We have arrive in buenos Aries after one final day in la Serena where gelys and matthieu took u to coquimbo. There we went to the fish market (charlottes paradise) where Gelys picked put seafood like a pro. Unfortuneatley the day was really ba weather so our original trip even further south we opted out of. Instead we had a day of grooming with a manicure and hair wash followed by a nice coffee. No complaints here. Gelys then cooked an awesome paella and fideua.
It took pretty much a day of traveling but we arrived in our beautiful Marriott plaza hotel where it's hard to forget we're in a budget and are "backpacking". (thanks again mom and dad).
Charlotte well tell you our start to buenos aires hasn't Been in my favor. The 140$ reciprocity fee made me more ma than anxious about arrivig in Argentina. (of course the French girl was let right in, no questions asked). Then yesterday was a national holiday(something we didn't figure out till like 3pm), meaning almost everything was closed... So we walked around and luckily the shops were open. The late afternoon was spent at the gym and jacuzzi then Off to dinner. One of the most expensive dinners either of us have been too without the credit card of a relative or boyfriend. Charlotte was amazed that they would come around and pour our wine into our glasses when our glass looked empty. But it was delicious.
Today, again this country is laughing at me. I had a whole list planned. The museum was closed for renovation, the other one closed on Tuesday, the casa de la culture is open only for tours on Saturdays, the palacios Barolo has tours only on thursdays. We did walk through the cathedral, have a yummy Peruvian lunch, go to La Boca neighborhood (which was so awesome), tour the Palacio del Congresso (even though the tour was in Spanish), and have overpriced cider at the oldest cafe in town. Overall a good day despite all the setbacks and things we've rearranged to visit later on.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
We have been super spoiled in our time here in la Serena. Gelys and Matthieu took us out for a fabulous dinner on Wednesday after Gelys took us out to see downtown. Dinner was a nice break from the pasta and salt we have cooked 4 times already since we've been here... Yesterday Charlie and walked on the beach (super romantic bonding time) and went downtown to the archeological museum and saw the only one of those big statues on Easter island that's outside of Easter island. So that was very cool. We went to Gelys and Matthieus old house (gelys's palace as it used to be called) and had a salsa lesson with some peeps. That was very cool and were glad we got to see the mansion we would have been staying in. Then we went out for drinks with some oftheir friends. Gelys and Matthieu are great! Again they have spoiled us. At drinks they were showing up the band with their super cool dance moves. It was quite hilarious and cute.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Pisco Elqui
Charlotte and I have returned from our petit sojourn to the pisco elqui valley. We spent two nights there. It was ery peaceful and beautiful. Unfortuneatly we didn't think to bring any food.. And we were kinda in the middle of no where. We did find a resteraunt our dirt mght, luckily. In the morning we toured a pisco vineyard and then had an empanadas lunch. We then read by the pool and played with their dogs! They were so cute!!! We didn't want to go out again for dinner so we ate the Trader Joes Nuts j had in my bag... And drank water.
In the morning we drove to the observatuory for the tour charlottes aunt set up. That was really cool and up in these beautiful snowey mountains.. Then we drove back to la Serena and charlottes aunb and uncle are in town!! So now we get to go have dinner with them and I get to meet them!!! Yay :)
In the morning we drove to the observatuory for the tour charlottes aunt set up. That was really cool and up in these beautiful snowey mountains.. Then we drove back to la Serena and charlottes aunb and uncle are in town!! So now we get to go have dinner with them and I get to meet them!!! Yay :)
Sunday, June 12, 2011
La Serena
Our time in la Serena has been amazing so far! Gelys's work friend picked us up at the airport and made sure we got situated in our hostal and gave us food got us a cell phone and we got to hang out with him his girlfriend. We later met his cousin and one of his friend who bought us the best news ever. He'll be ou of town all week and we can use his apartment, beach front. Today Martin took us to get our rental car (which I drove almost flawlessly!) and got our bags from our hostal and moved into our new sweet apartment. We owe him big time.
Earlier today we just hung out, Charlotte made a pair of sandals withthe owner of our hostal. So we widdled away durin the afternoon and Charlie has a very new cute pair of shoes.
So tomorrow we go to Pisco Elqui to stay for two nights incabins in the valley! We are so spoiled here....
That's all for now! Huge thanks to charlottes aunt and uncle!!! All their friends are so great here!!
Earlier today we just hung out, Charlotte made a pair of sandals withthe owner of our hostal. So we widdled away durin the afternoon and Charlie has a very new cute pair of shoes.
So tomorrow we go to Pisco Elqui to stay for two nights incabins in the valley! We are so spoiled here....
That's all for now! Huge thanks to charlottes aunt and uncle!!! All their friends are so great here!!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Santiago
Charlotte and I are on our way to la Serena after two days in Santiago. Fun city with lots of walking, sight seeing, and people meeting. Nothing much to say but that were looking forward to a week filled with activities in charlottes aunt and uncles ex-residency.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Into the Amazon
The jungle.
Day 1: I'm not sure i will survive. We got to our lodge at lunch time. The place is really nice, our bungalow is as if were outside, the walls are wood and mosquitoes netting. Really nice bathroom though, thank god. Charlotte put it nicely, upscale camping.
We went out on a boat tour and saw lots of birds, a sloath, monkeys and grey dolphins. Charlotte has decided she's overthe bugs, I however am not, yet she refuses to take on the role as my protector.
Coming back there was a tranjula. The English girl screamed. I didn't but am going to be permanently petrified for 6 days.
We also went on a night boat ride after dinner. Scariest thing ever. I was worried we weren't gonna see anything but eventually we did. Like Dixon in Africa who spotted a leopard somehow, Moises (our guide for the week) did the same with a caimen. Except in the dark, in the water, with a little flashlight, and he reached into the water and caugt it.
It had a tail bitten off by a pirhana... Water which supposedly one day we swim in.
Day 2: morning bird watching boat tour. it was nice and cool and a fun mornig excersion. After breakfast trek trough the jungle. It was hot and literally every part of your body needs to be covered, by thinck things. Moises said my pants were too thin, I had to wear jeans (yep hiked the Amazonian jungle in my true religions). We were wearing raincoats, hoods up and rubber boots. Parents bring bandanas or light scarfs to wrap around your face abd neck. We saw monkeys, giant tree rat, and crazy ants. After lunch we went out on the little boat, and we were stuck in the middle of the river in the pouring rain. Like pellets falling from the sky. Neither of us have experienced anything like it. We got soaked, but charlotte and i just laughed the whole time (Charlotte would like to I've a shout out to Mark- the panchi came in handy). It finally cleared out and we fished for pirahnas. Charlotte and I both caught two each that were big enough to eat. We had them with dinner. We ate pirahnas. I ate a pirahna eye. Yep.
After dinne we did a short ish hike throught the jungle. It's dark. It was like being in the bat mangrove in Singapore but I couldn't get out. I rarely express discontent when im traveling, but I hated that. I would rather hike the inca trail again than do that again. (I donnonif it's clear from the blog how hard the Inc trail was and how much I never want to do it again). I don't know why treking at night lookig for taranjulas and there cousin the scorpian was a good idea. Never again. Charlotte was more embrassing of the situation, at least we can say we did it.
Day 3: it poured all night. We were supposed to go for our all day excursion right after breakfast but it was still pouring in the morning. We waited until it slowed down, and went out around ten. We cruised around, looking at birds, slothes and monkeys. We then made our way to the main channel o the amazon to go look at the pink dolphins. We found them, they were all over popping up. It was so cool. We had lunch right along the side, a little picknik while we watched the dolphins. Then it was swimming time. We took the boat out and got the dolphins to come back, then jumped in! Charlotte of course, did not join. But I did it was awesome. Dolphins like 10 feet away. Then we cruised and saw the bug iguanas then to the giant Lilly pads. It was soooo beautiful. I loved it. Charlotte was a little confused why were looking at big leafs. Thennit was back to the lodge. Me and the couple on our group went out to watch the sunset, I felt I was intruding on their date but oh well, it was beautiful. Then dinner then a night boat excursion. We saw another caimon (that he brought into the boat and I held, Charlotte was too scared even though it was her idea). We also saw some snakes. We went to the "tranjulas home". How fun. Saw a huge poisonious spider as well as the most poisonous snake in the amazon. Everyone was takin pictures with flash and I was just waiting for It to pounce on us. But alas it remained curled and we got out of the tranjula home. Our favorite day so far.
Day 4: Charlotte went on the prebreakfast hike that I opted out of. She said it was nicer cause it wasn't as hot, but nothing new. After breakfast we took the boat out then canoes back to the lodge. Despite the heat it was really fun. After lunch we hung out then went to the village. That was really nice, all the kids were obsessed with the books I brought. Thanks mom. Then we went to look at prehistoric birds. Apparently there not actually prehistoric, like We thought, just called that and really rare. They were really cool funky looking birds. Before dinner there was a cockroach in our room. Charlotte miss apparently-over-bugs, freaked out as we caught it under a cup and started screaming. I had to finish the job and someone from the lodge came to see if everythig was alright... Then after dinner we canoed down then motor boater in. It was really nice, just bright stars, siloetted trees, and black silent water. Would of been perfect if it weren't for the huge spider, literally the size of a slice of bread, that was right next to me when I got in. (everyone admitted it was huge, not me being paranoid)
Day5/6: this morning we web out for the last time with our UK friends and had breakast on the boat. Cruised around and went looking for an anaconda. And WE FOUND ONE!!!!!!! It was 4meters long!!! That's 12 feet for you American folk. That's a huge freaking snake. My Amazonian adventure is complete. We tookthe after noon off from excursions to just chill in hammacks reading napping an writing. Fantastico. After dinner we talked with thi couple for like 3 hours before bed. The next day was a morning excursion, breakfast on the boat, lillypads, and swimming with the pink dolphins again. It was hot and so nce to get in the water. I even convinced Charlie to jump in for a photo. Literally 2 seconds. Ten we were taken back to Iquitos and to the airport. Over night in the airport an now currently at our Santiago hostel!!!
Day 1: I'm not sure i will survive. We got to our lodge at lunch time. The place is really nice, our bungalow is as if were outside, the walls are wood and mosquitoes netting. Really nice bathroom though, thank god. Charlotte put it nicely, upscale camping.
We went out on a boat tour and saw lots of birds, a sloath, monkeys and grey dolphins. Charlotte has decided she's overthe bugs, I however am not, yet she refuses to take on the role as my protector.
Coming back there was a tranjula. The English girl screamed. I didn't but am going to be permanently petrified for 6 days.
We also went on a night boat ride after dinner. Scariest thing ever. I was worried we weren't gonna see anything but eventually we did. Like Dixon in Africa who spotted a leopard somehow, Moises (our guide for the week) did the same with a caimen. Except in the dark, in the water, with a little flashlight, and he reached into the water and caugt it.
It had a tail bitten off by a pirhana... Water which supposedly one day we swim in.
Day 2: morning bird watching boat tour. it was nice and cool and a fun mornig excersion. After breakfast trek trough the jungle. It was hot and literally every part of your body needs to be covered, by thinck things. Moises said my pants were too thin, I had to wear jeans (yep hiked the Amazonian jungle in my true religions). We were wearing raincoats, hoods up and rubber boots. Parents bring bandanas or light scarfs to wrap around your face abd neck. We saw monkeys, giant tree rat, and crazy ants. After lunch we went out on the little boat, and we were stuck in the middle of the river in the pouring rain. Like pellets falling from the sky. Neither of us have experienced anything like it. We got soaked, but charlotte and i just laughed the whole time (Charlotte would like to I've a shout out to Mark- the panchi came in handy). It finally cleared out and we fished for pirahnas. Charlotte and I both caught two each that were big enough to eat. We had them with dinner. We ate pirahnas. I ate a pirahna eye. Yep.
After dinne we did a short ish hike throught the jungle. It's dark. It was like being in the bat mangrove in Singapore but I couldn't get out. I rarely express discontent when im traveling, but I hated that. I would rather hike the inca trail again than do that again. (I donnonif it's clear from the blog how hard the Inc trail was and how much I never want to do it again). I don't know why treking at night lookig for taranjulas and there cousin the scorpian was a good idea. Never again. Charlotte was more embrassing of the situation, at least we can say we did it.
Day 3: it poured all night. We were supposed to go for our all day excursion right after breakfast but it was still pouring in the morning. We waited until it slowed down, and went out around ten. We cruised around, looking at birds, slothes and monkeys. We then made our way to the main channel o the amazon to go look at the pink dolphins. We found them, they were all over popping up. It was so cool. We had lunch right along the side, a little picknik while we watched the dolphins. Then it was swimming time. We took the boat out and got the dolphins to come back, then jumped in! Charlotte of course, did not join. But I did it was awesome. Dolphins like 10 feet away. Then we cruised and saw the bug iguanas then to the giant Lilly pads. It was soooo beautiful. I loved it. Charlotte was a little confused why were looking at big leafs. Thennit was back to the lodge. Me and the couple on our group went out to watch the sunset, I felt I was intruding on their date but oh well, it was beautiful. Then dinner then a night boat excursion. We saw another caimon (that he brought into the boat and I held, Charlotte was too scared even though it was her idea). We also saw some snakes. We went to the "tranjulas home". How fun. Saw a huge poisonious spider as well as the most poisonous snake in the amazon. Everyone was takin pictures with flash and I was just waiting for It to pounce on us. But alas it remained curled and we got out of the tranjula home. Our favorite day so far.
Day 4: Charlotte went on the prebreakfast hike that I opted out of. She said it was nicer cause it wasn't as hot, but nothing new. After breakfast we took the boat out then canoes back to the lodge. Despite the heat it was really fun. After lunch we hung out then went to the village. That was really nice, all the kids were obsessed with the books I brought. Thanks mom. Then we went to look at prehistoric birds. Apparently there not actually prehistoric, like We thought, just called that and really rare. They were really cool funky looking birds. Before dinner there was a cockroach in our room. Charlotte miss apparently-over-bugs, freaked out as we caught it under a cup and started screaming. I had to finish the job and someone from the lodge came to see if everythig was alright... Then after dinner we canoed down then motor boater in. It was really nice, just bright stars, siloetted trees, and black silent water. Would of been perfect if it weren't for the huge spider, literally the size of a slice of bread, that was right next to me when I got in. (everyone admitted it was huge, not me being paranoid)
Day5/6: this morning we web out for the last time with our UK friends and had breakast on the boat. Cruised around and went looking for an anaconda. And WE FOUND ONE!!!!!!! It was 4meters long!!! That's 12 feet for you American folk. That's a huge freaking snake. My Amazonian adventure is complete. We tookthe after noon off from excursions to just chill in hammacks reading napping an writing. Fantastico. After dinner we talked with thi couple for like 3 hours before bed. The next day was a morning excursion, breakfast on the boat, lillypads, and swimming with the pink dolphins again. It was hot and so nce to get in the water. I even convinced Charlie to jump in for a photo. Literally 2 seconds. Ten we were taken back to Iquitos and to the airport. Over night in the airport an now currently at our Santiago hostel!!!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Ollanta
Took the trainthis morning to Ollantatambo. Probably one of the smallest towns. We went to lunch while we waited for check in time. I got palta rallena, stuffed avacado basically. Delicious!!!!! Checked in then went to the ollanta ruins. Walked around for a but but we both weren't feeling too great so we meandered back to the hotel. Hung out, read, and went to the hotels suana. It was vey nice... An hot. Obviously. But it felt good to just hang out. We were walking to a little place for dinner but came across street vendors of choclo con queso, basically huge corn with a chunk of cheese. We opted for the cheap street food and went back to the hotel to read, drink, and eat.
Tomorrow it's off to Cuzco to take our plane to Iquitos. Unless we have Internet at our cheapish, not so ice looking hotel, this is the last post u til we come out of the jungle on June 9th. Wish us luck, well need it.... So many bugs.
Tomorrow it's off to Cuzco to take our plane to Iquitos. Unless we have Internet at our cheapish, not so ice looking hotel, this is the last post u til we come out of the jungle on June 9th. Wish us luck, well need it.... So many bugs.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tana's infinite questions
as are others who I’ve forwarded this site to. I take a deep breath each time I see all the typos – the teacher in me – but I know, you’re on a little bitty screen typing fast – so quantity is much more important than quality. Did you like Pisac? Was it worth visiting? Is the shopping better and cheaper in Lima or Cusco? Or in Pisac? I’m worried about the altitude. How will we do it? not sure…..can you post pictures to the blog? be careful and sure footed
it is cold. Hot during the day but cold at night. The temperature change between sun and shade is also crazy. Shade is so cold.
Pisac was cool. The city is small with just little shops covering the main plaza. The ruins are really cool, a lot of climbing and its hot. It's far to get there though... But defintly worth the trip I think. May have been better with a guide. It's a lot of walking, we spent about an hour but you could easily spend 2 there.
Shopping... Cuzco is a lot more hectic. In Lima we found a shopping center, typical tourist stuff, but it was really nice, reallyfriendly. Charlotte and I spent a long time ther because they all sell the same stuff, but different, you gotta walk around. In Cuzco it's not as nice forthe alpaca stuff, the layout does t let you see the cloths as nicely, but it's the same stuff.
Also, no we can't post pictures. We post some o. Charlottes facebook so just pretend they're next to each other.
The altitude- is mostly a mind thing. Freddie told us a woman got off the plane and had an attack so thy gave her oxygen, then she calmed down but they realized they never turned it on. It is hard walking around Cuzco the first day. The hike wasn't too bad. I never took more than 2 pills a day. I think you'll be fine.
it is cold. Hot during the day but cold at night. The temperature change between sun and shade is also crazy. Shade is so cold.
Pisac was cool. The city is small with just little shops covering the main plaza. The ruins are really cool, a lot of climbing and its hot. It's far to get there though... But defintly worth the trip I think. May have been better with a guide. It's a lot of walking, we spent about an hour but you could easily spend 2 there.
Shopping... Cuzco is a lot more hectic. In Lima we found a shopping center, typical tourist stuff, but it was really nice, reallyfriendly. Charlotte and I spent a long time ther because they all sell the same stuff, but different, you gotta walk around. In Cuzco it's not as nice forthe alpaca stuff, the layout does t let you see the cloths as nicely, but it's the same stuff.
Also, no we can't post pictures. We post some o. Charlottes facebook so just pretend they're next to each other.
The altitude- is mostly a mind thing. Freddie told us a woman got off the plane and had an attack so thy gave her oxygen, then she calmed down but they realized they never turned it on. It is hard walking around Cuzco the first day. The hike wasn't too bad. I never took more than 2 pills a day. I think you'll be fine.
4th day on da Inca Trail
Day 4- woke up at 3:30. Shame because it was the only night I can remember sleeping, and a lot warmer because it was the lowest altitude we slept. We arrived at the Sun Gate around 7. We wanted to keep moving but finally stopped at a look at for longer than 5 seconds so I put my contacts in, oh, that's what it looks like. Got down to Machu Pichu at like 830. Registered then toured around for what was supposed to be two hours, turned out more like over 3 hour tour. But it was amazing. A fascinating site. Cannot express how cool it was. Split up from the group, then met back down for drinks in Aguas Calientes. Said bye to the group- sad knowing well never see them again. Then we...um shopped...again. There's not much else to do. We bought fruit for dinner, and then just stuff. Train tomorrow to Ollantambo, or somethig like that.
Our legs hurt so bad we can barely walk. But it was such an accomplishment. Go us.
Our legs hurt so bad we can barely walk. But it was such an accomplishment. Go us.
Inca trail 1-3 day 4 coming soon
Day one:
Absolutely fascinating.
Guide: he's awesome. Funny, nice, and super smart. He was telling us fascinating things about the Incas. Made me want to learn more. He does the trail about once a month. He's a history teacher. When he first met us, we were speaking Spanish, and he later confessed he thought I was from Argebtina with my accent. Ballin.
The group:
Steven and Bridgett- hilarious 50ish year old australian couple.
Steven and Bethany- she's a med grad student. From alabama
Paul and Mekayla- USC grads, now live in Rodondo Beach.
All couples and us. Two of them met in college. Scary thought. They are alreAdy making fun of me... When we exchange stories it sounds like I have lots of fears. But there all legit! Bus tipping: the bus we saw in Thailand. Spiders: the spider that was in between toilet paper when I went in the middle of the night in Vietnam. Bees: that's just a gut feelig I'm alertic, and I'm not scared of them for the record, I just think I'm allergic.
The trek: sucks. Okay not really, but it's really hard. Today we walked the longest and after lunch Freddie, our guide said we should get a porter for the second half of the day. He told us that's the worst. And thank god we did, I think we'd still be out there otherwise. We've been spoiled though. It's back to carrying our stuff starting tomorrow..
I don't know about Charlotte, but I don't need to do this ever again. I just asked her her thoughts: not even if my kids begged me. It's tough. Dad, you have a porter, be thankful. It's really hot during the day and towards 4 the temperture drops. At the campsite it's freezing. Bring hats and gloves an warm socks. And a warm jacket. And headlamp! Michael (micheal? Haha just kidding) I should have taken yours, oh well. All we have is charlottes, that you have to continously twist for it to work....Agnes brillant solution to no bateries.
The sky tonight is absolutely beautiful. I know I have been in some remote places, but I don't think it's ever been this amazing. Mom- the great kite. It's there, I showed Charlotte.
Freddie gave me oxygen tonight. Apparently I've been having the symtoms of feeling the altitude. I've been complaining to Charlie that my upper lip has been tingly and numb, she accused me of sucking on the hallocigent flower "angel trumpet" that numbs ttys mouth... Silly French girl.
That's pretty much day 1. I feel a great sense of accomplishment, and I can feel my thighs and butt toning (score!!!!!)
Day2: omg hardest thing I've ever done in my life. The morning we hiked up to the highest point all trip: dead womans pass. Not very motivating. It's at 4200meters High, not exactly sure what that is in feet, somethig like 13000, reallyfreaking high. Then it was down to lunch. Down- not that easy. Dad- you should definitly invest in walking sticks, you can buy em in Cuzco for like 40 soles. Charlotte an I bought wooden ones but obviously their not retractable, we use them all the time but I think you guys well just want them for downhill. Also, look into those water backpack things, sometimes the effort to reach around and grab your water sounds like the hardest task in the world and it'll take energy you don't want to spend. After lunch it was up again. And it was brutal. We all wen our own pace. Charlotte was a head of me and the only thing keeping me going was she had the snacks and I was starving. It was so hard. Then it was down hill. Brutal. And the bugs. All over me. I hate bugs. We went to two archeological sites, pretty fascinating really.
Again, beautiful night sky, like I've never seen.
Day3: today was a lot of down. A lot. It was so painful and brutal. We only hiked until 1230, then we got to camp, but it was the longest mornig of my life. Downhill with our huge bags, the balance just isn't right, we went really slow. The camp site has showers and a bar. Charlotte and I decided the showers werent worth it, it'd be nice but probably gross and cold and well be at our hotel by 12 tomorrow. We also skipped the bar, 15 soles for a beer- no thanks. We walked to a site that was really close, again amazing, can't wait for Machu Pichu tomorrow, the mountain though, we can see from camp. Last dinner as a group. It was great. Freddie died laughing when I told everyone Charlotte thought she was so exhausted from the altitude when she was in Lima ( sea level). We also tipped our porters tonight. Everyone chipped in, but being the only one that spoke spanish out of the Gringos, I gave them the money and a little thank you "speech". We wake up tomorrow at 3:45 to be at the sun gate for sunrise and then off to Gringo Killer Pass then Machu Pichu. Hopefully well mAke it. We've come this far.
Absolutely fascinating.
Guide: he's awesome. Funny, nice, and super smart. He was telling us fascinating things about the Incas. Made me want to learn more. He does the trail about once a month. He's a history teacher. When he first met us, we were speaking Spanish, and he later confessed he thought I was from Argebtina with my accent. Ballin.
The group:
Steven and Bridgett- hilarious 50ish year old australian couple.
Steven and Bethany- she's a med grad student. From alabama
Paul and Mekayla- USC grads, now live in Rodondo Beach.
All couples and us. Two of them met in college. Scary thought. They are alreAdy making fun of me... When we exchange stories it sounds like I have lots of fears. But there all legit! Bus tipping: the bus we saw in Thailand. Spiders: the spider that was in between toilet paper when I went in the middle of the night in Vietnam. Bees: that's just a gut feelig I'm alertic, and I'm not scared of them for the record, I just think I'm allergic.
The trek: sucks. Okay not really, but it's really hard. Today we walked the longest and after lunch Freddie, our guide said we should get a porter for the second half of the day. He told us that's the worst. And thank god we did, I think we'd still be out there otherwise. We've been spoiled though. It's back to carrying our stuff starting tomorrow..
I don't know about Charlotte, but I don't need to do this ever again. I just asked her her thoughts: not even if my kids begged me. It's tough. Dad, you have a porter, be thankful. It's really hot during the day and towards 4 the temperture drops. At the campsite it's freezing. Bring hats and gloves an warm socks. And a warm jacket. And headlamp! Michael (micheal? Haha just kidding) I should have taken yours, oh well. All we have is charlottes, that you have to continously twist for it to work....Agnes brillant solution to no bateries.
The sky tonight is absolutely beautiful. I know I have been in some remote places, but I don't think it's ever been this amazing. Mom- the great kite. It's there, I showed Charlotte.
Freddie gave me oxygen tonight. Apparently I've been having the symtoms of feeling the altitude. I've been complaining to Charlie that my upper lip has been tingly and numb, she accused me of sucking on the hallocigent flower "angel trumpet" that numbs ttys mouth... Silly French girl.
That's pretty much day 1. I feel a great sense of accomplishment, and I can feel my thighs and butt toning (score!!!!!)
Day2: omg hardest thing I've ever done in my life. The morning we hiked up to the highest point all trip: dead womans pass. Not very motivating. It's at 4200meters High, not exactly sure what that is in feet, somethig like 13000, reallyfreaking high. Then it was down to lunch. Down- not that easy. Dad- you should definitly invest in walking sticks, you can buy em in Cuzco for like 40 soles. Charlotte an I bought wooden ones but obviously their not retractable, we use them all the time but I think you guys well just want them for downhill. Also, look into those water backpack things, sometimes the effort to reach around and grab your water sounds like the hardest task in the world and it'll take energy you don't want to spend. After lunch it was up again. And it was brutal. We all wen our own pace. Charlotte was a head of me and the only thing keeping me going was she had the snacks and I was starving. It was so hard. Then it was down hill. Brutal. And the bugs. All over me. I hate bugs. We went to two archeological sites, pretty fascinating really.
Again, beautiful night sky, like I've never seen.
Day3: today was a lot of down. A lot. It was so painful and brutal. We only hiked until 1230, then we got to camp, but it was the longest mornig of my life. Downhill with our huge bags, the balance just isn't right, we went really slow. The camp site has showers and a bar. Charlotte and I decided the showers werent worth it, it'd be nice but probably gross and cold and well be at our hotel by 12 tomorrow. We also skipped the bar, 15 soles for a beer- no thanks. We walked to a site that was really close, again amazing, can't wait for Machu Pichu tomorrow, the mountain though, we can see from camp. Last dinner as a group. It was great. Freddie died laughing when I told everyone Charlotte thought she was so exhausted from the altitude when she was in Lima ( sea level). We also tipped our porters tonight. Everyone chipped in, but being the only one that spoke spanish out of the Gringos, I gave them the money and a little thank you "speech". We wake up tomorrow at 3:45 to be at the sun gate for sunrise and then off to Gringo Killer Pass then Machu Pichu. Hopefully well mAke it. We've come this far.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Inca trail
Stupid site erased my blog post.
Summary:
out of touch for a bit as were on the hike for 4 days then have a couple more in the sacred valley then off to the Amazon...
You just never know. We really hope there are no bugs in the amazon or elsewhere. Can't stand bugs.
Cuzco ruins today. We were winded and the trail is gonna be 10 times worse. With packbacks. Luckly at our breifing the guy said he went slow. All other 6 are couples. Charlotte and I are the youngest and the only ones not dating. Interesting. I can't imagine what the appeal is going with your boyfriend, no shower for 4 dAys and the trail is just gonna show how out of shape you are. Micheal and Pablo are lucky.
Anyways, that's it. Speak with you soon!
Love from the last night in Cuzco,
Keila and Charlie
Summary:
out of touch for a bit as were on the hike for 4 days then have a couple more in the sacred valley then off to the Amazon...
You just never know. We really hope there are no bugs in the amazon or elsewhere. Can't stand bugs.
Cuzco ruins today. We were winded and the trail is gonna be 10 times worse. With packbacks. Luckly at our breifing the guy said he went slow. All other 6 are couples. Charlotte and I are the youngest and the only ones not dating. Interesting. I can't imagine what the appeal is going with your boyfriend, no shower for 4 dAys and the trail is just gonna show how out of shape you are. Micheal and Pablo are lucky.
Anyways, that's it. Speak with you soon!
Love from the last night in Cuzco,
Keila and Charlie
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Cuzcooo
Cuzco. After a 20 hour paiNful bus ride, we did make it. It was... Interesting. The seats were like business class for an airplane. But still. At night the road was so windy and since I couldn't see out the window I was convinced we were just gonna tip over. So obviously I coulndtbsleep, Charlotte on the other hand just passed out. The French, fearless.
Driving to our hotel I couldn't believe we were gonna spend 3 nights here, it looked like actually the poorest place on earth. But the city center is actually really nice, reminds me of Italy. Our hotel has an awesome view, but it's on a hill, the bed are uncomfortable and you can never be certain if there is gonna be running water in the communal bathroom.
Walked around, hung out, did random things we needed to do yesterday. Yesterday the altixue was reAlly fine, we were wondering what all the fuss was about. Today. We thought we were onna die. Winded After walkin like down the street. But we
visited museums today ( sittig on benches for a good 30 minutes after each one). We ate a lot of the coca candy Charlotte bought, in an attempt to help with the drunken painful feeling we had all day. Sorta helpEd, it was probably all in our heads though.
Tomorrow were visiting ruins around Cuzco and getting preped for our 3 day hiking adventure. After walkig around town Charlotte and I aren't entirely convinced we won't die on the way to Machu Pichu...
Alright that's all!!!
P.s. I think it's only common curtesy to comment on our blog. We wriing so you know were alive an well; but what about us? It'd be nice to know people are actually reading... Otherwise we mght stop writing. It's a hassel on this little keyboard. (just kidding Tana would kill me upon return)
Driving to our hotel I couldn't believe we were gonna spend 3 nights here, it looked like actually the poorest place on earth. But the city center is actually really nice, reminds me of Italy. Our hotel has an awesome view, but it's on a hill, the bed are uncomfortable and you can never be certain if there is gonna be running water in the communal bathroom.
Walked around, hung out, did random things we needed to do yesterday. Yesterday the altixue was reAlly fine, we were wondering what all the fuss was about. Today. We thought we were onna die. Winded After walkin like down the street. But we
visited museums today ( sittig on benches for a good 30 minutes after each one). We ate a lot of the coca candy Charlotte bought, in an attempt to help with the drunken painful feeling we had all day. Sorta helpEd, it was probably all in our heads though.
Tomorrow were visiting ruins around Cuzco and getting preped for our 3 day hiking adventure. After walkig around town Charlotte and I aren't entirely convinced we won't die on the way to Machu Pichu...
Alright that's all!!!
P.s. I think it's only common curtesy to comment on our blog. We wriing so you know were alive an well; but what about us? It'd be nice to know people are actually reading... Otherwise we mght stop writing. It's a hassel on this little keyboard. (just kidding Tana would kill me upon return)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Off to Cusco
Hey everyone !
Keila and I are getting ready to check out of the hotel in Lima, and going to catch our bus for Cusco ! Yep, a 20 hour bus ride in the mountains. I can't tell you how much Keila is excited for this. Especially after a nice freezing cold shower.
So if you don't hear from us for a while, no worries, we'll probably just be following a few lamas on the road.
We'll tell you more about that when we arrive to Cusco !
Love from Charlotte and Keila, who's already sick just thinking about what awaits us. I on the other hand, enjoy the adventure. Wimp !
Keila and I are getting ready to check out of the hotel in Lima, and going to catch our bus for Cusco ! Yep, a 20 hour bus ride in the mountains. I can't tell you how much Keila is excited for this. Especially after a nice freezing cold shower.
So if you don't hear from us for a while, no worries, we'll probably just be following a few lamas on the road.
We'll tell you more about that when we arrive to Cusco !
Love from Charlotte and Keila, who's already sick just thinking about what awaits us. I on the other hand, enjoy the adventure. Wimp !
Monday, May 23, 2011
Lima, Peru
Hello everyone. Charlie and I have been safely reunited in Lima.
As many of you know I was delayed a day.
Today we visited this pervian ruin that is practically in the center of town. Like you're walking in the city and poof you're suddenly walking on 2000 year old ruins. Except not, cause you have to pay an entrance fee.
Then we walked to lunch where we ate traditional ceviche and curuas and the owner was Ceasar of Gstaad , look him he's a famous belt designer. Then we walked through the city to along a boardwalkn on a cliff above the ocean. Then we went to get drinks at some famous place where we tried the traditional Peruvian Pisco Sour. That was interesting. Luckily we only got one because besides being the most alcoholic beverage I've ever sipped (just kidding, I've never had alcohol...) it was a huge serving, that took the two of us more than hour to finish.
Then we, um, shopped. Sorry about it. Bought ourselves some traditional alpacah memorabilia.
Anyways this city is pretty cool, people are so nice, and police everwhere. On charlottes day alone, a police told her couldn't lay down on a bench. Trouble maker fRench girl.
so we won't have internet often but when we will expet more posts. Right now we are drinking coca tea that Charlotte thought was a good idea to buy four boxes of.
Love from Peru,
keila and Charlie
As many of you know I was delayed a day.
Today we visited this pervian ruin that is practically in the center of town. Like you're walking in the city and poof you're suddenly walking on 2000 year old ruins. Except not, cause you have to pay an entrance fee.
Then we walked to lunch where we ate traditional ceviche and curuas and the owner was Ceasar of Gstaad , look him he's a famous belt designer. Then we walked through the city to along a boardwalkn on a cliff above the ocean. Then we went to get drinks at some famous place where we tried the traditional Peruvian Pisco Sour. That was interesting. Luckily we only got one because besides being the most alcoholic beverage I've ever sipped (just kidding, I've never had alcohol...) it was a huge serving, that took the two of us more than hour to finish.
Then we, um, shopped. Sorry about it. Bought ourselves some traditional alpacah memorabilia.
Anyways this city is pretty cool, people are so nice, and police everwhere. On charlottes day alone, a police told her couldn't lay down on a bench. Trouble maker fRench girl.
so we won't have internet often but when we will expet more posts. Right now we are drinking coca tea that Charlotte thought was a good idea to buy four boxes of.
Love from Peru,
keila and Charlie
Friday, May 20, 2011
Northern Hemisphere
Hello Everyone!
Charlie and I are still in the northern hemisphere :[ Charlotte is already in the plane and I leave tomorrow morning.
South America awaits!
Charlie and I are still in the northern hemisphere :[ Charlotte is already in the plane and I leave tomorrow morning.
South America awaits!
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