waterproof suit. His girlfriend clearified he ment a swimsuit. I said, yes, i have a swimsuit but its not waterproof. We found the collectivo bus we needed to take us to the beach. And after 30 minutes, they dropped us off on the corner and pointed down the street. Thats where the playa is. So we walked around, feet in the cold at first water, but felt really warm after a minute. Walked under the huge pier and up along down the pier.
After a while, we sat along the edge of the walk, and the Colombian wanted to buy a beer for this was my last day with them. We enjoyed our drink, before walking back to get another bus back to town. I quickly showered, got a burger, and packed up my bags. I got rid of as much stuff as i could, and whatever stuff they would want for their travels. Then they walked with me back to the bus station. I said goodbye to my new friends, exchanged emails, and got on my bus.
I spent an extra 5soles, and got the semi cama(bed) seat on the lower level of the bus. They are usually more comfortable and made friends with the woman sitting next to me. Wasnt long before it got dark, and so i bundled up with my scarf and attempted to fall asleep early. For i had 12 hours on this bus, and sleeping for most of the way.
I went down to the docks on saturday to find a boat leaving within a few hours. I quickly went home, got my stuff, said goodbye, and took the mototaxi back to the boat. I was told it was 70soles, and i told the woman, my friend told me it was only 50, and asked for a discount. When she was writing up my reciept, i noticed she wrote 50 down as the price, and then told me not to say anything. Ha...i wont, thank you!!!
I had 5 days to get back to lima and only enough money to get me there, so any i could save along the way, would help.
On the boat, It was already packed with hammocks hanging from the ceiling. I was standing next to a family, and the man told me i could put my hammock up next to theirs. Squeezed in between his and another guy. He helped me put mine up, and i was set. Behind me where 2 other ´gringo´backpackers and i tied my bags together and pushed them back against a pole, next to their bags.
Talking with the family, they had 4 kids. The 3 that were with them was a baby, a 2yr old girl, and a 5 or 6 yr old boy. They were all cute and playful. Waiting for the boat to leave the port, i went to stand along the railing and met 2 new younger guys. They asked all sorts of questions about what i did in Iquitos, the jungle, where i was going, and that i was flying home to the States on Thursday. After joking around with them for a while, i went back to my hammock. It was dark, and i was tired. So an early night it was going to be.
3 days on a boat, there is not much to do. I luckily had a brand new book to start reading. And spent most of my time absorbed into the book. I talked with my hammock neighbors, and the two guys i met the night before, would stop by my hammock and talk to me. When we would arrive at a village, they would invite me to walk over to the railings to check it out. I talked with the other 2 girls who were from Germany, and met 2 more backpackers. Another America girl from Minnesota and her Colombian boyfriend.
At one point, while sitting in my hammock. The dad next to me started to take off a bandage around the little 2yr old girls hand. I was watching and noticed she had a huge cut, gouge in the webspace between her thunb and first finger. I pulled out my med kit, and gave them some gauze and put some natural stuff on it. I also offered arnica, which im surprised he gave to her. I told them my job in the states was in medicine. And told him the medicine i had was natural. Even the next day, when the little girl had a fever and wasnt feeling well. I pulled out my handy dandy travelkit of remedies, and found one to give to her. With in a half hour she was playing around and laughing again. Its crazy how much this stuff works. They were very grateful and thanked me for helping.
They got off in a village the night before reaching Yuamaguas, where i was going. So in the middle of the night, i woke up to see them packing up their stuff. Waved goodbye and the Dad, shook my hand and said safe travels. Thanks, ciao!
My other 2 guys friends, slowly got off at other villages along the way, and i was slowly loosing friends. Before we got to Iquitos, i talked with the other gringos about what their plans were. The other MN girl and her Colombian boyfriend had similar plans to me. We were able to buy a bus ticket for Tarapoto on the boat, and after getting to the port, took a mototaxi straight to the station. Within a half hour, we were loaded on the bus and heading to Taraporto. Very easy. In Tarapoto we found a bus leaving within 2 hours toward Chiclayo. From there, they were going to stay a few days, and i was going to continue on to Lima.
We had the best seats on the bus, right up front, 3rd row, which was on the level floor. The 2 seats infront were a step up, so i could rest my feet on that step. This was the best seat ive had in all of my 7 month traveling. Usually you have no where to put your feet, and i could comfortably, lay them out infront at a perfect level! After a 16hr night bus ride, we arrived at 7am in Chiclayo. Found out the next bus for Lima would be at 7pm that night, i bought my ticket, and left with the couple to find them a hostel. I took them to the same hostel i stayed at when i visited Chiclayo in June.
While they got ready, i went to check my email to find out my flight had been cancelled. ¨Shit. nothing i can do until i get to Lima, so we went out to adventure the town. We walked to the plaza, down to the huge market, and i showed them all the crazy things i remembered from when i was their before. We tried ceviche, rawfish in lime sauce with onions. and an interesting friut smoothy with a black beer and egg in it. Not too good. I bought some last minute presents, and we went back to the hostel.
We changed into our swimsuits, and the Columbian guy, trying to improve his english asked if i had a waterproof suit. His girlfriend clearified he ment a swimsuit. I said, yes, i have a swimsuit but its not waterproof. We found the collectivo bus we needed to take us to the beach. And after 30 minutes, they dropped us off on the corner and pointed down the street. Thats where the playa is. So we walked around, feet in the cold at first water, but felt really warm after a minute. Walked under the huge pier and up along down the pier.
After a while, we sat along the edge of the walk, and the Colombian wanted to buy a beer for this was my last day with them. We enjoyed our drink, before walking back to get another bus back to town. I quickly showered, got a burger, and packed up my bags. I got rid of as much stuff as i could, and whatever stuff they would want for their travels. Then they walked with me back to the bus station. I said goodbye to my new friends, exchanged emails, and got on my bus.
I spent an extra 5soles, and got the semi cama(bed) seat on the lower level of the bus. They are usually more comfortable and made friends with the woman sitting next to me. Wasnt long before it got dark, and so i bundled up with my scarf and attempted to fall asleep early. For i had 12 hours on this bus, and sleeping for most of the way.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Into the Jungle I go
Turns out things to work out if you only have patience. I wanted to do a jungle tour and was waiting to hear if any other tourists were going so i could join there group. i was talking to one guide in the joining hostel to the one im staying in. He hadnt had an groups yet, so i just had to wait.
On saturday, i went out with the peruvians that are living in my hostel. They are from Chiclayo and are working at the eye store?, not exactly sure but they said somehting about optical...So i went out for a discotec first, but then left there and went to what was like a huge barn dance. It was amazing. A huge openroofed building with a stage and a 6 or so male singing group with the whole band behind them. The place was packed with people. i never would have known about this if it wasnt for them. it was amazingly fun. And we danced all night.
On sunday morning, my guide came to see me and told me he had one girl from Italia that wanted to go for 4 days. Alright! lets go. I wnet and met with them at 8am Monday morning and the three of us were off. First we took a bus to a small village 2 hours away where we met up with the guides family. There his friend and his wife picked us up in a boat and we rode for another 2 hours to a little village on one of the rivers that runs off of the amazon. On the way, we saw grey and pink dolphins swimming in the rivers.
For the first night we were going to stay at this families house. AS soon as we stepped off the boat, we were attacked by the number one animal of the jungle. the mosquito! sweet! All the houses in this village are open, they dont have walls, or if they do they are only half size. It was up on stilts, because when the river is high, the water will be up right under the house. This house had two main platforms, the first one you enter is a large open space with a table, and to the right, a more closed off section where the family of 6 sleep in hammocks and makeshift beds on the floor. Right in the middle of that room, they hung 2 hammocks from the ceiling for Italia and me. Thats where we were to sleep. Then next platform was connected by some wooden planks on the floor, is where the kitchen was and the family usually ate at that table.
When we got there, we waited around while they prepared the lunch, then we went out on another boat ride to see around the river. We stopped along some netting where they pulled out some bait fish and we went fishing. We all had a few nibbles, but no one caught anything. After a few hours, we went back, put up our mosquito nets over out hammocks, and was ready to climb into my bed for the night. An hour later, i was told, vamos, lets go. Now where? we got back into the boat, and paddled across the river to the other side where we did a night walk through the jungle to look for animals. Cool, anything but a snake!
Tuesday we got up early to go see if we could find the sloth up in the tree that we saw the night before. But he wasnt there anymore, we kept going down the river to a lake. It was a beautfiul lake, where we saw monkeys jumping around in the trees. Our guide banged the paddle against the side of the boat to attract them, and one big one came flying across to check us out. He was so cute. We went back for breakfast, and layed back in the hammock for a few hours until lunch was ready. This was a very tranquillo jungle tour.
After a nap, and lunch, we packed everything up and headed back onto the river to where we would camp for the night. It was only going to be an hour or so ride, but after 4 hours, we finally arrived at our new campsite. Casa de Mosquito!!! We floated slowly along, looking at the beautiful trees on each side of the river, watched an amazing amount of colorful birds, and every once in a while saw another dolphin. WE got to a section where we had to push through some weeds. Well, it was only about a 10 foot section, but it took us an hour to get through. We had to machetty and chop away the weed and push ourselves through. At the same time, 2 other boats coming form the other direction came, got stuck, and left us sitting there. The second boat at least gave us their stick to help push off. I thought maybe they could push us though, but i guess they dont do that here!...haha
AFter we got out, we didnt get far until the motorboat guy turned us around because he saw another Sloth up in the trees. WE came up to shore and he went searching into the jungle for him. He climbed up the huge tree, grabbed him, and dropped him down into the water, as our guide waded into the water and grabbed him. They came walking out of the water with this wet, scared looking sloth holding onto a branch for dear life. Ahh, it was so cute. We walked out of the woods, into the clearing, where we could get a picture holding the sloth. His slow little head moving around looking at us. The boatman, finally brought him over to a tree and held him against it until he clung on with his claws. As slow as he is, i think he quickly climbed up as far as he could out of reaching distance from us. Its ok little guy, then he sat there and kept looking atus.
Back in the boat, for a few more minutes until we came to our offical campsite. It was a nice open area and we quickly put up our hammocks and tarps since it was already 6pm and the rain was coming. They then built a fire and cooked us avena for dinner, quick and easy since now the rain was falling nicely while Italia and i sat under the tipitarp with all the mosquitos swarming around us.
We all sat under the tarp with candles stuck in the ground for light. The wind picked up and blew out the candles and for a moment we sat in the dark. It was nice. Then the guide turned on the red light on his head lamp and i noticed about 2 feet in front of me what looked like a stick on the tarp. Funny, i dont remember there being a stick on the tarp. And then it moved. I quickly turned on my headlamp, yelled snake, and moved my leggs. The guide told me not to move, which i hate becuase you just have to sit there watching it, then the boat man grabbed a stick and flicked the snake away. It was a skinny but long snake and it raced into the water, over towards our boat, and up the tree. Ick!!!! no me gusta! The guide couldnt believe that i noticed it. But i was on the look out because i really didnt want to come across one. At least he was little and not poisonous. This was the only snake, i saw. thank god! haha
Well, that and all the mosquitos were getting to me so when the rain slowed a bit, i quickly went and got into my hammock. We were going to wait until the rain stopped then go out and look for alligators. So i rested and read my book and enjoyed the sound of the rain. I finished my book and didnt even notice the rain had stopped before my guide told me, vamos. Alright, lets go find some gators. We rode around for about 2 hours looking for eyes in the water, we saw one, but he was keep within some swampy area and we didnt go inside before he disappear. So after an unsuccessful aligator search, we return back to camp, to go to bed.
Wednesday. I woke up the next morning to watch as the boat man made a fire with the wet wood. Using his machetty, he trimmed off the wet bark and built up a small pile of twigs. Then he through some liquid on it, gas. That started up fast....I laughed and he heard me so he also laughed. Cheater...made me think of my daddy!!!haha But it started smoking and after a while, we had a fire. We had some eggs for breakfast, cleaned up and took down the campsite, packed up the boat, and were off.
We rode for a while before stopping and trying our luck at fishing again. We used mashed up bread with water, rolled into little balls at bait. I was the only one to actually catch a fish and we used that for bait. We then floated around a few different areas trying to get something, and nothing. The fish were not hungry. The rain had started again, and we headed back for the casa. It then started to down pour and i huddled together under my rain coat. Still getting soaked. But it was a nice refreshing rain, so i didnt mind. Right before we made it back, it had cleared up and was looking around, when my guide in front of me turned and said Uvia (rain) I looked up and saw a huge wall of water and in seconds we were being poured on. I only had time to put up my hood haha. crazy.
Back at the house, we put on dry cloths, and hung up our hammocks again, and waited until lunch was ready. Then we went out and tried our luck at fishing agian...still no go. AFter dinner, i took a nap, lovely, and was then told again, Vamos. We were going to go look for more aligators. This time the boatmans, young daughter and son came with us. We rode for a while, and came through some swampy area, we had to push ourselves througha gain, and this time i didnt want to get stuck, because this time there might be gators in the water. But we made it through. We came across another fish netting and the boatman starting pulling out all the fish that were caught in it. Im pretty sure those werent his nets, but this was a much easier way of fishing. haha. There was one pirranah fish amonst all the others, the floor of the boat was filled with fish flapping around. ha. We came across one gator, and had no luck catching him. So another uneventful search. It was late, and we noticed in the back of the boat, the young boy had fallen asleep. Alright, time to go home.
Thursday...This morning we went for a walk through the jungle and our boatman showed us more things. He actually did more than our guide. We came across a tree that had red and black seeds that they make a lot of jewelry out of. They are said to be for protection. So we collected a few hand fulls. Then came across another tree, where you can drink fresh water from the root. He cut off a part of the root, and held it up for us to drink from. it was good. refreshing! Then we came to a huge tree house. 20 years ago someone built a huge tower attached to the tree that was about 70 or more feet high. Layer above layer you climbed up to the top. i wanted to climb it and see out of the jungle, but the base of the fort was missing a few ladders, steps, and didnt look too sturdy, so our guide wouldnt let us up. Would have been cool to see. We then came across another tree, that the boatman started to but down with this machetty. Apartently, this tree at the top has a heart, similar like an artichoke, where you can eat. he cut apart the whole tree for only a 2 foot section, and only about 2inches inside that whole section is an area that you can eat. They call it the jungle spagetty and tear apart the white strands and eat it for part of their salad. They drizzeled it will lemon, salt, and oil. interesting, and good. But what a waste of a tree. I looked at the tree, and it wasnt even wood, you couldnt use it for anything. But apartently there are alot of them, because they serve it up alot in the Belen area. Oh well.
After a fun jugnle walk, we came back for lunch. Packed up our stuff and headed back on the boat to the town. We were going to stop on the way to swim with the dolphins but it was overcast again, and we really didnt see any. Sad. it took 3 hours to get back, longer than we thought, we arrived around 5. Instead of waiting for a bus, we just got a collective taxi, and headed back for Iquitos.
It was a great, tranqillo, eventful jungle tour. Now i desperately needed a shower. I was welcomed back we hugs and smiles from my new hostel friends.
On saturday, i went out with the peruvians that are living in my hostel. They are from Chiclayo and are working at the eye store?, not exactly sure but they said somehting about optical...So i went out for a discotec first, but then left there and went to what was like a huge barn dance. It was amazing. A huge openroofed building with a stage and a 6 or so male singing group with the whole band behind them. The place was packed with people. i never would have known about this if it wasnt for them. it was amazingly fun. And we danced all night.
On sunday morning, my guide came to see me and told me he had one girl from Italia that wanted to go for 4 days. Alright! lets go. I wnet and met with them at 8am Monday morning and the three of us were off. First we took a bus to a small village 2 hours away where we met up with the guides family. There his friend and his wife picked us up in a boat and we rode for another 2 hours to a little village on one of the rivers that runs off of the amazon. On the way, we saw grey and pink dolphins swimming in the rivers.
For the first night we were going to stay at this families house. AS soon as we stepped off the boat, we were attacked by the number one animal of the jungle. the mosquito! sweet! All the houses in this village are open, they dont have walls, or if they do they are only half size. It was up on stilts, because when the river is high, the water will be up right under the house. This house had two main platforms, the first one you enter is a large open space with a table, and to the right, a more closed off section where the family of 6 sleep in hammocks and makeshift beds on the floor. Right in the middle of that room, they hung 2 hammocks from the ceiling for Italia and me. Thats where we were to sleep. Then next platform was connected by some wooden planks on the floor, is where the kitchen was and the family usually ate at that table.
When we got there, we waited around while they prepared the lunch, then we went out on another boat ride to see around the river. We stopped along some netting where they pulled out some bait fish and we went fishing. We all had a few nibbles, but no one caught anything. After a few hours, we went back, put up our mosquito nets over out hammocks, and was ready to climb into my bed for the night. An hour later, i was told, vamos, lets go. Now where? we got back into the boat, and paddled across the river to the other side where we did a night walk through the jungle to look for animals. Cool, anything but a snake!
Tuesday we got up early to go see if we could find the sloth up in the tree that we saw the night before. But he wasnt there anymore, we kept going down the river to a lake. It was a beautfiul lake, where we saw monkeys jumping around in the trees. Our guide banged the paddle against the side of the boat to attract them, and one big one came flying across to check us out. He was so cute. We went back for breakfast, and layed back in the hammock for a few hours until lunch was ready. This was a very tranquillo jungle tour.
After a nap, and lunch, we packed everything up and headed back onto the river to where we would camp for the night. It was only going to be an hour or so ride, but after 4 hours, we finally arrived at our new campsite. Casa de Mosquito!!! We floated slowly along, looking at the beautiful trees on each side of the river, watched an amazing amount of colorful birds, and every once in a while saw another dolphin. WE got to a section where we had to push through some weeds. Well, it was only about a 10 foot section, but it took us an hour to get through. We had to machetty and chop away the weed and push ourselves through. At the same time, 2 other boats coming form the other direction came, got stuck, and left us sitting there. The second boat at least gave us their stick to help push off. I thought maybe they could push us though, but i guess they dont do that here!...haha
AFter we got out, we didnt get far until the motorboat guy turned us around because he saw another Sloth up in the trees. WE came up to shore and he went searching into the jungle for him. He climbed up the huge tree, grabbed him, and dropped him down into the water, as our guide waded into the water and grabbed him. They came walking out of the water with this wet, scared looking sloth holding onto a branch for dear life. Ahh, it was so cute. We walked out of the woods, into the clearing, where we could get a picture holding the sloth. His slow little head moving around looking at us. The boatman, finally brought him over to a tree and held him against it until he clung on with his claws. As slow as he is, i think he quickly climbed up as far as he could out of reaching distance from us. Its ok little guy, then he sat there and kept looking atus.
Back in the boat, for a few more minutes until we came to our offical campsite. It was a nice open area and we quickly put up our hammocks and tarps since it was already 6pm and the rain was coming. They then built a fire and cooked us avena for dinner, quick and easy since now the rain was falling nicely while Italia and i sat under the tipitarp with all the mosquitos swarming around us.
We all sat under the tarp with candles stuck in the ground for light. The wind picked up and blew out the candles and for a moment we sat in the dark. It was nice. Then the guide turned on the red light on his head lamp and i noticed about 2 feet in front of me what looked like a stick on the tarp. Funny, i dont remember there being a stick on the tarp. And then it moved. I quickly turned on my headlamp, yelled snake, and moved my leggs. The guide told me not to move, which i hate becuase you just have to sit there watching it, then the boat man grabbed a stick and flicked the snake away. It was a skinny but long snake and it raced into the water, over towards our boat, and up the tree. Ick!!!! no me gusta! The guide couldnt believe that i noticed it. But i was on the look out because i really didnt want to come across one. At least he was little and not poisonous. This was the only snake, i saw. thank god! haha
Well, that and all the mosquitos were getting to me so when the rain slowed a bit, i quickly went and got into my hammock. We were going to wait until the rain stopped then go out and look for alligators. So i rested and read my book and enjoyed the sound of the rain. I finished my book and didnt even notice the rain had stopped before my guide told me, vamos. Alright, lets go find some gators. We rode around for about 2 hours looking for eyes in the water, we saw one, but he was keep within some swampy area and we didnt go inside before he disappear. So after an unsuccessful aligator search, we return back to camp, to go to bed.
Wednesday. I woke up the next morning to watch as the boat man made a fire with the wet wood. Using his machetty, he trimmed off the wet bark and built up a small pile of twigs. Then he through some liquid on it, gas. That started up fast....I laughed and he heard me so he also laughed. Cheater...made me think of my daddy!!!haha But it started smoking and after a while, we had a fire. We had some eggs for breakfast, cleaned up and took down the campsite, packed up the boat, and were off.
We rode for a while before stopping and trying our luck at fishing again. We used mashed up bread with water, rolled into little balls at bait. I was the only one to actually catch a fish and we used that for bait. We then floated around a few different areas trying to get something, and nothing. The fish were not hungry. The rain had started again, and we headed back for the casa. It then started to down pour and i huddled together under my rain coat. Still getting soaked. But it was a nice refreshing rain, so i didnt mind. Right before we made it back, it had cleared up and was looking around, when my guide in front of me turned and said Uvia (rain) I looked up and saw a huge wall of water and in seconds we were being poured on. I only had time to put up my hood haha. crazy.
Back at the house, we put on dry cloths, and hung up our hammocks again, and waited until lunch was ready. Then we went out and tried our luck at fishing agian...still no go. AFter dinner, i took a nap, lovely, and was then told again, Vamos. We were going to go look for more aligators. This time the boatmans, young daughter and son came with us. We rode for a while, and came through some swampy area, we had to push ourselves througha gain, and this time i didnt want to get stuck, because this time there might be gators in the water. But we made it through. We came across another fish netting and the boatman starting pulling out all the fish that were caught in it. Im pretty sure those werent his nets, but this was a much easier way of fishing. haha. There was one pirranah fish amonst all the others, the floor of the boat was filled with fish flapping around. ha. We came across one gator, and had no luck catching him. So another uneventful search. It was late, and we noticed in the back of the boat, the young boy had fallen asleep. Alright, time to go home.
Thursday...This morning we went for a walk through the jungle and our boatman showed us more things. He actually did more than our guide. We came across a tree that had red and black seeds that they make a lot of jewelry out of. They are said to be for protection. So we collected a few hand fulls. Then came across another tree, where you can drink fresh water from the root. He cut off a part of the root, and held it up for us to drink from. it was good. refreshing! Then we came to a huge tree house. 20 years ago someone built a huge tower attached to the tree that was about 70 or more feet high. Layer above layer you climbed up to the top. i wanted to climb it and see out of the jungle, but the base of the fort was missing a few ladders, steps, and didnt look too sturdy, so our guide wouldnt let us up. Would have been cool to see. We then came across another tree, that the boatman started to but down with this machetty. Apartently, this tree at the top has a heart, similar like an artichoke, where you can eat. he cut apart the whole tree for only a 2 foot section, and only about 2inches inside that whole section is an area that you can eat. They call it the jungle spagetty and tear apart the white strands and eat it for part of their salad. They drizzeled it will lemon, salt, and oil. interesting, and good. But what a waste of a tree. I looked at the tree, and it wasnt even wood, you couldnt use it for anything. But apartently there are alot of them, because they serve it up alot in the Belen area. Oh well.
After a fun jugnle walk, we came back for lunch. Packed up our stuff and headed back on the boat to the town. We were going to stop on the way to swim with the dolphins but it was overcast again, and we really didnt see any. Sad. it took 3 hours to get back, longer than we thought, we arrived around 5. Instead of waiting for a bus, we just got a collective taxi, and headed back for Iquitos.
It was a great, tranqillo, eventful jungle tour. Now i desperately needed a shower. I was welcomed back we hugs and smiles from my new hostel friends.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Belen Floating Community
On Thursday, I set out to venture around the city of Iquitos. I walked down to the plaza de armas, took some photos and came across the Iron House, which is a iron building designed by Mr. Eiffel himself, designer of the Eiffel Tower. Back in the 1800s, this house was built, taken apart and shiped here and resembled during the big boom of the rubber era. Its an interesting building but they turned it into a restaruant on the top level and a pharmacy on the bottom level. I kept walking around the corner and came across the Yellow Rose Texas BBQ joint, owned and ran by a man from Texas. I actually ran into Mr. Texas himself. He was a proud man who bragged of his restaurants and ´newly´opened sports bar, ranked best in Sports Illustrated in 19??? named Margaritaville. And has it patented...and started to mumble something about Jimmy Buffet. Well, I wasnt impressed and asked if he had advice about what to do so he gave me a few places to visit. He told me to come back for more info, but i think im alright to figure it out on my own.
First i wanted to head down to the Belen floating community and Belen Market. This is the poor community where all the houses float on wood logs. As i was following the map Mr. Texas gave me, a guy on the street stopped me and started talking in english. He is a guide and asked if i want him to show me around. He wasnt going to charge me, so i said alright. His name is Victor. I told him i wanted to go to the Market and he told me i was going the wrong way, ok, so we turned around and i followed him. Before we got to the market, he told me to take off my watch and turn my bag around to the front side. Many robberies have happened to tourists.
At first there were the typical things at every market, fruit, vegs, meat, whole chickens. Then the deeper we went, the more crazy things got. He showed me a huge jungle rat they had that people eat. A huge fish that can get up to 6 meters. even poor little turtles and thier eggs were layed out on a table. then there was a bucket of huge maggot like worms on the ground. They collect these from the trees and eat them. He tried to get me to touch one, but i kept walking...ick.
We came to the medicine section and it was nice to have someone explain what some of that stuff is used for. Its crazy, bottles of all sorts of liquids, plants, and sticks. They have a cure for everything there.
We kept walking and at the end of the market started to head down to the water where the belen floating houses began. Another guy came up to us and asked if i wanted a canoe tour around the houses, When he lowered his price, i agreed, first making sure my new tour guide was coming with me. Of course! SO in the canoe we went. He showed me the mayors house, if you wanted to live there, you first went to talk to the mayor and he found a house for you. And you dont have to pay anything to live there. Most these people dont have a regular income. they are the hunters or farmers that can only sell what products they have. 20,000 people lived in this community. They even had a school and church that were up on stilts. Either houses are on stilts or on logs and raise with the level of the water. He showed me one house that is the popular discotec and is surrounded by canoes on saturday nights. It was extremly poor and dirty area.
From there we walked back through the market toward the Plaza de Armas. We stopped along the way and sat and he told me many stories of history about the jungle and this area. Its an interesting place, many things can happen in the jungle and its a dangerous place. But it can also be a magical and healing place as well.
First i wanted to head down to the Belen floating community and Belen Market. This is the poor community where all the houses float on wood logs. As i was following the map Mr. Texas gave me, a guy on the street stopped me and started talking in english. He is a guide and asked if i want him to show me around. He wasnt going to charge me, so i said alright. His name is Victor. I told him i wanted to go to the Market and he told me i was going the wrong way, ok, so we turned around and i followed him. Before we got to the market, he told me to take off my watch and turn my bag around to the front side. Many robberies have happened to tourists.
At first there were the typical things at every market, fruit, vegs, meat, whole chickens. Then the deeper we went, the more crazy things got. He showed me a huge jungle rat they had that people eat. A huge fish that can get up to 6 meters. even poor little turtles and thier eggs were layed out on a table. then there was a bucket of huge maggot like worms on the ground. They collect these from the trees and eat them. He tried to get me to touch one, but i kept walking...ick.
We came to the medicine section and it was nice to have someone explain what some of that stuff is used for. Its crazy, bottles of all sorts of liquids, plants, and sticks. They have a cure for everything there.
We kept walking and at the end of the market started to head down to the water where the belen floating houses began. Another guy came up to us and asked if i wanted a canoe tour around the houses, When he lowered his price, i agreed, first making sure my new tour guide was coming with me. Of course! SO in the canoe we went. He showed me the mayors house, if you wanted to live there, you first went to talk to the mayor and he found a house for you. And you dont have to pay anything to live there. Most these people dont have a regular income. they are the hunters or farmers that can only sell what products they have. 20,000 people lived in this community. They even had a school and church that were up on stilts. Either houses are on stilts or on logs and raise with the level of the water. He showed me one house that is the popular discotec and is surrounded by canoes on saturday nights. It was extremly poor and dirty area.
From there we walked back through the market toward the Plaza de Armas. We stopped along the way and sat and he told me many stories of history about the jungle and this area. Its an interesting place, many things can happen in the jungle and its a dangerous place. But it can also be a magical and healing place as well.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Heading to the Amazon!
I got up early, but took my time thinking i would have time to walk around and find a boat. They say they never leave when they are supposed to. Boy was i wrong.
I got a mototaxi to the port. First it wasnt a port i was expecting. The one i got dropped off at, was all muddy, semi trucks all around,and only 2 boats in the water. They both looked pretty scrappy. They told me they were leavin today, but i thought i had time to check them out. Not to mention, i had about 6 guys all in my face asking if i wanted a boat, a hammock, and whatever else. I was so overwhelmed i didnt know what to do. They brought me down to the smaller one, and i walked around. It was pretty shabby, and i didnt want to be on it. When i got off, i noticed the larger boat was moving. Ahhh what!! Its leaving already. I didnt know what to do, and asked the one guy who wouldnt get out of my face to help me get on that boat. There were huge mud piles and no dock or platform or anything you would think would be at a dock. So with my huge backpack and my little one, he helped me climb down the mud piles, where a long canoe shapped motorboat came to pick me up and brought me over to the big cargo ship. I didnt have time to buy food, hammock, water, or anything before i got on. Luckily, people kept swarming around me, and one lady had a large water, so i bought that, before getting in to the little boat.
On the cargo ship, 4 guys were standing there and helped me onto the boat. They told me to go upstairs. I told someone i didnt have a hammock and another guy told me to go up another flight of stairs. Up there, i found 6 tourists. I was so flustered, that i wanted to cry, but decided to just sit down. I asked one guy if he spoke english and he did. Thank god!. Once i settled down, i found out that 4 of them were from Czech Republic and the other couple from Australia and they were sleeping in the cabins. I told them i didnt have a hammock and one girl had one i could borrow. Alright, so i had a hammock to sleep in for the night. I will figure out finding another one to use for the trip. The ticket lady came around, and i bargained for a cheaper price and then i was set. I paid and i had a hammock for now, i can worry about the rest later. The Czech guys even offered that i can keep my bags in their room. how nice! I wished i had left tingo Maria ealier like i wanted to, then i would have had more time to figure out this boat thing and buy the things i needed. Oh well, I was atleast on the boat, so time to relax and enjoy. Apparently, the boat had sat there for a few days, i guess it was waiting for me. haha.
I sat there for a little while longer, and decided to take a walk around the ship to check it out. I walked to the back and found the toilets. Against the back railing was a man with a large beer belly sitting on top a pail bucket holding a black shotgun. He looked nice...so i went to talk to him. His name is Louis. He was sitting there just for security. I asked from what..people or animals. people. Well, he never did anything with it, and after a few hours. Put the gun away and i didnt see it anymore.
I walked down below and found the whole room full of hammocks hanging from the ceiling. There were a crap load of people in their. I found the little tienda shop at the front of the boat next to the kitchen. And decided to go back upstair and sit on the bench and watch out of the river and all the passing islands. That night, one of the Czech girls, let me us her hammock, so i went down below and found someone to help me hang it from the ceiling. The only spot open was in the front where all the noise from the engine and lights of the kitchen were on. I didnt care, i was too tired. He put up my hammock next to an old man, who was quitely already asleep.
I made myself somewhat comfortable and feel asleep. 330am, i woke up to watch the boat being barged up against another boat for the night. Through the open sides, you can see all the other people hanging in their hammocks. I looked out over the side of my hammock to find the old man looking at me, and with a big smile said, Buenos Dias. I just laughed, that was the last thing i expected to hear. And said Buenos Dias back. This started out our good friendship with my hammock neighbor. I cant remember his name exactly but ill call him Maurice.
The next morning, i was awoken by my new friend Maurice who popped his head over my hammock and said its time for breakfast. that is what that loud bell was for? I looked behing me and people were already waiting in line. I didnt want to get up, it was so early.
Later, i was finally able to find a hammock from one of the crew that i could borrow for the trip for a good ol 13soles. I could just about buy one for that. But oh well, im happy i have my own hammock to lay in all day to relax, read, and just watch out open sides of the boat as the landscape passed us by.
Besides Maurice, ive also made friends with the Tienda girl. She wanted to learn some english, so i told her to write some words down that she wanted to know. Immediatley, she grabbed a book and started writing about 10 words. I translated them for her, and helped her pronounce them. After that two more people came up to me wanting to learn english, but nothing more than that came of it. I went up top to meet 2 guys who were stearing the boat, one was named Rosa, and the other Diego. I had made so many friends, that any time they all passed me, they would say ´Hola Mega´...haha. They cant really say Meaghan, so they just all call me MEga...fine with me.
I had a lot of time to enjoy hanging in my hammock, reading, daydreaming, and talking tot he other tourists and peruvians. Talking with Maurice, i learned that he lives in a village another 3 days up the river from Iquitos, where we are going. He owns a restaurant and hostel that his children run. And he is traveling back from Lima where he worked for the past couple of months driving bus. He had 3 kids, and his wife passed about 5 years ago. He was still wearing his wedding ring. cute. Hes a cute old man with a big smile and wrinkles at his squinty eyes.
One day we were sitting on the bench along the edge of the boat talking, when another old man came up and stood infront of us. He patted himself on the back. Immediately Maurice started patting his back. The man was choking. Immediatley all the training ive had over how many years, came rushing into my head. What do i do first...He was slightly coughing, but i coulndt explain what to do in spanish, so i watched and when the back blows wasnt doing anytyhing. I grabbed him from behind and did the Heimlich manuver. First time I have ever done that, and i was a bit worked up after. He almost felt like the dummy model that you practiced on. HE was short so perfect height, and i gradually added more pressure to the thrusts until he waved me off. What ever piece of food that was stuck, was now on the floor. And he walked away into the bathroom. Oh my goodness, I couldnt believe that happened. I went to check on him, and he thanked me. The then thanked the old man, and came back later to give him the fish he had just boughten from the village we had stopped at. crazy.
AFter 2 hot days, it turned cloudy, windy and rained on and off. Perfect for sitting below deck, in a hammock, reading a book. The people uptop in the cabins were misserable because they had to stay inside their cabins, to be bundled up to stand the wind. I was comfy in my hammock. AT one point, Maurice went and bought some coffee con leche, and had some bread. He came back and shared it with me. I sat up in my hammock with my feet dangling over the edge, swinging slightly back and forth. He handed me a cup, and tried to pour some coffee into it, becaue i was moving, he barely got any into the cup and it dripped onto the floor. We just laughed and he took the cup from he to fill it. Haha. Im not a coffee drinker, but it had enough milk in it to actually taste good. And it was cold out, so it was nice to have a hot drink.
Finally on wednesday, we came to port in Iquitos around 9am. Now i had to think what am i going to do now. Do i go with some of these tourists, or venture out on my own. I asked all of them what their plans were, and nothing fitted into what i wanted, so i decided, once again, im on my own. Off the boat, i said goodbye to my new Czech friends, who have encouraged me to come live in Prauge where i have a place to stay, and was again swarmed by all the motortaxi guys. I tried to get away and when i turned around, i was happy to see Maurice. I wanted to say goodbye to him before he left. He asked me something and i didnt understand but he pulled me away from all the taxi guys. Thank you! he said he was meeting up with his neice, and within 2 seconds, a woman and her daughter came up to us. He introduced me and said hello and kissed on the check. He helped me find a cheap hostel and bargained the taxi price down for me. It was sad to say goodbye to Maurice, he kissed me on the check and i climbed into the back of the mototaxi. Off to my new home for the night. i desperatly needed a shower!
I got a mototaxi to the port. First it wasnt a port i was expecting. The one i got dropped off at, was all muddy, semi trucks all around,and only 2 boats in the water. They both looked pretty scrappy. They told me they were leavin today, but i thought i had time to check them out. Not to mention, i had about 6 guys all in my face asking if i wanted a boat, a hammock, and whatever else. I was so overwhelmed i didnt know what to do. They brought me down to the smaller one, and i walked around. It was pretty shabby, and i didnt want to be on it. When i got off, i noticed the larger boat was moving. Ahhh what!! Its leaving already. I didnt know what to do, and asked the one guy who wouldnt get out of my face to help me get on that boat. There were huge mud piles and no dock or platform or anything you would think would be at a dock. So with my huge backpack and my little one, he helped me climb down the mud piles, where a long canoe shapped motorboat came to pick me up and brought me over to the big cargo ship. I didnt have time to buy food, hammock, water, or anything before i got on. Luckily, people kept swarming around me, and one lady had a large water, so i bought that, before getting in to the little boat.
On the cargo ship, 4 guys were standing there and helped me onto the boat. They told me to go upstairs. I told someone i didnt have a hammock and another guy told me to go up another flight of stairs. Up there, i found 6 tourists. I was so flustered, that i wanted to cry, but decided to just sit down. I asked one guy if he spoke english and he did. Thank god!. Once i settled down, i found out that 4 of them were from Czech Republic and the other couple from Australia and they were sleeping in the cabins. I told them i didnt have a hammock and one girl had one i could borrow. Alright, so i had a hammock to sleep in for the night. I will figure out finding another one to use for the trip. The ticket lady came around, and i bargained for a cheaper price and then i was set. I paid and i had a hammock for now, i can worry about the rest later. The Czech guys even offered that i can keep my bags in their room. how nice! I wished i had left tingo Maria ealier like i wanted to, then i would have had more time to figure out this boat thing and buy the things i needed. Oh well, I was atleast on the boat, so time to relax and enjoy. Apparently, the boat had sat there for a few days, i guess it was waiting for me. haha.
I sat there for a little while longer, and decided to take a walk around the ship to check it out. I walked to the back and found the toilets. Against the back railing was a man with a large beer belly sitting on top a pail bucket holding a black shotgun. He looked nice...so i went to talk to him. His name is Louis. He was sitting there just for security. I asked from what..people or animals. people. Well, he never did anything with it, and after a few hours. Put the gun away and i didnt see it anymore.
I walked down below and found the whole room full of hammocks hanging from the ceiling. There were a crap load of people in their. I found the little tienda shop at the front of the boat next to the kitchen. And decided to go back upstair and sit on the bench and watch out of the river and all the passing islands. That night, one of the Czech girls, let me us her hammock, so i went down below and found someone to help me hang it from the ceiling. The only spot open was in the front where all the noise from the engine and lights of the kitchen were on. I didnt care, i was too tired. He put up my hammock next to an old man, who was quitely already asleep.
I made myself somewhat comfortable and feel asleep. 330am, i woke up to watch the boat being barged up against another boat for the night. Through the open sides, you can see all the other people hanging in their hammocks. I looked out over the side of my hammock to find the old man looking at me, and with a big smile said, Buenos Dias. I just laughed, that was the last thing i expected to hear. And said Buenos Dias back. This started out our good friendship with my hammock neighbor. I cant remember his name exactly but ill call him Maurice.
The next morning, i was awoken by my new friend Maurice who popped his head over my hammock and said its time for breakfast. that is what that loud bell was for? I looked behing me and people were already waiting in line. I didnt want to get up, it was so early.
Later, i was finally able to find a hammock from one of the crew that i could borrow for the trip for a good ol 13soles. I could just about buy one for that. But oh well, im happy i have my own hammock to lay in all day to relax, read, and just watch out open sides of the boat as the landscape passed us by.
Besides Maurice, ive also made friends with the Tienda girl. She wanted to learn some english, so i told her to write some words down that she wanted to know. Immediatley, she grabbed a book and started writing about 10 words. I translated them for her, and helped her pronounce them. After that two more people came up to me wanting to learn english, but nothing more than that came of it. I went up top to meet 2 guys who were stearing the boat, one was named Rosa, and the other Diego. I had made so many friends, that any time they all passed me, they would say ´Hola Mega´...haha. They cant really say Meaghan, so they just all call me MEga...fine with me.
I had a lot of time to enjoy hanging in my hammock, reading, daydreaming, and talking tot he other tourists and peruvians. Talking with Maurice, i learned that he lives in a village another 3 days up the river from Iquitos, where we are going. He owns a restaurant and hostel that his children run. And he is traveling back from Lima where he worked for the past couple of months driving bus. He had 3 kids, and his wife passed about 5 years ago. He was still wearing his wedding ring. cute. Hes a cute old man with a big smile and wrinkles at his squinty eyes.
One day we were sitting on the bench along the edge of the boat talking, when another old man came up and stood infront of us. He patted himself on the back. Immediately Maurice started patting his back. The man was choking. Immediatley all the training ive had over how many years, came rushing into my head. What do i do first...He was slightly coughing, but i coulndt explain what to do in spanish, so i watched and when the back blows wasnt doing anytyhing. I grabbed him from behind and did the Heimlich manuver. First time I have ever done that, and i was a bit worked up after. He almost felt like the dummy model that you practiced on. HE was short so perfect height, and i gradually added more pressure to the thrusts until he waved me off. What ever piece of food that was stuck, was now on the floor. And he walked away into the bathroom. Oh my goodness, I couldnt believe that happened. I went to check on him, and he thanked me. The then thanked the old man, and came back later to give him the fish he had just boughten from the village we had stopped at. crazy.
AFter 2 hot days, it turned cloudy, windy and rained on and off. Perfect for sitting below deck, in a hammock, reading a book. The people uptop in the cabins were misserable because they had to stay inside their cabins, to be bundled up to stand the wind. I was comfy in my hammock. AT one point, Maurice went and bought some coffee con leche, and had some bread. He came back and shared it with me. I sat up in my hammock with my feet dangling over the edge, swinging slightly back and forth. He handed me a cup, and tried to pour some coffee into it, becaue i was moving, he barely got any into the cup and it dripped onto the floor. We just laughed and he took the cup from he to fill it. Haha. Im not a coffee drinker, but it had enough milk in it to actually taste good. And it was cold out, so it was nice to have a hot drink.
Finally on wednesday, we came to port in Iquitos around 9am. Now i had to think what am i going to do now. Do i go with some of these tourists, or venture out on my own. I asked all of them what their plans were, and nothing fitted into what i wanted, so i decided, once again, im on my own. Off the boat, i said goodbye to my new Czech friends, who have encouraged me to come live in Prauge where i have a place to stay, and was again swarmed by all the motortaxi guys. I tried to get away and when i turned around, i was happy to see Maurice. I wanted to say goodbye to him before he left. He asked me something and i didnt understand but he pulled me away from all the taxi guys. Thank you! he said he was meeting up with his neice, and within 2 seconds, a woman and her daughter came up to us. He introduced me and said hello and kissed on the check. He helped me find a cheap hostel and bargained the taxi price down for me. It was sad to say goodbye to Maurice, he kissed me on the check and i climbed into the back of the mototaxi. Off to my new home for the night. i desperatly needed a shower!
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