Los Roques is a group of small, sandy islands scattered in the Caribbean sea who forms a national park. Incredibly expensive, but this is paradise. No big hotels. No people trying to sell stuff. Just a nice atmosphere along with perfect beaches, corals and turquoise water.
Arrived by the smallest plane to a tiny airport. The tower is on a truck, the terminal is two shacks. Our guesthouse, Posada Aquamarina, was nice, with excellent service (except for from one of the employees). We had an all-inclusive package, so as we arrived early we were driven directly out to a nearby island where we spent the day trying to get burned. The week we stayed, Roger did the best job on that.
His christmas present this year was the diving license, on christmas eve he passed the exam and officially got the OWD. I went with him for two dives, it was great. The underwater life out here is amazing.
Except for two dives, christmas eve was spent opening presents and eating. As normal. Except that it was lobster and champagne for dinner.
One week in heaven had to end, now we have one week in Caracas before returning to Oslo.
-- Posted from my iPod
--> astridha.blogspot.com
mandag 28. desember 2009
fredag 18. desember 2009
Puno and Cusco
One night in Puno, to spend the day on Lago Titicaca. Visited the floating islands, a strange place.
Then on with bus to Cusco, which consider itself the archaelogical capital of America. It was in the heart of the Inca empire, with ruins everywhere you turn. Including one of the worlds so called seven wonders; Macchu Picchu. Tourists are all over the place, as are people trying to get their money. Thirty years ago Cusco was a small town, today it's stretching further onto the surrounding hills as people arrive to get a bit of the new gold. There is no industry nor any agriculture in the city, most people try to survive on tourists.
Which is sad, it could have been a nice place. If it were possible to walk two metres or sit still a minute without being attacked.
That said, the heritage of the Incas around here is impressive, and well worth a visit. Just bring loads of patience, the little I had got lost somewhere when I just felt like a big walking dollar bill.
-- Posted from my iPod
--> astridha.blogspot.com
Then on with bus to Cusco, which consider itself the archaelogical capital of America. It was in the heart of the Inca empire, with ruins everywhere you turn. Including one of the worlds so called seven wonders; Macchu Picchu. Tourists are all over the place, as are people trying to get their money. Thirty years ago Cusco was a small town, today it's stretching further onto the surrounding hills as people arrive to get a bit of the new gold. There is no industry nor any agriculture in the city, most people try to survive on tourists.
Which is sad, it could have been a nice place. If it were possible to walk two metres or sit still a minute without being attacked.
That said, the heritage of the Incas around here is impressive, and well worth a visit. Just bring loads of patience, the little I had got lost somewhere when I just felt like a big walking dollar bill.
-- Posted from my iPod
--> astridha.blogspot.com
søndag 13. desember 2009
La Paz
Arrived the worlds highest capital (3,600 m) early in the morning. Got a couple of hours sleep before heading of to see some of this chaotic, polluted and charming city. I like it! Unfortunately my time is running out, in one week (next saturday) I have to be in Lima.
So as my time is limited, I've done it easy; bought all I need for the next week at an agency. Only had friday in La Paz, then took the bus saturday morning to Copacabana, a small place by lake Titicaca, and then a boat to Isla del Sol. This is the place the Incas believed the sun came from.
Today about 2,000 persons live out here, thanks to tourism. Very nice to walk around, incredibly peaceful. Unless you get sick from the altitude. Met a swedish couple who had problems with that. Well, seems as if most people except for me has had some kind of problem with the altitude.
-- Posted from my iPod
--> astridha.blogspot.com
So as my time is limited, I've done it easy; bought all I need for the next week at an agency. Only had friday in La Paz, then took the bus saturday morning to Copacabana, a small place by lake Titicaca, and then a boat to Isla del Sol. This is the place the Incas believed the sun came from.
Today about 2,000 persons live out here, thanks to tourism. Very nice to walk around, incredibly peaceful. Unless you get sick from the altitude. Met a swedish couple who had problems with that. Well, seems as if most people except for me has had some kind of problem with the altitude.
-- Posted from my iPod
--> astridha.blogspot.com
Bolivia
In terms of money, this is South Americas poorest country. In terms of culture, history, nature, people and smiles, it has to be one of the richest. Oh, and it lacks a coast, a bitter fact for most bolivians. Some optimists are hoping for Chile to give it back, but it's complicated and also Peru has to agree.
Last sunday Evo Morales was re-elected with 63 % of the votes, giving him five more years of trying to change the country to the better for the people, not the companies as has been the norm. In the past years he (I've been told) has focused on analfabetism, health and womens rights. Children going to public schools gets a small payment, to keep them in school instead of having to work. Teachers have gotten lap-tops. School-material is improved. Adults gets courses in the evening to learn how to read and write. And women are involved in the political life and are organizing all over the country, something that was unheard of five years ago. But, as the church has a lot of power, this is a country where thousands of women die in illegal abortions. Will Evo have the courage to do something about that?
-- Posted from my iPod
--> astridha.blogspot.com
Last sunday Evo Morales was re-elected with 63 % of the votes, giving him five more years of trying to change the country to the better for the people, not the companies as has been the norm. In the past years he (I've been told) has focused on analfabetism, health and womens rights. Children going to public schools gets a small payment, to keep them in school instead of having to work. Teachers have gotten lap-tops. School-material is improved. Adults gets courses in the evening to learn how to read and write. And women are involved in the political life and are organizing all over the country, something that was unheard of five years ago. But, as the church has a lot of power, this is a country where thousands of women die in illegal abortions. Will Evo have the courage to do something about that?
-- Posted from my iPod
--> astridha.blogspot.com
lørdag 12. desember 2009
Chile
A country that surprised me, I didn't know it was so developed. They still have a way to go, especially in rural areas. But people believe that in a few years (4-5) Chile will be the first latin american country taking the step up to be considered as part of the "first world".
Another surprising thing here was the presidential election. The president can only sit one period at a time! So even though people are satisfied with the sitting president, they can't re-elect her in the coming election.
Chile is Norways main competition when it comes to salmon. And maybe a country to learn from? The wild salmon doesn't exist here anymore. At the moment they are going through a big crisis due to a virus on their salmon. Lucky for us, instead of helping them we can now get into their markets. But that's another story. Norway and Chile also have other things than salmon in common, as a brit commented; maybe it's the climate? Chileans are very on time, and they follow laws and agreements. No wonder they are a bit separated from the rest of the continent, or "a lonely island" as they see it.
A safe, easy and great country to travel in. Even though it's the most expensive country down here, it's still pretty cheap. As in Argentina, time is essential, the distances are big. And warm clothes. Both for the south and the north.
-- Posted from my iPod
--> astridha.blogspot.com
Another surprising thing here was the presidential election. The president can only sit one period at a time! So even though people are satisfied with the sitting president, they can't re-elect her in the coming election.
Chile is Norways main competition when it comes to salmon. And maybe a country to learn from? The wild salmon doesn't exist here anymore. At the moment they are going through a big crisis due to a virus on their salmon. Lucky for us, instead of helping them we can now get into their markets. But that's another story. Norway and Chile also have other things than salmon in common, as a brit commented; maybe it's the climate? Chileans are very on time, and they follow laws and agreements. No wonder they are a bit separated from the rest of the continent, or "a lonely island" as they see it.
A safe, easy and great country to travel in. Even though it's the most expensive country down here, it's still pretty cheap. As in Argentina, time is essential, the distances are big. And warm clothes. Both for the south and the north.
-- Posted from my iPod
--> astridha.blogspot.com
torsdag 10. desember 2009
San Pedro to Uyuni
One of the definitive highlights this trip; a 3 day 4WD trip from San Pedro to Uruyuni in Bolivia.
We were bussed up to the Bolivian border, where we changed to our car, and then started our journey through the national park Eduardo Alvaroa. Everything is between 4,500 and 4,900 metres, so one of the guys got relly sick from the altitude. Luckily I didn't feel anything. Well, except getting short of breath very easily. Happy to be driving, and not riding a bicycle as some of the guys we met.
An amazing trip! Visited the geysirs (o fumadores) Sol de Mañana on 4,850 above sea level. Saw lakes in several colors; red, green, white and blue. With thousands of flamencoes. Volcanoes watching the endless deserts. Surreal big rocks with strange shapes in the middle of nowhere. One of these named after Dali, naturally. Everything seemed endless, the area is huge. And absolutely fantastic!!!
In the middle of day two we exited the national park, and went down to only 3,600 metres. Enough to make the sick traveller get better and manage to eat. As for the record, he was not a gringo but chilean.
The last day we spent in the enourmous and beautiful salt desert, Salar de Uyuni. Strange to think that the sea was all the way up here!
Now I'm in Uruyuni, waiting for the bus to La Paz that leaves in a few hours. Not looking forward to this overnight bus, as I've heard the road is very bad for the first hours.
We were bussed up to the Bolivian border, where we changed to our car, and then started our journey through the national park Eduardo Alvaroa. Everything is between 4,500 and 4,900 metres, so one of the guys got relly sick from the altitude. Luckily I didn't feel anything. Well, except getting short of breath very easily. Happy to be driving, and not riding a bicycle as some of the guys we met.
An amazing trip! Visited the geysirs (o fumadores) Sol de Mañana on 4,850 above sea level. Saw lakes in several colors; red, green, white and blue. With thousands of flamencoes. Volcanoes watching the endless deserts. Surreal big rocks with strange shapes in the middle of nowhere. One of these named after Dali, naturally. Everything seemed endless, the area is huge. And absolutely fantastic!!!
In the middle of day two we exited the national park, and went down to only 3,600 metres. Enough to make the sick traveller get better and manage to eat. As for the record, he was not a gringo but chilean.
The last day we spent in the enourmous and beautiful salt desert, Salar de Uyuni. Strange to think that the sea was all the way up here!
Now I'm in Uruyuni, waiting for the bus to La Paz that leaves in a few hours. Not looking forward to this overnight bus, as I've heard the road is very bad for the first hours.
onsdag 9. desember 2009
San Pedro de Atacama
This dusty town is found in the worlds driest desert, at more than 2000 metres above sea level, vlose by both the argentinian and bolivian border.
Two nights here were enough. Wandered around the museum (they only have one), where they display the life here before and during the Incas. Had a trip to the worlds highest geysirs, Tatio, in the morning on monday. Left at the not humane 4 a.m. It was freezing, how many degrees I don't know, but below zero as it was ice around the geysirs.
Inthe afternoon I visited a salty lake, Lago Cejas, supposedly saltier than the Dead Sea. Strange to be floating like that in the water! After a wonderful sunset it was back to San Pedro. I really had to use the toilet, already an hour before sunset. The one hour on very bumpy roads back didn't exactly help. So back in San Pedro I had to run. So fast that I forgot my camera in the bus. Luckily there were still people in agencies office when I discovered it. And I got it back. Would be a shame to loose my christmas present before christmas!
Two nights here were enough. Wandered around the museum (they only have one), where they display the life here before and during the Incas. Had a trip to the worlds highest geysirs, Tatio, in the morning on monday. Left at the not humane 4 a.m. It was freezing, how many degrees I don't know, but below zero as it was ice around the geysirs.
Inthe afternoon I visited a salty lake, Lago Cejas, supposedly saltier than the Dead Sea. Strange to be floating like that in the water! After a wonderful sunset it was back to San Pedro. I really had to use the toilet, already an hour before sunset. The one hour on very bumpy roads back didn't exactly help. So back in San Pedro I had to run. So fast that I forgot my camera in the bus. Luckily there were still people in agencies office when I discovered it. And I got it back. Would be a shame to loose my christmas present before christmas!
lørdag 5. desember 2009
Santiago de Chile
My third Santiago this trip. It surprised me how developed the city is. No kids living on the streets and/or selling things. It's clean. It has a very good transportation system. The traffic is quiet. It's safe to cross the street on a green man. Because of the surrounding hills and mountains with snowy peaks it seems quite small.
The first day I was well enough to do something, I went to the winery of Concha y Toro, Chile's biggest wine producer. Most famous abroad for Casillero del Diablo, "the devil's cellar". We had the luxury tour, with tasting of five wines with an expert. How she managed to smell and taste all the things she did, neither me nor the australian who was with me understood. But we agreed the wines were good.
Thanks to the laundry that still have most of my clothes, I've finally had the chance to do some shopping. Felt great! Wonderful to be able to buy hand-made designer clothes. As Buenos Aires, Santiago also have some bohemian areas with nice cafés and charming boutiques. Spent some hours the past week with a book and a glass of wine, just enjoying the atmosphere in these.
Argentina consists of mostly european immigrants, meaning blue eyes and blonde hair is common. Here the population is more indigenous, and Santiago has one of the worlds best and most important museums about the pre columbine time. Very interesting, and worth a visit. As the National historical museum, that tells about the countries history since the last ice age. In the last one you should speak spanish though, none of the information is in english.
Originally my plan was to stay a couple of nights, then a couple of nights in Valparaiso before returning to Argentina. Thanks to the quality on my passport, I had to stay a lot longer waiting for a new one to arrive from Norway. The embassy can not make passports. A bit strange in my eyes, is that not one of the things travelling norwegians usually need their help for? Luckily it got here yesterday, so now I'm on my way up to northern Chile. Almost 24 hours on a bus, but good to be on the road again. Only two more weeks on my own down here! And not too bad with such a long bus trip, when you have a bed.
-- Posted from my iPod
--> astridha.blogspot.com
The first day I was well enough to do something, I went to the winery of Concha y Toro, Chile's biggest wine producer. Most famous abroad for Casillero del Diablo, "the devil's cellar". We had the luxury tour, with tasting of five wines with an expert. How she managed to smell and taste all the things she did, neither me nor the australian who was with me understood. But we agreed the wines were good.
Thanks to the laundry that still have most of my clothes, I've finally had the chance to do some shopping. Felt great! Wonderful to be able to buy hand-made designer clothes. As Buenos Aires, Santiago also have some bohemian areas with nice cafés and charming boutiques. Spent some hours the past week with a book and a glass of wine, just enjoying the atmosphere in these.
Argentina consists of mostly european immigrants, meaning blue eyes and blonde hair is common. Here the population is more indigenous, and Santiago has one of the worlds best and most important museums about the pre columbine time. Very interesting, and worth a visit. As the National historical museum, that tells about the countries history since the last ice age. In the last one you should speak spanish though, none of the information is in english.
Originally my plan was to stay a couple of nights, then a couple of nights in Valparaiso before returning to Argentina. Thanks to the quality on my passport, I had to stay a lot longer waiting for a new one to arrive from Norway. The embassy can not make passports. A bit strange in my eyes, is that not one of the things travelling norwegians usually need their help for? Luckily it got here yesterday, so now I'm on my way up to northern Chile. Almost 24 hours on a bus, but good to be on the road again. Only two more weeks on my own down here! And not too bad with such a long bus trip, when you have a bed.
-- Posted from my iPod
--> astridha.blogspot.com
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