Thursday, 6/9, 11.31am I received an email with the transaction code from western union, as my mother sent me money to return to Argentina.
I said goodbye to Liseth and Paulina and set of to the DHL/WU office.
At 11.57 I walked out of there with 157 dollars in my wallet ... together with the 16 soles I had left. From there straight to the bus station, as afternoons are not the best for hitch-hiking long distances and some of the peruvian busses are cheap anyway.
Found a bus for 20 soles to Desaguadero, bordertown with Bolivia. When asking for the arrivaltime, I was told that I would be there at 20.30, sounds logical and thus I plan to go straight to La Paz same day and spend the night there.
Since the bus wasn't leaving until 14.00, I had lunch - 3.5 soles - in the terminal.
After a not too comfortable busride, I found out that the migrations office closes at 22.00 in Desaguadero, and it being about ten o'clock, I was forced to spend the night in Peru. I decided against a hostel, reasons: I had no peruvian money left, and I would better be in the queue very early in the morning. After a couple of hours in the cold, close to 4.000m it does get cold at night, I decided to change 2 dollars for 6 soles and have a soup (caldo the cordero) and a mug of coffee. By 3am the first people arrive at the office door, so I join the front of what would become a hugue line of people. At 7.30 - shouting very loud that it's not yet opening time, but the people are in a hurry so they start working - something start to move and we all get our migration slip. When I offer my passport for a stamp, I also get a fine of 88 dollars and 28 soles for having overstayed my visa. Not being peruvian I don't try to bribe the good man, so I have to pay.
Now 09.45 and most of the money gone I happily cross into Bolivia. Because my passport contains a helluva lot of their stamps, and the peruvians stamped mine saying they were throwing me out of their country, they at first don't want to let me in. Declaring that I only was on my way to Argentina and after consulting the supervisor they stamp my passport for 30 days with a hughe sigh and off I go. With the soles I still had left I drink a carrot juice. I decide to change as many as 30 dollars in bolivianos, you never know, and start walking.
For ten bolivianos I get on a bus to La Paz, amazing city, the day the rugby worldcup starts in France.
Being dropped off way out of the centre of the city, I walk towards were I think I can find the busstation. All ok, just miscalculated a tiny little bit. In there I meet Melissa, Shirley and Cecilia, 3 peruvian girls on their way to a better life in Buenos Aires (even further than Salta)I'd met them before in Desaguadero, peruvian side in the queue and apparently thay had some with the same bus from Arequipa.
I buy a ticket to Villazon for the enourmous amount of 100 bolivianos, spend some money on beer, go to an english pub - Oliver's Travels - to find out about the rugby and all the Irish in there are shouting out their joy for Argentina's victory over France. They didn't seem to realise that now Ireland will have to do the same if they want to qualify for the knock-out stages. I have some more beers and hurry back to catch my bus for a 19.00h departure. I was told the ride would take 17 hours ... (have you ever taken a bus in Bolivia?)
Well, because the beers, I managed to sleep an hour or to, before the first stop, but from there it was all suffering. Luckily there was only a small mendocina sleeping next to me.
Spot on the hour we arrived in Villazon, and walking towards the border I meet the 3 girls again. No probs crossing here, not leaving bolivia, nor entering argentina. I briskly walk to the main road and start hitching. Well aware of the fact that at 16.30h not too many people are driving from there to Salta, I prepare for a rough night. The plan: to reach Humahuaca before 14.00h the following day, at least one of the tours shoud recognise me and geve me a ride to salta ... my philosophy.
I hate waiting, so I continue walking and after about 10k I pick-up truck stops and I jump in the back of the rusty ageless monster. In the beginning I converse/play with the 3 children sitting in the back, the oldest and youngest are with the parents in the front. A bit of a surprise when after a stop to top up the water level the oldest of the children, a 10 year old, takes over at the wheel so his father can smoke a fag. But no probs, and they drop me of in Puesta del Marquez, 50k from La Quiaca, and not even dark.
Again I start walking, agains for some 10k, a bit more this time and a minivan stops, to take me all the way to the next town, Abra Pampa. By now 22.00 and pitch dark, no moon, just the stars to lighten my path. I clip my taillight to my backpack, it's always better to be seen when ur hitching a ride and contonue along the Panamerican Highway.
Then I hit the jackpot. I'd been walking for an hour, an hour and a half, I haven't got a watch, and a bus stops. Company name El Panamericano, driver's name Marcelo. I tell him I'm nat waiting for the bus, that I have no money and he says no probs, hop on, I'm going to Humahuaca. Well that far he went, so I got off and walked back to the main road. Just a couple of km Marcelo pulls over again ... going to Tilcara, ordersz from the boss, maybe even to Maimará. He gives some cookies ... at this point I hadn't eaten in a while and I didn't have 1 peso in me pocket. So when I walk from Tilcara, direction Jujuy, I'm not too surprised to find Marcelo again, finally going to Maimará. Here, letting me off on the mainroad, he advises me to take a bus to San Salvador and gives me money to do so. The bus doesn't show though, so I walk off once more.
By this time I've done more than 300k since entering the country.
Try hitch hiking after midnight ...
Long walk, reading the signs more than 15k and the same driver that had taken me Abra Pampa passes by, then realises it's me, turns back and gives me a ride to San Salvador de Jujuy. They give me sandwiches and Fanta and drop me off on the circular road of the city.
By now getting tired. Walking another 12k and a remis takes me to the next police control where he finds paying passengers to replace me. The car in front of us at the control was carrying various kilos of coca leaves over the limit.
Walking the last 20k to the border control Jujuy-Salta. Here I decide not to walk anymore, to stay put until somebody gives me a ride to Guëmes. They even gave me a ride to Salta ... a nice old fellow bringing strawberries to the city.
At 9.30, 70 hours after setting of to the WU office, I'd arrived in Salta once more.
Now I need new sandals, soles hace worn off completely from all tha walking with my backpack.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
Cusco?
Well, that was that, and as I didn't new why ... I came back and again happily in the point Arequipa. Now start dreaming of getting to Salta again ... Kim's there.
At least met some nice people in Cusco.
At least met some nice people in Cusco.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Cusco
U don't k now why, but I've come to Cusco, Peru's capital of tourism, fiesta and drugs. Why would someone with no money choose to go there? Don't ask me, I'm asking you.
Maybe, I hope at least, I could get a job with one of the many international tour-operators that have theur peruvian or even south american office here in Cusco, but I'll have to find out, today walk around town amd tomorow start job hunting. In the Point they're not in need of a baskployee, so fingers crossed that one of the current workers plans to leave soon, they've granted me a couple of days free bed for having been at the Point Arequipa for some time, but if worst cones to worst, We'll take the bus back to AQP.
Current mail address:
The Point Cusco
Meson de la estrella 172
Cusco
Peru
Maybe, I hope at least, I could get a job with one of the many international tour-operators that have theur peruvian or even south american office here in Cusco, but I'll have to find out, today walk around town amd tomorow start job hunting. In the Point they're not in need of a baskployee, so fingers crossed that one of the current workers plans to leave soon, they've granted me a couple of days free bed for having been at the Point Arequipa for some time, but if worst cones to worst, We'll take the bus back to AQP.
Current mail address:
The Point Cusco
Meson de la estrella 172
Cusco
Peru
Thursday, August 09, 2007
It's all over
Yes, Peru paid off it's reputation once more, and I got robbed last night of virtually ALL my money, haven't got 1 cent left, but what
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Tja
Mijn camera is verdwenen, mijn werk is tijdvergend en ...
Alles ok, daar niet van, maar Peru is toch niet het land van mijn dromen. Je leert wel dat je hier niemand kan vertrouwen, zelfs niet je vrienden. Ieder voor zich en god voor ons allen.
Een paar maandjes en dan moet het in orde zijn om te vertrekken.
Alles ok, daar niet van, maar Peru is toch niet het land van mijn dromen. Je leert wel dat je hier niemand kan vertrouwen, zelfs niet je vrienden. Ieder voor zich en god voor ons allen.
Een paar maandjes en dan moet het in orde zijn om te vertrekken.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Have started a facebook
Well, seems to be the latest friends network, really hot amongst the english/irish travel community. Party animals thjey are ... had a whole bunch of them in the hostel, mix them with some australians and you have a most lively atmosphere, for sure.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Gringo life
Big change in every day lifestyle living in a party hostel ... probably the best hostel in town for all who like parties ...
not always getting a lot of sleep since started teaching at Incalpaca at the amazing time of 07.00 o'clock ... all fine, 12 soles an hour, half of a full nights work in Deja vu.
not always getting a lot of sleep since started teaching at Incalpaca at the amazing time of 07.00 o'clock ... all fine, 12 soles an hour, half of a full nights work in Deja vu.
Friday, June 22, 2007
still here, does that mean stuck?
Yeah, well, that's about it here in Peru. Not like argentina. dunno what's next
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Another month passed by
With this weekend's elections in Belgium, I've come to realise that actually I am a bit far away from home. Last time round I lived in Dublin, was officially registered there and arranged my vote (compulsary in Belgium, even for expats), but this year, since I'm still registered in Ireland, I never received any communication and never took any action myself either, so that no vote will be cast. Anyway, who would I vote for, having been living abroad for over 7 years or something like that? I still know some of the names of politicians, but start frowning when I see the names the political parties have nowadays, apparently as well it has become difficult to go alone, according to a orientation test on the website of De Standaard newspaper, I should be closest to Spirit, then Groen!, ...
And to your amazement, they've asked me if there still was a politician named Van den Bossche, because once there was a belgian girl on a lonely trip in Arequipa, her name was Freya, and she stole the hearts of many peruvians ...
Btw, just switched newspapers, went to the morgen, and they are free!
In the meantime, what has changed here.
I am still teaching english, but now in a different and more serious institute, they pay me 8 soles per hour, or 12 for business english taught on-site. I hate it when a keyboard is not configured correctly.
Still working saturdays and every now and then other nights in Déjà-vu, the bar-discotheque and from next week on I'll start working in The Point, a backpacker's hostel owned by an isrealian and en english guy, run by a dutch girl, ...
The israelian is never here, as he also owns parts of the other points in Lima and Cuzco and lives in Lima ... James, the english is not too often in his hostel and therefore they have Danielle running the place. Now I'll need to impress them, as Danielle is going home at the end of July, so I should try to get her job by then. Pays about 1.000 soles a month plus accomodation and food. In my job I'll only be remunarated with bedding and food. But that takes close to 300 soles of my expenses. Deal still needs to be sealed but don't see any hurdles.
How at times I¡m thinking back of Argentina, the country that treated me so well, especially Salta. But if I remember well, the start there wasn't thet easy either. I'm going to get things fixed, but it looks as if it's going to cost me my girlfriend.
And to your amazement, they've asked me if there still was a politician named Van den Bossche, because once there was a belgian girl on a lonely trip in Arequipa, her name was Freya, and she stole the hearts of many peruvians ...
Btw, just switched newspapers, went to the morgen, and they are free!
In the meantime, what has changed here.
I am still teaching english, but now in a different and more serious institute, they pay me 8 soles per hour, or 12 for business english taught on-site. I hate it when a keyboard is not configured correctly.
Still working saturdays and every now and then other nights in Déjà-vu, the bar-discotheque and from next week on I'll start working in The Point, a backpacker's hostel owned by an isrealian and en english guy, run by a dutch girl, ...
The israelian is never here, as he also owns parts of the other points in Lima and Cuzco and lives in Lima ... James, the english is not too often in his hostel and therefore they have Danielle running the place. Now I'll need to impress them, as Danielle is going home at the end of July, so I should try to get her job by then. Pays about 1.000 soles a month plus accomodation and food. In my job I'll only be remunarated with bedding and food. But that takes close to 300 soles of my expenses. Deal still needs to be sealed but don't see any hurdles.
How at times I¡m thinking back of Argentina, the country that treated me so well, especially Salta. But if I remember well, the start there wasn't thet easy either. I'm going to get things fixed, but it looks as if it's going to cost me my girlfriend.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Still there
You know, starting all over again is not always easy. Here I made some capital mistakes and therefore I am a bit low rated, but the future looks bright enough.
Temporarily strapped of cash, I haven't been in ciber cafes regularly lately, and if I was, for maybe half an hour or so, reading my ATW daily newsupdate, do quick check of itsagoal and popomundo and log off at 50 centimos ... sending a sporadic email here or there.
Not that I am rich again, but recieved 40 soles from Déjà-vu, the bar where I work, and have the prospect of receiving close to 200 soles next week from the institute and am in negociations with at least one other private student and if not starting up talks with other institutes ... don't worry, be happy ... every little thing is gonna be allright.
Take's some time, doesn't it ...
Also, if not alone, some decisions are a bit more difficult to take ...
I've been with Jessica now for most of my time here in Arequipa. I wouldn't say that I'd prefer Arequipa over Salta if it was to live for a long time, but we'll see. She's from Lima originally and might move back there, together with her mother, in August, which implicates that I will do the same.
Looking into moving into tourism again, as the money there is better than in teaching, as seems to be the case everywhere. Problem here is that the types of tours are all very different from the tours in Salta. I am trying to look into a job a tour conductor, working for overseas agencies, but not too many of them have an office here in Arequipa.
Anyone of you has an idea if I would be able to get kind of a work from home, or work over the internet job from here?? Have been looking around a bit, but haven't found any serious possibilities yet.
The best to all of you out there ... in a short time I'll be fully back again.
Temporarily strapped of cash, I haven't been in ciber cafes regularly lately, and if I was, for maybe half an hour or so, reading my ATW daily newsupdate, do quick check of itsagoal and popomundo and log off at 50 centimos ... sending a sporadic email here or there.
Not that I am rich again, but recieved 40 soles from Déjà-vu, the bar where I work, and have the prospect of receiving close to 200 soles next week from the institute and am in negociations with at least one other private student and if not starting up talks with other institutes ... don't worry, be happy ... every little thing is gonna be allright.
Take's some time, doesn't it ...
Also, if not alone, some decisions are a bit more difficult to take ...
I've been with Jessica now for most of my time here in Arequipa. I wouldn't say that I'd prefer Arequipa over Salta if it was to live for a long time, but we'll see. She's from Lima originally and might move back there, together with her mother, in August, which implicates that I will do the same.
Looking into moving into tourism again, as the money there is better than in teaching, as seems to be the case everywhere. Problem here is that the types of tours are all very different from the tours in Salta. I am trying to look into a job a tour conductor, working for overseas agencies, but not too many of them have an office here in Arequipa.
Anyone of you has an idea if I would be able to get kind of a work from home, or work over the internet job from here?? Have been looking around a bit, but haven't found any serious possibilities yet.
The best to all of you out there ... in a short time I'll be fully back again.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
As it should be
Didn't do it right, but back on the right track. Working in an institute teaching english again, also moved there, renting a room is a hell of a lot cheaper than paying a hostel on a daily basis ...
My current address is:
Rivero 403
Arequipa
Peru
Just tell Michel Montignac never to come here, as my menu of today, a standard lunch, consisted of a chupa - a soup with meat, pasta, potatoe and corn - and estofado de pollo - chicken stewed with potatoes and served with rice - as he would probably get a heart attack. This type of menu they sell at 2.50 soles so you understand that the amounts of meat and chicken are very small.
Life here is ok, not too hot, not too cold ... it's said though that right above Arequipa there is a hole in the ozon layer, so the sun burns very strong. If I'd had to choose between Salta and here to live for ther est of my life, I'd probably go back there though. Albeit just for the people.
My current address is:
Rivero 403
Arequipa
Peru
Just tell Michel Montignac never to come here, as my menu of today, a standard lunch, consisted of a chupa - a soup with meat, pasta, potatoe and corn - and estofado de pollo - chicken stewed with potatoes and served with rice - as he would probably get a heart attack. This type of menu they sell at 2.50 soles so you understand that the amounts of meat and chicken are very small.
Life here is ok, not too hot, not too cold ... it's said though that right above Arequipa there is a hole in the ozon layer, so the sun burns very strong. If I'd had to choose between Salta and here to live for ther est of my life, I'd probably go back there though. Albeit just for the people.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Another suicide moment
How nice to be as stupid as I am ...
I've been having a tremenduous time lately, going out in a very regular basis, meeting up with other people all the time, ...
Also have been very lazy so far, and today is the last of my lazy days.
If I am not going to gear up finding a job, ... it will be all over pretty soon. Have been squandering my money, nice to have vacations no?
Little football thing as most of the world probably doesn't know shite about peruvian soccer ... Cienciano (Cusco) currently are one of the teams to beat in the Copa Libertadores ... last week, at high altitude at home, sent Boca Juniors (Buenos Aires)packing with a dry 3-0.
One of the most famous Peruvian internationals is Farfán, playing for PSV Eindhoven.
The -17 team has qualified for the worldcup.
I've been having a tremenduous time lately, going out in a very regular basis, meeting up with other people all the time, ...
Also have been very lazy so far, and today is the last of my lazy days.
If I am not going to gear up finding a job, ... it will be all over pretty soon. Have been squandering my money, nice to have vacations no?
Little football thing as most of the world probably doesn't know shite about peruvian soccer ... Cienciano (Cusco) currently are one of the teams to beat in the Copa Libertadores ... last week, at high altitude at home, sent Boca Juniors (Buenos Aires)packing with a dry 3-0.
One of the most famous Peruvian internationals is Farfán, playing for PSV Eindhoven.
The -17 team has qualified for the worldcup.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Earthquake day
Hey, just survived a pretty decent earthquake here ...
Whilst having breakfast, at first I thought a train was passing by, then realised the railway is at the other side of town and people started off towards the door ... the girl from the hostel said - or rather cried - everyone outside, this is a serious quake, but by then it already began to subside. A little aftershock some 15 mins later ... would be of a strenght that happens about once a year ...
Also, it's semana santa, thursday and friday should be dry ... no alcohol to be sold, but apparently the only once punished are the bars, as people are getting more drunk than on other days drinking the pisco straight from the bottle in the streets.
Whilst having breakfast, at first I thought a train was passing by, then realised the railway is at the other side of town and people started off towards the door ... the girl from the hostel said - or rather cried - everyone outside, this is a serious quake, but by then it already began to subside. A little aftershock some 15 mins later ... would be of a strenght that happens about once a year ...
Also, it's semana santa, thursday and friday should be dry ... no alcohol to be sold, but apparently the only once punished are the bars, as people are getting more drunk than on other days drinking the pisco straight from the bottle in the streets.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Arequipa
OK, I am to stay here for a bit longer ...
Have started working as barman in a cocktailbar, just for 3 nights a week so will need to get something else.
Sorry for gaps getting long again ... will do my best to keep you posted.
The most difficult thing in the bar is not how to mix a mojito, caipirinha or pisco sour, but to know the differnt prices for the different customers.
cheers
Have started working as barman in a cocktailbar, just for 3 nights a week so will need to get something else.
Sorry for gaps getting long again ... will do my best to keep you posted.
The most difficult thing in the bar is not how to mix a mojito, caipirinha or pisco sour, but to know the differnt prices for the different customers.
cheers
Sunday, March 25, 2007
My home in Salta
Hostal Inti Huasi, the best hostel in Salta. Lived there for an amazing total of 16 months.
Call them +54 387 4310167
Boring life without a job.
Well, I haven't been to the Colca Canyon yet. That's supposed to be trek with 100% guaranteed condors in sight, amazing landscapes, eating and sleeping with local people, ... a 2 day tour, if done by agency costs you about 50 US. You can ofcourse also do it by yourself.
I for myself have been walking accross the town of Arequipa and am starting to feel a bit more at home. My evening activities have included civilised happening such as going to the movies. We watched "in persuit of happiness" a big Will Smith hollywood story about the american dream. That's if you don't watch a program and just show up at the theatre and pick the next to begin movie. Was even worse than expected, best actor in the film probably Smith Jr.
Looking around for different possibilities to work, either teaching, bar/restaurant or tourism, awaiting some answers. Could start saturday in Brittany Group, but wages very low, talking to director again on monday.
Might as well stay here for a couple of months. Will have to tell Lesly that I'm not on my way yet. If all goes for the best ... bring it on.
I for myself have been walking accross the town of Arequipa and am starting to feel a bit more at home. My evening activities have included civilised happening such as going to the movies. We watched "in persuit of happiness" a big Will Smith hollywood story about the american dream. That's if you don't watch a program and just show up at the theatre and pick the next to begin movie. Was even worse than expected, best actor in the film probably Smith Jr.
Looking around for different possibilities to work, either teaching, bar/restaurant or tourism, awaiting some answers. Could start saturday in Brittany Group, but wages very low, talking to director again on monday.
Might as well stay here for a couple of months. Will have to tell Lesly that I'm not on my way yet. If all goes for the best ... bring it on.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Just some random thinking
For starters, I know somebody read my blog yesterday!!! We were chatting at the time so ...
It appears I am going to be here for a little while longer. Don't know anything fixed yet, but it is happening. Later today I am to visit some language institutes and try to land a teaching job here in Arequipa.
Really should come here. I loved Salta and now I'm in love with Arequipa ... things change, don't they.
Sorry for not writing too many personal emails lately...
It appears I am going to be here for a little while longer. Don't know anything fixed yet, but it is happening. Later today I am to visit some language institutes and try to land a teaching job here in Arequipa.
Really should come here. I loved Salta and now I'm in love with Arequipa ... things change, don't they.
Sorry for not writing too many personal emails lately...
Monday, March 19, 2007
Still in Arequipa
Well, minor news, gotted mugged this weekend by a taxidriver, lost about 90 soles and my cell, so not too much damage done, as I had all my cash in my pockets. Could've lost everything if they had been more thorough and had checked all of my pockets. The standard rule of never keeping everything in the same place does seem to work.
On the positive side, I've located Lesly so I will be visiting here later this month.
Long stretch comeing up, if I want to go in one go from here to Lima, seem to be a couple of towns along the road, we'll see. Maybe as soon as tomorrow.
On the positive side, I've located Lesly so I will be visiting here later this month.
Long stretch comeing up, if I want to go in one go from here to Lima, seem to be a couple of towns along the road, we'll see. Maybe as soon as tomorrow.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Arequipa
Now in Arequipa. Had the needed dose of luckon my way there, but well, yeah, who would leave someone standing at the side of the road in the high mountain desert some 200km away from the next sizeable town?
I walked the entire stretch from Puno to Juliaca, this last to be the merchants town closest to the city of Puno and also the location for the airport. Has a very bad reputation regarding safety, but didn't see anything suspicious there.
Just about 2km out of Juliaca a truck picked me up, and at a very leisurely pace we started off into the mountains. He was on his way to a cupper/silver mine, not a really big one, but a localy owned business.
When he had to leave the main road - I am still, or again on the Pan-American highway - I got out his truck with still 197km to go to Ariquipa.
My decision to come here and not go to Cuzco was partially taken by the fact that I want to stick as much as possible to "la panamericana" and the prices of a visit to Machu Pichu. A one day visit will cost you about 150 USD, unless you really go looking for the cheapest alternatives. A three day tour, with compulsary guide will end up nearly double that.
I hadn't walked 100m when I blue Nissan pick-up truck stopped just in front of me, I hadn't even stuck out my thumb yet, and they took me all the way to the outskirts of Arequipa.
Arequipa is a wonderfull colonial city, I still have to see most of it. I think I'll be staying here for a while longer. Foto's will follow on a later date.
My skin is still recovering from some over-exposure to the strong high altitude sun.
Peru is pretty expensive though.
Cheers all!
Happy Paddy's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I walked the entire stretch from Puno to Juliaca, this last to be the merchants town closest to the city of Puno and also the location for the airport. Has a very bad reputation regarding safety, but didn't see anything suspicious there.
Just about 2km out of Juliaca a truck picked me up, and at a very leisurely pace we started off into the mountains. He was on his way to a cupper/silver mine, not a really big one, but a localy owned business.
When he had to leave the main road - I am still, or again on the Pan-American highway - I got out his truck with still 197km to go to Ariquipa.
My decision to come here and not go to Cuzco was partially taken by the fact that I want to stick as much as possible to "la panamericana" and the prices of a visit to Machu Pichu. A one day visit will cost you about 150 USD, unless you really go looking for the cheapest alternatives. A three day tour, with compulsary guide will end up nearly double that.
I hadn't walked 100m when I blue Nissan pick-up truck stopped just in front of me, I hadn't even stuck out my thumb yet, and they took me all the way to the outskirts of Arequipa.
Arequipa is a wonderfull colonial city, I still have to see most of it. I think I'll be staying here for a while longer. Foto's will follow on a later date.
My skin is still recovering from some over-exposure to the strong high altitude sun.
Peru is pretty expensive though.
Cheers all!
Happy Paddy's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Day behind
No pictures today.
I'm still in Puno, Peru, and may be here for even a day more.
Normally from here you visit the floating islands on the lake and/or go to some of the inca ruins. Haven't done any of these so, we'll see. Have just been walking around the town and towards the great Titicaca lake.
Yesterday I walked from Copacabana to Peru, along the main road 8km, the old path must be a hell of a lot shorter as I walked it in just about 45mins. I calculate that given the altitude, walking with backpack and the prospect of walking for quite a long time/distance, I must advance at somewhere around 5km/h.
In the bordertown of Khasani, an official stopped me to ask me for my passport in a way as if I was a criminal, especially when I told him I'd come walking from Copa. 5mins later he was very friendly though, when I asked him if there was a place to go for a coffee or something like that, but ofcourse, it being 11am, the time for coffee was long gone.
What a difference in timekeeping compared to Argentina.
Had early lunch between the Bolivian and Peruvian checkpoints, Pejerey with rice.
--- for the bio people: odonthestes argentinensis, silver side in english ---
Across the border I set of in the direction Puno, knowing very well that without a ride I wouldn't make it in a day and a half. Luckily a few kilometers down the road a minibus stopped, without me trying to stop them, and out of curiosity they offered me a free ride for some 5km just to make some conversation. These people don't see too many backpackers from that close as normally these take a bus direct from Copacabana to Puno. Always nice to have a chat with the local working class, they mostly have a different view on the world that surrounds us. Belgium is a small country, most of them never really heard of it before. Belgium is famous for making good fire arms. If they know something more it is Bruges and maybe, maybe Brussels.
I wlkaed on again, the threatening rain had made way for a nice sun, I am still red as a tomatoe. Some km's further, quite a few actually, a dumptruck gave me a lift to the next town. From there I started trying to hitch a hike, as both before offered me the ride without me soliciting. It is viewed as very strange here to walk, it's true, there are these minibuses going from town to town for most likely 1 sole - about 1ARS = 0.25EUR. The entire thing didn't work, so I decided to walk a while close to the waterline, had a little chat with some local youths fishing, and went back to the main road. Then it all happened. A pick-up truck stopped at me waving my thumb up and down in the air, and they not only gave me a ride all the way to Puno, I was offered a seat in the cabin, they made little tours around the squares of the villages we passed by and gave me some tourist information. Also the first time I tried the world famous Inca Cola.
wvv
I'm still in Puno, Peru, and may be here for even a day more.
Normally from here you visit the floating islands on the lake and/or go to some of the inca ruins. Haven't done any of these so, we'll see. Have just been walking around the town and towards the great Titicaca lake.
Yesterday I walked from Copacabana to Peru, along the main road 8km, the old path must be a hell of a lot shorter as I walked it in just about 45mins. I calculate that given the altitude, walking with backpack and the prospect of walking for quite a long time/distance, I must advance at somewhere around 5km/h.
In the bordertown of Khasani, an official stopped me to ask me for my passport in a way as if I was a criminal, especially when I told him I'd come walking from Copa. 5mins later he was very friendly though, when I asked him if there was a place to go for a coffee or something like that, but ofcourse, it being 11am, the time for coffee was long gone.
What a difference in timekeeping compared to Argentina.
Had early lunch between the Bolivian and Peruvian checkpoints, Pejerey with rice.
--- for the bio people: odonthestes argentinensis, silver side in english ---
Across the border I set of in the direction Puno, knowing very well that without a ride I wouldn't make it in a day and a half. Luckily a few kilometers down the road a minibus stopped, without me trying to stop them, and out of curiosity they offered me a free ride for some 5km just to make some conversation. These people don't see too many backpackers from that close as normally these take a bus direct from Copacabana to Puno. Always nice to have a chat with the local working class, they mostly have a different view on the world that surrounds us. Belgium is a small country, most of them never really heard of it before. Belgium is famous for making good fire arms. If they know something more it is Bruges and maybe, maybe Brussels.
I wlkaed on again, the threatening rain had made way for a nice sun, I am still red as a tomatoe. Some km's further, quite a few actually, a dumptruck gave me a lift to the next town. From there I started trying to hitch a hike, as both before offered me the ride without me soliciting. It is viewed as very strange here to walk, it's true, there are these minibuses going from town to town for most likely 1 sole - about 1ARS = 0.25EUR. The entire thing didn't work, so I decided to walk a while close to the waterline, had a little chat with some local youths fishing, and went back to the main road. Then it all happened. A pick-up truck stopped at me waving my thumb up and down in the air, and they not only gave me a ride all the way to Puno, I was offered a seat in the cabin, they made little tours around the squares of the villages we passed by and gave me some tourist information. Also the first time I tried the world famous Inca Cola.
wvv
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
This was Copacabana - again -
Why to fond a huge cathedral in a rather small town like Copacabana? The first colonists probably already recognised to potential for tourism and survival in this area, all around the lake apparently people are thriving. Maybe one day this town is the first people think off hearing the name Copacabana, and not the beach in Brasil.
Another bad picture, excuse me for that, showing a line of women waiting, maybe for days, for the gas bottle deelivery truck. You'll find this type of queueing also around mayor cities such as roadblocks in and around La Paz
The girls in the picture are playing with barbie like dolls. The right one however, at the same time is running the place, a small eatery offering trout, beaf and other dishes. The trtout she cooked me was delicious anyway! I took refuge there for the rain. She called me "joven" and told me what I could eat.
Early afternoon a real rainstorm passed over the lake, just afterwards I took this shot.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
On the road
Well, to facilitate showing you what I've seen, I got myself a cheap digital camara, don't expect quality pictures, but I'll be able to show something, right?
Hell of a walk to get ot of La Paz and conurbano, but after a good few miles, how many does one walk at a steady speed in 3 hours time?
Anyway, look at the porkchops, aren't they lovely?
The truck was my first ride, took me about 50 miles north to where the road to Copacabana splits off from the road north. Two nice guys offered me a ride for FREE, as the stated it and also explained me the origin of the name Titi-kaka: A titi is a big cat-like animal, and the kaka is, well you know what kaka is. Now I know why Peruvians claim Titi is the peruvian part and kaka the bolivian.
Some 2 miles later my catholic believes where boosted: two pinguins going in a taxi all the way to Copacabana, ofcourse taking a little boat to cross the water, offered me a free ride!!!!!
Tomorrow or the day after crossing to Peru.
Hell of a walk to get ot of La Paz and conurbano, but after a good few miles, how many does one walk at a steady speed in 3 hours time?
Anyway, look at the porkchops, aren't they lovely?
The truck was my first ride, took me about 50 miles north to where the road to Copacabana splits off from the road north. Two nice guys offered me a ride for FREE, as the stated it and also explained me the origin of the name Titi-kaka: A titi is a big cat-like animal, and the kaka is, well you know what kaka is. Now I know why Peruvians claim Titi is the peruvian part and kaka the bolivian.
Some 2 miles later my catholic believes where boosted: two pinguins going in a taxi all the way to Copacabana, ofcourse taking a little boat to cross the water, offered me a free ride!!!!!
Tomorrow or the day after crossing to Peru.
Out of La Paz
Was a bit of a climb, but I took a minibus for part of it. Finally after a week in the city I've taken to the road, and as promised before I will walk decent parts and try to hitch the rest. Seems a lot more exciting than going by bus. Still possible to stop these busses down the road anyway.
Copacabana, here we come.
Friday, March 09, 2007
What do people do backpacking around the world.
1. Due to language problems/restrictions most stay in well known hostels as advised buy the books.
2. Take tours around the countryside either organised or following guide book in rented car.
3. Spend a lot of time in the hostel if traveling for long time.
4. Go out at night.
Well, currently doing exactly the same thing, without the tours so far.
Saturday I'll be going to Copacabana, Lago Titicaca and return to my original plan.
It still feels strange you can't speak spanish in a hostel in La Paz, because most of the staff don't speak it????
2. Take tours around the countryside either organised or following guide book in rented car.
3. Spend a lot of time in the hostel if traveling for long time.
4. Go out at night.
Well, currently doing exactly the same thing, without the tours so far.
Saturday I'll be going to Copacabana, Lago Titicaca and return to my original plan.
It still feels strange you can't speak spanish in a hostel in La Paz, because most of the staff don't speak it????
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
La Paz
Sin hacer dedo, pero completamente en colectivo ya he llegado a La Paz, Bolivia.
¡Impressionante la primera vista desde arriba!
Mira foto al lado.
¡Impressionante la primera vista desde arriba!
Mira foto al lado.
Ya estoy
Sorry for cheating on the plan, but La Paz is an amazing place. From the moment you turn around the top of the mountain and you get to see the city down there in the valley, you know you want to stay there for a couple of days. Luckily for me no problems with the altitude, had got used to that before, so I have been going around. Maybe work a little while in a bar somewhere, seems to be a normal procedure here.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Count-down boken off
Recently arrived in Villazon, Bolivian bordertown on the Panamerican Highway. Later today I'll get another bus, sorry, I know I promised to hitch, to La Paz. Buses here not too expensive, 50 bolivianos.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Preparing for take off
Getting nervous, monday will be the big day. Sifting through my possessions taking only 1 rather small backpack.
Countdown has started, although they don't want to let me go at the agency, even talking of setting up paperwork to have me legaly working, getting me full,temporary residency here in Argentina. I've told them but they don't want to hear.
Countdown has started, although they don't want to let me go at the agency, even talking of setting up paperwork to have me legaly working, getting me full,temporary residency here in Argentina. I've told them but they don't want to hear.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Bayer
Do you know the best way to work a lot very long days in a row without falling asleep, no matter wich altitude you're at? Well I discovered it is a hell of a lot cheaper than cocaine.
Every morning a large cup of extra strong cofee - who can say no to that - with an aspirine, and another aspirine after lunch with half a liter of coca cola. Each of these will help you to stay fresh and active for about 6 to 7 hours. Undoubtedly the best ever medical product, bayaspirina they call them here, as there are a lot of copies on the market as well. Tried it as well with the cafeïne version, as it is for the cafeïne you combine them with coke or coffee, but doesn't seem to work as good.
Please no more Salinas Grandes for a week or so, I've seen them, been there, done that.
Oh yeah note: received a tip from Porteños.
Free today, needed a day of so I can restart without the above routine.
Every morning a large cup of extra strong cofee - who can say no to that - with an aspirine, and another aspirine after lunch with half a liter of coca cola. Each of these will help you to stay fresh and active for about 6 to 7 hours. Undoubtedly the best ever medical product, bayaspirina they call them here, as there are a lot of copies on the market as well. Tried it as well with the cafeïne version, as it is for the cafeïne you combine them with coke or coffee, but doesn't seem to work as good.
Please no more Salinas Grandes for a week or so, I've seen them, been there, done that.
Oh yeah note: received a tip from Porteños.
Free today, needed a day of so I can restart without the above routine.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Getting worked in
Tomorrow going to Humahuaca, in a bus with 12 tourists, 1 new driver who doesn't know the tour and a new guide to be trained in. 1 foreigner without any spanish as well.
I'm nearly recovered from the doctor's poisening so it's going to be a fine day.
About 8 weeks to go.
I'm nearly recovered from the doctor's poisening so it's going to be a fine day.
About 8 weeks to go.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Hoogstraten
En, alle Hoogstratenaars fier op hun burgervader, meermaals de voorpagina gehaald op de standaard online!!!
Never trust the doctor
I kow I have been claiming for quite some time that I'm never ill, but I need to put a nearly in there somewhere. It all started last wednesday, after another nice but tiresome tour to the Salinas Grandes. I'd been feeling perfectly allright all day long, no sign of the often present fatigue during the 90 minute drive along Road 40 through the desert at high altitude, until later at night whilst having a drink with some friends on the standard wednesday - Barny Gomez evening.
The next day I started having fits of really high temperature, with sweat running in rivers from my body bringing my temperature down 'till I was shaking like a leaf.
Well, shit happens, so stay in bed for a day and it will be forgotten. Didn't count with the devil, and on saturday still no change in my situation, so I made the biggest mistake of my life, number 1: I called the paramedico. After 20 minutes and a shot in my bottom to bring the fever down she told me that this was no malaria, just angina and bronchitis, so she subsribed me some peniciline and tablets to control the fever. Then I made the biggest mistake of my life, numer 2: I actually took these pills.
Untill this moment I hadn't been eating for not feeling like it, the day after I couldn't eat because my entire mouth was infected. I blame it, not on the government, but on the peniciline. Today is tuesday, a week on, and I managed to get some milkshake in, water wasn't enough anymore for my stomach, even bought a "liquidora" to maybe try some soup. And tomorow, a white or a pink tongue, I start working again, it's high season, and I need to save for my trip. I hope I can talk all day long, dunno yet where they're sending me to.
After all, it probably wasn't more than a sunstroke. I'm going to get meself a hat and goggles.
Thumbs up in life! See yis in Aruba?
The next day I started having fits of really high temperature, with sweat running in rivers from my body bringing my temperature down 'till I was shaking like a leaf.
Well, shit happens, so stay in bed for a day and it will be forgotten. Didn't count with the devil, and on saturday still no change in my situation, so I made the biggest mistake of my life, number 1: I called the paramedico. After 20 minutes and a shot in my bottom to bring the fever down she told me that this was no malaria, just angina and bronchitis, so she subsribed me some peniciline and tablets to control the fever. Then I made the biggest mistake of my life, numer 2: I actually took these pills.
Untill this moment I hadn't been eating for not feeling like it, the day after I couldn't eat because my entire mouth was infected. I blame it, not on the government, but on the peniciline. Today is tuesday, a week on, and I managed to get some milkshake in, water wasn't enough anymore for my stomach, even bought a "liquidora" to maybe try some soup. And tomorow, a white or a pink tongue, I start working again, it's high season, and I need to save for my trip. I hope I can talk all day long, dunno yet where they're sending me to.
After all, it probably wasn't more than a sunstroke. I'm going to get meself a hat and goggles.
Thumbs up in life! See yis in Aruba?
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
BTW
passport valid till 03/2008
visa valid till 18/03/2007
travel money set aside 2.800 pesos and a lot of small amounts of foreign currency.
visa valid till 18/03/2007
travel money set aside 2.800 pesos and a lot of small amounts of foreign currency.
Brilliant Idea
I woke up this morning and straight away got this brilliant idea that it is about time to leave Salta, and time as well for a bit more adventure. Well, I decided that mid-march I'll be setting off, walking/hitch-hiking towards Colombia/Venezuela. Visiting Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador on my way up north.
If I really enjoy the trip, and this shouldn't be expensive, after a shorter time working at some point, I might try to get all the way up north. I would finally have something to write about so that this blog gets some value again. As I've said many times before, here nothing is happening, nothing is changing, the future is known for most people here: if they're not working yet, they'll just need to take a look at their parents, if they're not working, they probably won't either.
This place is beautiful, interesting, nice climate, people, all you can want, but without a future.
Thats about 75 days to go!
If I really enjoy the trip, and this shouldn't be expensive, after a shorter time working at some point, I might try to get all the way up north. I would finally have something to write about so that this blog gets some value again. As I've said many times before, here nothing is happening, nothing is changing, the future is known for most people here: if they're not working yet, they'll just need to take a look at their parents, if they're not working, they probably won't either.
This place is beautiful, interesting, nice climate, people, all you can want, but without a future.
Thats about 75 days to go!
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