Well... the end of this adventure has come to an end. I'm in the Santiago airport waiting for my flight. I guess the airport was in pretty bad shape because all of the check in and such was outside under huge tents, i'm sure you can imagine how chaotic it was... I got here 4 hours in advance and it took me a little over 2 to get through all of the lines. FOr all the changes that happened they are doing pretty well.
Everyone keeps asking me if I am ready to come home, and to answer that, yes, I think I am ready. It's easy to say this because of the fact that I know this is not going to be my last trip down here... I love South America. I have no doubts that I'll be back sometime to drink the banana milk and ride the buses that seem like a disney world ride.
My time volunteering in the hospital was exactly what I had hoped for, I met many amazing people from different places, I feel like I am rocking Spanish right now :), and I got to have many exciting adventures that I know I will never forget.
I'm not sure who all have been reading my blogs, but I hope I did not babble too much and that I was able to keep you informed on what was going on in my life. I wrote these blogs just as much for myself as anyone else - so of course they were random and lengthy :) Thank you to everyone who sent their prayers down with me, your guardian angels have done a good job!
It has been a wild ride at times, but I wouldn't have wanted it any other way!
Stay tuned until next time....
Love, Megan
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
CHILE!!
At last I arrived in Chile! Although the bus ride was hellish the end result was definitely “vale la pena” (worth it). It is hard to describe how comfortable I feel here. I love the fact that I walk down the street and I know exactly where I am and where to find certain things. I remember how hard it was to figure out the bus system, but now even after 3 years, I have no trouble. I arrived in Vina del Mar Thursday night and my Chilean parents from 3 years ago came and got me from the bus station. We went back to their house and we all had “once” and sat around catching up. (Chile doesn’t do dinner, they have a big lunch around 2 or 3 pm and then around 8 or 9 they have “once” (own-ce) which is always bread with avocado, jam, and sometimes eggs or tomatoes, with tea or coffee.) Snack time I like snacks. It’s funny that I have been gone for 3 years and nothing has really changed.
Friday I met up with my Chilean friend, Nestor, and we went to downtown Vina, got fresh squeezed OJ, and then walked to the ocean just in time to see the sun set… it was so great. I miss living by the ocean, it’s one of nature’s televisions – I could watch it all day. Saturday I went to the “feria” with my Chilean sister, Daniella, and her 2 year old little girl, Anaia. I LOVE the feria, it is actually just a huge farmer’s market – but for some reason I get so excited going there! Everyone is selling pretty much the same stuff but they keep shouting at you that their stand has the best stuff and prices. Some prices for example are – avocados $1.50 for 2.2 lbs, $.50 for 5 lbs of potatoes, $.60 for 2.2lbs of plums, $1.50 for a great big juicy watermelon, and the wonderful list goes on and on. On 3 occasions now I have gotten to cut a watermelon in half and go at it with a spoon I love having summer time in the winter time (if that makes sense). Saturday I went to THE ice cream shop by the beach and got my favorite flavor, “mil hojas” and then later we went to THE empanada shop and I got a shrimp and cheese one (melt in your mouth good).
It’s funny the little things I’ve missed. I miss taking the bus at night because the majority of them have black lights and have music playing (on going party on wheels… not sure if that’s a good thing though). I miss the smell of the ocean, the fruit vendors on every corner, the banana flavored milk boxes, and the people of course. I do not miss the dog packs however. It really freaks me out when there is 8 of them or so together and they are running a barking. They aren’t known to attack, but it is still scary.
I missed the 6.9 earthquake that happened in Vina on Thursday by hours. I was still in the bus coming over the Andes Mountains when it hit. Soon after it happened a tsunami alarm went off and there was a mad rush for the hills. Thankfully nothing happened, but it gave these poor people another great scare. Chile needs a break already! Since I have been here I have felt 3 tremors. One happened during the night and it must have been pretty strong if it woke me up because I sleep like the dead for most of the time. It is a weird feeling; it feels like the building is vibrating and the walls squeak. On Sunday night we were all eating once together and all of a sudden the lights went out. Luckily they were able to find candles and they had a battery powered radio. We found out that the entire country of Chile was without power! I’m not sure how exactly that happened, but it is pretty impressive if an entire country’s power goes out. It only lasted for an hour to an hour and a half – but I can’t imagine how Santiago was nor do I want to think about poor Conception, they have already been through so much.
Saturday night I met up with Nestor again and we went out in Valpo. It brought back a ton of memories! We went to my favorite tiny bar called Canario and I had the wonderful “vino con fruta” which is red wine that is blended with strawberries. This drink is so good but I learned in the past that it can be dangerous too… it is not just juice! After Canario around 1am or so we went to my favorite bar, Pegano! ( I think that means hell or something…. Odd I know) The REASON that this is my favorite bar is that while yes, it is a gay bar, they have AWESOME music, there is always a “show”, and nobody touches or bothers me. It’s great. That night was especially great because they always have a “diva” competition and that night was Madonna vs Lady GaGa!!! The two best divas! It was so funny… whenever a great song came on everyone would scream and start singing along. This one guy tried to teach me a cool dance move, but it was a lost cause… I just can’t move like that! The drag show was AWESOME. I don’t remember what songs they sang but Madonna, Lady GaGa…. Come on… all of them are great! I just don’t know how these “ladies” do it… they are skipping around on a bar wearing 8 inch platform shoes and they honestly look great doing it… I would break something for sure – if not my ankle, then all the bottles of booze as I fell off the bar! The show was complete with bubbles coming from the ceiling…. What straight bar can compete with that! SWEET night. Oh Diva Pagano… I will miss thee.
Sunday afternoon I went exploring in the hills of Valpo and found all of my favorite places without any difficulty at all. I had a coffee in my favorite café – “café con letras” – it is half an artsy bookstore and half a sweet coffee shop. It was cool to see all the graffiti art again… on every street I was like, Oh! I have that picture already! It’s funny how I even remember the precise place where my sister and I took a picture. Like I said… not much has changed. There are piles of rubble in certain places due to the earthquake – but thankfully, there doesn’t appear to be that much damage.
Today I visited the amazing ISA ladies who were part of the program that I came here with 3 years ago. It was so great to see them again! They are under a lot of stress due to the earthquake and all the parents calling every other minute. I feel so bad for them! I know my parents would probably be doing the same thing, but SHEESH! Some of the stories I’ve heard! They should just know that their children are in good hands. Two more days…. Bittersweet.
Friday I met up with my Chilean friend, Nestor, and we went to downtown Vina, got fresh squeezed OJ, and then walked to the ocean just in time to see the sun set… it was so great. I miss living by the ocean, it’s one of nature’s televisions – I could watch it all day. Saturday I went to the “feria” with my Chilean sister, Daniella, and her 2 year old little girl, Anaia. I LOVE the feria, it is actually just a huge farmer’s market – but for some reason I get so excited going there! Everyone is selling pretty much the same stuff but they keep shouting at you that their stand has the best stuff and prices. Some prices for example are – avocados $1.50 for 2.2 lbs, $.50 for 5 lbs of potatoes, $.60 for 2.2lbs of plums, $1.50 for a great big juicy watermelon, and the wonderful list goes on and on. On 3 occasions now I have gotten to cut a watermelon in half and go at it with a spoon I love having summer time in the winter time (if that makes sense). Saturday I went to THE ice cream shop by the beach and got my favorite flavor, “mil hojas” and then later we went to THE empanada shop and I got a shrimp and cheese one (melt in your mouth good).
It’s funny the little things I’ve missed. I miss taking the bus at night because the majority of them have black lights and have music playing (on going party on wheels… not sure if that’s a good thing though). I miss the smell of the ocean, the fruit vendors on every corner, the banana flavored milk boxes, and the people of course. I do not miss the dog packs however. It really freaks me out when there is 8 of them or so together and they are running a barking. They aren’t known to attack, but it is still scary.
I missed the 6.9 earthquake that happened in Vina on Thursday by hours. I was still in the bus coming over the Andes Mountains when it hit. Soon after it happened a tsunami alarm went off and there was a mad rush for the hills. Thankfully nothing happened, but it gave these poor people another great scare. Chile needs a break already! Since I have been here I have felt 3 tremors. One happened during the night and it must have been pretty strong if it woke me up because I sleep like the dead for most of the time. It is a weird feeling; it feels like the building is vibrating and the walls squeak. On Sunday night we were all eating once together and all of a sudden the lights went out. Luckily they were able to find candles and they had a battery powered radio. We found out that the entire country of Chile was without power! I’m not sure how exactly that happened, but it is pretty impressive if an entire country’s power goes out. It only lasted for an hour to an hour and a half – but I can’t imagine how Santiago was nor do I want to think about poor Conception, they have already been through so much.
Saturday night I met up with Nestor again and we went out in Valpo. It brought back a ton of memories! We went to my favorite tiny bar called Canario and I had the wonderful “vino con fruta” which is red wine that is blended with strawberries. This drink is so good but I learned in the past that it can be dangerous too… it is not just juice! After Canario around 1am or so we went to my favorite bar, Pegano! ( I think that means hell or something…. Odd I know) The REASON that this is my favorite bar is that while yes, it is a gay bar, they have AWESOME music, there is always a “show”, and nobody touches or bothers me. It’s great. That night was especially great because they always have a “diva” competition and that night was Madonna vs Lady GaGa!!! The two best divas! It was so funny… whenever a great song came on everyone would scream and start singing along. This one guy tried to teach me a cool dance move, but it was a lost cause… I just can’t move like that! The drag show was AWESOME. I don’t remember what songs they sang but Madonna, Lady GaGa…. Come on… all of them are great! I just don’t know how these “ladies” do it… they are skipping around on a bar wearing 8 inch platform shoes and they honestly look great doing it… I would break something for sure – if not my ankle, then all the bottles of booze as I fell off the bar! The show was complete with bubbles coming from the ceiling…. What straight bar can compete with that! SWEET night. Oh Diva Pagano… I will miss thee.
Sunday afternoon I went exploring in the hills of Valpo and found all of my favorite places without any difficulty at all. I had a coffee in my favorite café – “café con letras” – it is half an artsy bookstore and half a sweet coffee shop. It was cool to see all the graffiti art again… on every street I was like, Oh! I have that picture already! It’s funny how I even remember the precise place where my sister and I took a picture. Like I said… not much has changed. There are piles of rubble in certain places due to the earthquake – but thankfully, there doesn’t appear to be that much damage.
Today I visited the amazing ISA ladies who were part of the program that I came here with 3 years ago. It was so great to see them again! They are under a lot of stress due to the earthquake and all the parents calling every other minute. I feel so bad for them! I know my parents would probably be doing the same thing, but SHEESH! Some of the stories I’ve heard! They should just know that their children are in good hands. Two more days…. Bittersweet.
Friday, March 12, 2010
big adventure day! :)
Although I am knocking on wood while I say this because my trip is not quite over yet, we have had the best luck on our trip to the north. Everything just seemed to work out just right and I can’t even remember all the times we have said, “wow, that was lucky of us!” Everything from bus schedules, money issues (that I won’t expand on), hostels, and transportation…. Add them all together and it is evident that we have a few guardian angels watching over us.
Our big tour from the city of Salta was going even further north to the “Salinas Grandes” or salt flats and then on to the tiny, quaint town of Pumamarca. We spent awhile trying to figure out how to do this trip on our own without taking a tour group but in the end we figured out that the extra $15 we might spend on a tour would be totally worth not getting lost and having to change buses 3 times. At 7am sharp our tour minibus pulled up to our hostel and we were off, (7am is VERY early in south america knowing that dinner is not even eaten until 10pm or so) We were half asleep but it would be a shame to miss the view! Before we even left the city our tour, along with every other tour going to the salt flats stopped at this one store to buy coca leaves. Yes this sounds strange and slightly illegal but we were strongly required to put 10-15 leaves in the side of our mouths 20 minutes before we began the accent to the salt flats. Since the salt flats we at around 4000 meters, they said that one could get very sick from the altitude if youe are not accostumed to it. Since my own “near death experience” with the altitude in Bolivia 3 years ago Giorgia and I followed instructions! You don’t chew or swallow the leaves or anything, you just swallow the juices as the leaves sit in your mouth – it’s almost like drinking a few sodas or coffee as the caffine increases your heart rate and makes our blood run faster. The long trip up to the salt flats passed quickly because there were so many sights to see. We pasted through another cloud forest where our guide said that it never rains – it is just always very very green and lush because of the moisture that the clouds bring. There was grass growing on the trees! It was pretty cool. And… our guide said that there were a bunch of tiny monkeys living in these forests along with many other types of wild life. The first question Giorgia asked was if I thought that these were the types of trees that Tarzan would use… and yes, I was thinking the same thing! Maybe that’s why we get along so well Later on the journey we were passing through Jujuey and our guide was explaining the history of the valley to us and how every group of people tried to dominate this valley because it was one of the only passages from the north to the south, it was very interesting and I was very proud of myself that I was able to understand the Spanish it’s paying off! Whoop whoop!!! Por fin! (at last!)
We finally started the climb up to the salt flats and every jammed the leaves into their mouths. The view was amazing. All of these incredible moutains that I have been seeing this week makes me think of of how my climbing partners would love it here! We kept ascending and curving back and forth and Giorgia looked over at one of the French girls from our tour because she was making a funny sound and realized that she was not well at all. She was all clammy and not responsive. We quickly put her feet up and put a wet cloth on the back of her neck and hurried down the mountain. As soon as she was responsive she drank a little sip of water and then our guide asked if anyone had any sugar with them. Don don don don!!!! Good thing Giorgia and I never leave home without chocolate in our bags! She got a little better as the time went on, but she was too weak to get out of the bus when we got to the salt flats which was sad. Kind of scary. When I get home, if I’m not going to take and EMT class I at least want to buy and read an “in case of emergency” wilderness book! I hate not knowing exactly what to do!
The salt flats were amazing. Although I have already been to the largest salt flats in the world when I visited Bolivia, salt flats are salt flats and are always breath taking. We had a lot of fun taking pictures where you can make it seem like someone is standing in your hand by having the person stand in your background. And of course we had to do the jumping pictures… fun times! I bought a little stone picture that the local people there were selling. The locals were covered from head to toe in clothing because the sun is so reflective there… we were only allowed to stay on the salt flats for 30 minutes because the sun was so strong. It is a hard life they lead there, that’s for sure. On the way back, more people got sick because they took their coca leaves out! Our guide told us a cool trick (whether or not it is true I have no idea) that if you feel woozy you should put a pebble under your tongue from the altitude that you are at. By the time we were down the mountain I had both rocks and leaves in my mouth! No sticks or dirt though
We stopped in Pumamarca for lunch. This town almost blends in with its surroundings as everything is made out of stone/mud bricks from the land. In this town was the mountain of 7 colors. It was SO cool! Although I’m sure that if I look hard enough at anything I could see 7 colors… but this was completely obvious to everyone. How lucky to have this in your backyard! Although it was a cute little town, I could not imagine life there.
We arrived back in Salta around 8 pm that night at were needless to say very tired! It was a wonderful day to say the least! We revived ourselves with coconut and lemon pie ice cream there soon after Oh how I will miss Giorgia! I’ve never met someone who loves ice cream as much as I do!
The next day was our last half day of our travels. We spent it walking around the beautiful city, and making sure to take it all in. I went to the supermarket and bought the dulce de leche and mate tea that can only be found in Argentina and then at 4pm we boarding our bus.
4 hours from Salta to Tucamon, 13 hours to Mendoza, 9 hours to Santiago, and finally another 1 ½ to Vina del Mar. Yes, that’s right. I spent close to 30 hours in a bus and by the end of it I was ready to jump. By taking the bus it saved me probably 300 bucks…. But it was painful.
Our big tour from the city of Salta was going even further north to the “Salinas Grandes” or salt flats and then on to the tiny, quaint town of Pumamarca. We spent awhile trying to figure out how to do this trip on our own without taking a tour group but in the end we figured out that the extra $15 we might spend on a tour would be totally worth not getting lost and having to change buses 3 times. At 7am sharp our tour minibus pulled up to our hostel and we were off, (7am is VERY early in south america knowing that dinner is not even eaten until 10pm or so) We were half asleep but it would be a shame to miss the view! Before we even left the city our tour, along with every other tour going to the salt flats stopped at this one store to buy coca leaves. Yes this sounds strange and slightly illegal but we were strongly required to put 10-15 leaves in the side of our mouths 20 minutes before we began the accent to the salt flats. Since the salt flats we at around 4000 meters, they said that one could get very sick from the altitude if youe are not accostumed to it. Since my own “near death experience” with the altitude in Bolivia 3 years ago Giorgia and I followed instructions! You don’t chew or swallow the leaves or anything, you just swallow the juices as the leaves sit in your mouth – it’s almost like drinking a few sodas or coffee as the caffine increases your heart rate and makes our blood run faster. The long trip up to the salt flats passed quickly because there were so many sights to see. We pasted through another cloud forest where our guide said that it never rains – it is just always very very green and lush because of the moisture that the clouds bring. There was grass growing on the trees! It was pretty cool. And… our guide said that there were a bunch of tiny monkeys living in these forests along with many other types of wild life. The first question Giorgia asked was if I thought that these were the types of trees that Tarzan would use… and yes, I was thinking the same thing! Maybe that’s why we get along so well Later on the journey we were passing through Jujuey and our guide was explaining the history of the valley to us and how every group of people tried to dominate this valley because it was one of the only passages from the north to the south, it was very interesting and I was very proud of myself that I was able to understand the Spanish it’s paying off! Whoop whoop!!! Por fin! (at last!)
We finally started the climb up to the salt flats and every jammed the leaves into their mouths. The view was amazing. All of these incredible moutains that I have been seeing this week makes me think of of how my climbing partners would love it here! We kept ascending and curving back and forth and Giorgia looked over at one of the French girls from our tour because she was making a funny sound and realized that she was not well at all. She was all clammy and not responsive. We quickly put her feet up and put a wet cloth on the back of her neck and hurried down the mountain. As soon as she was responsive she drank a little sip of water and then our guide asked if anyone had any sugar with them. Don don don don!!!! Good thing Giorgia and I never leave home without chocolate in our bags! She got a little better as the time went on, but she was too weak to get out of the bus when we got to the salt flats which was sad. Kind of scary. When I get home, if I’m not going to take and EMT class I at least want to buy and read an “in case of emergency” wilderness book! I hate not knowing exactly what to do!
The salt flats were amazing. Although I have already been to the largest salt flats in the world when I visited Bolivia, salt flats are salt flats and are always breath taking. We had a lot of fun taking pictures where you can make it seem like someone is standing in your hand by having the person stand in your background. And of course we had to do the jumping pictures… fun times! I bought a little stone picture that the local people there were selling. The locals were covered from head to toe in clothing because the sun is so reflective there… we were only allowed to stay on the salt flats for 30 minutes because the sun was so strong. It is a hard life they lead there, that’s for sure. On the way back, more people got sick because they took their coca leaves out! Our guide told us a cool trick (whether or not it is true I have no idea) that if you feel woozy you should put a pebble under your tongue from the altitude that you are at. By the time we were down the mountain I had both rocks and leaves in my mouth! No sticks or dirt though
We stopped in Pumamarca for lunch. This town almost blends in with its surroundings as everything is made out of stone/mud bricks from the land. In this town was the mountain of 7 colors. It was SO cool! Although I’m sure that if I look hard enough at anything I could see 7 colors… but this was completely obvious to everyone. How lucky to have this in your backyard! Although it was a cute little town, I could not imagine life there.
We arrived back in Salta around 8 pm that night at were needless to say very tired! It was a wonderful day to say the least! We revived ourselves with coconut and lemon pie ice cream there soon after Oh how I will miss Giorgia! I’ve never met someone who loves ice cream as much as I do!
The next day was our last half day of our travels. We spent it walking around the beautiful city, and making sure to take it all in. I went to the supermarket and bought the dulce de leche and mate tea that can only be found in Argentina and then at 4pm we boarding our bus.
4 hours from Salta to Tucamon, 13 hours to Mendoza, 9 hours to Santiago, and finally another 1 ½ to Vina del Mar. Yes, that’s right. I spent close to 30 hours in a bus and by the end of it I was ready to jump. By taking the bus it saved me probably 300 bucks…. But it was painful.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
cachi, salta, pumamarca
So much has happened in the past few days that it had been hard to find time to write! sorry
After our amazing tour in the land of beauty we decided to have a day of rest in beautiful Cafayate - even though we are on vacation it is still always go go go so it was nice to have a day to do whatever we wanted. In this valley it is said that they produce the best white wine in the country - a Torrientes. SO needless to say we went on several wine tours and I tried various yummy wines (and Giorgia, although she is from Italy, does not like wine... so sometimes i had her sample too :) We went shopping a bit and did the muesem thing and just hung out eating kilos of grapes. I really hope I won't get sick from that... i seriously eat about 2 pounds of grapes a day. that is because they are SO good and taste NOTHING like our grapes, these are real white grapes that have the most wonderful taste. And since there are people selling grapes on every other corner it is super convienent. mmm...
The next day we took a tour to Cachi and then up to Salta. The trip up to cachi is one of the most amazing roads - sometimes it was a dirt road for a bit, but the scenery was so amazing that it was a crime if you were to sleep through it. We ate lunch in the small mountain town of Cachi and then continued on to Salta. We saw everything on this trip - cloud forests, colorful mountains, cactus, deser.... a little bit of each. When we arrived close to Salta, gioriga and I about about 5 others got off our tour bus with all of our stuff to wait for the local bus to take us into the town of Salta. I'm not sure why the tour bus could not take us all the way, but oh well. We waited seriously for about an hour on the side of a road, in the dark, for a bus to pass by that was not stuffed to the seams. The other girls (french) that got off the bus with us started to try and hitch hike and finally got in the back of a pick up truck with their stuff.... ya.... no thanks. I'll wait. Well we did just that! Finally we got a bus and got aboard with all of our giant backpacks.... it was a long 45 minute ride! However we did meet the very nice people that we were squished up against. One man was getting off at our stop and insisted that he help us find our hostel... very nice old man. Every time I have to pick up my bags and walk a few blocks takes so much effort! I have a bag full of purchases, so I guess that doesnt help at all! Salta, which is called "La Bella" the beautiful was just that. We took a gondola up to the top of a moutain and got the whole panoramic view.
*** to be continued... I have to go and catch my 25 hour bus.... suck. wish me luck.
After our amazing tour in the land of beauty we decided to have a day of rest in beautiful Cafayate - even though we are on vacation it is still always go go go so it was nice to have a day to do whatever we wanted. In this valley it is said that they produce the best white wine in the country - a Torrientes. SO needless to say we went on several wine tours and I tried various yummy wines (and Giorgia, although she is from Italy, does not like wine... so sometimes i had her sample too :) We went shopping a bit and did the muesem thing and just hung out eating kilos of grapes. I really hope I won't get sick from that... i seriously eat about 2 pounds of grapes a day. that is because they are SO good and taste NOTHING like our grapes, these are real white grapes that have the most wonderful taste. And since there are people selling grapes on every other corner it is super convienent. mmm...
The next day we took a tour to Cachi and then up to Salta. The trip up to cachi is one of the most amazing roads - sometimes it was a dirt road for a bit, but the scenery was so amazing that it was a crime if you were to sleep through it. We ate lunch in the small mountain town of Cachi and then continued on to Salta. We saw everything on this trip - cloud forests, colorful mountains, cactus, deser.... a little bit of each. When we arrived close to Salta, gioriga and I about about 5 others got off our tour bus with all of our stuff to wait for the local bus to take us into the town of Salta. I'm not sure why the tour bus could not take us all the way, but oh well. We waited seriously for about an hour on the side of a road, in the dark, for a bus to pass by that was not stuffed to the seams. The other girls (french) that got off the bus with us started to try and hitch hike and finally got in the back of a pick up truck with their stuff.... ya.... no thanks. I'll wait. Well we did just that! Finally we got a bus and got aboard with all of our giant backpacks.... it was a long 45 minute ride! However we did meet the very nice people that we were squished up against. One man was getting off at our stop and insisted that he help us find our hostel... very nice old man. Every time I have to pick up my bags and walk a few blocks takes so much effort! I have a bag full of purchases, so I guess that doesnt help at all! Salta, which is called "La Bella" the beautiful was just that. We took a gondola up to the top of a moutain and got the whole panoramic view.
*** to be continued... I have to go and catch my 25 hour bus.... suck. wish me luck.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Quebrada del Cafyate
Picking up from where I left off...
Giorgia and I went on a hike (of sorts) up into the hills in tafi del valle on Thursday and it was so beautiful. Big green mountains that look like the hillsides in Austria complete with grazing cows and horses. The hills were hugged by low clouds in places that only made everything look that much cooler. The locals were so friendly and always stopped whatever they were doing to come over and talk to us - this place has not been hit with the big tourist bang so at times, it felt like we were like some sort of exhibit, especially for the children there. We ate our avocado and goat cheese sandwichs on top of the outlook point and sat for awhile just taking it in. Later that afternoon we took the bus to Cafayte - which is not a bus trip that one should sleep through. Fern Gully to the extreme! Everywhere you looked was covered in green - steep mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and green green green. When we came to the other side of the valley it seemed like we were in another country all together. Now is was much more arid and the mountains changed from being all green to being all colors. Cafayte is located in a valley, surrounded in all sides by mountains. We walked the very long 3 blocks to our hostel and everytime I have to carry my stupid bags I want to leave everything on a corner and only carry my day pack. In every place now I have left some things... clothes are clothes and as long as I don't leave ALL my clothes and walk around naked I think it is a good idea to leave some pounds behind. (now if I could only leave my "bread" pounds behind!)
Yesterday were took the tour to Quebrada del Cafayte for about $12 that lasted for about 6-7 hours. There are no words to describe just how beautiful this place was. I feel like I have seen my far share of beautiful places in my 23 years and so far in my life I feel like this trip is definitly in my top 5 most amazing places... maybe even in the top 3. Combine all the wonders of the Grand Canyon, Moab Utah, and the Garden of the Gods and THAT is what this place is like. The rock formations are amazing and make our "red rocks" look pink. In other places there were every color imaginable in the cliff sides. We climbed to the top of amaing structures and everytime it took my breath away. The weather was perfect, and I'm sure I was a sight to see in my GIANT green sun hat, but Giorgia bought a sun hat too so I was no longer alone :) Our two guides got a hoot out of my hat and insisted that the other try it on. :) In one place, next to a giant "oblisk" rock formation we got to feed llamas!!!! They were so cute and ate corn out of my hand. Some people want a dog or a cat.... now I want a llama. Dad? :) But, I kind of feel bad because in front of "la garganta del diablo" (devils throat) there were people selling sandwichs of llama sausage... and yes... i tried llama. But no, i won't eat my own llama if i have one some day!
Our guides were amazing too. They told us the stories behind the valle and how years ago - even before the Andes were formed, there was a giant sea and when the plates began to move the water all rushed out and created this amazing place. I still can't believe the colors... the red rocks were really really RED, and the green copper rocks were so green. I've never seen anything like it. And once again I'm so glad that Giorgia and I are traveling together! We are having so much fun. I really think I'm going to have a touch of Italian accent to my Spanish at the end of the trip. Now I am thinking and dreaming in Spanish.... sometimes my brain hurts, but the words just flow now so it is much easier. I'm teaching Giorgia words in English and she is teaching me some Italian! yes, we are an odd pair!
Things I've learned -
- the things in the all the bathrooms here that are meant for washing your bum work really well at washing your feet after walking around all day
- dental floss can be used for meanding a broken green straw hat
- I could (and have) eaten the grapes here everyday all day
- when people say that yes, they have internet in their restaurant or hostel it sometimes means that they WANT to have intertant in their restaurant or hostel
- yes..... i have light colored eyes
- loudly snoring people sharing your hostel room can be worken up in the middle of the night by poking them a bit
- i love sunscreen
- I love banana and milk "licuados"
The only thing that could have made my day yesterday better would have been having all my friends and family there with me so I could have someone to share the memories with :)
Giorgia and I went on a hike (of sorts) up into the hills in tafi del valle on Thursday and it was so beautiful. Big green mountains that look like the hillsides in Austria complete with grazing cows and horses. The hills were hugged by low clouds in places that only made everything look that much cooler. The locals were so friendly and always stopped whatever they were doing to come over and talk to us - this place has not been hit with the big tourist bang so at times, it felt like we were like some sort of exhibit, especially for the children there. We ate our avocado and goat cheese sandwichs on top of the outlook point and sat for awhile just taking it in. Later that afternoon we took the bus to Cafayte - which is not a bus trip that one should sleep through. Fern Gully to the extreme! Everywhere you looked was covered in green - steep mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and green green green. When we came to the other side of the valley it seemed like we were in another country all together. Now is was much more arid and the mountains changed from being all green to being all colors. Cafayte is located in a valley, surrounded in all sides by mountains. We walked the very long 3 blocks to our hostel and everytime I have to carry my stupid bags I want to leave everything on a corner and only carry my day pack. In every place now I have left some things... clothes are clothes and as long as I don't leave ALL my clothes and walk around naked I think it is a good idea to leave some pounds behind. (now if I could only leave my "bread" pounds behind!)
Yesterday were took the tour to Quebrada del Cafayte for about $12 that lasted for about 6-7 hours. There are no words to describe just how beautiful this place was. I feel like I have seen my far share of beautiful places in my 23 years and so far in my life I feel like this trip is definitly in my top 5 most amazing places... maybe even in the top 3. Combine all the wonders of the Grand Canyon, Moab Utah, and the Garden of the Gods and THAT is what this place is like. The rock formations are amazing and make our "red rocks" look pink. In other places there were every color imaginable in the cliff sides. We climbed to the top of amaing structures and everytime it took my breath away. The weather was perfect, and I'm sure I was a sight to see in my GIANT green sun hat, but Giorgia bought a sun hat too so I was no longer alone :) Our two guides got a hoot out of my hat and insisted that the other try it on. :) In one place, next to a giant "oblisk" rock formation we got to feed llamas!!!! They were so cute and ate corn out of my hand. Some people want a dog or a cat.... now I want a llama. Dad? :) But, I kind of feel bad because in front of "la garganta del diablo" (devils throat) there were people selling sandwichs of llama sausage... and yes... i tried llama. But no, i won't eat my own llama if i have one some day!
Our guides were amazing too. They told us the stories behind the valle and how years ago - even before the Andes were formed, there was a giant sea and when the plates began to move the water all rushed out and created this amazing place. I still can't believe the colors... the red rocks were really really RED, and the green copper rocks were so green. I've never seen anything like it. And once again I'm so glad that Giorgia and I are traveling together! We are having so much fun. I really think I'm going to have a touch of Italian accent to my Spanish at the end of the trip. Now I am thinking and dreaming in Spanish.... sometimes my brain hurts, but the words just flow now so it is much easier. I'm teaching Giorgia words in English and she is teaching me some Italian! yes, we are an odd pair!
Things I've learned -
- the things in the all the bathrooms here that are meant for washing your bum work really well at washing your feet after walking around all day
- dental floss can be used for meanding a broken green straw hat
- I could (and have) eaten the grapes here everyday all day
- when people say that yes, they have internet in their restaurant or hostel it sometimes means that they WANT to have intertant in their restaurant or hostel
- yes..... i have light colored eyes
- loudly snoring people sharing your hostel room can be worken up in the middle of the night by poking them a bit
- i love sunscreen
- I love banana and milk "licuados"
The only thing that could have made my day yesterday better would have been having all my friends and family there with me so I could have someone to share the memories with :)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
... and we're off!
Yes, the travels have began! I met my Italian friend georgia in Cordoba on the 1st of march and now we are going to be traveling together for the next 2 weeks about. It is SO nice traveling with someone instead of going solo. Cordoba, which they call the heart of Argentina bc it lies in the middle of the country, was great. We stayed in a hostel that was called Turning Point and was ran by two guys from Ohio, we met a lot of people and everyone was so fun. I now have "friends" from Isreal, Africa, Ecuador, Japan... and all of them said "come visit me!" Give me a few years huh? :) We spent our time there walking around the city, visiting parks and museums, and eating 3 times in the same place because it was so amazing. I bought a green huge sun hat, which I'm sure I'll get looks for (what's new) but now since I am afraid of the sun I needed something! We took the bus to Tucamon the next night at 10 pm and arrived a long 11 1/2 hours later. There was a big rain storm that we were stuck in and had to turn around half way because the roads were gone! Some of the cars that were driving in front of our giant bus were drowning in the "river" I thought for sure they were going to get washed away! Upon arriving in Tucamon we took one look around and decided to immediatly take the next bus to Tafi del Valle, (2 1/2hours) This bus ride was however quite amazing. We drove for over an hour through thick tropical rian forests that in every which way you looked there was green. It was misting at the time so the clouds hung low and kind of drapped over some of the hills... it was so pretty! Not to forget all the rivers and waterfalls that we pasted too. We arrived in tafi del valle and immediatly loved it! It kind of reminds us of Austria because of the green hills and cute cafes. Not the typical south american city, thats for sure (no trash in the streets or grafiti). We are staying in a very cute hostel that has hot water and now we are using the free wifi in the only cafe that has wifi and we are drinking cafe con leche, honey, and eating medialunas. The town is full of great artesian fairs and i am sad bc i cant buy anything else because i cannot carry my bags more than 2 blocks at a time as it is! very sad. Tomorrow we are going hiking up in the hills to get a great view of the valley. Very cute town to say the least!
There are random horses roaming the streets, just like dogs do! and there are a lot of little restaurants selling local cheese, honey, and chocolate. Yes, I will be eating a diet heavy in veggies when I get back :) but honestly I'm not doing that bad! no worries!
Sidenote - my skin is peeling like a snake and I have 3 big bug bites, but if that is the worst of it I think I am doing just fine!
next place we are going is Quilmes.....
chao!
love, megan
There are random horses roaming the streets, just like dogs do! and there are a lot of little restaurants selling local cheese, honey, and chocolate. Yes, I will be eating a diet heavy in veggies when I get back :) but honestly I'm not doing that bad! no worries!
Sidenote - my skin is peeling like a snake and I have 3 big bug bites, but if that is the worst of it I think I am doing just fine!
next place we are going is Quilmes.....
chao!
love, megan
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