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!¨
Saturday, June 19, 2010
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!
Bus to Pulculpa
After waiting for the bus to come for 4 hours, i was finally on the road heading to Pulculpa. A jungle city where i will find a boat to ride up the river to Iquitos. Along the way i wrote down a few descriptions of what i was seeing through the window of the long bus journey.
´Roads so narrow, only one bus passes as a line of cars, semis, and bus wait ahead. Crossing over narrow dridges with the huge brown river rushing below. The road changes quickly from paved to rocky and back again. Construction is occuring as new bridges are being built. Passing poor huts where children are playing in piles of dirt and the family cow is up in the hill eating, ignoring all the cauos around him. Following along the river, both sides of the cliffs have endless waterfalls cascading down the rocks, leading into the river. Huge boulders, as big as cars fill the base where the river flows around.
Passing thorugh rugged villages where Peruvian flaggs hang from all the buildings. Taxis and mototaxis and people are all scattered around watching the bus. We wait as the moving flow of traffic passes over the brige before we can cross. There is some sort of center plaza and a stage where 3 men are speaking out to the crowd of people. There are children in the center dressed in special costums. Some i havent seen before. All standing in line ready to perform some dance or custom. We cross over the brigde and looking down to the huge river, there are long canoe shapped boats tied up along the shore where the men are standing. Passing open front homes where people sell anything, cook, or just watch the traffic going by.
I feel like im at the top of the world. I am eye level or taller than most of the trees and it feels like my head is in the clouds. So close i can touch them. I cant tell if we are going up or down in altitude. The bus only winds back and forth along the edge of the mountains. i cant even guess what altitude we are at anymore, and look to see no more mountain tops. Only what looks like bumps of hills surrounding us as we ride from one hilltop to the next. Flush green covers everything, so much variety of trees and plants. its unbelieveable.
Only one bright5 star shines in the sky as the yellow and oranges fade down below the hills and the greens, blues, and black shadows of clouds take over the sky. out the other sides window, a faint light was growing as the moon trys to peak through the shadowed black clouds and more stars begin to fill the sky. We entered another town, i saw a sign that said Pulculpa. I asked a woman sitting across from me if this was Pulculpa. Si,Si, Yes, Yes,she says. So i grabbed my stuff and headed for the door. The doorway was filled again with men asking if i needed a taxi. I said no and walked back to get my bag from under the bus.As the guy was handing me my bag, he didnt figure it to be as heavy as it was and it feel to the ground. My quick little taxi man grabbed my bag and started to walk away. I had to chase him and stop him. He already through my bag into the back of his mototaxi and was ready to go. Si Si, hostel, hostel. I just had to laugh..I bargained the price of the moto and then off we were.
I already had a better feeling about his town and glad i left Tingo MAria. We were on the outskirts of town and took a while before getting tot he city. As we passed many restaurants, buisnesses, it almost remeinded me of the strip of Hwy 212 as you enter into my hometown Olivia from the west.
After finally finding a cheap hostel, i settled in for the night and decided to find a boat first thing in the morning.
´Roads so narrow, only one bus passes as a line of cars, semis, and bus wait ahead. Crossing over narrow dridges with the huge brown river rushing below. The road changes quickly from paved to rocky and back again. Construction is occuring as new bridges are being built. Passing poor huts where children are playing in piles of dirt and the family cow is up in the hill eating, ignoring all the cauos around him. Following along the river, both sides of the cliffs have endless waterfalls cascading down the rocks, leading into the river. Huge boulders, as big as cars fill the base where the river flows around.
Passing thorugh rugged villages where Peruvian flaggs hang from all the buildings. Taxis and mototaxis and people are all scattered around watching the bus. We wait as the moving flow of traffic passes over the brige before we can cross. There is some sort of center plaza and a stage where 3 men are speaking out to the crowd of people. There are children in the center dressed in special costums. Some i havent seen before. All standing in line ready to perform some dance or custom. We cross over the brigde and looking down to the huge river, there are long canoe shapped boats tied up along the shore where the men are standing. Passing open front homes where people sell anything, cook, or just watch the traffic going by.
I feel like im at the top of the world. I am eye level or taller than most of the trees and it feels like my head is in the clouds. So close i can touch them. I cant tell if we are going up or down in altitude. The bus only winds back and forth along the edge of the mountains. i cant even guess what altitude we are at anymore, and look to see no more mountain tops. Only what looks like bumps of hills surrounding us as we ride from one hilltop to the next. Flush green covers everything, so much variety of trees and plants. its unbelieveable.
Only one bright5 star shines in the sky as the yellow and oranges fade down below the hills and the greens, blues, and black shadows of clouds take over the sky. out the other sides window, a faint light was growing as the moon trys to peak through the shadowed black clouds and more stars begin to fill the sky. We entered another town, i saw a sign that said Pulculpa. I asked a woman sitting across from me if this was Pulculpa. Si,Si, Yes, Yes,she says. So i grabbed my stuff and headed for the door. The doorway was filled again with men asking if i needed a taxi. I said no and walked back to get my bag from under the bus.As the guy was handing me my bag, he didnt figure it to be as heavy as it was and it feel to the ground. My quick little taxi man grabbed my bag and started to walk away. I had to chase him and stop him. He already through my bag into the back of his mototaxi and was ready to go. Si Si, hostel, hostel. I just had to laugh..I bargained the price of the moto and then off we were.
I already had a better feeling about his town and glad i left Tingo MAria. We were on the outskirts of town and took a while before getting tot he city. As we passed many restaurants, buisnesses, it almost remeinded me of the strip of Hwy 212 as you enter into my hometown Olivia from the west.
After finally finding a cheap hostel, i settled in for the night and decided to find a boat first thing in the morning.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Tingo Maria
Yesterday around 4pm, I finally got on a bus with 2 other PSFers, to go to Lima. I asked around and 4 blocks down the street is all the companies that travel to the jungle. We walked down there, and found the only bus to be leaving...now! I quickly bought my ticket, and for 5soles more, i could get a cama/ bed seat, which is much more comfortable. I quickly had to hand over my grande backpack, say goodbye to my friends and thank them for helping me find the bus, and run as the man outside the bus kept waving to me to hurry.
I sat in the first seat, with only4 other people around me, and relaxed. I felt comfortable and right about this decision, and was on my way for a 11 hour bus ride to Tingo Maria. They put on IronMan2 movie, but was so tired, i fell asleep through half of it. Its never that confortable to sleep on a bus, and was lucky to have both seats, so i could move all around. I woke up about 7am, and wanted to sleep more, but the scenery was so beautiful outside that i couldnt stop watching. We were coming down out of the Andes mountains and the Jungle has begun. So the mountains are bright green filled with a huge variety of folliage. It was muggy and drizzling outside.
Around 9, we finally got to Tingo Maria, and thats when i didnt know what to do. Should i stay here a night, check out the village, or get the next bus on to Pullculpa??? Outside the bus are always men calling, taxi taxi, and ready to sweap you away where ever you want to go. I didnt have much time, but i got swept away by one lucky mototaxi man, and he took me to a cheap hotel where i got a room for 10soles.
This is when i wish my friend Pablo was with me, because i have no idea what i want to do, or should do. I sat in my room, and cried. AFter 2 minutes, i decided that was enough, and decided i should find out what there is to do in this town. I went down and talked to the hotel man, and he told me there were a few tours i can do. One...i hate doing tours, so i didnt want to do that. I found out about the National Park that i could go to on my own.
So i decided to go out and walk around. He told me about the market that was 2 blocks down where i could get some cheap food. I walked around a bit, went back to the bus companies to see when the next bus left, and decided to find the mototaxi to get to the national park. Its a 30 minute ride up a bumpy gravel, pothole filled road. They wait until they have 3 people to fill the back seat of the tuctuc, so i sat next to 2 peruvian men, one had greased hands and car parts and a car belt in his hands. And we were off.
AT the top, the two guys were dropped off at a garage and then i was taken into the Natinal park entrance. Paid, and was told some info about the park. I walked in and was swarmed by huge trees of all sorts, and so many sounds of different animals. I saw the most amazing blue butterfly floating around. And a tree filled with big black birds with bright yellow tails. They kept jumping from tree to tree. I crossed the brigde over the rushing brown river, to the staircase that takes you up to the cave. At the top, i met a woman and her 2yr old daughter from Lima. We talked abit and walked into the cave following the wooden path. It was amazing, rocky peaks were hanging from the ceiling and even more weird sounds were heard. You could only see the shadow of whatever type of bird or creature was floating around on the roof. In the back, you could hear water dripping off the rocks, and when youturned around to see out the whole you came in, was an amazing circle with jagged edges and a flush green forest outside in the amazing light. It was quite beautiful. But that was all to see, so we walked back to the main road to wait for another mototaxi to go back into town.
There really is not much else to do, so im going to catch the first bus in the morning to Pulculpa, which is where ill find a boat to ride up along the river to get to Iquitos. More Jungle!!!
I sat in the first seat, with only4 other people around me, and relaxed. I felt comfortable and right about this decision, and was on my way for a 11 hour bus ride to Tingo Maria. They put on IronMan2 movie, but was so tired, i fell asleep through half of it. Its never that confortable to sleep on a bus, and was lucky to have both seats, so i could move all around. I woke up about 7am, and wanted to sleep more, but the scenery was so beautiful outside that i couldnt stop watching. We were coming down out of the Andes mountains and the Jungle has begun. So the mountains are bright green filled with a huge variety of folliage. It was muggy and drizzling outside.
Around 9, we finally got to Tingo Maria, and thats when i didnt know what to do. Should i stay here a night, check out the village, or get the next bus on to Pullculpa??? Outside the bus are always men calling, taxi taxi, and ready to sweap you away where ever you want to go. I didnt have much time, but i got swept away by one lucky mototaxi man, and he took me to a cheap hotel where i got a room for 10soles.
This is when i wish my friend Pablo was with me, because i have no idea what i want to do, or should do. I sat in my room, and cried. AFter 2 minutes, i decided that was enough, and decided i should find out what there is to do in this town. I went down and talked to the hotel man, and he told me there were a few tours i can do. One...i hate doing tours, so i didnt want to do that. I found out about the National Park that i could go to on my own.
So i decided to go out and walk around. He told me about the market that was 2 blocks down where i could get some cheap food. I walked around a bit, went back to the bus companies to see when the next bus left, and decided to find the mototaxi to get to the national park. Its a 30 minute ride up a bumpy gravel, pothole filled road. They wait until they have 3 people to fill the back seat of the tuctuc, so i sat next to 2 peruvian men, one had greased hands and car parts and a car belt in his hands. And we were off.
AT the top, the two guys were dropped off at a garage and then i was taken into the Natinal park entrance. Paid, and was told some info about the park. I walked in and was swarmed by huge trees of all sorts, and so many sounds of different animals. I saw the most amazing blue butterfly floating around. And a tree filled with big black birds with bright yellow tails. They kept jumping from tree to tree. I crossed the brigde over the rushing brown river, to the staircase that takes you up to the cave. At the top, i met a woman and her 2yr old daughter from Lima. We talked abit and walked into the cave following the wooden path. It was amazing, rocky peaks were hanging from the ceiling and even more weird sounds were heard. You could only see the shadow of whatever type of bird or creature was floating around on the roof. In the back, you could hear water dripping off the rocks, and when youturned around to see out the whole you came in, was an amazing circle with jagged edges and a flush green forest outside in the amazing light. It was quite beautiful. But that was all to see, so we walked back to the main road to wait for another mototaxi to go back into town.
There really is not much else to do, so im going to catch the first bus in the morning to Pulculpa, which is where ill find a boat to ride up along the river to get to Iquitos. More Jungle!!!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Lesson learned # 1 thousand and 1
I feel like ive learned some good hard lessons that i should have figured out over the past 10 years, but instead they all arrived within the past 2 months. Its been a very hard, difficult, tearfilled last 2 months. And as hard as some times were to figure out by myself, i feel ive grown so much stronger.
Im now back in Pisco, at PSF, the volunteer place i was at in Feb/March, before going to the Colca Canyon. While in the canyon, i learned alot about life, love, and how to be happy with my life. For the remainder of my trip, i wanted to spend it in the Amazon Jungle of Peru. Floating up the Amazon river for 5 days, watching pink dolphins, see all sorts of wild animals, and whatever else. My friend Pablo, from the canyon, was going to come with me and I was so excited to spend the trip with him. After leaving Puno, I met up with Pablo in Arequipa, and he had bad news for me. He wasnt going to be able to go because he is in the middle of building his hostel in the Oasis. So i came to Pisco alone to spend some time with the people i knew before, volunteer on a few projects, before deciding i need to continue on my travels anyway. If i didnt, i would be very disappointed with myself that i didnt fullfil something i really wanted to just because someone else.
In a way, i almost feel that this was to happen for a reason. And that my experience of goinginto the jungle should be solo. If I was with my friend Pablo, we would have a lot of fun, but i wouldnt find the same experiences or opportunities, that i would if i was alone. And i believe those are the ones i need to experience to continue on with my life. To help me figure out what there is to figure out before returning to the states.
I know things will be different when i go home, but the last thing i want to happen is to forget all that i have learned and get sucked back into the rush rush work work lifestyle. Im not going to do that. Anyway, here are a few lessons ive been reminded about within the past few days.
Lesson- Be true to yourself, and follow what you want to do.
lesson- dont wait for people, they only slow you down and can dissappoint you. (especially while traveling)
lesson- love is hard, but totally worth it.
lesson- trust the universe and your instincts. they will lead you to where you need to be.
lesson- just open your heart and great people and opportunities will present themselve to you.
lesson- communication is key...the more you talk the easier things are to deal with.
So on that note, Im off to the Jungle for the rest of my trip. I know it will be amazing, and then i will be ready to come home. I cant wait to come home. I love and miss everyone so much. cheers
Im now back in Pisco, at PSF, the volunteer place i was at in Feb/March, before going to the Colca Canyon. While in the canyon, i learned alot about life, love, and how to be happy with my life. For the remainder of my trip, i wanted to spend it in the Amazon Jungle of Peru. Floating up the Amazon river for 5 days, watching pink dolphins, see all sorts of wild animals, and whatever else. My friend Pablo, from the canyon, was going to come with me and I was so excited to spend the trip with him. After leaving Puno, I met up with Pablo in Arequipa, and he had bad news for me. He wasnt going to be able to go because he is in the middle of building his hostel in the Oasis. So i came to Pisco alone to spend some time with the people i knew before, volunteer on a few projects, before deciding i need to continue on my travels anyway. If i didnt, i would be very disappointed with myself that i didnt fullfil something i really wanted to just because someone else.
In a way, i almost feel that this was to happen for a reason. And that my experience of goinginto the jungle should be solo. If I was with my friend Pablo, we would have a lot of fun, but i wouldnt find the same experiences or opportunities, that i would if i was alone. And i believe those are the ones i need to experience to continue on with my life. To help me figure out what there is to figure out before returning to the states.
I know things will be different when i go home, but the last thing i want to happen is to forget all that i have learned and get sucked back into the rush rush work work lifestyle. Im not going to do that. Anyway, here are a few lessons ive been reminded about within the past few days.
Lesson- Be true to yourself, and follow what you want to do.
lesson- dont wait for people, they only slow you down and can dissappoint you. (especially while traveling)
lesson- love is hard, but totally worth it.
lesson- trust the universe and your instincts. they will lead you to where you need to be.
lesson- just open your heart and great people and opportunities will present themselve to you.
lesson- communication is key...the more you talk the easier things are to deal with.
So on that note, Im off to the Jungle for the rest of my trip. I know it will be amazing, and then i will be ready to come home. I cant wait to come home. I love and miss everyone so much. cheers
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Lake Titcaca
What i learned about Lake Titicaca....Titicaca stands for Puma Rock...the shape of the lake looks like a puma chacing after a rabbit. 70%of the lake is in Peru and 30% of the lake is in Bolivia. Although, i wasnt able to cross into Bolivia without paying a large sum of money for my visa...The perks of being a good ol´American!!! I did however, see the large snow capped mountains in the distance behind the beautiful lake.
Proinnsius (P), my irish friend, and I went with the tour group our man at the hostel offered us. We didnt feel like getting screwed over anymore by the men down at the docks. It turned out to be cheaper and more than we were wanting. All we wanted was to go to the island Amantani, but with this tour, we visited again the floating island of Uros, which we did two days before. Before getting to Amantani. There we were split up into groups and taken to our host families house where we would spend the night. The woman cooked us lunch, and we could rest in our rooms before having to meet up at the futbol field. Our guide then told us some info about the people and the island. And then we were to climb up the moutain which was called Pachitata, Father Earth, where there is a sacred temple at the top that the shamen people use for ceremonies. It was a 30-45 min hike up and P and i joked that we didnt sign up to climb any mountains. Half way up, our guide handed out 3 coca leaves and also told us to walk around the temple to the right 3 times. We didnt really understand why we were to do that or what the leaves were for, but as we walked around, i decided to name each one of my coca leaves for Love, Health, and Fourtune. I told this to P and he thought it was a great idea and did the same. His leaves got all crumpled in his pocket, so he smuched them up and let them go in the wind. As we walked around the temple, there was a rainbow behind us out over the lake. A small sprinkle of rain hit us and then cleared up and the sun came back out. It was extremely windy at the top of the mountain and cold. But it was an amazing view.
I then got another idea, and told P to pick a rock. As we were standing next to the stone wall surrounding the sacred temple, he picked out a rock from the wall...I said no, not that one, pick a new one from the ground! haha...So we both picked a rock, and i told him to put the intention of what he would want out of the future and put it into the rock and we will leave it in the stone wall with all this amazing energy of the sacred temple. So we both did, and as soon as he was going to put his rock in the wall, a dragonfly landed right infront of his face. We took a picture of the dragonfly and the rock, before continuing on.
We now had to go down the other side of this mountain and climb up the 2nd mountain of Pachimama, Mother earth, to another sacred temple. This was another 30some minutes hike up. When we got to the top we walked over to the edge to see a good view down the side of the mountain to the playa(beach) below. This island has many terraces and is big in the agriculter. You can see fields of corn, barley, wheat, and whatever else. It is so beautiful to look out over. At this time, the sun was going down and we had a beautiful sunset out over the water.
We walked around this temple and took a picture over the wall inside. It was starting to get dark and as we were walking away, i saw an old man sitting on a huge pile of rocks and had his hands held out, i figured he was absorbing the energy of this place and i thought that was a great idea and told P to follow me. As i sat on a rock, i asked if he wanted to do something else cool, beside the rock thing from before. So he sat on the rock next to me, and i told him how to connect with the rock and feel the connection of energy all the way down his spine and to the center of the earth. Then up again and reach to the sky. We sat there quietly for a while and when i was finished, i looked and P was still sitting there with his eyes closed. I waited until he was done, and just smiled, because I love sharing the wierd things i know with people, and love it even more when they actually enjoy them.
So we started to walk back toward the path, when i saw that same old man who was sitting on the rock, standing infront of a woman, sitting next to the temple. I figured he was a shamen and was doing some ceremony on this woman. I pointed him out to P and we stood and watched for a minute before continuing down the path.
It got dark fast, and even though i had a torch, we kept walking in the dark, with the path only light with the moomlight. We had to climb down Pachimama, up Pachitata again, and down the other side to get to the bottom to meet the young boy to take us to our family house. The path we followed him, we never would have found it ourselves in the dark. We got back by 630, and layed in bed for a while until dinner at 7. We were tired, we kept laughing because we didnt sign up for mountains to climb, much less 3.
After dinner, we got to rest again until the woman knocked on our door, and came in to dress me in their traditional dress. A beautiful embroidered white shirt, huge woolen red skirt and large hand made belt tied tightly around my ribs, that made it hard to breath. Then a beautiful black shall with embroidered flowers at the ends. P was dressed in a grey, huge poncho, that looked like a potatoe sac, and a alpaca hat. We followed her to the building up the hill, and i could hardly breath. Inside, there were 6 guys playing, guitars flutes and drum. and The local woman all grabbed us to dance. All the small groups of dancers turned into one huge circle as we spun around. The music went on for ever and we kept going around in circles. It got warm fast. It was fun, and my group was the last to leave the building.
Walking home, the sky was pitch black and filled with a billion stars, I could even see a galaxy. It was so amazing and beautiful. It was extremely cold and windy, and for the first time i heard the trees blowing in the wind to remind me of home.
In the morning, breakfast was to be at 7 and we didnt want to get out of bed as it was freezing out, and decided to wait until the woman came and got us. Well she never did, so we got up and quickly ate. We had to be down at the dock to leave at 8. When we got their the boat wasnt even their, so we went and sat on some rocks and watched the waves hitting them.
We were going to one more island, Taquili, an hour away before going back to Puno. I sat in the back outside of the cabin as P was inside listening to the tourguide. When we got off the boat, P asked if i heard what the plan was and i said no. He said ´good, then im not going to tell you´. Apparently, we had to climb up another mountain to get up to the plaza, then go for lunch, then walk some hundred steps down the other side to get to our boat before going back. Ahh. More climbing. We should have just stayed on the boat.
For most of the boat rides, P and I have sat on the top of the roof. We layed down in the front out of the wind and try and sleep. I love feeling the waves of the water, its so comforting to me. Well, the wind was still strong so the boat ride back was a bit rocky. As we layed down, we kept sliding back and forth along the floor. All i could do was laugh. It was so fun. Then water would splash up and over the boat and hit us. The driver went extremely slow and instead of it being a 3 hour ride, it was a 4 hour ride. Once we got into the peninsula, it calmed down a little bit. It was a fun trip and we just kept laughing about all the things that had happened.
When we got back, we were starving and went to our 3soles menu restaurant. But since the boat was late, they werent serving food yet, and we didnt want to climb up the big hills to our hostel, so we waited around for an hour before they reopened for dinner.
When we got back to the hostel, we ran into the others as they were leaving to get some food. We told them not to go where we did, as it was the worst meal weve had. I asked Laura if she climbed the mountain up to the Mirrador, that she said she wanted to do, instead of going to the island. She said, no, and i told her dont worry, we climbed mountains for you! haha.
We were both tired, and went to bed early. it was a good trip, and Im glad P went with me, since i was the only one who really wanted to go.
Its a beautiful Island, and wish i had more time to explore other island. But i had to go back to Arequipa to meet up with my friend Pablo, as we are going to go into the Jungle.
Proinnsius (P), my irish friend, and I went with the tour group our man at the hostel offered us. We didnt feel like getting screwed over anymore by the men down at the docks. It turned out to be cheaper and more than we were wanting. All we wanted was to go to the island Amantani, but with this tour, we visited again the floating island of Uros, which we did two days before. Before getting to Amantani. There we were split up into groups and taken to our host families house where we would spend the night. The woman cooked us lunch, and we could rest in our rooms before having to meet up at the futbol field. Our guide then told us some info about the people and the island. And then we were to climb up the moutain which was called Pachitata, Father Earth, where there is a sacred temple at the top that the shamen people use for ceremonies. It was a 30-45 min hike up and P and i joked that we didnt sign up to climb any mountains. Half way up, our guide handed out 3 coca leaves and also told us to walk around the temple to the right 3 times. We didnt really understand why we were to do that or what the leaves were for, but as we walked around, i decided to name each one of my coca leaves for Love, Health, and Fourtune. I told this to P and he thought it was a great idea and did the same. His leaves got all crumpled in his pocket, so he smuched them up and let them go in the wind. As we walked around the temple, there was a rainbow behind us out over the lake. A small sprinkle of rain hit us and then cleared up and the sun came back out. It was extremely windy at the top of the mountain and cold. But it was an amazing view.
I then got another idea, and told P to pick a rock. As we were standing next to the stone wall surrounding the sacred temple, he picked out a rock from the wall...I said no, not that one, pick a new one from the ground! haha...So we both picked a rock, and i told him to put the intention of what he would want out of the future and put it into the rock and we will leave it in the stone wall with all this amazing energy of the sacred temple. So we both did, and as soon as he was going to put his rock in the wall, a dragonfly landed right infront of his face. We took a picture of the dragonfly and the rock, before continuing on.
We now had to go down the other side of this mountain and climb up the 2nd mountain of Pachimama, Mother earth, to another sacred temple. This was another 30some minutes hike up. When we got to the top we walked over to the edge to see a good view down the side of the mountain to the playa(beach) below. This island has many terraces and is big in the agriculter. You can see fields of corn, barley, wheat, and whatever else. It is so beautiful to look out over. At this time, the sun was going down and we had a beautiful sunset out over the water.
We walked around this temple and took a picture over the wall inside. It was starting to get dark and as we were walking away, i saw an old man sitting on a huge pile of rocks and had his hands held out, i figured he was absorbing the energy of this place and i thought that was a great idea and told P to follow me. As i sat on a rock, i asked if he wanted to do something else cool, beside the rock thing from before. So he sat on the rock next to me, and i told him how to connect with the rock and feel the connection of energy all the way down his spine and to the center of the earth. Then up again and reach to the sky. We sat there quietly for a while and when i was finished, i looked and P was still sitting there with his eyes closed. I waited until he was done, and just smiled, because I love sharing the wierd things i know with people, and love it even more when they actually enjoy them.
So we started to walk back toward the path, when i saw that same old man who was sitting on the rock, standing infront of a woman, sitting next to the temple. I figured he was a shamen and was doing some ceremony on this woman. I pointed him out to P and we stood and watched for a minute before continuing down the path.
It got dark fast, and even though i had a torch, we kept walking in the dark, with the path only light with the moomlight. We had to climb down Pachimama, up Pachitata again, and down the other side to get to the bottom to meet the young boy to take us to our family house. The path we followed him, we never would have found it ourselves in the dark. We got back by 630, and layed in bed for a while until dinner at 7. We were tired, we kept laughing because we didnt sign up for mountains to climb, much less 3.
After dinner, we got to rest again until the woman knocked on our door, and came in to dress me in their traditional dress. A beautiful embroidered white shirt, huge woolen red skirt and large hand made belt tied tightly around my ribs, that made it hard to breath. Then a beautiful black shall with embroidered flowers at the ends. P was dressed in a grey, huge poncho, that looked like a potatoe sac, and a alpaca hat. We followed her to the building up the hill, and i could hardly breath. Inside, there were 6 guys playing, guitars flutes and drum. and The local woman all grabbed us to dance. All the small groups of dancers turned into one huge circle as we spun around. The music went on for ever and we kept going around in circles. It got warm fast. It was fun, and my group was the last to leave the building.
Walking home, the sky was pitch black and filled with a billion stars, I could even see a galaxy. It was so amazing and beautiful. It was extremely cold and windy, and for the first time i heard the trees blowing in the wind to remind me of home.
In the morning, breakfast was to be at 7 and we didnt want to get out of bed as it was freezing out, and decided to wait until the woman came and got us. Well she never did, so we got up and quickly ate. We had to be down at the dock to leave at 8. When we got their the boat wasnt even their, so we went and sat on some rocks and watched the waves hitting them.
We were going to one more island, Taquili, an hour away before going back to Puno. I sat in the back outside of the cabin as P was inside listening to the tourguide. When we got off the boat, P asked if i heard what the plan was and i said no. He said ´good, then im not going to tell you´. Apparently, we had to climb up another mountain to get up to the plaza, then go for lunch, then walk some hundred steps down the other side to get to our boat before going back. Ahh. More climbing. We should have just stayed on the boat.
For most of the boat rides, P and I have sat on the top of the roof. We layed down in the front out of the wind and try and sleep. I love feeling the waves of the water, its so comforting to me. Well, the wind was still strong so the boat ride back was a bit rocky. As we layed down, we kept sliding back and forth along the floor. All i could do was laugh. It was so fun. Then water would splash up and over the boat and hit us. The driver went extremely slow and instead of it being a 3 hour ride, it was a 4 hour ride. Once we got into the peninsula, it calmed down a little bit. It was a fun trip and we just kept laughing about all the things that had happened.
When we got back, we were starving and went to our 3soles menu restaurant. But since the boat was late, they werent serving food yet, and we didnt want to climb up the big hills to our hostel, so we waited around for an hour before they reopened for dinner.
When we got back to the hostel, we ran into the others as they were leaving to get some food. We told them not to go where we did, as it was the worst meal weve had. I asked Laura if she climbed the mountain up to the Mirrador, that she said she wanted to do, instead of going to the island. She said, no, and i told her dont worry, we climbed mountains for you! haha.
We were both tired, and went to bed early. it was a good trip, and Im glad P went with me, since i was the only one who really wanted to go.
Its a beautiful Island, and wish i had more time to explore other island. But i had to go back to Arequipa to meet up with my friend Pablo, as we are going to go into the Jungle.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Puno
On Monday, after spending 10 days in the big city of Arequipa, I finally boarded the bus with John and P. Two irish guys i worked with at Pisco Sin Fronteras, the volunteer place in Pisco. I needed to get out and start traveling again. We boaded the bus at 2:30, and left around 3. Its usually a 5 hour bus ride, but im sure it was longer. We arrived to Puno late Monday and walked around the bus terminal until a woman came up to us asking if we needed a hostel. She showed us a few brochures, and we took the hostel for 10 soles. She got in the taxi with us and took us to the hostel. She then tried selling us on a tour to see the islands, but we just said thank you, and went to see our rooms.
On Tuesday, we spent most the day walking around the town of Puno. We found a little carnival area with a huge slide, ferris wheel, and a pirate ship. Across the street was a long street fair that had stands with all sort of treats, games, and anything you really wanted to find. After it got dark and cold, we made it back to our hostel which is at the top of 2 big hills. Our friends, Laura and Reha, also from PSF, got to Puno in the evening. We went out for dinner, very cheap menus for 2soles. Less than $1. Doesnt mean it was good! haha.
On Wednesday, John, P, and I went down to the dock to see when we could go to the islands. Laura and Reha, needed a day to adjust to the altitude. We started talking to one guy and he told us we could get the last boat at 4, tour around Uros, the floating islands, spend the night and then get another boat to Amantani, another island further out. That sounded good, so we waited around in the plaza for a while. It was a nice sunny day. John set up his hammock on the railing around the sitting area. It was so funny to watch the locals walk by and look into the hammock, wondering what it was there for. When John would say Hola, and they would start laughing and walk away.
We went back at 330 and didnt see our man, but got swarmed by a bunch of other men all trying to sell us the same tickets. One guy said he was our mans friend and told us we only had to pay 5soles and that his boat was leaving now, so go with him. We went with him, and ended up getting hasseled to pay more. He got catch on the boat and ended up coming with us. So we just ignored him as much as we could. We ended up making friends with a Peruvian couple that was on the boat, and they also told up how much they paid and that we were being overcharged.
The Uros islands were interesting. They are made out of the reeds that grow in the lake. After a few days, they have to lay another layer down. They made everyting out of those reeds, their houses, boats, and their beds. We got to go inside a womans house where there were 2 beds. She said 6 people sleep in there. 2kids in each bed, then at night when they shut the door, the parents put a bed down where we were standing and sleep there. I sat on it, and it seemed pretty comfortable. Then they told us to get into the canoe shapped boat and gave us a ride across the lake to the other side where another floating island was. And we saw how another family lives. It was nice, but extremely touristy which i didnt like. All the woman sat with their pots and other trinkets and tried to sell them to you. I felt bad that i didnt want any of it, but we at least paid for the canoe ride across the water.
We had planned on spending the night, but the guy that conned us into going with him, was trying to charge us more for the bed and food, that we finally got fed up with him and decided to go back and sleep in our hostel. It was also freezing, and we knew our hostel was a bit warmer. So we got back on the boat and chatted more with the Peruano couple. We ended up going to dinner with them. They were so interested that we found food for 2 soles and they wanted to try it. We tried the dinner, and it also wasnt that good. Then they wanted to have a cerveza and asked a local on the street where a discotec was. So we went and had a few cervezas and they kept asking us questions about what music we like, what our jobs were, about our family, how much things like clothes and phones cost. They were so interested. Its a great way to work on the spanish and interact with the culture. The girl was from Bolivia but was working in Arequipa. The guy is from Lima and they are dating. They went to a small town that was on the boarder of Bolivia for him to get eye surgery for cheaper than anywhere else. He had a patch of tape over one eye and wore sunglasses. Finally, it was late, and we headed back to our hostel. We told the man at our hostel what happened with they guy at the boats, and he wasnt too happy.
On Thursday, John was feeling well, so P and I left to attempt finding a boat to go to the other islands. When we got down in the lobby, the front desk man told us about two little villages that we can take a collectivo bus to and see a few different touristy things there. So we decided to do that, and hope that the next day everyone else was feeling better.
First we took the bus filled with people to a small village about 30 min away. When we got there, we saw only 2 other tourists, and that was it for the day. We walked around town and found a ruin that the hostel man told us about. We had no idea what it was for, so we made up our own story. There was a stone wall built in a square with no roof. and inside were many little statues, with one large statue in the center. We decided that one time a year when the sun was just right, it shown through the doorway of the building to shine down the center of this stone and shine onto another stone that had a cross carved into it. We made up more of an elaborate story about what all the other stones were for, when later we looked at the ticket, and it was named something of the sun...so we must have been close. There was also a little girl, 3 years, that came and followed us. She had chapped checks from being in the sun. P shared his water with her and she drank a good amount. She was so cute, I took a picture of her and showed her the picture. She was so interested in the camera that i showed her how to take a picture and she kept pushing the button. She probably took 20 photos of P sitting on the rock. I had to delete them after.
We continued on our walk around town and heard about a fish place up the hill. So we walked up there and saw many different pools they had for all sizes of trout. I guess the university is doing something with them. Not really sure, just walked around a bit. Finally after looking at all the fish, we decided to go get a fish to eat and walked to find a woman calling us into her stand. So we sat outside, as she fried up some trucha frita and queso frita. fish and cheese fried! It was quite interested. The fish was nice though. We walked around the town a bit more before getting onto another collectivo bus back to Puno.
When we got back, we found where the bus goes to the other town and got on that bus. That was another 30-40 minutes in the other direction. The bus finally stopped on the side of the road and there were maybe 10 houses spread out in an area. It wasnt even a village and they told us this is where we wanted. I just laughed and asked P if this is really what we were looking for. He didnt know either, and laughed. In the distance was a huge mountain and ontop were some tower structures that were back from the inca time. This is what we were coming here to see.
On the side of the road we saw 2 woman picking something off the ground and a man stomping on somthing with his bare feet. We went to see what they were doing, and it turned out the woman were picking out the rotten potatoes, and the man was smashing them in a round half circle rubber thing probably made out of an old tire. It was so funny as he was happily stomping away. He told us they were going to through them into the river, why we didnt know. He then put all the mushed ones into a mesh bag and filled his rubber thing with more.
We left and walked up the road to where the path to go up the mountain was. A guy came out of the house and told us it was 4soles to go up. First, we really didnt want to climb the hill, and we werent gonig to pay 4 soles. So we told him, no thank you and he lowered the price. We got him down to 1sole, so we decided to go up anyway. When we got to the top, there were 3 huge stone tower structures. One of them had a rock out of the bottom so we climbed inside. The roof was all rocks piled ontop of eachother and it was crazy it didnt fall ontop of us. We spent a good while up there walking around before deciding to go back and to try to catch another collectivo bus going back to Puno.
The family was still stomping on the rotten potatoes and more people had come to help. We stood on the side of the road for a good 30 min before the first bus sped past us. They were full. This highway was straight and long and you could see cars coming from a long way away. Finally a bus stopped, and the locals that came after us, jumped on. So we waited another 20some mins. Finally, a bus stopped, but it was full. It was only one local woman, P and I waiting. When the doors opened, some woman said, ´the gringos first´...that was nice. P got in and pretty much sat on the step, The woman took the last seat and I stood on the step with the door at my back. I rested my backpack on the laps of the two people infront of me. I later counted and their were 24 people in this little bus which is made for maybe 14...P asked the woman next to him about the potatoes and she happened to have some all ready cooked in her bag. So she gave him one. He asked if it was to eat and so he popped it into his mouth. All the woman said ´no´and started laughing. We thought they were making a joke out of us and all we couuld do was laugh. She then gave me one, but tole me to peel it. Oh ok. She kept feeding us potatoes and other wierd looking things. Then one guy sitting behind P gave us some cheese. This cheese was actually good, and not as salty as other cheese here. P asked how many days to make the cheese and she said 1. Impressive. It was such a fun bus ride back and we couldnt believe how nice they were. I stood for most the way hunched over until the first stop where the two woman who feed us the potatoes got off. We wanted to give them a sole or something, but ran around the bus, before it took off.
Such an interesting day interacting with the locals.
Today, the 5 of us were walking through the streets of the market when we heard loud music coming from one of the buildings. We could see people dancing around in a huge circle. After watching for a while, they noticed us and waved us in. John, P and I went in, and as soon and the guys entered, then woman grabbed them and started dancing with them. The one guy who was dancing grabbed me. They were passing around many bottles of cervezas and gave us a glass. I was laughing so hard i could hardly drink the beer. There were 2 crazy woman who kept dancing with John and P and would spin around and their skirts would hit other people. I was being rotated with a younger guy and an old man who wanted to dance. It was so funny, and all the other older woman who were sitting along the edges was laughing at us as well. We finally had to make an excuse to leave for it was too hot and the woman were crazy with their dancing and forcing the beer on the boys. We told them we had to go find our other friends and bring them back. So funny!
Tomorrow i hope to go to some of the other islands and spend a few days there intereacting with more locals.
On Tuesday, we spent most the day walking around the town of Puno. We found a little carnival area with a huge slide, ferris wheel, and a pirate ship. Across the street was a long street fair that had stands with all sort of treats, games, and anything you really wanted to find. After it got dark and cold, we made it back to our hostel which is at the top of 2 big hills. Our friends, Laura and Reha, also from PSF, got to Puno in the evening. We went out for dinner, very cheap menus for 2soles. Less than $1. Doesnt mean it was good! haha.
On Wednesday, John, P, and I went down to the dock to see when we could go to the islands. Laura and Reha, needed a day to adjust to the altitude. We started talking to one guy and he told us we could get the last boat at 4, tour around Uros, the floating islands, spend the night and then get another boat to Amantani, another island further out. That sounded good, so we waited around in the plaza for a while. It was a nice sunny day. John set up his hammock on the railing around the sitting area. It was so funny to watch the locals walk by and look into the hammock, wondering what it was there for. When John would say Hola, and they would start laughing and walk away.
We went back at 330 and didnt see our man, but got swarmed by a bunch of other men all trying to sell us the same tickets. One guy said he was our mans friend and told us we only had to pay 5soles and that his boat was leaving now, so go with him. We went with him, and ended up getting hasseled to pay more. He got catch on the boat and ended up coming with us. So we just ignored him as much as we could. We ended up making friends with a Peruvian couple that was on the boat, and they also told up how much they paid and that we were being overcharged.
The Uros islands were interesting. They are made out of the reeds that grow in the lake. After a few days, they have to lay another layer down. They made everyting out of those reeds, their houses, boats, and their beds. We got to go inside a womans house where there were 2 beds. She said 6 people sleep in there. 2kids in each bed, then at night when they shut the door, the parents put a bed down where we were standing and sleep there. I sat on it, and it seemed pretty comfortable. Then they told us to get into the canoe shapped boat and gave us a ride across the lake to the other side where another floating island was. And we saw how another family lives. It was nice, but extremely touristy which i didnt like. All the woman sat with their pots and other trinkets and tried to sell them to you. I felt bad that i didnt want any of it, but we at least paid for the canoe ride across the water.
We had planned on spending the night, but the guy that conned us into going with him, was trying to charge us more for the bed and food, that we finally got fed up with him and decided to go back and sleep in our hostel. It was also freezing, and we knew our hostel was a bit warmer. So we got back on the boat and chatted more with the Peruano couple. We ended up going to dinner with them. They were so interested that we found food for 2 soles and they wanted to try it. We tried the dinner, and it also wasnt that good. Then they wanted to have a cerveza and asked a local on the street where a discotec was. So we went and had a few cervezas and they kept asking us questions about what music we like, what our jobs were, about our family, how much things like clothes and phones cost. They were so interested. Its a great way to work on the spanish and interact with the culture. The girl was from Bolivia but was working in Arequipa. The guy is from Lima and they are dating. They went to a small town that was on the boarder of Bolivia for him to get eye surgery for cheaper than anywhere else. He had a patch of tape over one eye and wore sunglasses. Finally, it was late, and we headed back to our hostel. We told the man at our hostel what happened with they guy at the boats, and he wasnt too happy.
On Thursday, John was feeling well, so P and I left to attempt finding a boat to go to the other islands. When we got down in the lobby, the front desk man told us about two little villages that we can take a collectivo bus to and see a few different touristy things there. So we decided to do that, and hope that the next day everyone else was feeling better.
First we took the bus filled with people to a small village about 30 min away. When we got there, we saw only 2 other tourists, and that was it for the day. We walked around town and found a ruin that the hostel man told us about. We had no idea what it was for, so we made up our own story. There was a stone wall built in a square with no roof. and inside were many little statues, with one large statue in the center. We decided that one time a year when the sun was just right, it shown through the doorway of the building to shine down the center of this stone and shine onto another stone that had a cross carved into it. We made up more of an elaborate story about what all the other stones were for, when later we looked at the ticket, and it was named something of the sun...so we must have been close. There was also a little girl, 3 years, that came and followed us. She had chapped checks from being in the sun. P shared his water with her and she drank a good amount. She was so cute, I took a picture of her and showed her the picture. She was so interested in the camera that i showed her how to take a picture and she kept pushing the button. She probably took 20 photos of P sitting on the rock. I had to delete them after.
We continued on our walk around town and heard about a fish place up the hill. So we walked up there and saw many different pools they had for all sizes of trout. I guess the university is doing something with them. Not really sure, just walked around a bit. Finally after looking at all the fish, we decided to go get a fish to eat and walked to find a woman calling us into her stand. So we sat outside, as she fried up some trucha frita and queso frita. fish and cheese fried! It was quite interested. The fish was nice though. We walked around the town a bit more before getting onto another collectivo bus back to Puno.
When we got back, we found where the bus goes to the other town and got on that bus. That was another 30-40 minutes in the other direction. The bus finally stopped on the side of the road and there were maybe 10 houses spread out in an area. It wasnt even a village and they told us this is where we wanted. I just laughed and asked P if this is really what we were looking for. He didnt know either, and laughed. In the distance was a huge mountain and ontop were some tower structures that were back from the inca time. This is what we were coming here to see.
On the side of the road we saw 2 woman picking something off the ground and a man stomping on somthing with his bare feet. We went to see what they were doing, and it turned out the woman were picking out the rotten potatoes, and the man was smashing them in a round half circle rubber thing probably made out of an old tire. It was so funny as he was happily stomping away. He told us they were going to through them into the river, why we didnt know. He then put all the mushed ones into a mesh bag and filled his rubber thing with more.
We left and walked up the road to where the path to go up the mountain was. A guy came out of the house and told us it was 4soles to go up. First, we really didnt want to climb the hill, and we werent gonig to pay 4 soles. So we told him, no thank you and he lowered the price. We got him down to 1sole, so we decided to go up anyway. When we got to the top, there were 3 huge stone tower structures. One of them had a rock out of the bottom so we climbed inside. The roof was all rocks piled ontop of eachother and it was crazy it didnt fall ontop of us. We spent a good while up there walking around before deciding to go back and to try to catch another collectivo bus going back to Puno.
The family was still stomping on the rotten potatoes and more people had come to help. We stood on the side of the road for a good 30 min before the first bus sped past us. They were full. This highway was straight and long and you could see cars coming from a long way away. Finally a bus stopped, and the locals that came after us, jumped on. So we waited another 20some mins. Finally, a bus stopped, but it was full. It was only one local woman, P and I waiting. When the doors opened, some woman said, ´the gringos first´...that was nice. P got in and pretty much sat on the step, The woman took the last seat and I stood on the step with the door at my back. I rested my backpack on the laps of the two people infront of me. I later counted and their were 24 people in this little bus which is made for maybe 14...P asked the woman next to him about the potatoes and she happened to have some all ready cooked in her bag. So she gave him one. He asked if it was to eat and so he popped it into his mouth. All the woman said ´no´and started laughing. We thought they were making a joke out of us and all we couuld do was laugh. She then gave me one, but tole me to peel it. Oh ok. She kept feeding us potatoes and other wierd looking things. Then one guy sitting behind P gave us some cheese. This cheese was actually good, and not as salty as other cheese here. P asked how many days to make the cheese and she said 1. Impressive. It was such a fun bus ride back and we couldnt believe how nice they were. I stood for most the way hunched over until the first stop where the two woman who feed us the potatoes got off. We wanted to give them a sole or something, but ran around the bus, before it took off.
Such an interesting day interacting with the locals.
Today, the 5 of us were walking through the streets of the market when we heard loud music coming from one of the buildings. We could see people dancing around in a huge circle. After watching for a while, they noticed us and waved us in. John, P and I went in, and as soon and the guys entered, then woman grabbed them and started dancing with them. The one guy who was dancing grabbed me. They were passing around many bottles of cervezas and gave us a glass. I was laughing so hard i could hardly drink the beer. There were 2 crazy woman who kept dancing with John and P and would spin around and their skirts would hit other people. I was being rotated with a younger guy and an old man who wanted to dance. It was so funny, and all the other older woman who were sitting along the edges was laughing at us as well. We finally had to make an excuse to leave for it was too hot and the woman were crazy with their dancing and forcing the beer on the boys. We told them we had to go find our other friends and bring them back. So funny!
Tomorrow i hope to go to some of the other islands and spend a few days there intereacting with more locals.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Saying goodbye is hard...
Saying goodbye is hard...especially when you didnt realize how much you loved the person your saying goodbye too.
I finally left the oasis after a month and half working in the hostel at the bottom of a canyon. I worked with Pablo for most of that time and over the past month, he has helped me with many life lessons of learning how to live my life, open my heart to love, and take things slowly. We had a lot of time to talk about each others stories and experiences. I could laugh, joke, and have fun with him without having any attraction for him, and he quickly became someone i could talk to and trust.
Last friday, we finally hiked up out of the canyon, and got the night bus to Arequipa to spend a few days in the city. I was so excited for civilization, and a pedicure. My feet were so dirty. It was impossible for me to stay clean in the oasis.
I spent time with his family and friends and they all thought i was his girlfriend. Which made me a little uncomfortable until he explained to them, im only a friend. We kept spending time together and went to a futbol game, and went to the cinema and i saw a movie for the first time in months.(Ironman 2, it was good, cant wait to see it in english to really know what was going on.) His family asked him why he is spending so much time with me if im only a friend. And he replyed that because he respects me, and i helped him so much, not just by working in the oasis, but with his own lifes questions.
At this point, i really had no idea what im going to do from here. Whether ill continue on my travels, where i would go, or when or if i will even return to the Oasis. We agreed that from here on out, i needed to continue living my life and cant stay in the canyon just because he needs the help. I need to do what i need to do for myself. So Tuesday morning, before Pablo was to leave to catch his 11am bus, i thought that this would be the last time i might see him, and would have to say goodbye.
I didnt realize, but for the past month i had a great friend, and to even think about saying goodbye made me cry. So even at the breakfast table that morning, i had tears in my eyes. Then when the time came for him to leave, we hugged, thanked each other for all the help, and i couldnt stop crying. I couldnt believe how hard it was to say goodbye.
Pablo is a busy guy, and had to go met someone before leaving to catch his bus. After he left, i sat down on my bed, cried a little more. and realized. I needed to continue my life. So i thought about the things i needed to do, and decided alright, first i need to get ready. I payed attention to the clock, and watched as it got closer to 11am, and then passed 11 for his bus would have left. His stuff was still in the living room, he hadnt come back from his meeting. I decided to walk down the street to the internet store, and told Pablo´s friend that i was leaving.
I sat on the computer talking to about 6 people on facebook chat. All good friends from back home wondering when im coming back. I started talking to a good friend and told him about how i was sad to say good bye to my friend, and started crying again at the computer. Its a little difficult to talk to so many people and sound happy when im crying in my chair.
About 30 minutes later, all of a sudden Pablo is standing before my computer with me having tears all down my face. I was so releived to see him, that i cried more. haha...I dont know why i was so emotional yesterday. He asked if i was hungry, and i quickly closed out my computer, and met him outside. I hugged him again, and kept crying.
We went to eat, and i finally calmed down. Although, all the women in the restaurant looked at me sadly. Pablo told me he missed his bus, because of some business problems, and had to wait until Wed to get the next bus. So i have one more day to spend with him!!! With Pablo, his plans change all the time because of other people, its ¨Peru, nothing is set. So we spent the rest of the day just hanging out and having fun.
I decided that i needed a break and didnt want to go anywhere for a while. So im going to stay in the apartment, and meet up with some friends i have met here in Arequipa. Some people i met in Pisco at the volunteer place are coming here by the weekend and i might travel on with them to Puno and Lake Ititicaca. And from there, ill decide where to go next. But Pablo plans to be back in town by friday night, so plan to meet up again on friday, and that might be the last time i will see him.
So today, after lunch, Pablo, and his friend left the apartment to catch the 2pm bus back to Cabanaconde. And i continued on with what i needed to do. It was so much easier to say goodbye today, with knowing, that hopefuly i can see him again on Friday. And if not, it was a fun last day we spent together.
I dont know where my travels will lead me next, and if i can come back to the canyon one last time before i officially go home to the states, i would love to spend some more time there. If it doesnt work out, I have the invite to come back anytime in the future. And in Pablos words, im to bring my children. Ok...when that days comes is another story.
No more tears! Life continues.
I finally left the oasis after a month and half working in the hostel at the bottom of a canyon. I worked with Pablo for most of that time and over the past month, he has helped me with many life lessons of learning how to live my life, open my heart to love, and take things slowly. We had a lot of time to talk about each others stories and experiences. I could laugh, joke, and have fun with him without having any attraction for him, and he quickly became someone i could talk to and trust.
Last friday, we finally hiked up out of the canyon, and got the night bus to Arequipa to spend a few days in the city. I was so excited for civilization, and a pedicure. My feet were so dirty. It was impossible for me to stay clean in the oasis.
I spent time with his family and friends and they all thought i was his girlfriend. Which made me a little uncomfortable until he explained to them, im only a friend. We kept spending time together and went to a futbol game, and went to the cinema and i saw a movie for the first time in months.(Ironman 2, it was good, cant wait to see it in english to really know what was going on.) His family asked him why he is spending so much time with me if im only a friend. And he replyed that because he respects me, and i helped him so much, not just by working in the oasis, but with his own lifes questions.
At this point, i really had no idea what im going to do from here. Whether ill continue on my travels, where i would go, or when or if i will even return to the Oasis. We agreed that from here on out, i needed to continue living my life and cant stay in the canyon just because he needs the help. I need to do what i need to do for myself. So Tuesday morning, before Pablo was to leave to catch his 11am bus, i thought that this would be the last time i might see him, and would have to say goodbye.
I didnt realize, but for the past month i had a great friend, and to even think about saying goodbye made me cry. So even at the breakfast table that morning, i had tears in my eyes. Then when the time came for him to leave, we hugged, thanked each other for all the help, and i couldnt stop crying. I couldnt believe how hard it was to say goodbye.
Pablo is a busy guy, and had to go met someone before leaving to catch his bus. After he left, i sat down on my bed, cried a little more. and realized. I needed to continue my life. So i thought about the things i needed to do, and decided alright, first i need to get ready. I payed attention to the clock, and watched as it got closer to 11am, and then passed 11 for his bus would have left. His stuff was still in the living room, he hadnt come back from his meeting. I decided to walk down the street to the internet store, and told Pablo´s friend that i was leaving.
I sat on the computer talking to about 6 people on facebook chat. All good friends from back home wondering when im coming back. I started talking to a good friend and told him about how i was sad to say good bye to my friend, and started crying again at the computer. Its a little difficult to talk to so many people and sound happy when im crying in my chair.
About 30 minutes later, all of a sudden Pablo is standing before my computer with me having tears all down my face. I was so releived to see him, that i cried more. haha...I dont know why i was so emotional yesterday. He asked if i was hungry, and i quickly closed out my computer, and met him outside. I hugged him again, and kept crying.
We went to eat, and i finally calmed down. Although, all the women in the restaurant looked at me sadly. Pablo told me he missed his bus, because of some business problems, and had to wait until Wed to get the next bus. So i have one more day to spend with him!!! With Pablo, his plans change all the time because of other people, its ¨Peru, nothing is set. So we spent the rest of the day just hanging out and having fun.
I decided that i needed a break and didnt want to go anywhere for a while. So im going to stay in the apartment, and meet up with some friends i have met here in Arequipa. Some people i met in Pisco at the volunteer place are coming here by the weekend and i might travel on with them to Puno and Lake Ititicaca. And from there, ill decide where to go next. But Pablo plans to be back in town by friday night, so plan to meet up again on friday, and that might be the last time i will see him.
So today, after lunch, Pablo, and his friend left the apartment to catch the 2pm bus back to Cabanaconde. And i continued on with what i needed to do. It was so much easier to say goodbye today, with knowing, that hopefuly i can see him again on Friday. And if not, it was a fun last day we spent together.
I dont know where my travels will lead me next, and if i can come back to the canyon one last time before i officially go home to the states, i would love to spend some more time there. If it doesnt work out, I have the invite to come back anytime in the future. And in Pablos words, im to bring my children. Ok...when that days comes is another story.
No more tears! Life continues.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Neil
Today is Monday, April 19, 2010. Today marks the 10 year anniversary that my brother, Neil Edward Herdina (27), died from natural causes.
I spent the afternoon up on a mountain that looks over the valley surrounding Cabanaconde. I could see many little plots of corn and wheat and it reminded me of home. I sat on a rock, close to the edge and thought about everything that happened around the time my brother died, starting from the night i got the first phone call. I sat there and remembered the details, and remembered the hope i had to think he would be alright before i got the final word that he had died. I sat there and felt all the saddness, anger, and pain that i have been carrying for all these years. I sat there and cried, cried, cried.
I decided that finally, after 10 years, its about time to let go of all those negative, hurting feelings. I dont need to be carrying them around anymore. Those are the feelings from the past, and today is the present. And today, i dont want to be sad, I want to be happy. I want to enjoy where i am and what im doing. And the same thing goes for tomorrow and the next day. I decided that, as Im sitting here, on a rock, in the middle of a beautiful valley in Peru. I want to start living my life and not let those things in the past stop me from doing it.
As i sat their crying, i allowed myself to release all those built up feelings that i barried for 10 years, for i feel, i am ready to move on. And then allowed myself to be open to new feelings of happiness, love, and laughter. For thats what life should be about anyway.
I had brought a little candle with me up on the mountain, but there was a nice, cool breeze that blew out the flame. So, when i was ready to leave my rock, i carried the candle back down with me. I walked back down the hill into the tiny village, across the Plaza de Armas, and across the street to the Church. Inside i found a heart shaped candle holder, and stuck my candle in the middle. I light this candle in hope to bring love, laughter, fortune, and life to all my family and friends, and of course, for myself.
I want to thank all of those back home for supporting me on my travels as i continue to learn and grow. I love you all.
I spent the afternoon up on a mountain that looks over the valley surrounding Cabanaconde. I could see many little plots of corn and wheat and it reminded me of home. I sat on a rock, close to the edge and thought about everything that happened around the time my brother died, starting from the night i got the first phone call. I sat there and remembered the details, and remembered the hope i had to think he would be alright before i got the final word that he had died. I sat there and felt all the saddness, anger, and pain that i have been carrying for all these years. I sat there and cried, cried, cried.
I decided that finally, after 10 years, its about time to let go of all those negative, hurting feelings. I dont need to be carrying them around anymore. Those are the feelings from the past, and today is the present. And today, i dont want to be sad, I want to be happy. I want to enjoy where i am and what im doing. And the same thing goes for tomorrow and the next day. I decided that, as Im sitting here, on a rock, in the middle of a beautiful valley in Peru. I want to start living my life and not let those things in the past stop me from doing it.
As i sat their crying, i allowed myself to release all those built up feelings that i barried for 10 years, for i feel, i am ready to move on. And then allowed myself to be open to new feelings of happiness, love, and laughter. For thats what life should be about anyway.
I had brought a little candle with me up on the mountain, but there was a nice, cool breeze that blew out the flame. So, when i was ready to leave my rock, i carried the candle back down with me. I walked back down the hill into the tiny village, across the Plaza de Armas, and across the street to the Church. Inside i found a heart shaped candle holder, and stuck my candle in the middle. I light this candle in hope to bring love, laughter, fortune, and life to all my family and friends, and of course, for myself.
I want to thank all of those back home for supporting me on my travels as i continue to learn and grow. I love you all.
Monday, March 29, 2010
The beginning of ´Valle Del Fuego´
While having lunch with Pablo on Sunday, i asked him how his family got started in the tourist business with the restarant and hostel.
Here is a little history.
I guess Pablos father is orginally from Cabanaconde, but Pablo was born in Lima. His family lived there for many years. It wasnt until Pablo, the youngest of 5, went to Cabanaconde for a holiday. At that time, there was no running water, lights, or anything. And his family decided to stay there. His father worked as a veterinarian in Lima, and for a year, he didnt see his father. His mother started up her own restaurant to cook for the locals. It was around 1989, when a French tourist couple came to Cabanconde. They asked Pablo if he knew where they could get something to eat. He said ,´yes, follow me to my house´. His mother asked, ´what are these people doing here´, and Pablo told her ´they are hungry´. ´Ok, i will cook for them.´ Then after they ate, the Frenchies asked if there was a place they could sleep, and Pablo said ýes, and gave up his room for the night´. This was the start of their tourist idea.
Pablo and 2 other syblings went to University in Lima for a couple of years, and when he returned in 1990, they opened up the hostel and restaurant.
I asked where the name Valle Del Fuego came from and he said his older brother, Jamil, came up with the name. I guess in 1992, all the volcanos around the Colca Canyon, started smoking. No real eruption occured, but still, they were smoking. So his brother came up with the name meaning, the valley of the fire.
I thought this was very interesting. Now, the mother and father own the restaurant. Jamil and the second brother(2) own 2 different hostels down the street. Pablo owns and runs the hostel in the oasis, and Carolina helps with the restaurant and hostels. The other sister and the other brother (2) live in Arequipa. Not sure what they do. I havent met them.
So that is a little history of the place i have found to be apart of now.
Here is a little history.
I guess Pablos father is orginally from Cabanaconde, but Pablo was born in Lima. His family lived there for many years. It wasnt until Pablo, the youngest of 5, went to Cabanaconde for a holiday. At that time, there was no running water, lights, or anything. And his family decided to stay there. His father worked as a veterinarian in Lima, and for a year, he didnt see his father. His mother started up her own restaurant to cook for the locals. It was around 1989, when a French tourist couple came to Cabanconde. They asked Pablo if he knew where they could get something to eat. He said ,´yes, follow me to my house´. His mother asked, ´what are these people doing here´, and Pablo told her ´they are hungry´. ´Ok, i will cook for them.´ Then after they ate, the Frenchies asked if there was a place they could sleep, and Pablo said ýes, and gave up his room for the night´. This was the start of their tourist idea.
Pablo and 2 other syblings went to University in Lima for a couple of years, and when he returned in 1990, they opened up the hostel and restaurant.
I asked where the name Valle Del Fuego came from and he said his older brother, Jamil, came up with the name. I guess in 1992, all the volcanos around the Colca Canyon, started smoking. No real eruption occured, but still, they were smoking. So his brother came up with the name meaning, the valley of the fire.
I thought this was very interesting. Now, the mother and father own the restaurant. Jamil and the second brother(2) own 2 different hostels down the street. Pablo owns and runs the hostel in the oasis, and Carolina helps with the restaurant and hostels. The other sister and the other brother (2) live in Arequipa. Not sure what they do. I havent met them.
So that is a little history of the place i have found to be apart of now.
I found myself on the beach in Chile today!
March 27, 2010
I had heard from a tourist that i could go to some office in Arequipa to renew my passport visa without having to go to the Bolivian or chile boarder. I talked to Pablo,my boss, and he called his brother who lives in Arequipa to find out. They told me yes, so on Friday I got on the 630am bus leaving Cabanaconde and arriving to Arequipa 6 hours later. Pablo met me at the bus station, and he called his brother to find out which office we needed to go to. This is when we found out, it was not possible. I had to go to the boarder. I was a bit upset and didnt know what to do now. Pablo had offered to take me to a place with traditional Peruvian food, so we decided just to go eat and have some cervezas. I thought the cervezas would calm me down, but they didnt. All i wanted to do it call home or hopefully talk to my mom on line. It has been almost 2 weeks since i talked to anyone live, and i really needed the comfort from home.
The Pervian food was amazing. No rice or pasta. I finally had a real rocoto relleno, stuffed spicy chile peper, a huge cake like square of potatoes and cheese, sweet potato chips, and a huge chunk of pork. I usually wouldnt order pork, but that is what came with the meal and it was good. It rememinded me of the meats in Germany, they all look a little scary but taste really good. This restaurant was a pretty fancy place. Pablos family usually comes here when they are in town. It was a large glass sun house, an open kitchen across the street with all the meats laying out to be cooked or served. A band stage was setting up and music started. Many celebrations were going on. A few birthdays were announced. And when the music started people got up to dance in the center floor. A few older couples, it was cute to watch them.
We talked about me going to Chile this weekend to get a new visa and how long the bus ride would be. We thought it was going to be another 10 hour bus ride, but when we got back to the bus station. They said it was 6 hours to Tacna, (boarder city) and another 40 minutes to get to the boarder. Ok, much better. The last bus to leave Arequipa was at 10pm.
We went back to Pablo´s families apartment to drop off my stuff. He gave me a set of keys and showed me where an internet place was. He had to go meet with his buisness partner about selling the potatoes he had brought to town the night before. I walked down the street to an internet place, and thankfully my mom was online and we could talk though Instant Messenger. (so handy that thing)
I told her my situtation about having to renew my passport visa, and after an hour or so talking to her, felt better. This probably was the best time to do it anyway, Ive already taken one 6 hour bus ride, this way i can break up the trip instead of trying to do it straight through. And i have a place to stay for free in Arequipa. Also, i found out some amazing news. I got my taxes return back and i am getting a good amount of money. More than ive ever got before. So i dont have to worry about traveling anymore. Im not going to go waste it, because i know i have a lot of bills to pay when i get back to the states. But at least i know i have some just incase. Its not a good feeling not having money.
After about 2 hours at the internet, i went back to the apartment, and Pablo wasnt there. I layed around and read for a while and figured by 9 i should get a taxi back to the bus station and go to Chile. I left pablo a note saying i was going to chile and ill be back early sunday. I realized i had no way of contacting him when i got back to i left him my email, and hopefully he will email me. He had told me his favorite futbol club was playing on sunday and that i should go see the game. So i was going to try and get back for that. When i lived in England, i never went to see a game, and i kind of regret it, so i think i will try to see one here in S. America.
So 915, and no Pablo, so i decided just to go. I walked outside the apartment just as a taxi was driving by. I waved him down and off to the bus station i went. Walked into the station, and I bus companies where yelling Tacna Tacna, and waving me over. They want to fill the bus before it leaves. So i got a good price and my ticket, and waited until 10 to leave. I was able to sleep the whole way, and arrived in Tacna at 4am. By 515, i was on another bus that takes me across the boarder and helps you get stamped out of Peru and stamped into Chile. Its pretty easy. Another 30 minutes and i was in Arica, Chile´s bus terminal.
On this bus, which was full, I sat in the back between a large Momasita woman, who seems to have a comment on everyting, or by the tone of her voice, a complaint. I watched as she pulled a hair that was tangled around her erring, and used it as floss. Sitting to my right, was a older, potbelly man, saw the same thing and just turned to look out the window. I laughed.
Within minutes, I am in another country, 2 hours time difference, they use pesos, and i find myself once again at the beach and out of the mountains. This transition was so fast and took me a while to get used to it. Also, Chilians speak so much faster spanish. It was about 8 Peru and 10 Chile time. I was so tired and didnt know what to do. I was too overwhelmed, and really didnt want to spend too much money since Chile is a lot more expencive. So i just started walking. A few blocks down, i found a mini mall with restaurants, internet, and a small bread shop that was the only thing open. So i bought some bread and a large water, asked how far it was to the beach, only 20 minute walk, and decided to spend the day at the beach.
I arrived at the beach and it was still quite and cloudy. Two guys were out on surfboards, but the new ones where you stand on the board and use a paddle to push you. I sat on some rocks, as slowly more cars showed up as more people pulled out surfboards. The waves were small, so not really surfing material. I sit watching, as i see fish jumping, birds floating, and a little seals head pops up to take a look around.
I moved down the beach to laydown in the sand. Slowly, more people began to fill the beach, but never got really crowded. I read, slept, and wished i had my swimsuit with. The sun was hot, and i had to keep reapplying sunscrean. After i while, it was too hot so i went for a walk to find some shade. I found a park and sat on the swings for a while. I really do think swings are my favorite! Then went back and walked along the shore line. The water felt so nice and cool. I walked further down the coast to where only a few people and kids were. After a while, i realized that the kids and 2 guys with them, where Americans. I never did talk to them to find out where they were from, but figured they were on holiday since there was a huge hotel right behing us.
Finally around 5pm, as the sun was starting to go down. I figured it would be best to head back to the little mall i first found. Get some food, use the internet and waste some time. One of the open shops was a betting place and horse races were on the tv. So i stood there with a large group of old men, who were all betting on the races. I got an email from Pablo and i was to call him when i got back to the bus station. The futbol game was at 130, so try to get there before then.
I ordered a hamburger con fritas, and when it came it was probably the biggest burger ive ever seen. The bun itself was wider than my hand. I had no problem eating the whole thing, since all i really had to eat all day was bread and an apple. Around 10, i walked back to the bus terminal. Asked what times the buses left and decided to wait until early morning before crossing over. I knew i had to wait a day before entering Peru again but i wasnt sure if it had to be exactly 24 hours.
Finding a bench, i layed and slept a few hours here and there. Most of the other people were on the other side of the building, so i felt safe where i was. Finally around 4am Peruvian time, some other backpackers arrived. They were going to take a taxi across the boarder, so i got in with them. It costs a little more, but i had to make sure to get back to Arequipa before 1. I met another California guy and a German girl. We made it through the boarders with no problems, and i got another 90 visa stamped in my passport. !!!!
Made it back to the Tacna bus terminal in time to catch the 630 bus. This would get me back to Arequipa by 1230, time for food and a cerveza before the game.
Ive never really cared how long the bus takes, but since this time i had to meet Pablo, i wanted it to be on time. Thats the thing with Peru and South America in general. They run on their own time. This bus inparticular had other problems. Finally leaving the station hour late, we stopped outside of the city and had to turn around and come back to switch buses. I have no idea whats going on, and hope this bus will just go and hurry up. It funny that all the people on the bus are stomping and yelling ´Vamos´, and ´Rapido´... Lets go and Faster!
Out of the city we stop at the same place as before and have another problem. People started to get off to find out whats going on, as they are all gathered around bickering, as it looks like. I really had to go to the bathroom and i didnt want to sit on the bus for 6 hours. So i got off and ran to the back side of the bus. No one saw me and i felt so much better. haha Ok, lets get this bus going and make up some time.
As i tried to sleep, I get woken up as the bus makes more stops. We were at custums and had to pull out my passport. This bus was taking forever and i was not going to make it back intime. Sitting next to me, was a nice older man and we tried to have a conversation. He ended up getting off a lot sooner than Arequipa and he shook my hand and said goodbye. I then curled up on the seat and went back to sleep.
Finally around 230, we get to Arequipa, and the guy sitting in front of me wakes me up and tells me we are in Arequipa. Finally. I found a phone to call Pablo, but his phone was turned off. ok now what. I dont have the address to the apartment and not sure what i should do. I ask where there is internet, and i go back into the bus terminal. I find some internet in a small restaurant and checked to see if Pablo emailed me at all. Nope. I check to see what times the next buses leave to go back to Cabanaconde, 4 and 430. So i had time to wait and decide what i was going to do. I sat down and ordered a cerveza!!! yes, relax and think. I figured the game would be over around 330, so 340 i tried to call again and if i wasnt able to get ahold of Pablo, i would get the 430 bus back to cabanconde. Well at 340, luckily and thankfully, i was able to get ahold of Pablo, and he came to meet me at the bus station. I really didnt want to get onto another 6 hour bus ride.
So we left the station, and went to get some food. We were only a couple of blocks away from the Plaza de Armas so we walked down there. There they have a huge amazingly, beautiful Cathedral and was having a huge ceremony outside as it is the beginning of their easter celebration. They have a week long celebration. So we walked into the church. I bought 2 purple candles for 1sole (30cents), one for me and my family, and one for PAblo and his family. The church was full of people inside, and they started to carry around a huge statue of jesus.
It was a nice early evening as we walked around a bit more and into another church. Here we were able to light the candles. So i light one for all my friends and family! Finally, we decided to head back to the apartment. I was going to take a nap and then we were going to see a movie. I wanted to see Alice in Wonderland, even if it was in spanish. But i was so tired, i only woke up at 1130. I figured Pablo was sleeping, so i went back to sleep and woke up at 6am, 7, and finally got up at 8. I was so tired.
We made a delicous breakfast of eggs, fruit salad, bread, yogart, leftover pork from the other day, and sweetpotatoes fried. So delicios. Im getting the 2pm bus back to Cabanaconde today. And as part of my job, meet any tourists and bring them with me back to my hostel.
Ill spend another week in Cabanaconde and witness all the festivites of the holiday, then go to the oasis for a week. And who knows after that!
I had heard from a tourist that i could go to some office in Arequipa to renew my passport visa without having to go to the Bolivian or chile boarder. I talked to Pablo,my boss, and he called his brother who lives in Arequipa to find out. They told me yes, so on Friday I got on the 630am bus leaving Cabanaconde and arriving to Arequipa 6 hours later. Pablo met me at the bus station, and he called his brother to find out which office we needed to go to. This is when we found out, it was not possible. I had to go to the boarder. I was a bit upset and didnt know what to do now. Pablo had offered to take me to a place with traditional Peruvian food, so we decided just to go eat and have some cervezas. I thought the cervezas would calm me down, but they didnt. All i wanted to do it call home or hopefully talk to my mom on line. It has been almost 2 weeks since i talked to anyone live, and i really needed the comfort from home.
The Pervian food was amazing. No rice or pasta. I finally had a real rocoto relleno, stuffed spicy chile peper, a huge cake like square of potatoes and cheese, sweet potato chips, and a huge chunk of pork. I usually wouldnt order pork, but that is what came with the meal and it was good. It rememinded me of the meats in Germany, they all look a little scary but taste really good. This restaurant was a pretty fancy place. Pablos family usually comes here when they are in town. It was a large glass sun house, an open kitchen across the street with all the meats laying out to be cooked or served. A band stage was setting up and music started. Many celebrations were going on. A few birthdays were announced. And when the music started people got up to dance in the center floor. A few older couples, it was cute to watch them.
We talked about me going to Chile this weekend to get a new visa and how long the bus ride would be. We thought it was going to be another 10 hour bus ride, but when we got back to the bus station. They said it was 6 hours to Tacna, (boarder city) and another 40 minutes to get to the boarder. Ok, much better. The last bus to leave Arequipa was at 10pm.
We went back to Pablo´s families apartment to drop off my stuff. He gave me a set of keys and showed me where an internet place was. He had to go meet with his buisness partner about selling the potatoes he had brought to town the night before. I walked down the street to an internet place, and thankfully my mom was online and we could talk though Instant Messenger. (so handy that thing)
I told her my situtation about having to renew my passport visa, and after an hour or so talking to her, felt better. This probably was the best time to do it anyway, Ive already taken one 6 hour bus ride, this way i can break up the trip instead of trying to do it straight through. And i have a place to stay for free in Arequipa. Also, i found out some amazing news. I got my taxes return back and i am getting a good amount of money. More than ive ever got before. So i dont have to worry about traveling anymore. Im not going to go waste it, because i know i have a lot of bills to pay when i get back to the states. But at least i know i have some just incase. Its not a good feeling not having money.
After about 2 hours at the internet, i went back to the apartment, and Pablo wasnt there. I layed around and read for a while and figured by 9 i should get a taxi back to the bus station and go to Chile. I left pablo a note saying i was going to chile and ill be back early sunday. I realized i had no way of contacting him when i got back to i left him my email, and hopefully he will email me. He had told me his favorite futbol club was playing on sunday and that i should go see the game. So i was going to try and get back for that. When i lived in England, i never went to see a game, and i kind of regret it, so i think i will try to see one here in S. America.
So 915, and no Pablo, so i decided just to go. I walked outside the apartment just as a taxi was driving by. I waved him down and off to the bus station i went. Walked into the station, and I bus companies where yelling Tacna Tacna, and waving me over. They want to fill the bus before it leaves. So i got a good price and my ticket, and waited until 10 to leave. I was able to sleep the whole way, and arrived in Tacna at 4am. By 515, i was on another bus that takes me across the boarder and helps you get stamped out of Peru and stamped into Chile. Its pretty easy. Another 30 minutes and i was in Arica, Chile´s bus terminal.
On this bus, which was full, I sat in the back between a large Momasita woman, who seems to have a comment on everyting, or by the tone of her voice, a complaint. I watched as she pulled a hair that was tangled around her erring, and used it as floss. Sitting to my right, was a older, potbelly man, saw the same thing and just turned to look out the window. I laughed.
Within minutes, I am in another country, 2 hours time difference, they use pesos, and i find myself once again at the beach and out of the mountains. This transition was so fast and took me a while to get used to it. Also, Chilians speak so much faster spanish. It was about 8 Peru and 10 Chile time. I was so tired and didnt know what to do. I was too overwhelmed, and really didnt want to spend too much money since Chile is a lot more expencive. So i just started walking. A few blocks down, i found a mini mall with restaurants, internet, and a small bread shop that was the only thing open. So i bought some bread and a large water, asked how far it was to the beach, only 20 minute walk, and decided to spend the day at the beach.
I arrived at the beach and it was still quite and cloudy. Two guys were out on surfboards, but the new ones where you stand on the board and use a paddle to push you. I sat on some rocks, as slowly more cars showed up as more people pulled out surfboards. The waves were small, so not really surfing material. I sit watching, as i see fish jumping, birds floating, and a little seals head pops up to take a look around.
I moved down the beach to laydown in the sand. Slowly, more people began to fill the beach, but never got really crowded. I read, slept, and wished i had my swimsuit with. The sun was hot, and i had to keep reapplying sunscrean. After i while, it was too hot so i went for a walk to find some shade. I found a park and sat on the swings for a while. I really do think swings are my favorite! Then went back and walked along the shore line. The water felt so nice and cool. I walked further down the coast to where only a few people and kids were. After a while, i realized that the kids and 2 guys with them, where Americans. I never did talk to them to find out where they were from, but figured they were on holiday since there was a huge hotel right behing us.
Finally around 5pm, as the sun was starting to go down. I figured it would be best to head back to the little mall i first found. Get some food, use the internet and waste some time. One of the open shops was a betting place and horse races were on the tv. So i stood there with a large group of old men, who were all betting on the races. I got an email from Pablo and i was to call him when i got back to the bus station. The futbol game was at 130, so try to get there before then.
I ordered a hamburger con fritas, and when it came it was probably the biggest burger ive ever seen. The bun itself was wider than my hand. I had no problem eating the whole thing, since all i really had to eat all day was bread and an apple. Around 10, i walked back to the bus terminal. Asked what times the buses left and decided to wait until early morning before crossing over. I knew i had to wait a day before entering Peru again but i wasnt sure if it had to be exactly 24 hours.
Finding a bench, i layed and slept a few hours here and there. Most of the other people were on the other side of the building, so i felt safe where i was. Finally around 4am Peruvian time, some other backpackers arrived. They were going to take a taxi across the boarder, so i got in with them. It costs a little more, but i had to make sure to get back to Arequipa before 1. I met another California guy and a German girl. We made it through the boarders with no problems, and i got another 90 visa stamped in my passport. !!!!
Made it back to the Tacna bus terminal in time to catch the 630 bus. This would get me back to Arequipa by 1230, time for food and a cerveza before the game.
Ive never really cared how long the bus takes, but since this time i had to meet Pablo, i wanted it to be on time. Thats the thing with Peru and South America in general. They run on their own time. This bus inparticular had other problems. Finally leaving the station hour late, we stopped outside of the city and had to turn around and come back to switch buses. I have no idea whats going on, and hope this bus will just go and hurry up. It funny that all the people on the bus are stomping and yelling ´Vamos´, and ´Rapido´... Lets go and Faster!
Out of the city we stop at the same place as before and have another problem. People started to get off to find out whats going on, as they are all gathered around bickering, as it looks like. I really had to go to the bathroom and i didnt want to sit on the bus for 6 hours. So i got off and ran to the back side of the bus. No one saw me and i felt so much better. haha Ok, lets get this bus going and make up some time.
As i tried to sleep, I get woken up as the bus makes more stops. We were at custums and had to pull out my passport. This bus was taking forever and i was not going to make it back intime. Sitting next to me, was a nice older man and we tried to have a conversation. He ended up getting off a lot sooner than Arequipa and he shook my hand and said goodbye. I then curled up on the seat and went back to sleep.
Finally around 230, we get to Arequipa, and the guy sitting in front of me wakes me up and tells me we are in Arequipa. Finally. I found a phone to call Pablo, but his phone was turned off. ok now what. I dont have the address to the apartment and not sure what i should do. I ask where there is internet, and i go back into the bus terminal. I find some internet in a small restaurant and checked to see if Pablo emailed me at all. Nope. I check to see what times the next buses leave to go back to Cabanaconde, 4 and 430. So i had time to wait and decide what i was going to do. I sat down and ordered a cerveza!!! yes, relax and think. I figured the game would be over around 330, so 340 i tried to call again and if i wasnt able to get ahold of Pablo, i would get the 430 bus back to cabanconde. Well at 340, luckily and thankfully, i was able to get ahold of Pablo, and he came to meet me at the bus station. I really didnt want to get onto another 6 hour bus ride.
So we left the station, and went to get some food. We were only a couple of blocks away from the Plaza de Armas so we walked down there. There they have a huge amazingly, beautiful Cathedral and was having a huge ceremony outside as it is the beginning of their easter celebration. They have a week long celebration. So we walked into the church. I bought 2 purple candles for 1sole (30cents), one for me and my family, and one for PAblo and his family. The church was full of people inside, and they started to carry around a huge statue of jesus.
It was a nice early evening as we walked around a bit more and into another church. Here we were able to light the candles. So i light one for all my friends and family! Finally, we decided to head back to the apartment. I was going to take a nap and then we were going to see a movie. I wanted to see Alice in Wonderland, even if it was in spanish. But i was so tired, i only woke up at 1130. I figured Pablo was sleeping, so i went back to sleep and woke up at 6am, 7, and finally got up at 8. I was so tired.
We made a delicous breakfast of eggs, fruit salad, bread, yogart, leftover pork from the other day, and sweetpotatoes fried. So delicios. Im getting the 2pm bus back to Cabanaconde today. And as part of my job, meet any tourists and bring them with me back to my hostel.
Ill spend another week in Cabanaconde and witness all the festivites of the holiday, then go to the oasis for a week. And who knows after that!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Mother Nature
As i sat at the bottom of the canyon, i had plenty of time to think, write, and do nothing. I mentioned earlier in a blog, i was going to talk to Mother Nature to see what she had to say. This is what i came up with.
I sit with Mother Nature and absorb her beauty. A small creek flows before me with no idea where it goes. Birds fly, flowers bloom, with a smell of sweet perfume.
I sit with Mother Nature as she speaks to me. Why are you hurting, i ask? Is it the people who abuse you and destroy you? Slowly we are learning and trying to take back our damage. No? Then why all the earthquakes, tsunamis, and flooding lately?
There is a change, a shift that needs to occur. It may hurt at first but will be better in the end. You´ll strengthen and see what there is to be. Keep going and continue with the flow-as we all will become a better person, each day we grow.
I sit with Mother Nature as she cries, for she is sad. to see the destruction her shifting has caused. But the good of the people have risen and we forget our place, as we all become one. Together we recreate- a new home, new school, a new community. And together we´ve grown. A special place in our hearts will always remember those memories we share, as we continue on to live, no matter where.
I sit with Mother Nature as she begins to smile, because she knows someday soon she will be happy to see a child´s laughter, a puppy playing, and people loving once again. As she knows she will continue to rotate and flow, as will our lives once more.
I sit with Mother Nature and i know i am safe. For my love for her and her love for me will never break. She has so much to offer- her beauty and strength. I only hope to continue to appreciate, what i can not create!
I sit with Mother Nature and absorb her beauty. A small creek flows before me with no idea where it goes. Birds fly, flowers bloom, with a smell of sweet perfume.
I sit with Mother Nature as she speaks to me. Why are you hurting, i ask? Is it the people who abuse you and destroy you? Slowly we are learning and trying to take back our damage. No? Then why all the earthquakes, tsunamis, and flooding lately?
There is a change, a shift that needs to occur. It may hurt at first but will be better in the end. You´ll strengthen and see what there is to be. Keep going and continue with the flow-as we all will become a better person, each day we grow.
I sit with Mother Nature as she cries, for she is sad. to see the destruction her shifting has caused. But the good of the people have risen and we forget our place, as we all become one. Together we recreate- a new home, new school, a new community. And together we´ve grown. A special place in our hearts will always remember those memories we share, as we continue on to live, no matter where.
I sit with Mother Nature as she begins to smile, because she knows someday soon she will be happy to see a child´s laughter, a puppy playing, and people loving once again. As she knows she will continue to rotate and flow, as will our lives once more.
I sit with Mother Nature and i know i am safe. For my love for her and her love for me will never break. She has so much to offer- her beauty and strength. I only hope to continue to appreciate, what i can not create!
Friday, March 19, 2010
My very own Paradise! and no Gansta about it!
Here i am, alone at my own paradise resort. Sitting in front of a pool with 2 waterfalls flowing into the center of the pool. A chocolate lab pup played joyfully with a 5 gallon bucket and bamboo huts are spread out across the land. Mine is empty inside besides a doublesized bed and table. A firepit just waiting to be usd, and a bar with wood log seats and bottles of cervesas waiting to be woken alive with new storis and laughter through the night. 2 beautiful brown horses graze in the pasture in front of my hut. Now the puppy wont leave my side, as i throw raisens to get him away, he keeps coming back for more. Hundreds of dragonflies float above my head in the sky, moments later, they all disappear. Wishing now i didnt take my book out at the last minute to save room in my pack.
The sun is hidden and the clouds are rolling in. A few sprinkles drop and i hope it doesnt pour. The pool temp was chilly at first but felt warm after a few laps. It feels good to swim, epecially aftr hiking for 2.5 hours. I stare up at the mountains surrounding me knowing they are 1000 meters high or more. The reds, yellows, and orange rocks scattered with green, what looks like moss. A closer look shows cactus, flowers, and various plants, mis within the rocks. A few more sprinkles and the wind picks up. I move to another woodlog bench under a fruita tree. An old man and the same kid from before, come out of the kitchen and sit in the grass, as the puppy comes to play.
As night fell, complete darkness surrounds. No stars, moon, or light can be seen. I used my torch to follow a path throught the pasture past the horses, over a small crick, past the bar and swimming pool to the kitchen. Inside 3 candles stuck inside empty beer bottles, light the room with shadow dancers on the wall. The young boy was making dinner and i asked to help. All he had was a carrot to peal, so he let me do that. I sat on a small plactic stool, listening to nice relaxing music and trying to have a conversation with him in my broken spanish. He lives outside of Cuzco, has been working here at the Oasis logde for 3 months, plays the guitar, and would like to learn english and someday study-travel in the STates.
I invited him to eat with me so i wasnt eating alone, and he would just sit there. He brought over the DVD that was playing music and asked if i wanted to watch a movie. My options were, The day after tomorrow 1,2,or3, Independence day, or Apocolypse. I told him to choose. We watched the beginning of Day after Tomorrow 3 i think, and when we were finished eating, he asked if i wanted a bonfire. Yeah, if its not too much trouble. So we went out, and there were already sticks together just waiting to be light. Just after we got the fire going, it started to sprinkle. We sat there for a while, and when the rain picked up, we moved to sit under the bar. I sat and watched at the flames danced in the rain drops as the kid set up his DVD again and put on a Top Ballods Hits from the 80s. Sweet! I sat there watching all these videos to songs that, some i havent heard since the 80s. AFter a while of that, i decided to go to bed and walked back to my hut.
I woke up Thursday morning, with sunshine rays sneaking into my hut, the sound of the roaring river below me, and the snorting of the horses outside my door. I walked outside and as i was doing some yoga stretches, I noticed a huge boulder and a grassy clearing down below me. I grabbed my shoes and journal, and found a path down there. I was able to sit on this huge rock and see the raging river below. After a while, the sun finally peaked through the thick layer of fog, hidding the tops of the mountains that surround me. Already im not looking foward to the 3-4 hour hike back up to the top.
Sitting along side the pool with the warm sun on my back, i enjoy a cup of tea and bread and jam. The first tourists ive seen, walk down into the resort. They talk to the kid, buy a coke, and continue on some path. For some reason, i hvae no desire to find out where this path leads. Im quite content sitting next to the pool listening to the sounds of the waterfalls.
I found a cryptoquip game in my bag, thankful i found something to take up some of my time. Im even more thankful my brain is working and i can figure out the puzzle. ¨What is the system for overlaying plastic on a certain vowel? The process of E-lamination!!! haha. For some reason, earlier on my travels, i couldnt figure these out.
I look up to see some birds soaring along the cliffs of the mountains. Im guessing they are Condors, since they are famous around here. There is a certain tourist spot where at 6am and 6pm, if your lucky, you can see the condors soaring along through the currents of the wind. Another tourist attraction im not interested in seeing. But thankful i can see them right where im at.
I lay beside the pool on the concret slab, surprising that is is comfortable. I begin to daydream. I came up with a pleasant idea. What if i did go home early from my travels. I would hopefully be able to find some work and spend a month or two with my friends and family. Then after a while, continue on traveling to other places that ive thought about. As much as i love to travel, i do miss home and sadly i ran out of money before i ran out of time. In the time ive spent in South America, ive been lucky to see Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Ill probably have to make another trip to see the rest of Chile, Argentina, Uruaguay and Brazil.
I got a message from a friend i had traveled with in Colombia. When i said i was just getting to the Colca Canyon. She said, Wow, your a slow traveler, i was there 6 weeks ago. I realized, that yes, i probably could have seen more countries on this trip if i moved faster, but i dont consider myself the typical touristic traveler. i like to become apart of the culture and if i find a place that is truely amazing with the culture, nature, and people. I like to stay and enjoy it. And not just stay a day or two just to say ive been there. I can truely say, i have lived and been apart of some amazing places and some amazing peoples lives.
3 more tourists walk down the steps into the resort. I noticed one girl was limping. I went to the bathroom and when i came back, she was sitting alone on the grass. I walked up to her and asked what happened. She had sprained her ankle the night before and rode a horse down the canyon. Its quite expensive and didnt want to pay for a horse ride up, so i offered to look at her ankle. No questions asked, she said yes. Already it was pretty swollen and tender. I gently worked to put the fibula back into place and checked a few other bones. It was a minor sprain. I asked if she knew what arnica was, and to my surprise she did and had some with her. Ive found a lot of travelers know about arnica, mainly because most of them are European. I told her a few things she can do to help it heal and wrapped her ankle back up in the bandage. When she stood, she already could put more weight on it and be stable. It was still tender, but already felt a little better. Hopefully it will heal fast for her. I said goodbye and walked to my hut to lay down for a bit before getting the motiviation to hike back up the canyon.
Walking up took me 3 hours, most tourists 4. Along the way, i met three different Peruvians. At various times, we would all stop to rest as the other would pass. Fianlly i came up to some rocks where all 3 of the were sitting. So i sat down with them. An older man with only 2 lower teeth asked me where i was from. He continued to tell some story as he laughed and had a twinkle in his eyes. I found a lot of Peruvians all have beautiful eyes full of life and stories. No matter how old, rugged, or poor they look. Their eyes are amazingly happy. He had a thicker accent so i didnt understand most of what he was saying, but i still laughed because he was laughing at his own story.
I stood up, stretched, and continue on. I said, Hasta luego, meaning, ill see you later, because i knew when ever they would start walking, they would catch up to me. Finally, i made it to the top and did my own little victory dance. As i turned around, 2 of the Peruvians were right behind me. I said, Finito! and they both laughed! Now an level, rocky path back to Cabanaconde for about 25 minutes. Walking behind the Peruvians, I couldnt even keep up to them on level ground. I dont know how they walk to fast, when they look so slow.
Back at the hostel, I met Jamel, Pablos brother, and he fixed me a cup of coca tea. I had found a broken, old rusted horseshoe on the trail and gave it to him for decoration of the hostel. We sat there talking, and i had my coca leaves out on the table. A Peruvian tradition, is to read the coca leaves to see the future. He dropped a few leaves on the table and picked on up. He said this leave resembles the shape of the heart,meaning love, and the tip of the leave was bent foward meaning, i have loved this much of my life so far. Which was kinda of sad, because it was only a little bit, but the rest of the leave showed how much i will love in the future. Also, since the shape of the leave resembled the heart, and a strong line down the center showed good health and wealth in the future. Not sure if this is true, but sounds great! Ill take it!
After i showered and cleaned up, i met with Pablo in the restaurant and he explained to me all the tourist info i would need to know. He said if i worked for one week in the restuarant and attracted tourists of the buses when they came in, i can get 3 days off to spend in the canyon. Either doing more of the hiking or just relaxing at the Oasis. Tired already from just the 3 hour hike, i think i might just take it easy and do the small trails around the Oasis hostel.
This place is amazing, and i meet new tourists that come into the restaurant everyday. I get to give them info i know, and learn about places they have been. Also, i get to sleep and eat for free. How amazing. Im so happy, i took the chance to just ask about working for my accomodation. I feel very fortunate that Pablo took me in!
The sun is hidden and the clouds are rolling in. A few sprinkles drop and i hope it doesnt pour. The pool temp was chilly at first but felt warm after a few laps. It feels good to swim, epecially aftr hiking for 2.5 hours. I stare up at the mountains surrounding me knowing they are 1000 meters high or more. The reds, yellows, and orange rocks scattered with green, what looks like moss. A closer look shows cactus, flowers, and various plants, mis within the rocks. A few more sprinkles and the wind picks up. I move to another woodlog bench under a fruita tree. An old man and the same kid from before, come out of the kitchen and sit in the grass, as the puppy comes to play.
As night fell, complete darkness surrounds. No stars, moon, or light can be seen. I used my torch to follow a path throught the pasture past the horses, over a small crick, past the bar and swimming pool to the kitchen. Inside 3 candles stuck inside empty beer bottles, light the room with shadow dancers on the wall. The young boy was making dinner and i asked to help. All he had was a carrot to peal, so he let me do that. I sat on a small plactic stool, listening to nice relaxing music and trying to have a conversation with him in my broken spanish. He lives outside of Cuzco, has been working here at the Oasis logde for 3 months, plays the guitar, and would like to learn english and someday study-travel in the STates.
I invited him to eat with me so i wasnt eating alone, and he would just sit there. He brought over the DVD that was playing music and asked if i wanted to watch a movie. My options were, The day after tomorrow 1,2,or3, Independence day, or Apocolypse. I told him to choose. We watched the beginning of Day after Tomorrow 3 i think, and when we were finished eating, he asked if i wanted a bonfire. Yeah, if its not too much trouble. So we went out, and there were already sticks together just waiting to be light. Just after we got the fire going, it started to sprinkle. We sat there for a while, and when the rain picked up, we moved to sit under the bar. I sat and watched at the flames danced in the rain drops as the kid set up his DVD again and put on a Top Ballods Hits from the 80s. Sweet! I sat there watching all these videos to songs that, some i havent heard since the 80s. AFter a while of that, i decided to go to bed and walked back to my hut.
I woke up Thursday morning, with sunshine rays sneaking into my hut, the sound of the roaring river below me, and the snorting of the horses outside my door. I walked outside and as i was doing some yoga stretches, I noticed a huge boulder and a grassy clearing down below me. I grabbed my shoes and journal, and found a path down there. I was able to sit on this huge rock and see the raging river below. After a while, the sun finally peaked through the thick layer of fog, hidding the tops of the mountains that surround me. Already im not looking foward to the 3-4 hour hike back up to the top.
Sitting along side the pool with the warm sun on my back, i enjoy a cup of tea and bread and jam. The first tourists ive seen, walk down into the resort. They talk to the kid, buy a coke, and continue on some path. For some reason, i hvae no desire to find out where this path leads. Im quite content sitting next to the pool listening to the sounds of the waterfalls.
I found a cryptoquip game in my bag, thankful i found something to take up some of my time. Im even more thankful my brain is working and i can figure out the puzzle. ¨What is the system for overlaying plastic on a certain vowel? The process of E-lamination!!! haha. For some reason, earlier on my travels, i couldnt figure these out.
I look up to see some birds soaring along the cliffs of the mountains. Im guessing they are Condors, since they are famous around here. There is a certain tourist spot where at 6am and 6pm, if your lucky, you can see the condors soaring along through the currents of the wind. Another tourist attraction im not interested in seeing. But thankful i can see them right where im at.
I lay beside the pool on the concret slab, surprising that is is comfortable. I begin to daydream. I came up with a pleasant idea. What if i did go home early from my travels. I would hopefully be able to find some work and spend a month or two with my friends and family. Then after a while, continue on traveling to other places that ive thought about. As much as i love to travel, i do miss home and sadly i ran out of money before i ran out of time. In the time ive spent in South America, ive been lucky to see Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Ill probably have to make another trip to see the rest of Chile, Argentina, Uruaguay and Brazil.
I got a message from a friend i had traveled with in Colombia. When i said i was just getting to the Colca Canyon. She said, Wow, your a slow traveler, i was there 6 weeks ago. I realized, that yes, i probably could have seen more countries on this trip if i moved faster, but i dont consider myself the typical touristic traveler. i like to become apart of the culture and if i find a place that is truely amazing with the culture, nature, and people. I like to stay and enjoy it. And not just stay a day or two just to say ive been there. I can truely say, i have lived and been apart of some amazing places and some amazing peoples lives.
3 more tourists walk down the steps into the resort. I noticed one girl was limping. I went to the bathroom and when i came back, she was sitting alone on the grass. I walked up to her and asked what happened. She had sprained her ankle the night before and rode a horse down the canyon. Its quite expensive and didnt want to pay for a horse ride up, so i offered to look at her ankle. No questions asked, she said yes. Already it was pretty swollen and tender. I gently worked to put the fibula back into place and checked a few other bones. It was a minor sprain. I asked if she knew what arnica was, and to my surprise she did and had some with her. Ive found a lot of travelers know about arnica, mainly because most of them are European. I told her a few things she can do to help it heal and wrapped her ankle back up in the bandage. When she stood, she already could put more weight on it and be stable. It was still tender, but already felt a little better. Hopefully it will heal fast for her. I said goodbye and walked to my hut to lay down for a bit before getting the motiviation to hike back up the canyon.
Walking up took me 3 hours, most tourists 4. Along the way, i met three different Peruvians. At various times, we would all stop to rest as the other would pass. Fianlly i came up to some rocks where all 3 of the were sitting. So i sat down with them. An older man with only 2 lower teeth asked me where i was from. He continued to tell some story as he laughed and had a twinkle in his eyes. I found a lot of Peruvians all have beautiful eyes full of life and stories. No matter how old, rugged, or poor they look. Their eyes are amazingly happy. He had a thicker accent so i didnt understand most of what he was saying, but i still laughed because he was laughing at his own story.
I stood up, stretched, and continue on. I said, Hasta luego, meaning, ill see you later, because i knew when ever they would start walking, they would catch up to me. Finally, i made it to the top and did my own little victory dance. As i turned around, 2 of the Peruvians were right behind me. I said, Finito! and they both laughed! Now an level, rocky path back to Cabanaconde for about 25 minutes. Walking behind the Peruvians, I couldnt even keep up to them on level ground. I dont know how they walk to fast, when they look so slow.
Back at the hostel, I met Jamel, Pablos brother, and he fixed me a cup of coca tea. I had found a broken, old rusted horseshoe on the trail and gave it to him for decoration of the hostel. We sat there talking, and i had my coca leaves out on the table. A Peruvian tradition, is to read the coca leaves to see the future. He dropped a few leaves on the table and picked on up. He said this leave resembles the shape of the heart,meaning love, and the tip of the leave was bent foward meaning, i have loved this much of my life so far. Which was kinda of sad, because it was only a little bit, but the rest of the leave showed how much i will love in the future. Also, since the shape of the leave resembled the heart, and a strong line down the center showed good health and wealth in the future. Not sure if this is true, but sounds great! Ill take it!
After i showered and cleaned up, i met with Pablo in the restaurant and he explained to me all the tourist info i would need to know. He said if i worked for one week in the restuarant and attracted tourists of the buses when they came in, i can get 3 days off to spend in the canyon. Either doing more of the hiking or just relaxing at the Oasis. Tired already from just the 3 hour hike, i think i might just take it easy and do the small trails around the Oasis hostel.
This place is amazing, and i meet new tourists that come into the restaurant everyday. I get to give them info i know, and learn about places they have been. Also, i get to sleep and eat for free. How amazing. Im so happy, i took the chance to just ask about working for my accomodation. I feel very fortunate that Pablo took me in!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
