Hello all!
So, back in September I applied for a membership with WWOOF Independents. And now, in January here I am working on a farm in the South West corner of Colombia. I am in this really beautiful place called San Augustín, and have been here for a few days now. I was staying at this really awesome hostel on top of one of the hills here, called Casa de Francois, owned by this great French guy. There, I ran into some Canadian friends we had met in Cali, and had a pretty relaxing time. One day I rode horses with a group of Swiss people to visit some archeological sights around the area, and another day I got a little lost and found on this hike down to an amazing waterfall. And NOW, I am two days into my volunteer work on this Refugio Ecologico del Sol Naciente.
Yesterday I started working on general maintenance things with clearing weeds and such, and continued the same today. I met a new friend, too. He came by to say hello to Flor, the owner (who is super nice)and he ended up staying to work and chat. Throughout the day, we worked and took leisurly breaks to share some organic Colombian product, and look out over the vista of the canyon created by the río Magdelena. So beautiful...
I was working again, and went to pick up this pile of sticks, branches and tropical (but dead) leaves, and- OH! There were these big RED Ants crawling all over them, and me! AH¡! so, I promptly dropped the pile, and continued working in another place. At the hostel/farm where I am now staying were two Spanish people, and the guy made me a bracelet out of Blue, Red and Yellow thread (the colors of the Colombian flag) which I love. The lady Flor, who owns the place has two daughters who are really nice. One is probably 12 or so, and is really cute, and the other is 2 and, although loud, cute as well. I have managed to pick up some good books, and have been reading a lot more in Spanish. Around the dinner table last night I realized that I was the only person there who spoke English. And in my travels, that is the first time that has happened. There isnt anyone near me who speaks my native language. Its kind of cool, and kind of isolating. I cant just get online, or start a conversation with someone else in the language I know better. But, all is good. Its more like survival now. I kind of Have to understand everything, and be understood. Especially when Flor is telling me how and what to do for work.
Damn, I always feel like I have so much to say here, but then sometimes when I start writing I feel like I loose the good stuff in mundane words.... o well, así es la vida, no???
But really, life is pretty dan good. Sometimes, I´ll be spacing out in my thoughts, and then I´ll snap back into this life and be like ¨Holy shit, I am IN COLOMBIA! wow, life rules...¨and thats it, back to my thought world...
So, I think about all of my friends, and family. Especially when asked about them all the time! The Colombians love to know about your family, friends and past lovers. Its.... great... On the bus ride over here, I got asked if I had a husband like 5 times. And If I said yes (which I eventually did), the next question was, Why isnt he Colombian? Is he here? Why isnt it me? ha, so, thats nice.... :/
I guess a French guy is coming today to help out on the farm, so we´ll see how that goes! I´ll try to stay updated and keep thinking of more good thoughts.
Thinking of ALL of you! Much love...
Celine
chau chau
sábado, 30 de enero de 2010
lunes, 25 de enero de 2010
Más....
Hello All
Havent written in a little bit, so I thought I would... Still in Colombia, and still love it. From Cali, Margot and I went to this small town in the middle of these beautiful, rooling hills. We spent a few days there, ands stayed at this really cool Hostel called Republica de Artistas, and had delicious coffee, and a wonderful breakfast made by Joseph, the Spanish guy who owned the hostel. He and his son, Michiael moved from Spain to this town Salento a few months ago and opened this hostel, and it seems to be going well for them. Almost immediately upon arrival, we were introduced to about half the town, and had many new friends. Some of the guys down here are a little sleazy, and are only interested in one thing (and I am sure you can use your imagination to guess what...). But, some of them are really genuine, and actually interested in what you have to say. However, sometimes it is hard to distinguish between the two, as nearly every guy/man/boy down here will openly tell you how beautiful, precious, lovely, pretty you are. It is really rare to walk by any member of the opposite sex and not be complimented or whisteled at or kissed at... I did an experiment today, and yes, 100% of the men I waled by made a comment. And you know what? I kind of like it. Its not like they are making any sort of offensive gestures or sexual passes, so its really ok with me if they tell me I am beautiful. Thank you.
In Salento, i met a guy who was IN LOVE with my hair, and complimented it every time I went to touch it. The guys down here in general are just so unafraid to tell you that they are attracted to you, and I think it saves a lot of time, because you know right away what their intentions are.
Margot and I talked, though about laughter the other day and how sometimes it can cover up or mask truer feelings or intentions. And how sometimes people laugh to hide their insecurities, etc.. I then went on to express that sometimes I have a guard that I put up and where I dont always laugh because it shows vulnerability and sometimes unwanted attention. Especially down here, I have been really careful to not let my guard down unless I am 100% sure that the people and situation are good. If people think Im cold because I dont laugh, so be it, but if they think Im easy because I laugh at everything they say, then it gets complicated... So, still keeping that guard up, and trying to not be an Easy American Girl. And it has worked, too. Although a little sleazy, most of the guys understand "no". Which is nice. Plus, a lot of people think Im Latin, which is even better! So, things are going well, and Im just still waiting to hear from the guy on the farm, as well as figure out what I want to do... And all that jazz.
Until next time.
Chau Chau
Havent written in a little bit, so I thought I would... Still in Colombia, and still love it. From Cali, Margot and I went to this small town in the middle of these beautiful, rooling hills. We spent a few days there, ands stayed at this really cool Hostel called Republica de Artistas, and had delicious coffee, and a wonderful breakfast made by Joseph, the Spanish guy who owned the hostel. He and his son, Michiael moved from Spain to this town Salento a few months ago and opened this hostel, and it seems to be going well for them. Almost immediately upon arrival, we were introduced to about half the town, and had many new friends. Some of the guys down here are a little sleazy, and are only interested in one thing (and I am sure you can use your imagination to guess what...). But, some of them are really genuine, and actually interested in what you have to say. However, sometimes it is hard to distinguish between the two, as nearly every guy/man/boy down here will openly tell you how beautiful, precious, lovely, pretty you are. It is really rare to walk by any member of the opposite sex and not be complimented or whisteled at or kissed at... I did an experiment today, and yes, 100% of the men I waled by made a comment. And you know what? I kind of like it. Its not like they are making any sort of offensive gestures or sexual passes, so its really ok with me if they tell me I am beautiful. Thank you.
In Salento, i met a guy who was IN LOVE with my hair, and complimented it every time I went to touch it. The guys down here in general are just so unafraid to tell you that they are attracted to you, and I think it saves a lot of time, because you know right away what their intentions are.
Margot and I talked, though about laughter the other day and how sometimes it can cover up or mask truer feelings or intentions. And how sometimes people laugh to hide their insecurities, etc.. I then went on to express that sometimes I have a guard that I put up and where I dont always laugh because it shows vulnerability and sometimes unwanted attention. Especially down here, I have been really careful to not let my guard down unless I am 100% sure that the people and situation are good. If people think Im cold because I dont laugh, so be it, but if they think Im easy because I laugh at everything they say, then it gets complicated... So, still keeping that guard up, and trying to not be an Easy American Girl. And it has worked, too. Although a little sleazy, most of the guys understand "no". Which is nice. Plus, a lot of people think Im Latin, which is even better! So, things are going well, and Im just still waiting to hear from the guy on the farm, as well as figure out what I want to do... And all that jazz.
Until next time.
Chau Chau
martes, 19 de enero de 2010
Avatar//Colombia//Beauty//Jungle//
Hello all,
Still in Colombia, and I think I am falling in love. Yesterday Margot and I went with our two new Canadian friends, Andrew and David to this place called San Cipriano in the Jungle, which is surprisingly close to the city we are in now called Cali. The ride there was, again, beautiful. Green, swooping hills and air that smelled like forest and cooked meats on the side of the road. We stopped on our way there and ate fresh pineapple, and sweated. It is so humid and hot up there! Then, we got dropped off on the side of the road that marked this town and walked down to the train tracks that took us into the actual town itself (about 12 km furthur down). Now, when I mention train tracks, it doesnt imply that we took a train. Rather, we took a motorcyclle that had been hitched to a wooden frame and rollers with a bench on top. ha, it was pretty wild... Then we got there and ate a delicious lunch of soup, rice, chicken and veggies and then went for a swim in the clearest, most beautiful river I have seen in quite a while. The water was cool, and perfectly refreshing. We were in the midst of this thick, buzzing jungle, and it was just so so cool. We went swim-exploring for a bit, and jumpped off the side of the bank, enjoyed the rain that fell, and eventually went back to our hostel. That night, we played cards and drank some beers with another travel friend from Austrailia who is now taking about 8 months to ride his bike through South America. He has been traveling extensively throughout the world for the past 8 years, and we were able to hear his many, numerous stories; as well as talk about subjects such as money, education, culture and the world in general. It was great.
Then today we just floated down the river some more, most of which I was alone for, because I had gone up to explore a waterfall without the group. I got there, and it was all of 3 feet tall, but it cascaded into a really nice pool, which I gladly dipped into. I found this crazy stuff on one of the trees that looked like black tar almost and it made me very curious... Anyway, the rest of the day was spent lounging in my tube in the river, until I came upon the beach we had been at the day before. I had hardly recognized it, as there were So many people there! it was so beautiful to see all of their black bodies paired with the green landscape, and dark waters. They were all so friendly, and I was immediately holding hands with a guy who was "teaching me how to swim" which was nice, because I had given my tube to a little girl who asked to borrow it, and then who helped carry it back to our hostel. Then after our day, we had another wonderful, filling lunch and scored a ride back with Colombians to Cali. They were all so nice, and even bought us hot choclate... with cheese! Yes, cheese Inside the Hot chocolate. A little strange, but surprisingly good. We may be going out with them tonight, actually...
So the Colombians are just beautiful people. I have seen so many different kinds, too. Everything from white, blue-eyed Colombians to black black ones that are just beautiful... Many of them are bigger in size, which, instead of distracts from the beauty (like I think it sometimes may be percieved as in the US), it rather adds to it. Like the more fat, the more beautiful. I was even thinking if my body was capable of it. But its not, really. My particular body was not made to be fat. Although it would be nice sometimes, to just be FAT, round, BIG... But its not for me. And that is just fine :). But it has also given me such a different perspective on what beauty REALLY is, and how it has nothing to do wtih size at all. The Colombians are not beautiful because they are fat, or black, or thin, or have fake boobs (which are SO common here in Cali) but they are beautiful because they love life. They LOVE having a good time, dancing, and sharing everything. Including, apparently, big meals :). So, there we are...
Also, Margot and I saw Avatar in 3-D the other day and it blew our minds. If you havent seen it, you should. It rules.
So, thats all. The jungle was great, and Colombia Still rules. Best wishes up there..
Also, I got a tattoo in Quito, and think I may have forgotten to mention it... Pictures are on Facebook.
Chau Chau
Still in Colombia, and I think I am falling in love. Yesterday Margot and I went with our two new Canadian friends, Andrew and David to this place called San Cipriano in the Jungle, which is surprisingly close to the city we are in now called Cali. The ride there was, again, beautiful. Green, swooping hills and air that smelled like forest and cooked meats on the side of the road. We stopped on our way there and ate fresh pineapple, and sweated. It is so humid and hot up there! Then, we got dropped off on the side of the road that marked this town and walked down to the train tracks that took us into the actual town itself (about 12 km furthur down). Now, when I mention train tracks, it doesnt imply that we took a train. Rather, we took a motorcyclle that had been hitched to a wooden frame and rollers with a bench on top. ha, it was pretty wild... Then we got there and ate a delicious lunch of soup, rice, chicken and veggies and then went for a swim in the clearest, most beautiful river I have seen in quite a while. The water was cool, and perfectly refreshing. We were in the midst of this thick, buzzing jungle, and it was just so so cool. We went swim-exploring for a bit, and jumpped off the side of the bank, enjoyed the rain that fell, and eventually went back to our hostel. That night, we played cards and drank some beers with another travel friend from Austrailia who is now taking about 8 months to ride his bike through South America. He has been traveling extensively throughout the world for the past 8 years, and we were able to hear his many, numerous stories; as well as talk about subjects such as money, education, culture and the world in general. It was great.
Then today we just floated down the river some more, most of which I was alone for, because I had gone up to explore a waterfall without the group. I got there, and it was all of 3 feet tall, but it cascaded into a really nice pool, which I gladly dipped into. I found this crazy stuff on one of the trees that looked like black tar almost and it made me very curious... Anyway, the rest of the day was spent lounging in my tube in the river, until I came upon the beach we had been at the day before. I had hardly recognized it, as there were So many people there! it was so beautiful to see all of their black bodies paired with the green landscape, and dark waters. They were all so friendly, and I was immediately holding hands with a guy who was "teaching me how to swim" which was nice, because I had given my tube to a little girl who asked to borrow it, and then who helped carry it back to our hostel. Then after our day, we had another wonderful, filling lunch and scored a ride back with Colombians to Cali. They were all so nice, and even bought us hot choclate... with cheese! Yes, cheese Inside the Hot chocolate. A little strange, but surprisingly good. We may be going out with them tonight, actually...
So the Colombians are just beautiful people. I have seen so many different kinds, too. Everything from white, blue-eyed Colombians to black black ones that are just beautiful... Many of them are bigger in size, which, instead of distracts from the beauty (like I think it sometimes may be percieved as in the US), it rather adds to it. Like the more fat, the more beautiful. I was even thinking if my body was capable of it. But its not, really. My particular body was not made to be fat. Although it would be nice sometimes, to just be FAT, round, BIG... But its not for me. And that is just fine :). But it has also given me such a different perspective on what beauty REALLY is, and how it has nothing to do wtih size at all. The Colombians are not beautiful because they are fat, or black, or thin, or have fake boobs (which are SO common here in Cali) but they are beautiful because they love life. They LOVE having a good time, dancing, and sharing everything. Including, apparently, big meals :). So, there we are...
Also, Margot and I saw Avatar in 3-D the other day and it blew our minds. If you havent seen it, you should. It rules.
So, thats all. The jungle was great, and Colombia Still rules. Best wishes up there..
Also, I got a tattoo in Quito, and think I may have forgotten to mention it... Pictures are on Facebook.
Chau Chau
sábado, 16 de enero de 2010
Colombia.....
Hello All
Wow, In Colombia now! Colombia is so beautiful! We were greeted by stunningly beautiful landscapes of swooping, jagged green hills that dive into canyons and valleys. Along with this, we were also greeted by the warm, super friendly Colombian people. We shared a cab with a Colombian couple across the border who helped us out a lot with exchanging our money, and telling us about cool places to go in their country. Then we arrived in the town of Pasto, and stayed with a friend we had met in line at the border. With him, we met up with his friend and went to what was one of the most unique bars I have ever been. It was filled with tiny booths, and the walls were covered in everything from old money, to keys and locks, as well as an impressive two walls covered with old vinyl records. There, we ordered what I thought was a drink with Brandy, but what really turned out to be a Bottle of Brandy. Damn. But, not to worry, we hardly made a dent in it, and opted for beer insead... Then the nex day, I got a pretty bad headache, and was surprisingly well taken care of by people who started off as just strangers, and who ended up being friends. I basically slept on their couch as they made a big, delishous lunch that we all ate together. It was really good, and made me feel much better. Then, last night we arrived in Cali which is supposidly the Salsa capital of the world! and I can believe it, too! Damn, these people can dance! I have never seen people move their feet and hips in such rapid, precise movement. wow, it was cool. Today we started off a little slow, but may go to the zoo or an art museum. Speaking of museums! Margot and I went to this museum in Quito that blew me away. it was the Capilla del Hombre or, Chapel of man, by Oswaldo Gyayasamin. He painted these paintings that were so profoundly beautiful and disturbing that it gave me chills. His paintings dealt with themes of war, starvation, opression.... really heavy, but so beautiful. Well, I am sure I have a lot more, but thats kind of it for now... So far, Colombia has treated us really nicely, and we are just having a lovely time. Hope youre all warm up there!
chau
Wow, In Colombia now! Colombia is so beautiful! We were greeted by stunningly beautiful landscapes of swooping, jagged green hills that dive into canyons and valleys. Along with this, we were also greeted by the warm, super friendly Colombian people. We shared a cab with a Colombian couple across the border who helped us out a lot with exchanging our money, and telling us about cool places to go in their country. Then we arrived in the town of Pasto, and stayed with a friend we had met in line at the border. With him, we met up with his friend and went to what was one of the most unique bars I have ever been. It was filled with tiny booths, and the walls were covered in everything from old money, to keys and locks, as well as an impressive two walls covered with old vinyl records. There, we ordered what I thought was a drink with Brandy, but what really turned out to be a Bottle of Brandy. Damn. But, not to worry, we hardly made a dent in it, and opted for beer insead... Then the nex day, I got a pretty bad headache, and was surprisingly well taken care of by people who started off as just strangers, and who ended up being friends. I basically slept on their couch as they made a big, delishous lunch that we all ate together. It was really good, and made me feel much better. Then, last night we arrived in Cali which is supposidly the Salsa capital of the world! and I can believe it, too! Damn, these people can dance! I have never seen people move their feet and hips in such rapid, precise movement. wow, it was cool. Today we started off a little slow, but may go to the zoo or an art museum. Speaking of museums! Margot and I went to this museum in Quito that blew me away. it was the Capilla del Hombre or, Chapel of man, by Oswaldo Gyayasamin. He painted these paintings that were so profoundly beautiful and disturbing that it gave me chills. His paintings dealt with themes of war, starvation, opression.... really heavy, but so beautiful. Well, I am sure I have a lot more, but thats kind of it for now... So far, Colombia has treated us really nicely, and we are just having a lovely time. Hope youre all warm up there!
chau
martes, 12 de enero de 2010
Tai Chi and Traveling
Hello all
Writing from Quito. It is our third day here, and so far it has been really nice. We got in at about 3AM the first night and found a hostel, but then switched to the hostel that Margot´s friend is staying in called the Secret Garden. It is really nice, and has paintings and mosaics everywhere, as well as an awesome view of Quito. We have spent the last few days going to the top of Curch towers, exploring the city and finding really awesome, cheap markets to spend way too much time and money in :). We have met people from ALL over the world, and it has been fun to hear of everyone´s travels.
Thats a thing I´ve noticed here. "how long have you been traveling?" is one of the most common questions I/we get asked. It seems as if its this Thing, this lifestyle or club you join so you can talk to other "travelers" about where you have been and what you have seen, etc... And I get it, I mean I have LOVED traveling so far and will deffinately do more as time goes on, but- arent we always traveling? It seems that its almost not enough to just stay put, but to be constantly on the go. Around the world! To see everything and everyone possible. And why? Why do we travel? For the stories or pictures or experiences? What GOOD are we doing by simply seeing how other people live their lives, eating their food, buying their things, and then talking to other people who are doing the same thing? And why do we care, anyway?
This one guy said yesterday that he thought South America had more "Soul" than Central America. Margot, who has traveled extensively in both places, basically bit her tounge trying not to rebuttle. I found this whole thing interesting also because the guy who made that claim doesn´t even speak Spanish. And I thought about this for a while. Because you can get along just fine in a country whose language you don´t speak/understand, but to judge a country on their lack of Culture when you don´t even understand all of it??? When you don´t Understand the radio, the songs, newspapers, conversations, sitcoms and talk shows, how can you judge a culture? And why even bother in the first place in going there knowing you don´t understand? Is it to gain understanding? Maybe, he was taking intensive Spanish lessons...
Anyway, on another note... For months I had planned on going into the Cloud Forest of Ecuador with this organization. It was the cheapest thing I saw (at only $65 for a week of food and lodging) and seemed good. So, we went to the meeting at 10:30 yesterday (well, 11 because of our Cab driver...) and were under the impression that we would meet and go to the forest and start work. BUT, we went and were told that the bus didn´t leave until 5:30 PM. huh, ok so we´ll...do something until then. Also, we didn´t have rubber boots. Well, we will just work in what we have and tough it out. Then, the total cost came to $268. but, 65 plus 65=....? yea, $265-each. What!? I guess there is aa $200 "processing charge" or something that was not at all clerly defined on the website. and since that is way out of our price range to just spend on ONE thing, we declined and walked back to our hostel. So damn, no cloud forest for me... But more time in Colombia instead. !!!!!
But, everything happens for a reason, right? Back at out hostel we met a LOT more people, and this morning I did Tai Chi with an older man who was sharing our same dorm. It was really nice, and he said some really neat things. We got to talking about Tai Chi and dance, and he described it as being soft on the outside, and hard or firm on the inside. Also, after our lesson (7 AM) I sat down to eat breakfast, but he waited for a few hours to Clean his stomach out. He described the stomach as the most powerful organ we have, the one that controls all. And that, once you have control over it, you can be free. Or something like that... :) But still, I like the sentiment. Especially as I am about to make my way into Colombia and work on this farm. I think that will be a very good process for me. I´ll let you know how that all goes, obvio... Thats about it for now- I may actually pay a visit to your hemisphere today as the equator is very close! So, I´ll be close... Stay well and be well.
Chau Chau
Writing from Quito. It is our third day here, and so far it has been really nice. We got in at about 3AM the first night and found a hostel, but then switched to the hostel that Margot´s friend is staying in called the Secret Garden. It is really nice, and has paintings and mosaics everywhere, as well as an awesome view of Quito. We have spent the last few days going to the top of Curch towers, exploring the city and finding really awesome, cheap markets to spend way too much time and money in :). We have met people from ALL over the world, and it has been fun to hear of everyone´s travels.
Thats a thing I´ve noticed here. "how long have you been traveling?" is one of the most common questions I/we get asked. It seems as if its this Thing, this lifestyle or club you join so you can talk to other "travelers" about where you have been and what you have seen, etc... And I get it, I mean I have LOVED traveling so far and will deffinately do more as time goes on, but- arent we always traveling? It seems that its almost not enough to just stay put, but to be constantly on the go. Around the world! To see everything and everyone possible. And why? Why do we travel? For the stories or pictures or experiences? What GOOD are we doing by simply seeing how other people live their lives, eating their food, buying their things, and then talking to other people who are doing the same thing? And why do we care, anyway?
This one guy said yesterday that he thought South America had more "Soul" than Central America. Margot, who has traveled extensively in both places, basically bit her tounge trying not to rebuttle. I found this whole thing interesting also because the guy who made that claim doesn´t even speak Spanish. And I thought about this for a while. Because you can get along just fine in a country whose language you don´t speak/understand, but to judge a country on their lack of Culture when you don´t even understand all of it??? When you don´t Understand the radio, the songs, newspapers, conversations, sitcoms and talk shows, how can you judge a culture? And why even bother in the first place in going there knowing you don´t understand? Is it to gain understanding? Maybe, he was taking intensive Spanish lessons...
Anyway, on another note... For months I had planned on going into the Cloud Forest of Ecuador with this organization. It was the cheapest thing I saw (at only $65 for a week of food and lodging) and seemed good. So, we went to the meeting at 10:30 yesterday (well, 11 because of our Cab driver...) and were under the impression that we would meet and go to the forest and start work. BUT, we went and were told that the bus didn´t leave until 5:30 PM. huh, ok so we´ll...do something until then. Also, we didn´t have rubber boots. Well, we will just work in what we have and tough it out. Then, the total cost came to $268. but, 65 plus 65=....? yea, $265-each. What!? I guess there is aa $200 "processing charge" or something that was not at all clerly defined on the website. and since that is way out of our price range to just spend on ONE thing, we declined and walked back to our hostel. So damn, no cloud forest for me... But more time in Colombia instead. !!!!!
But, everything happens for a reason, right? Back at out hostel we met a LOT more people, and this morning I did Tai Chi with an older man who was sharing our same dorm. It was really nice, and he said some really neat things. We got to talking about Tai Chi and dance, and he described it as being soft on the outside, and hard or firm on the inside. Also, after our lesson (7 AM) I sat down to eat breakfast, but he waited for a few hours to Clean his stomach out. He described the stomach as the most powerful organ we have, the one that controls all. And that, once you have control over it, you can be free. Or something like that... :) But still, I like the sentiment. Especially as I am about to make my way into Colombia and work on this farm. I think that will be a very good process for me. I´ll let you know how that all goes, obvio... Thats about it for now- I may actually pay a visit to your hemisphere today as the equator is very close! So, I´ll be close... Stay well and be well.
Chau Chau
viernes, 8 de enero de 2010
If I were a bananna.....
Hellllo all!
wow, so... I am in Ecuador now! We (Margot and our new friend from the UK that we picked up in Peru named Marios) came a few days ago to this town-city called Cuenca. The border crossing was a little hectick because the people on our bus were really concerned about the potential of us getting robbed. They hustled us off the bus "hurry hurry, come on come on! get in line, come on!"and it was a little crazy. They were nice, just really wanted us to get across and back on the bus. But now, I have another stamp in my passport! We arrived in Cuenca and were greeted at the bus by a lady who had a hostle, and after a lot of chatting, we decided to go with her. it is nice, and we feel like it is our house, or "flat". *We are having a LOT of fun with Marios'accent, lol. So, we are there for the price of $5 s night (they use US dollars here!) and $6 with breakfast. Breakfast, and all the food we have eaten so far, consists of some type of fresh fruit juice, and this corn that is really big, and a little flavor-less when not cooked well. Yesterday we wandered around, and found an Awesome artisan shop where this girl made and sold all of these really cool pieces of jewelry, bags, earings.. everything. margot and I were in girly heaven. I got a bag that is SO awesome, and some really sweet earings that are butterfly wings! They are so cool! (side note: I found a cure to my metal allergy.. Clear nailpolish! I put some on my earrings and was not bothered! yayyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!) Then, we kept walking and found this Cuban bar that looked neat. We popped our head in and were very warmly greeted by the Cubans who owned it. they offered us drinks, etc... but it was early, so we said we would come back later. So, we made some dinner at our hostel and went to this Modern art museum that we had gone to earlier and that had told us about an art opening that night. The exhibits were really cool, and one of the artists has a doughter in Boulder! craaaazay! Then the exhibit closed and we went back to the Cuban bar for mojitos, salsa dancing, a little karaoke and an overall great time. We met another guy from Europe, and two girls from Nebraska that want to travel into Colombia as well! From the Cuban bar, we checked out some other places, and fnally stumbled upon this one really neat bar where I tried a traditional Ecuadorian drink that was hot! It was almost like hot cider or something, but with a different taste, and a lot more liquor. We stayed at that bar for the rest of the night drinking, chatting with some locals and listening to a few people playing awesome songs on the guitar. This German guy sang some real funky songs in German, and it was really cool.
Today we went to the mercado to eat some lunch and buy some veggies for a chicken soup that we are making. (side story on the chicken... The first night we went out late for dinner, and only one place was open, so we went in and ordered an ENTIRE Chicken! ha, wow. Also best chicken I've ever had. So, we ate the rest of it last night in a "curry"I invented, then used the carcas to boil and make soup! I think it will be really tasty...) So, we go this market and it is the coolest market I've ever seen. its in a building, but the celings are open, and where the stairs are is all open as well. There are three levels dedicated to meats, fruits and veggies,and prepaired food (where we ate lunch). For the grand total of $1.70 I got a delicious vegetable smoothie, and a plate of rice, noodles, meat, veggies and sauce. It ruled. Ecuador is SUPER cheap! And its nice being familiar with the currency, too! Its not this "monopoly money"(as Margot calles it) that we have to mentally convert into dollars "8 Peruvian soles is..... how many dollars? Is this cheap or expensive? should I bargian???" like that...
So, Ecuador is realllly nice. the people are really great, and speak SO clearly! wow. When we were driving to our destination we were surrounded by miles of rolling, lush, green hills and bananna farms as far as the eye could see! I bet some of them will be coming to a supermarket near you very soon! Or, they will end up in this open market here or in some other place. They will be picked from their tree and transported for miiiiiiiiiiles and miles. Free travel. Maybe I should be a bananna....
Hope you're all doing well up there!
Chau chau
wow, so... I am in Ecuador now! We (Margot and our new friend from the UK that we picked up in Peru named Marios) came a few days ago to this town-city called Cuenca. The border crossing was a little hectick because the people on our bus were really concerned about the potential of us getting robbed. They hustled us off the bus "hurry hurry, come on come on! get in line, come on!"and it was a little crazy. They were nice, just really wanted us to get across and back on the bus. But now, I have another stamp in my passport! We arrived in Cuenca and were greeted at the bus by a lady who had a hostle, and after a lot of chatting, we decided to go with her. it is nice, and we feel like it is our house, or "flat". *We are having a LOT of fun with Marios'accent, lol. So, we are there for the price of $5 s night (they use US dollars here!) and $6 with breakfast. Breakfast, and all the food we have eaten so far, consists of some type of fresh fruit juice, and this corn that is really big, and a little flavor-less when not cooked well. Yesterday we wandered around, and found an Awesome artisan shop where this girl made and sold all of these really cool pieces of jewelry, bags, earings.. everything. margot and I were in girly heaven. I got a bag that is SO awesome, and some really sweet earings that are butterfly wings! They are so cool! (side note: I found a cure to my metal allergy.. Clear nailpolish! I put some on my earrings and was not bothered! yayyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!) Then, we kept walking and found this Cuban bar that looked neat. We popped our head in and were very warmly greeted by the Cubans who owned it. they offered us drinks, etc... but it was early, so we said we would come back later. So, we made some dinner at our hostel and went to this Modern art museum that we had gone to earlier and that had told us about an art opening that night. The exhibits were really cool, and one of the artists has a doughter in Boulder! craaaazay! Then the exhibit closed and we went back to the Cuban bar for mojitos, salsa dancing, a little karaoke and an overall great time. We met another guy from Europe, and two girls from Nebraska that want to travel into Colombia as well! From the Cuban bar, we checked out some other places, and fnally stumbled upon this one really neat bar where I tried a traditional Ecuadorian drink that was hot! It was almost like hot cider or something, but with a different taste, and a lot more liquor. We stayed at that bar for the rest of the night drinking, chatting with some locals and listening to a few people playing awesome songs on the guitar. This German guy sang some real funky songs in German, and it was really cool.
Today we went to the mercado to eat some lunch and buy some veggies for a chicken soup that we are making. (side story on the chicken... The first night we went out late for dinner, and only one place was open, so we went in and ordered an ENTIRE Chicken! ha, wow. Also best chicken I've ever had. So, we ate the rest of it last night in a "curry"I invented, then used the carcas to boil and make soup! I think it will be really tasty...) So, we go this market and it is the coolest market I've ever seen. its in a building, but the celings are open, and where the stairs are is all open as well. There are three levels dedicated to meats, fruits and veggies,and prepaired food (where we ate lunch). For the grand total of $1.70 I got a delicious vegetable smoothie, and a plate of rice, noodles, meat, veggies and sauce. It ruled. Ecuador is SUPER cheap! And its nice being familiar with the currency, too! Its not this "monopoly money"(as Margot calles it) that we have to mentally convert into dollars "8 Peruvian soles is..... how many dollars? Is this cheap or expensive? should I bargian???" like that...
So, Ecuador is realllly nice. the people are really great, and speak SO clearly! wow. When we were driving to our destination we were surrounded by miles of rolling, lush, green hills and bananna farms as far as the eye could see! I bet some of them will be coming to a supermarket near you very soon! Or, they will end up in this open market here or in some other place. They will be picked from their tree and transported for miiiiiiiiiiles and miles. Free travel. Maybe I should be a bananna....
Hope you're all doing well up there!
Chau chau
sábado, 2 de enero de 2010
A new Year
Hello All!
Welcome to a new year and new decade of human existance. I hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating the New Year with loved ones.
I spent the new year celebration in Punta Hermosa. It is this little surfer town South of Lima in Peru. We were recommended to go here by Jessica (who we are staying with in Lima) and were told it would be a good party. And was it ever!
So, our "new years" started with us buying a calling card so that we could call our loved ones back in the States (which I learned is funny to call it such because "estados"=states means more like an emotional state, so its strange to say "in the state..." the state of what??). Anyway, we looked for a phone to call from, and the first one we tried didn´t work. So, we wandered around the beachfront a little more until we found another phone. It was outside of this restaurant, and there were all sorts of people chatting eating and drinking around the tabels. Well, that phone didn´t work, but we did end up striking conversation with 3 Brazillian surfers who were here for a surf holiday. They invited us for some wine (Chilean, thank god-Peruvian wine is awful) and we ended up hitting off what turned out to be a wonderful conversation and friendshhip in a mix of English, Spanish and Portugese. So, we agreed to meet up before the New Year celebration as Margot and I had to take our stuff to the house we were staying at (Carol, the niece of Jessica) and they were going to their hostel to shower, etc... So, we found Carol and went to drop our stuff off at her house. There we encountered a LOT of very party-animal Peruvians, but scored some free drinks. We had put our stuff in Carol´s room, knowing that it would not be needed until much later in the night. So, we snuck out of the house party (it was a little lame and we had Brazillian friends to meet up with!) and walked down to the playa. We met our friends and drank, wandered, watch fireworks and went into the waves to ring in the New Year. I had my baithing suit on, so naturally I jumped, frolliced and dove into the wonderful waters of the Pacific Ocean. Definately a good way to celebrate...
Then, we hung with our friends more, danced in the streets, hugged, kissed and said our "feliz año" to everyone, and made our way back to Carol´s. Ugh. When we got there, it was very different than when we had left. Including an inconvenient lock on the door of the room with our stuff in it. Left to fend for ourselfs, Margot and I went to look for a place to finally rest our heads. We found one room, but were soon kicked out by the guy that lives there, ok... Then found another room with a bunk bed and extra bed where we decided would be good to sleep. WRONG. We were immediately invaded by drunk Peruvians who offered any and everything from conversing to..... not conversing. The entire night we were being touched and bothered by all these guys! It was horrible. They weren´t touching us in any wrong, sexual way, but just grabbing out feet, arms, etc... and it was so bothersome! This lasted for Way too long, and finally margot was like "lets get the _______ out of here!" agreed. So, we knew where our Brazillian friends were staying, and after getting our stuff out of the (finally) unlocked room, we went to look for a place we could Actually sleep. So, we went to their hostel and was told they had no spaces, but the place across the street did. So we knocked on their door, and the Señora told us "no". But, fortunately for us, the man next door heard us, and arranged four chairs for us to put together on his back deck. It wasn´t luxury, but we were alone and not being bothered, and right by the coast. Once we were coherent enough, we got up and learned that his house was, in fact a hostel but was currently full, so that was the least he could do. We thanked him a bunch for the hospitality, and he continued with feeding us breakfast And lunch. All for no price. Only being nice. Feeling better, we went Back to the other hostel where our friends were, and were granted a room to stay in. So, we finally had our own room, and meals are included! Its really nice here, and as it turns out, it is a Surf Camp! So, here we are surrounded by a bunch of gorgeous Brazillian surfers (almost everyone is from Brazil, apparently)in the middle of Peru. Isn´t life funny? Yesterday and today have been spent very tranquiloly but we are definately looking forward to getting out of Lima, and going up furthur North to Mancora, another surf town. So, in the end, everything has worked out just splendedly, but we are for sure looking forward to what other adventures are in store for us. Plus, I am picking up a little portugese...Brazil, anyone???
Until next time...
Chau
Welcome to a new year and new decade of human existance. I hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating the New Year with loved ones.
I spent the new year celebration in Punta Hermosa. It is this little surfer town South of Lima in Peru. We were recommended to go here by Jessica (who we are staying with in Lima) and were told it would be a good party. And was it ever!
So, our "new years" started with us buying a calling card so that we could call our loved ones back in the States (which I learned is funny to call it such because "estados"=states means more like an emotional state, so its strange to say "in the state..." the state of what??). Anyway, we looked for a phone to call from, and the first one we tried didn´t work. So, we wandered around the beachfront a little more until we found another phone. It was outside of this restaurant, and there were all sorts of people chatting eating and drinking around the tabels. Well, that phone didn´t work, but we did end up striking conversation with 3 Brazillian surfers who were here for a surf holiday. They invited us for some wine (Chilean, thank god-Peruvian wine is awful) and we ended up hitting off what turned out to be a wonderful conversation and friendshhip in a mix of English, Spanish and Portugese. So, we agreed to meet up before the New Year celebration as Margot and I had to take our stuff to the house we were staying at (Carol, the niece of Jessica) and they were going to their hostel to shower, etc... So, we found Carol and went to drop our stuff off at her house. There we encountered a LOT of very party-animal Peruvians, but scored some free drinks. We had put our stuff in Carol´s room, knowing that it would not be needed until much later in the night. So, we snuck out of the house party (it was a little lame and we had Brazillian friends to meet up with!) and walked down to the playa. We met our friends and drank, wandered, watch fireworks and went into the waves to ring in the New Year. I had my baithing suit on, so naturally I jumped, frolliced and dove into the wonderful waters of the Pacific Ocean. Definately a good way to celebrate...
Then, we hung with our friends more, danced in the streets, hugged, kissed and said our "feliz año" to everyone, and made our way back to Carol´s. Ugh. When we got there, it was very different than when we had left. Including an inconvenient lock on the door of the room with our stuff in it. Left to fend for ourselfs, Margot and I went to look for a place to finally rest our heads. We found one room, but were soon kicked out by the guy that lives there, ok... Then found another room with a bunk bed and extra bed where we decided would be good to sleep. WRONG. We were immediately invaded by drunk Peruvians who offered any and everything from conversing to..... not conversing. The entire night we were being touched and bothered by all these guys! It was horrible. They weren´t touching us in any wrong, sexual way, but just grabbing out feet, arms, etc... and it was so bothersome! This lasted for Way too long, and finally margot was like "lets get the _______ out of here!" agreed. So, we knew where our Brazillian friends were staying, and after getting our stuff out of the (finally) unlocked room, we went to look for a place we could Actually sleep. So, we went to their hostel and was told they had no spaces, but the place across the street did. So we knocked on their door, and the Señora told us "no". But, fortunately for us, the man next door heard us, and arranged four chairs for us to put together on his back deck. It wasn´t luxury, but we were alone and not being bothered, and right by the coast. Once we were coherent enough, we got up and learned that his house was, in fact a hostel but was currently full, so that was the least he could do. We thanked him a bunch for the hospitality, and he continued with feeding us breakfast And lunch. All for no price. Only being nice. Feeling better, we went Back to the other hostel where our friends were, and were granted a room to stay in. So, we finally had our own room, and meals are included! Its really nice here, and as it turns out, it is a Surf Camp! So, here we are surrounded by a bunch of gorgeous Brazillian surfers (almost everyone is from Brazil, apparently)in the middle of Peru. Isn´t life funny? Yesterday and today have been spent very tranquiloly but we are definately looking forward to getting out of Lima, and going up furthur North to Mancora, another surf town. So, in the end, everything has worked out just splendedly, but we are for sure looking forward to what other adventures are in store for us. Plus, I am picking up a little portugese...Brazil, anyone???
Until next time...
Chau
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