We are at our last stop in South America- Buenos Aires. It is a huge city with lots to do and see. We are staying in a little hotel right in the main center of everything. We have done lots of window shopping and hanging out with locals at the popular bars at night. People are very friendly and always want to know how we like it in their country.
Today we went to a fine arts museum called, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Along with the famous works of Renoir, Monet, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh, we also viewed classic Argentine artists.
We then went to Cementerio de la Recoelta, where huge, impressive crypts hold the city´s most elite. People like past presidents, military heroes, politicians, and Evita! Our visit amoung the dead was complete with loud thunder and ferral cats.
Tonight we are going to a tango show at a famous cafe. Should be fun!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
Argentina
We have been in Argentina for a few days. In Mendoza, we walked around the city which had multiple plazas. There was lots going on- vendors and different comedy acts. It was fun for people watching. We also did a wine tour which was informative, but we didn´t care too much for the tastings because they weren´t liberal enough! We have been enjoying the area´s wine, Malbec, with delicious steaks. We like the food here the best so far. I just have to get used to eating so late. Argentines don´t eat dinner until around ten.
We are now in the city of Cordoba. It has several universities so there are alot of young people here with plenty of restraunts and bars. Today we took a two hour bus ride to a German town! (Doug has been homesick) It´s called Villa General Belgrano, and their origins are from a German battleship which sank during WWII. It was very fun. Lots of shops with gnomes and cool knicknacks- both Argentinian and German.
Tomorrow we are taking an early bus to another town, Rosario.
We are now in the city of Cordoba. It has several universities so there are alot of young people here with plenty of restraunts and bars. Today we took a two hour bus ride to a German town! (Doug has been homesick) It´s called Villa General Belgrano, and their origins are from a German battleship which sank during WWII. It was very fun. Lots of shops with gnomes and cool knicknacks- both Argentinian and German.
Tomorrow we are taking an early bus to another town, Rosario.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Chile
We moved through Chile pretty fast. From Peru, we took a bus to the beach town, Iquique in northern Chile. We stayed for a couple days. It was very crowded with vacationers from all over South America. While surfing, Doug cut his feet on the reef. Although the cuts weren´t too bad, we went to the emergency room the next day to get the cuts cleaned. It was not the prettiest (or cleanest) of hospitals, and they didn´t use any novicain when they cut deeper to remove rocks and coral! But, so far no infection.
After Iquique, we went to Santiago. We heard from other travelers that it was pretty ugly with lots of pollution, but it didn´t seem to be too bad. We didn´t travel far from our hostal though because it is still painful for Doug to walk. Doug and I did go to a famous bar one night where the drink of the house is called terremoto- icecream and wine. The drink was pretty disgusting, but the atmosphere was fun.
Overall, Chile is more expensive than its neighboring countries. It is also cleaner. We would have liked to go exploring to the south, but we fly out of Buenos Aires in two weeks, so we are somewhat time limited.
We took a beautiful bus ride from Santiago to Mendoza, Argentina. It lasted six hours and went right through the Andes Mts. Mendoza is a very European-type of town. Lots of fashionable shops and dining tables outside. It is also wine country so we are going to see about booking a tasting tour for tomorrow.
After Iquique, we went to Santiago. We heard from other travelers that it was pretty ugly with lots of pollution, but it didn´t seem to be too bad. We didn´t travel far from our hostal though because it is still painful for Doug to walk. Doug and I did go to a famous bar one night where the drink of the house is called terremoto- icecream and wine. The drink was pretty disgusting, but the atmosphere was fun.
Overall, Chile is more expensive than its neighboring countries. It is also cleaner. We would have liked to go exploring to the south, but we fly out of Buenos Aires in two weeks, so we are somewhat time limited.
We took a beautiful bus ride from Santiago to Mendoza, Argentina. It lasted six hours and went right through the Andes Mts. Mendoza is a very European-type of town. Lots of fashionable shops and dining tables outside. It is also wine country so we are going to see about booking a tasting tour for tomorrow.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Last Day In Peru!
Today, we went on a short tour to a place called Sillustani. It sits in the Lake Umayo peninsula. A war-like tribe called the Colla people, burried their nobility here in funerary towers called chullpas. The structures are massive- you can see them scattered along the hilltops. Other people, including the Incas, used this sacred site as well.
The cylindrical structures vary in size, some housing complete families, or a group of shamans or kings. They were burried with plenty of food and belongings for their next life. Only a small hole facing east was left unsealed.
So this was our last full day in Peru. We take a night bus tonight to Tacna, then a short train ride in the morning across the border into Chile!
The cylindrical structures vary in size, some housing complete families, or a group of shamans or kings. They were burried with plenty of food and belongings for their next life. Only a small hole facing east was left unsealed.
So this was our last full day in Peru. We take a night bus tonight to Tacna, then a short train ride in the morning across the border into Chile!
Lake Titicaca
We are at a city called Puno in southern Peru. The city borders the big Lake Titicaca. It is the highest lake with boat service in the world. We have noticed the change in altitude. Besides breathing a litter harder, the sun is more intense and the air is very clear.
Yesterday, we went on a day tour visiting several islands in the lake. It was very interesting to see and hear about the different histories and cultures of the people.
The first island we went to was Isla Taquile. With a population of about 2000, the Quechua-speaking islanders have a strong sense of group identity. They rarely marry non-Taquile people. I love the clothing the people wear. Very bright, multilayered skirts and beautifully embroidered blouses for the women. The men are equally as bright- wearing a woven hat (looks like a cute floppy nightcap!) that they weave themselves. The color of the hat denotes social position and marital status. The hats worn by officials looked somewhat ridiculous. Kind of amusing!
We walked around the Island which had beautiful scenery. The lake is very clear(which made me want to plan a family Tahoe trip for summer 2008!)
We had a tasty fish lunch with papas fritas, rice, and matè tea. Doug likes this tea, made from coca leaves, it helps fight symptoms of the high altitude.
The next Islands we went to were Islas Flotantes, literally- floating islands! The islands are built using the buoyant totora reeds that grow in the lake. The Uros poeple who live here constantly replenish the top with more reeds as they rot from the bottom. And they use an anchor to keep from floating away! They first made these floating islands centuries ago to isolate themselves from aggressive peoples.
Today, several hundred people live on the islands. I was surprised when a boy proudly showed me his home- made from the totora reeds- and there was a t.v.! They have a few solar panels throughout the islands. The Uros people are very friendly and used to tourists visiting them. We rode in one of their reed boats to another floating island. They gathered around and sang to us as we left!
Yesterday, we went on a day tour visiting several islands in the lake. It was very interesting to see and hear about the different histories and cultures of the people.
The first island we went to was Isla Taquile. With a population of about 2000, the Quechua-speaking islanders have a strong sense of group identity. They rarely marry non-Taquile people. I love the clothing the people wear. Very bright, multilayered skirts and beautifully embroidered blouses for the women. The men are equally as bright- wearing a woven hat (looks like a cute floppy nightcap!) that they weave themselves. The color of the hat denotes social position and marital status. The hats worn by officials looked somewhat ridiculous. Kind of amusing!
We walked around the Island which had beautiful scenery. The lake is very clear(which made me want to plan a family Tahoe trip for summer 2008!)
We had a tasty fish lunch with papas fritas, rice, and matè tea. Doug likes this tea, made from coca leaves, it helps fight symptoms of the high altitude.
The next Islands we went to were Islas Flotantes, literally- floating islands! The islands are built using the buoyant totora reeds that grow in the lake. The Uros poeple who live here constantly replenish the top with more reeds as they rot from the bottom. And they use an anchor to keep from floating away! They first made these floating islands centuries ago to isolate themselves from aggressive peoples.
Today, several hundred people live on the islands. I was surprised when a boy proudly showed me his home- made from the totora reeds- and there was a t.v.! They have a few solar panels throughout the islands. The Uros people are very friendly and used to tourists visiting them. We rode in one of their reed boats to another floating island. They gathered around and sang to us as we left!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Machu Picchu
On Tuesday morning, we took the earliest bus (5:30) to Machu Picchu. It was a perfect morning to go. We got there just in time to see the sun rise up over the site. Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing places we have ever seen. The location itself is spectacular, and when you climb the steps and get your first glimpse of the ruins, it litterally takes your breath away!
Machu Picchu is the best known Inca site, however, little is known about what its function was. Archaeologists have different theories and speculations about why it was built and when it became uninhabited (the Spanish Conquistadors never found it). Although, because of the quality of stonework and detailed ornaments, it must have been a place for ceremonies.
It was fun walking through the maze-like ruins. We passed ceremonial baths, towers used for astronomy, altars, tombs, and an amazing carved rock pillar in which the Incas were able to predict the solstices by using the angles. We were impressed. Now I remember why I studied Anthropology!
Doug and I also did a short walk next to the ruins. It was more of a steep climb up a mountain called Huayua Picchu. The top gave us a great view of the back of the ruins.
Pictures to come soon....
Machu Picchu is the best known Inca site, however, little is known about what its function was. Archaeologists have different theories and speculations about why it was built and when it became uninhabited (the Spanish Conquistadors never found it). Although, because of the quality of stonework and detailed ornaments, it must have been a place for ceremonies.
It was fun walking through the maze-like ruins. We passed ceremonial baths, towers used for astronomy, altars, tombs, and an amazing carved rock pillar in which the Incas were able to predict the solstices by using the angles. We were impressed. Now I remember why I studied Anthropology!
Doug and I also did a short walk next to the ruins. It was more of a steep climb up a mountain called Huayua Picchu. The top gave us a great view of the back of the ruins.
Pictures to come soon....
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Peru
We made it to Peru! From Guayaquil, Ecuador we took a bus to a little beach town in the north of Peru, called Mancora. We stayed there for two nights. It was hot and somewhat miserable. The best part was the ceviche. My new favorite dish! We then took an 18 hour(!) night bus to Lima. It actually wasn´t that bad. We are getting used to watching movies in Spanish!
In Lima, we saw beautiful churches, and an old monastery called San Fransisco. It had an amazing collection of old religious artwork. It was also used as a catacomb. Our guide took us to the basement area where we saw all the bones! Back then they used lime juice to help decompose the bodies so only major bones including skulls remained. Even in the beautiful church, you could look down and see secret passages with stairs leading down and more bones. It was interesting and eerie.
We decided no more buses for a few days, so after staying in Lima for a night, we flew to Cuzco this morning. It is much cooler and beautiful! Lots of rolling hills surrounding us. And there is a lot to do here as well. It is very touristic because of course, Machu Picchu is close. We tried to book a tour to hike the Inca Trail today, but unfortunately it is booked until next week and we don´t have that much time. He added that it is the worst time to go because it is the rainy season and it rains at least two hours everyday. So we will take the train up early Monday morning and get there before all the hikers. We are very excited and hoping for a clear day to see the ancient ruins!
Take care everyone. Hopefully we will have some cool photos to post soon.
In Lima, we saw beautiful churches, and an old monastery called San Fransisco. It had an amazing collection of old religious artwork. It was also used as a catacomb. Our guide took us to the basement area where we saw all the bones! Back then they used lime juice to help decompose the bodies so only major bones including skulls remained. Even in the beautiful church, you could look down and see secret passages with stairs leading down and more bones. It was interesting and eerie.
We decided no more buses for a few days, so after staying in Lima for a night, we flew to Cuzco this morning. It is much cooler and beautiful! Lots of rolling hills surrounding us. And there is a lot to do here as well. It is very touristic because of course, Machu Picchu is close. We tried to book a tour to hike the Inca Trail today, but unfortunately it is booked until next week and we don´t have that much time. He added that it is the worst time to go because it is the rainy season and it rains at least two hours everyday. So we will take the train up early Monday morning and get there before all the hikers. We are very excited and hoping for a clear day to see the ancient ruins!
Take care everyone. Hopefully we will have some cool photos to post soon.
Monday, January 1, 2007
Galapagos Pictures
The boat we traveled and slept in with 18 other people, the Lolita.
Giant tortoises. This one is about 200 years old.
Hiding in his shell.
The sea lions, like all the other animals, have no fear of people.
Sea lion pups a couple weeks old.
Penguins that swam with us as we snorkeled.
You had to be careful or you might catch crabs.
Marine iguanas.
Male frigate bird trying to attract a female.
Sea turtles.
Blue-footed boobies.
The Galapagos Islands
Happy New Year! We hope you all had fun bringing in 2007. Doug and I just got back from the Galapagos! This wasn´t a planned trip, but after talking to people who went, we decided to go. So amazing! We were there for five days, four of which we were on a guided tour and slept on a boat. There were about five crew members and 14 other passengers from all over the world. It was a wonderful experience, and the highlight of our trip so far..
It is hard to describe what it´s like there. The volcanic land is beautiful, and the wildlife is just spectacular. The birds, sea mammals, and reptiles have lived for so long without predators that people can be right up next to them. We were swimming with sea lions and penguins (and sharks!), standing next to blue- footed boobies as they perform a mating dance, and walking beside giant tortoises! I think Doug´s favorite were the baby seals- He took about 50 pictures. I think the babies would let you hold them, but people are not allowed to touch any of the animals. So cute!
Our days consisted of snorkeling, going on walks with the guide, and hanging out with the others on the boat. We visited three Islands, and they were all very different-with varying landscape and wildlife. It is truly amazing to see these differences and hear about what Darwin first saw.
Hopefully you can see how cool it was in the pictures!
Tonight, Doug and I are taking a night bus into Peru. Yeah!
It is hard to describe what it´s like there. The volcanic land is beautiful, and the wildlife is just spectacular. The birds, sea mammals, and reptiles have lived for so long without predators that people can be right up next to them. We were swimming with sea lions and penguins (and sharks!), standing next to blue- footed boobies as they perform a mating dance, and walking beside giant tortoises! I think Doug´s favorite were the baby seals- He took about 50 pictures. I think the babies would let you hold them, but people are not allowed to touch any of the animals. So cute!
Our days consisted of snorkeling, going on walks with the guide, and hanging out with the others on the boat. We visited three Islands, and they were all very different-with varying landscape and wildlife. It is truly amazing to see these differences and hear about what Darwin first saw.
Hopefully you can see how cool it was in the pictures!
Tonight, Doug and I are taking a night bus into Peru. Yeah!
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