We are at the airport now and getting ready for a long flight home. We had a fantastic day although the weather didn´t seem to want to cooperate. Among the fog and clouds we went to an amazing artisan center where we got to meet the artists and see them doing their work. We saw some incredible original artwork, including jewelry and sculptures made from recycled material, and found some neat stuff done by a group of women in rural Chile working to protect the environment and generate their own income. It was a splendid morning.
We then headed back to the Mercado Central to enjoy lunch at the famous Donde Agosto where Dan got the biggest seafood stew you have ever seen. We ate what we could, enjoyed the ambiance, and then got on the Metro and took a nice walk back to the hotel.
We have so much to tell everyone ... so many things we´ve been talking about and want to share with you. But for now, we will leave it at this: we are ready to come home. See you soon!
Friday, August 1, 2008
A Capitol Visit
Although we are already preparing for our journey home (we will be returning to NYC one day ahead of the original schedule), we are also enjoying our last days in South America. Yesterday we went on a walking tour of three different areas of the city, led by the one and only Dan Zinn. We got to see a great artsy area (which reminded us of King William in San Antonio) where we enjoyed some great empanadas. We then walked through a beautiful city park along a river, which was less than impressive, and past the art museum to the Central Market. Here we saw evey kind of seafood for sale, including large piles of squid just waiting to be served as calamari. It was quite the experience.
We then headed to the Plaza de las Armas, the third time we have been to such a site with the exact same name this trip. As predicted, it was filled with people, pigeons, and energy, including dozens of men of all ages playing in a chess tournament which we watched for a while. There were also children torturing the birds, two comedians working as street performers and entertaining the crowd, and some artists with their work for sale. We enjoyed the gelato and the atmosphere.
The last stop along the tour was a hill called Santa Lucia. We both want to do some more research on the matter, but it is the most bizzare hill right in the middle of the busy city. We climbed hundreds of stairs to get to the top where there could have been a great view of the snow-covered mountains and the city all the way around if it hadn´t been for the dense smog that clouded our vision (a lot like what we saw in Beijing, I´m afraid). It was a mysterious place, still, with castle-like structures and fountains that could have been seen anywhere in Italy. Oh ... and lots of couples making out. Yikes.
Overall we have really enjoyed our time here in Chile. This city is a lot more modern and Americanized than any other we have seen on this trip. The metro is a nicer version of the NYC subway; there are "Nuts 4 Nuts" vendors just like in Times Square; the people are very metropolitan and there is no distinctly Chilean look as far as we can tell. Tonight we will be on a red-eye back to NYC and will make the obligatory phone calls and emails when we can. Be well!
We then headed to the Plaza de las Armas, the third time we have been to such a site with the exact same name this trip. As predicted, it was filled with people, pigeons, and energy, including dozens of men of all ages playing in a chess tournament which we watched for a while. There were also children torturing the birds, two comedians working as street performers and entertaining the crowd, and some artists with their work for sale. We enjoyed the gelato and the atmosphere.
The last stop along the tour was a hill called Santa Lucia. We both want to do some more research on the matter, but it is the most bizzare hill right in the middle of the busy city. We climbed hundreds of stairs to get to the top where there could have been a great view of the snow-covered mountains and the city all the way around if it hadn´t been for the dense smog that clouded our vision (a lot like what we saw in Beijing, I´m afraid). It was a mysterious place, still, with castle-like structures and fountains that could have been seen anywhere in Italy. Oh ... and lots of couples making out. Yikes.
Overall we have really enjoyed our time here in Chile. This city is a lot more modern and Americanized than any other we have seen on this trip. The metro is a nicer version of the NYC subway; there are "Nuts 4 Nuts" vendors just like in Times Square; the people are very metropolitan and there is no distinctly Chilean look as far as we can tell. Tonight we will be on a red-eye back to NYC and will make the obligatory phone calls and emails when we can. Be well!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The Best Laid Plans
Well, this seems to be the theme of my summer (says Jenn with a sigh). Dan, being the supportive brother that he is, has suggested that I write one of the following for today´s blog post:
"We were in the Santiago airport and thought, why not spend some time in Chile?"
Or
"I heard Brazil is so yesterday ... let´s try something new."
Or
"Greetings from a little place just outside of Rio ... it´s called Santiago de Chile¨."
Needless to say, we are spending the next couple of nights in Santiago where we will explore the beautiful city and the amazing mountains (We had an amazing view on the flight in this morning ... one side was a view of snow-covered peaks and the other of a hilly mountain range). Anyway, we are both doing well, though Jenn is about to poke herself in the eye with the next sharp object she sees. Oh well. We are excited about exploring a new city in a new country with new money and a new adventure!
And by the way ... Did You Know that one needs both a yellow fever vaccination and a visa to get from Peru to Brazil?
"We were in the Santiago airport and thought, why not spend some time in Chile?"
Or
"I heard Brazil is so yesterday ... let´s try something new."
Or
"Greetings from a little place just outside of Rio ... it´s called Santiago de Chile¨."
Needless to say, we are spending the next couple of nights in Santiago where we will explore the beautiful city and the amazing mountains (We had an amazing view on the flight in this morning ... one side was a view of snow-covered peaks and the other of a hilly mountain range). Anyway, we are both doing well, though Jenn is about to poke herself in the eye with the next sharp object she sees. Oh well. We are excited about exploring a new city in a new country with new money and a new adventure!
And by the way ... Did You Know that one needs both a yellow fever vaccination and a visa to get from Peru to Brazil?
Monday, July 28, 2008
Happy Independence Day, Peru
Today we joined with 300,000 Peruvians and several thousand tourists in celebrating Independence Day. We saw another parade-type-thing on the top of a small island where we had gone via a boat this morning. We also met some great characters who live on floating islands and learned about how they make the islands, maintain them, and keep them from floating away. Overall it was a great lake experience ... and we did get a chance to get away from the Bay of Puno and get a better sense of just how huge this lake really is. We were also able to see an island that is in Bolivia as well as the snow-covered peaks well across the way.
That´s all we have for now ... but don´t worry, we´ll have much more to share when we get to Rio in a couple of days ... and plenty of pictures and stories to tell when we get back to the States.
That´s all we have for now ... but don´t worry, we´ll have much more to share when we get to Rio in a couple of days ... and plenty of pictures and stories to tell when we get back to the States.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
The Animaniacs Would be Proud
Needless to say I can't get that classic tune by Yakko, Wakko, and Dot out of my head, and I think I am driving Dan a little crazy by singing it as well ... "Lake Titicaca, yes Lake Titicaca, with water both tranquil and blue ..."
We made it! After a short airport adventure and some really awful experiences with other travellers, we have arrived in our third city (though really Puno is a small town compared with Cuzco and Lima). We are already enjoying the peacefulness of the water and Shari is right -- it is HUGE! We haven't been able to see over to the Bolivia side yet, but might go on a short boat tour sometime in the next two days.
We have talked about a few interesting things that I'm sure we'll blog about later, like the systems that are in place for trash pick up (a man goes through Aguas Calientes and rings a bell when he is ready to take your trash down to the trash train that leaves once a day), trust issues (some of the markets have stalls with their merchandise left out in the open and we are always asked to leave our keys when we go out for the day), and travel ettiquite (how is it possible that people in Peru are waiting in line for over an hour when they could go to the non-existent line at the self-check kiosk and take care of things themselves? and why must we go to a separate cashier to pay an airport tax?). Anyway, lots of interesting things to think about, talk about, and learn about.
For now we are taking it easy. We will go outside and read by the water (Dan has already almost finished a Dirk Pitt story by Clive Cussler and I am enjoying an interesting story called The Bastard of Istanbul (yes, there was already a reference to the classic TMBG song)). I might get back on later and put some pictures, but want to get outside for now.
Love to you all ... we are having a great time and are certainly glad to be on an adventure together!
We made it! After a short airport adventure and some really awful experiences with other travellers, we have arrived in our third city (though really Puno is a small town compared with Cuzco and Lima). We are already enjoying the peacefulness of the water and Shari is right -- it is HUGE! We haven't been able to see over to the Bolivia side yet, but might go on a short boat tour sometime in the next two days.
We have talked about a few interesting things that I'm sure we'll blog about later, like the systems that are in place for trash pick up (a man goes through Aguas Calientes and rings a bell when he is ready to take your trash down to the trash train that leaves once a day), trust issues (some of the markets have stalls with their merchandise left out in the open and we are always asked to leave our keys when we go out for the day), and travel ettiquite (how is it possible that people in Peru are waiting in line for over an hour when they could go to the non-existent line at the self-check kiosk and take care of things themselves? and why must we go to a separate cashier to pay an airport tax?). Anyway, lots of interesting things to think about, talk about, and learn about.
For now we are taking it easy. We will go outside and read by the water (Dan has already almost finished a Dirk Pitt story by Clive Cussler and I am enjoying an interesting story called The Bastard of Istanbul (yes, there was already a reference to the classic TMBG song)). I might get back on later and put some pictures, but want to get outside for now.
Love to you all ... we are having a great time and are certainly glad to be on an adventure together!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Truly ¨Wonder¨ful
Well, we met one of our goals today. We were walking among the ruins of Machu Piccu ... one of the seven modern wonders of the world. Wow ... truly amazing. We awoke nice and early so we could make it to the top in time to see the sunrise, which worked quite well. There were a lot of other people, but we managed to find a comfortable spot and to see the sun come up. We then reunited with our original Inca Trail guide and new friends and walked through the entire site for a tour. We also went back later for an extra walk and some more pictures and site-seeing. We are both feeling a little bit tired and a whole lot overwhelmed right now, but it is totally worth it.
We will try to post some pictures soon. Tomorrow we are off to Lake Titicaca where we will certainly see more amazing things. We are both doing well, so no worries from any of you!
We will try to post some pictures soon. Tomorrow we are off to Lake Titicaca where we will certainly see more amazing things. We are both doing well, so no worries from any of you!
Friday, July 25, 2008
|Surprise!
Well, it is Friday afternoon and we are sitting at a computer. This should tell you two things: that we are not walking the Inca Trail anymore, and that we are truly dedicated to staying in touch with you.
Due to some issues beyond our control, Dan and I elected to change our hiking plans from the original 4 day walk. We did 26 km of the trail got up to 11,000 and saw some incredible things, and are very proud of what we did.
Now we are awaiting the final accent to Machu Piccu tomorrow morning, when we will board a bus in Aguas Calientes (or Machu Piccu town) before sunrise to make sure we are at the top to see the sun hit the ruins. Needless to say we are very excited.
We´ve enjoyed more of our adventure since we last wrote. We have met more interesting people, seen a somewhat-less-than-jovial independence day parade, been unimpressed with the behavior of other toursits, and enjoyed each other´s company (which was the point of our trip, so that´s good). We can certainly say that the trip has already been a success, though tomorrow´s sites and the destinations ahead promise to add more value as well.
Due to some issues beyond our control, Dan and I elected to change our hiking plans from the original 4 day walk. We did 26 km of the trail got up to 11,000 and saw some incredible things, and are very proud of what we did.
Now we are awaiting the final accent to Machu Piccu tomorrow morning, when we will board a bus in Aguas Calientes (or Machu Piccu town) before sunrise to make sure we are at the top to see the sun hit the ruins. Needless to say we are very excited.
We´ve enjoyed more of our adventure since we last wrote. We have met more interesting people, seen a somewhat-less-than-jovial independence day parade, been unimpressed with the behavior of other toursits, and enjoyed each other´s company (which was the point of our trip, so that´s good). We can certainly say that the trip has already been a success, though tomorrow´s sites and the destinations ahead promise to add more value as well.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Above and Beyond
This post will certainly be a short one, as we are off to bed and an early morning to start our official trek. We are also having some trouble posting pictures, but will put some up as soon as we can.
Today we visited Pisac, a nearby city with incredible Incan ruins on a mountain high above. We had a wonderful time exploring the ruins and felt lucky to have the experience.
The next time you hear from us will be Saturday (we hope). There are wonderful things on the trail ahead of us ... we´ll tell you all about them later!
Today we visited Pisac, a nearby city with incredible Incan ruins on a mountain high above. We had a wonderful time exploring the ruins and felt lucky to have the experience.
The next time you hear from us will be Saturday (we hope). There are wonderful things on the trail ahead of us ... we´ll tell you all about them later!
Monday, July 21, 2008
An "awe"some day
Today held two amazing experiences for us ... even though we managed to sleep in until almost noon. After some much needed R&R we took a short hike up the hill to see one of the nearby Incan Ruins called Sacsayhuaman (prnounced like sexy woman). It was a pretty steep hike, but Dan took good care of his big sister and we managed to make it to the top alive. Once there we saw incredible stone structures forming three distinct zig zag lines that formed a fortress for protection. We wandered through the giant rocks (some are said to be as big as 8 meters and over 300 tons) and marveled at the way they were so perfectly fit together. We were also able to get some killer views of the city and its rolling hills from this hot spot.
This afternoon we went for a private tour of the Niños Project, a place dedicated to helping 500 children find the food, nutrition, medical attention, and school support they need to be more successful than the thousands of less fortunate children in this city. We were impressed by the facilities and the philosophy, but our favorite impressions were 1) the bathrooms where every child had been given their own cup and toothbrush since almost all the children had several cavaties and no way to fight against them at home, and 2) the giant room set up as a children´s restaurant (instead of calling it a cafeteria) where the children eat at least twice a day (since many of them don´t eat at home) and get a variety of foods including protein, vegetables, fruits, and desserts (my favorite). Overall, it was a humbling experience that made us think about the power of one person doing the hard work it takes to make the world a better place.
And now we are off to eat a small dinner (lunch was a big one) and then start to get our heads wrapped around the adventure that still lies ahead. Keep sending us your positive (and warm) thoughts.
This afternoon we went for a private tour of the Niños Project, a place dedicated to helping 500 children find the food, nutrition, medical attention, and school support they need to be more successful than the thousands of less fortunate children in this city. We were impressed by the facilities and the philosophy, but our favorite impressions were 1) the bathrooms where every child had been given their own cup and toothbrush since almost all the children had several cavaties and no way to fight against them at home, and 2) the giant room set up as a children´s restaurant (instead of calling it a cafeteria) where the children eat at least twice a day (since many of them don´t eat at home) and get a variety of foods including protein, vegetables, fruits, and desserts (my favorite). Overall, it was a humbling experience that made us think about the power of one person doing the hard work it takes to make the world a better place.
And now we are off to eat a small dinner (lunch was a big one) and then start to get our heads wrapped around the adventure that still lies ahead. Keep sending us your positive (and warm) thoughts.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Man, it´s cold up here!
Well, Dan says I write too much, or talk too much or something. So we´ll keep this post short. Here it is ... We made it to Cuzco. It is a beautiful city with colorful homes along rolling hills (which we walked up and down today). We met the tour group with which we´ll be working but not the other hikers in our group. We ate some good food (yes, Dad, we have ceviche already and Dan did you proud!). We spent more time people watching and checking out the Plaza de Armas as well as the main road and some monuments. We are pretty tired, though, and will undoubtedly be in bed by nine again tonight.
One thing for you all to think about ... this afternoon we were both walking around in shorts and t-shirts with sunglasses on and hot from the sun. As we are right now in the internet cafe, we are both wearing fleece jackets and hats. How could the temp change so quickly? Yikes!
We´ll see what happens tomorrow.
One thing for you all to think about ... this afternoon we were both walking around in shorts and t-shirts with sunglasses on and hot from the sun. As we are right now in the internet cafe, we are both wearing fleece jackets and hats. How could the temp change so quickly? Yikes!
We´ll see what happens tomorrow.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The Lima Llama Experience
Unfortunately we will not be able to write about our amazing day on top of a llama riding through the streets of Lima. That´s not to say that we didn´t see some Lima Llamas, and it´s not that we didn´t get through a good number of streets during the day, but alas, we were unable to take a ride.
We are staying in a great little place right near Plaza Mayor and were able to see some very busy modern shopping areas as well as two old school plazas. The first is dedicated to the General who helped Peru declare freedom and the second is surrounded by one of the oldest cathedrals and the government´s palace (where we saw armored tanks and what we think was a fancy changing of the guard ceremony).
Later we went to this "really old place" where the Lima natives had built a pyramid for ceremonial stuff (like sacrificing young women ... yikes!). The experience was a bit surreal since from the top of the pyramid we could see that the area is totally surrounded by modern buildings (businesses and residences) which really brings to light just how endangered the ancient world is.
To end the adventure we walked along side an enourmous Peace Parade that was filled with children of all ages (including some senior citizens being pushed in wheel chairs) who were singing, dancing, marching, and chanting about the importance of bringing South Americans together and being truly dedicated to peace. We ended up at Larco Mar ... a modern area on the cliffs overlooking the ocean where we were able to relax and watch both a futbol game down on the shore and the parasailers crazy enough to fly right over us.
A fun start. We are still a little anxious about getting to the top of the mountain, so that weighs heavy on our minds as we try to take in all that we´re seeing here. Dan already noticed that Lima doesn´t seem as commercialized as some parts of Mexico ... we don´t feel like there are tourists everywhere or that the city is catering to tourists so much that it doesn´t have its own identity. I enjoyed seeing some of the children´s faces as we sat in the Plaza, hung out in the Central Park of Lima, and stood over the shore.
Can´t wait for what´s next ...
We are staying in a great little place right near Plaza Mayor and were able to see some very busy modern shopping areas as well as two old school plazas. The first is dedicated to the General who helped Peru declare freedom and the second is surrounded by one of the oldest cathedrals and the government´s palace (where we saw armored tanks and what we think was a fancy changing of the guard ceremony).
Later we went to this "really old place" where the Lima natives had built a pyramid for ceremonial stuff (like sacrificing young women ... yikes!). The experience was a bit surreal since from the top of the pyramid we could see that the area is totally surrounded by modern buildings (businesses and residences) which really brings to light just how endangered the ancient world is.
To end the adventure we walked along side an enourmous Peace Parade that was filled with children of all ages (including some senior citizens being pushed in wheel chairs) who were singing, dancing, marching, and chanting about the importance of bringing South Americans together and being truly dedicated to peace. We ended up at Larco Mar ... a modern area on the cliffs overlooking the ocean where we were able to relax and watch both a futbol game down on the shore and the parasailers crazy enough to fly right over us.
A fun start. We are still a little anxious about getting to the top of the mountain, so that weighs heavy on our minds as we try to take in all that we´re seeing here. Dan already noticed that Lima doesn´t seem as commercialized as some parts of Mexico ... we don´t feel like there are tourists everywhere or that the city is catering to tourists so much that it doesn´t have its own identity. I enjoyed seeing some of the children´s faces as we sat in the Plaza, hung out in the Central Park of Lima, and stood over the shore.
Can´t wait for what´s next ...
Friday, July 18, 2008
Leaving on a Jet Plane
Within a few hours we will be on an airplane headed for another hemisphere ... the 8 hour flight will certainly be one filled with anticipation, good movies, and a taste of the good snacks we have brought along with us for the journey. We will sleep tonight in Lima and begin our learning right away.
Last night we talked about all that we hope to get out of this adventure. We talked about the things we will see (two of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World), the food we will eat, and the feelings we hope to carry home with us (accomplishment, survival, discovery, humility). Now all we need is for the time to pass so that we can start soaking it all in.
We're excited that so many of you are following along through this blog. Please feel free to ask questions and we will do our best to find the answers as we work our way through our journey.
Here we go!
Last night we talked about all that we hope to get out of this adventure. We talked about the things we will see (two of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World), the food we will eat, and the feelings we hope to carry home with us (accomplishment, survival, discovery, humility). Now all we need is for the time to pass so that we can start soaking it all in.
We're excited that so many of you are following along through this blog. Please feel free to ask questions and we will do our best to find the answers as we work our way through our journey.
Here we go!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Almost, Maybe
Well, Dan and I keep calling one another either to offer support or to ask questions. I think that means we must be close to ready to leave. Good thing, too ... Friday is the big day.
I wonder what kinds of things we will see when we're there. I can't wait to taste the food, to meet new people, and to learn about a part of the world I have never seen.
Please don't hesitate to post your questions and thoughts. We can't wait to share with you all that we can.
I wonder what kinds of things we will see when we're there. I can't wait to taste the food, to meet new people, and to learn about a part of the world I have never seen.
Please don't hesitate to post your questions and thoughts. We can't wait to share with you all that we can.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Getting Ready
This blog will be a place where I will share with the world (or at least the readers) my thoughts and comments as my brother and I travel through Peru and Brazil this summer. I will try to post some pictures as well, and hope to be able to bring a little bit of South America to each of you through this forum.
Please feel free to comment with your thoughts or questions ... I'll be reading them as often as I can.
My biggest worry right now is the trek itself. Walking to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World could be tough. I hope you all know of the mountain of which I speak.
Back soon with more, when it gets closer to the real deal.
Please feel free to comment with your thoughts or questions ... I'll be reading them as often as I can.
My biggest worry right now is the trek itself. Walking to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World could be tough. I hope you all know of the mountain of which I speak.
Back soon with more, when it gets closer to the real deal.
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