Mindo

Mindo

 

Decisions just plain stink. You can not see it all. I've faced this all too often. The more I travel the more I want to see. After de sting the choices of mountains, volcanos, ,markets , and jungles we decided to take a day trip to Mindo.

Most people already know I love butterflies. I had heard Mindo is the best place to go to see some butterflies as well as being a beautiful cloud Forrest. I made the choice and figured it was a good plan to do and then do a two day adventure tour after that.

Jess, Lynn (a new girl I met in the hostel from New Zealand), and I caught a cab and met the tour in another part of Quito. The drive was about two hours before we arrived. Our guide awkwardly explained the plan and changed it over and over, did this guy even know what we were doing!

The first part of the trip was a hike to see a waterfall. We had to pay an extra five dollars so that we could ride the cable car to the trek points it was basically a zip line with a metal car attached that took you over top of a jungle gorge. The view was very pretty.

The next few hours however were not very fun. I'm writing this now that the day has concluded and haven't decided exactly what I didn't like about it. Maybe it was because we had just come from the Amazon so we weren't impressed, or that we had come from banos with an Amazon waterfall, or maybe we were all just grumpy. But the trek to the waterfall and back up left us annoyed and unsatisfied. Then when we were told the bus wouldn't be driving us down and we had to walk for 40 minutes we were angry. By the time we had made it down the group of 5 backpackers on the trip were very unhappy.

 

We had paid a decent amount of money to get to a town and have to pay for everything we did. It solidified our thoughts that it was better to do things on our own. We could've easily caught a bus locally and saved a good 40 dollars. 

The downfall of becoming an experienced traveler is knowing how much you are capable of doing. Also, being more easily let down when you know it could be much different.

Grumpy and annoyed we decided to flip the day around. Why not take things in our own hands. We expressed our less than satisfied opinion to the guide. He was mortified that we wanted to leave. I felt bad because I know the company will think it is his fault. Ugh tough situations.

We decided to ask if we could leave the older couples in the group and go extreme rafting while they did bird watching and a chocolate factory.

The day changed. We all had a more positive outlook and it was a three sixty. It's crazy how perception and attitude can affect a day. I hate to say I ruined the morning but when everyone is putting out bad vibes it's hard to pull away from that. But when we decided to look at it in a positive light we were able to enjoy and have fun, a lot of traveling truly is what you make it.

We then saw beautiful butterflies.

 

The blue were the most beautiful and the size of my hand.

 

I was able to get a few on my arm,

 

And even on my face!

The rafting was even better. Locals tied together massive inter tubes. After stacking them on top of the car we headed off to the entry point. They handed us life vests and helmets. Maybe this will actually be extreme!

It was! For the next half hour we were jolted around in our tubes through Rapids. We were banged off rocks, scraped the bottom, soaked, freezing, and smashing into things. Our guide was brilliant as he navigated us through the rapids jumping in and out of the water. I swear he knew every rock.

After rafting we joined the rest of the tour at the chocolate factory. While they toured three of us went shopping. I purchased some beautiful jewelry that was hand made by a local. These people are unbelievably talented at making metal jewelry that twists intricately around stones. After we drank hot chocolate, ate a browny, and befriended four other backpackers staying in Mindo.

As I write this I'm heading back to the city to shower and go out salsa dancing. I have no clue how to do it but there is a street where locals go to eat and dance the night away (la Rhonda where I mentioned earlier). One thing I learned is things won't go according to plan. I won't do it all. I can't see it all. I can't always be happy. But the experience a lot of times truly is what you make of it and today proved that in a successful way. I love that traveling gives me the experiences to learn about how I handle things and his I can change my actions to help my own outcomes and those around me!

Quito - Middle of the World

Middle of the World and Quito

Local buses are awesome. Cheap, confusing, and entertaining always makes for good trips. We luckily made the two bus journey to the middle of the world pretty smoothly for a whopping 40 cents. In the middle point I got an awesome fruit and whip cream cup for a dollar! This made for one happy Libby!

 

We reached the he monument and had a blast taking pictures in the equator line. The funny thing is is that the monument is actually built in the wrong place. It still stands to honor the expedition of scientists that found the spot. However recent gps has given more accurate readings. Oh well I think it's impressive that these guys got this close!

Our group photos were funny as we posed half on each side of the earth.

 

In the monument we were able to learn about the science of the equator. The myth of toilet flushing is not true after all. The origin of he water is what effects toilets. The gravity only has an effect on large bodies of water. 

Taking photos in the photo boothwas quite fun as we dressed up in traditional clothes.

Turns out you way one kilo less on the equator!

 

We bombarded the children's museum and played around like kids. I'm never growing up!

 

Although we tried to find the real equator we failed. A bit bummed I may try to go back another day so I can get my stamp. My name is passport envy after all and I need that stamp!

Banos

Banos

Flashback to the days before the Amazon trek

This place was just plain awesome. Basically I spent a few days doing some cool activities, hanging out with friends I met a month previous, testing my boundaries, and not wearing shoes!

Here are the highlights of banos.

The Devils cauldron waterfall is just breathtaking. Tremendous amounts of water tumble down powerfully into the abyss. Somehow spiral stairs have been built into the cliff side making it even more of an impressive sight.

 

The end of the world swing makes for good pictures. Although the swing is not very dangerous the pictures look as if you are swinging at the end of the world.

 

In my typical fashion I had to push my limits, the swings bounds, and use the fact that Ecuador has little safely limits or rules to my advantage. I decided to stand up in the swing. The few families shouted protests and held their breath as Sketch pushed me higher and higher.

 

We had a fun with this nice sketch found out he could spin us around. The swing became so much cooler!

New friends. Meeting Bronte and a few others in banos was a highlight. Their whole personality was awesome and just fun to be around. The hostel had a cool hangout jungle area and just a perfect place for practicing our Spanish music video dancing to taxi!

Taking he plunge. On the local bridge anyone can pay 20 dollars to jump off a bridge. No papers needed. No security releases. No double harness checks. No tour agency. Literally you walk to this bridge in the middle of town, pay an Ecuadorean 20 dollars, he puts you in a harness, fastens a rope with one clamp, helps you onto a small platform hanging off the bridge, and you jump.

No I'm not in a death wish. No I'm not fearless. I was terrified. Some locals filmed me as I sat on the sidewalk and fretted going. Bronte had to physically turn a guy's camera off when he was in my face. 

But this was a time to overcome fears. We had discussed that for the rest of the trip I was going to do whatever was offered and not back out due to fear. I stepped up onto the platform nervous. Then with a deep breath I extended my arms straight out to my side and fell forward off the platform. So much fun!

Piercings. I knew I wanted to get an Equator piercing. Weird traditions have been heard about people who passed the equator in older times and one is the tradition of a piercing. I knew I wanted my anti helix pierced but was nervous. Fear number two! 

 

Bronte, Gavin, and I headed to the piercing parlor. Bronte was going to get a flamingo tattoo that sketch had been convincing people to get. He had convinced 9 so far and she would be number 10. Her previous tattoo was infected so they rejected doing it. She settled for doing just the nose piercing instead.

She went first as I began my second round of panic. Watching the needle go through her nose and then the plastic piece until the stud got in was not a good idea. She held my hand while Gavin filmed. It seemed like forever and was very painful. Unlike lobe piercings this is not just a quick gun piercing. To do this one they had to thread a needle through the thick cartilage at an angle. Then a piece of plastic sat there until the jewelry is inserted. Because it's an awkward place this took a good ten minutes of tries and pushing through my ear. I left with a very sore ear but so excited to have it done and to not have backed out!!! 

I loved everything about banos.

P.s. I learned how to make a killer guacamole from fresh ingredients and ate it with like and chili Doritos! I wish they had those in the United States. 

Amazon part 2

Amazon part 2

I awake to the sound of snoring. At least that's what I think the sound is. Sitting there for a few mi its I can hear the odd sound in the distance. Slowly one by one we all wake up in our cabins under the nets.

 I sat on the dock staring at crocophile. It's so cool. Here I am in the middle of the Amazon without any of the normal luxuries. 

 

Jorge Informs us we will need long pants, sleeves, and muck boots for the trek. I obviously got my neon hiking pants and put them on. Our boat took us away from the camp and onto a shore.

The next two or three hours we spent hiking through dense jungles. I was just so excited to be in the actual Amazon. I've spent loads of time in jungles across Asia but this was the Amazon! The Amazon jungle!!! Just the thought gave me chills.

 

In the Jungle there were loads of plants, insects, and even some animals. Massive ant burrows littered the ground. 

You could see the ants marching one by one. I loved seeing the one ant carrying leaves three times their size. It looked like a movie,

 

Everywhere bizarre plants and greenery grew up from the ground and into the sky high above. Massive blue butterflies continued to flutter by every so often.

 

Since it rains a lot the path often got really muddy.

At one point Bronte and I lost everyone. Trying to speed up and catch them I felt something but my head. What was that? I stopped. Two second later another stick lands right next to me. I dart my gaze up to the treetops.

There above us in the next layer of life were monkeys pelting me with random objects. They jumped from tree to tree swinging gracefully. Bronte and I couldn't take our eyes off of them. It was a whole different world up there. I imagined what it would be like to join them. 

 

Once we caught up with the group we finished the walk and went back for lunch. Jorge had a change of plans and we decided to go learn some survival skills, how to make food, and meet with the shaman.

 

Because if he rain we opted out of sleeping in the self built shelter. How we we did learn how to locate edible roots, dig them up, and peel them.

 

Next we ground up the root on a metal plate and into a hollowed out tree. The shredded root was then wrapped in a braided net and twisted to remove excess liquids. Lastly we out it in a woven strainer to get a fine powder. 

 

Our host grandmother then cooked it into a delicious bread. We are this with tuna and spices in top. The whole experience was really cool because it was so real and not as touristy. Everyone was related to each other and living their true lives in the jungle. We were getting a peak into this life and not just a show. 

 

Our day concluded with some interesting events. We went to the shamans house to have our bodies cleansed. He was out fishing so while we waited we got to play with a local monkey that was just hanging about in the town. When the shaman arrived it was already dark outside. We sat quiet in the sacred area as he described what his job was in the community. He was responsible for trying to cure any problems in the town. This was often done using an herbal drink that was supposed to help its users.

 

Before he could cleanse our bodies he needed to have extra supplies. Unfortunately he was out of them. He sent us down to the next town to get the supplies. We left our guide and took only the best driver. In the pitch black we began to navigate down the windy river. I'm still overly shocked at how this guy was able to see a thing. It was pitch black! After about 10 minutes we drove straight into the jungle. 

Our driver made some bird calls and noises and we waited. Then there in the dark a shaman dressed in his ritual clothes appeared on a small wooden boat out of the jungle. I felt as if I was in a movie. This scene can't really be happened. I felt like a true jungle woman. Supplies in hand we went back to the first shamans house. There he lit a fire and cleansed our bodies, chanted random things, tapped me with leaves, and whisked away the bad vibes. 

Back to camp we did another pitch black boat trip. The whole way we chatted about the experience we had just had and how beautiful nature and local people can be. I was so excited to do not a cookie cutter experience. And believe me this was anything but that. The rest of the night we watched the stars, the candle flames dance across our cabin wall, and listened to music. It was a travel day and night that will go down in my history books as one in a million. 

The Amazon Part1

I got a little behind so I'm skipping the Galapagos, Banos, and Montinita. I will write those posts on my next bus journey and post them later. I just returned from four days in the deep Amazon and thought it better to share the most recent journey.

 

Our group took an overnight bus from Banos to Lagoagrio up in the northeast part of Ecuador. The bus took the long winding road up and down the mountain path through the night. The weather was cold, rainy, and miserable and made it hard to sleep. I had to politely ask the bus driver to stop so I could get out my only jacket to stay warm.

Arriving at Lagoagrio we went to our meeting point at a little pizza restaurant. Worst. Breakfast. Ever! We sat there looking like the perfect picture of hippie backpackers. Our packs thrown on the ground, us In baggy dirty clothes, my feather in one ear, and half of us sprawled on the ground. Cameron's long shaggy man hair with tie dye head band and Brontes patterned bucket hat only contributed to the sight. We frantically messaged our friends and family to say we would lose all contact for days as we would not have any internet or forms of communication for days.

Then we started our journey. First an hour and a half truck ride on the only road out of town and further into the Amazon and out of civilization. The houses resembled that of Southeast Asia with tin roofs and clothes hung everywhere. The trees got bigger and bigger and some reminded me so much of the tree of life as they shot large and grand above the rest.

 

Finally we reached a small building at the end of the road and next to the river where we had a quick lunch of rice, beans, and bananas. This is an Ecuadorean staple food.

Next we loaded into a long skinny boat and headed downstream and away from technology. For a few hours we went deeper and deeper and the wildlife began to present itself. Vines clung to the trees, grew upwards, spiraled around, and then cascaded like waterfalls back into the water.

 

Massive blue butterflies bigger than my hands would float majestically across our path and get swallowed into the dense jungle trees. It was nothing short of breathtaking. About halfway through the journey trees right in front of our path shook and brown blobs jumped from tree to tree. Monkeys! Many monkeys! We sat watching them in their own natural habitat and not tainted by humans. It was so different than seeing the monkeys in India, maylasia, and Thailand because they were still living uneffected by humans. I sat in fascination.

Eventually the river opened into a beautiful lake. We crossed and made our way into a small mangrove floating forest. In the between the trees we could see our small camp. It was made up of small huts built on stilts above the ground. We later found out that this was for multiple reasons. One because the water level changes and second because of the cayman!

 

Next to the dining area we looked into the water and found our first cayman. A pretty large guy he just hung out in the water with a menacing look. We were given very strict orders not to go j to the grass because he is aggressive. Also, during the night to stay on the walkway because the cayman likes to wonder around.

Sure enough one cayman wasn't enough! Under the beds and the bathroom lived another cayman. This took the whole "crocodile under the bed" scare I had as a child to a whole new level.

 

Fascinated by the cayman the one by the dimmer area quickly became our friend. We watched him for so long and joked around about him. We named him crocophile. The one worker Fernando had a ball attaching meat to a fishing line and letting us watch crocophile attack the meat. Massive creature.

 

We went out in the evening to spot dolphins and watch the sun. We got to see gray and link knew but we're hard to capture on camera. As the sun went down it was cloudy but made for a beautiful view with the reflection on the water.

 

That night, exhausted from the day's journey and sights, we all jumped in one bed and watced into the wild on the tablet. Dinner was served midway by candlelight. They tried to start the one small generator but it ran out of gas and was a fail. Back into our small cabin One by one we nodded off and retired to our small bunks and under our mosquito nets!

42nd Border Crossing- The Pope

42nd Border Crossing - The Pope

I took the border crossing with two English guys, a German girl, and another American named Ethan. We had heard rumors of how bad this crossing was and people getting robbed, scammed, and kidnapped. Truth or not it was going to be annoying crossing at 2 am.

Immediately we had already been scammed on our tickets. We had payed for the nice seats in the first floor of the bus that reclined. Entering the bus we found our seats were given to locals and we were sent upstairs. Yes it is a luxury at I don't need but I don't like getting scammed to pay for others.

As usual the guy came around and videod all of our faces for security reasons. Then we were off through the night. It was to be a direct bus. Not! Stop after stop we picked up randoms and who knows what.

The border was a very exciting surprise. We stood barefoot as massive roaches scuttled on the floor. The line took forever. But then a band started up. Everyone in line and outside began to dance. After the stamps instead of getting back on the bus everyone made a circle and continue used to sing. All of the dogs were about God and the Pope. There was so much spirit and happiness. It was a touching moment and I still get goose pimples thinking about it. There was so much passion in every word.

Back on the bus and a few hours later we were in Guayquil and I was alone once again. Missing my friends but happy my bags were not stolen I entered the bus terminal. It's massive. No seriously it's twice the size of Pittsburgh airport. I've never seen anything like it. It was only 430 in the morning and still dark outside. Again I had heard horror stories of taxis in Ecuador. Robbery was super common. 

Walking into the night I grabbed the nicest looking taxi and asked for the airport in my broken Spanish. I had mapped out the airport ahead of time so I would know which way the taxi should go. 

He was supposed to turn left and he turned right instead! I start to tremble a bit. Ok it's fine I'm sure there are multiple ways.

The taxi begins to talk to me. He keeps saying papa. What the heck? Is this sicko wanting me to call him daddy. Ahhhhhh! A five minute ride to the airport is now about 15 minutes through empty roads.

Then we hit the policed area. I mean police everywhere. Good I'm not going to die! The taxi asks me about daddy a few more times and points to his watch. What does he want? At least I have 7 hours before my flight.

We pull over to the group of cops and they chatter in Spanish. He continually points back to me. I'm usually confident but at 5 am I'm not a bit nervous and wish I spoke Spanish. The cops part and we drive through. Am I being kidnapped?

We pull over and just sit for awhile. I notice the airport is to my left. Holy cow I'm next to the airport!!! I could make a run for it. Then I notice the crowds starting to gather as the sun comes up. Well I'm not going to die. France dressed women with massive cameras appear and it all makes sense!

The Pope is coming to Guayaquil!!! Papa is pope. Laughing hysterically the taxi looks at me. I think he notices the relaxed looked on my face as I figure out what is going on. We leave our stuff locked in the car and join the crowds. He looks happy that he has me because I'm sure it's the only Wayne got past the cops.

A few hours later and the crowd erupts in cheers as the popes planes lands in the airstrip. Off in the distance I see the plane hatch open and he Pope emerges. The crowd loses it. People are crying tears of joy, newscasters are trying to get the first report, and people are prayer. And with that my scary morning went from thinking I was kidnapped to seeing the Pope! Now off to the Galapagos!

Amazon Notice

Off deep into the Amazon with a killer crew of backpackers. I will not have service for the next 4 to 5 days as we build our own shelter, fish and eat pirahanas, search for Anacondas and Pink Dophins, meet the Shaman, tribal paint our faces, and enter just plain survival mode! I don't think the Amazon is ready for us!

I will be posting all of the posts up to this date when I return back to modern civilization! Wish us luck!

Mancora

Mancora

 

When you are little and enter preschool making friends comes naturally for most. It's programmed in our bodies to be sociable and make companions. If we lack that skill an adult usually helps the process by introducing you or arranging activities in the class or after school to make this happen. 

Do you really remember having to make friends when you were younger?

 

Through those friends we met others and made new friends with the comfort of having others. 

Students who switch schools and move have felt the uncomfortable moments of having to consciously meet others. It can feel awkward and unnatural at first. You have to think of what to say and how to approach someone.

I can remember graduating high school and getting ready for college. Erica, one of my life long best friends said to me, "what if I don't remember how to make friends? This isn't like preschool again. We have to actually go to a new school and find friends and what if no one wants to be our friend." It's funny that her comment stuck with me this long. But it's so true!

Traveling brings those awkward moments when you doubt your capable I to interact with new people and make friends. This moment overwhelmed me as I entered the hostel in Mancora.

LoKi is a gorgeous hostel located in Mancora, Peru. It has a huge bar, hammocks, cabanas, a pool, and more. As I dropped my bags in my room I was torn on what to do. Do I sit there in a hammock and relax or search for new friends? Find new friends! It's funny because I do this every year but the beginning of new trips makes me a bit nervous.

 

Within minutes of ordering breakfast at the bar I met my first true travel friend, Kirsty. She is a short little girl from Ireland who is also traveling alone. I was quickly reminded at all travelers who go alone are in the same situation. We all want to make friends, new connections, new experiences, and have a good time.

Fast forward five days and I had met some of the greatest people. I'm not going to go into all of details of my time at Mancora. The days were filled with the group hanging out, eating, sitting in the beach, and dancing. I met some amazing people there. Not only did I find this new group of people but I also befriended a few other groups as well. Ethan called me a social butterfly and laughed that I was ever nervous to meet people hahahaah. 

One day we went to swim with the sea turtles. Hysterical. Trying to get a tuk tuk to take us started a civil war between the tuk tuk. As everyone bartered the prices the two groups of drivers began arguing and fighting over the prices. After about ten minutes of this I turned around and saw one quiet driver. I jumped in his and Kirsty and Doron followed! The rest of the group stood arguing longer. 

We got to the water to see the turtles. These things are massive and super scary. The water was murky and we didn't have goggles so we couldn't really see them. My friend andrew had to hold me up in the water I was so nervous. Right before we left there was a girl who was scared. When andrew pushed her in the water she landed on a turtle and got bitten. What? The awkward part was that she was staying at our hostel, didn't speak English, and andrew is an employee.

 

While at Loki the Copa America final was on and it was the Fourth of July. Everyone, no matter where they were from, decked themselves in red, white, and blue! They even had a BBQ!

 

I was having the time of my life. I had made friends with a group of four other girls and the bar staff. But I knew I had to move on and actually see some things. It was tough to say my goodbyes. As I gave Billy one last huge I quickly ran out of the hostel, jumped in the tuk tuk, and grabbed the night bus to Ecuador!

Trujillo

Trujillo 

 

Traveling alone has its ups and downs. One positive is on longer bus journeys you can sit in complete silence and relax. I can watch out of the window and watch the landscapes zoom by. I find it hard to sleep during the daylight on a bus journey when here is so much to see. In the downside it can be scary when you are catching buses at night and are unsure of what to do. When you are with others then you are in it together. When things go wrong it isn't as bad.

The night bus was so comfortable. I never expected these things to be so nice in South America. Definitely a huge step up for, the dodgy buses in south east Asia. An English couple sat behind me and we quickly became friends discussing the conditions of all of the buses. Before I knew it I was as,eep on the most comfortable bus ride of my life.

Waking to the morning light I opened all of the windows. My seat was located in the top floor in the very front so I have a panoramic view. Town after town we passed and the streets were already alive. I'm not sure why I am so surprised by the conditions of Peru. I didn't expect it to be as poverty stricken as it is. Unfinished buildings, trash, and just stuff littered the streets everywhere.

Trujillo was a cute town. Build in the coast my surfers and beach bums had made it their home catching waves all day. We picked My Friends Hostel. An interesting experience. Once we were in the room we noticed one window was busted out. When we went to leave the room to grab lunch we discovered that we were locked in! What the heck. The key didn't work. Now it makes sense, we have to crawl through the window to get in and out. How safe I felt! It did make for a funny day as we jumped in and out of the window.

The beach was nothing special but just a bit rocky. I left the couple to take a walk and find some sandals since I only had hiking shoes. Within the ten minutes of leaving them I was chased by a dog, kissed in he check, and had my butt pinched! They weren't kidding when I was warned South American men had no filter.

I ate more and more ceviche while I was here. Ceviche is basically raw fish with a lime type seasoning and super tasty. 

It was super nice to have some time just to relax and enjoy the day!

La Paz to Puno - Bolivia

La Paz to Puno

Being that we stayed in a nice hotel away from the backpacker area Bolvia Hop was a bit confused by us. Bolivia hop caters towards backpackers to help them get through countries while making stops where you can get on or off and stay overnight. We booked with them to let us a see a little more do the country instead of an overnight bus or flying. Since they didn't have pick up they had us meet at San Francisco plaza at 6 am.

When the guy found us he was so relieved. He couldn't believe the coordinator had us meet there instead of just going to Loki hostel where the bus actually comes. Duh!!! Either way we trudged back to the hostel at 6 am with both now heavy suitcases from shopping.

The bus full of backpackers made me excited. I was eager to chat with many of them to get tips about the following travels. As my mom pulled out food and began giving it away to the budget backpackers she quickly became their favorite mama bear! The bus leader was beyond hysterical. He loved to smoke cigs, eat chocolate, and loved his boys. He repeated these things constantly as he flirted with the Italian guys in our bus. A Bolivia native he enjoyed working in the bus and just making people laugh. By our first restroom break every single person craved chocolate and bought it off the gas station lady.

 

We arrived at our first views of lake titicaca. I'll be honest I never thought this place actually existed but a funny made up name people would say. But lake titicaca is real and it's at some pretty high altitude which is impressive.

 

Since both Bolivia and Peru share lake titicaca and parts switch back and forth between who own what we had to get off the bus and take a boat. We could t cross through the Peruvian section since it was a Bolivian bus. We took a nice little boat ride across the lake.

 

The next stop was in the cute little seaside, well lakeside, town of Copacabana. You better believe I was singing that song in my head the whole time! Although it's built up for tourist I still really enjoyed it. We walked around shopping although it seemed as if no one wanted to sell anything. The local church was very nice. 

 

We took another boat across lake titicaca to the Isla del Sol. My mom opted to stay in the boat until it reached the next port while I jumped off and hiked with some of the other kids. This almost turned into a massive mistake. They are very strict on time and when they leave. The boat captain spoke very little English and made it clear they will leave you.

 

While I enjoyed a lovely hike past the turn off for the port time was running out. Ed, another backpacker, and I had gotten lost and not taken the right turn. We walked faster and faster. It wouldn't be so much of a problem other than the fact our luggage was back in copa and my mom and I had a strict schedule.

 

We stopped a boy and asked him in broken Spanish where to go. He told us and we gave him some money as a thanks. Five more minutes walking we didn't seem to be going the right way. We asked an adult next. He pointed back where we came from. We practically ran! Ten minutes to go and I can see the port way down below. Rocky inka stairs led the whole way down. Ouch! We struggled down trying to beat the clock. Meanwhile down at the port the boat guy was tapping his watch reminding my mom they would in fact leave me. She didn't know what to do. Racing down the stairs Ed and I made it with one minute to spare! Phew!!!

 

Back on the bus we had a bit of time to nap before the boarder crossing. Another guide who would be our Bolivia guide was joining us. Turns out she illegally crossed the boarder to join us. Super simple crossing made difficult by two massive suitcases housing souvenirs. This border was entertaining because if we wouldn't have gotten the Bolivia visas you could easily skip the checking out of the country line. There are no guards to check you or make sure you got stamped out. 

 

Entering Peru, my 41st country, I was greeted by a massive Peru statue and massive cusquena beer statue. Hello Peru!!

Watching the sunset from the bus we slowly drove around the lake to Puno. Here we got off the bus. We were warned that there may be a strike and we couldn't get out the next day. The two girls on our bus got stuck there for three days in the way into Bolivia. 

Puno was nothing special in my opinion. Our hotel was nice and we enjoyed a good dinner before resting up to take the Incan Ruta del Sol, sun route, to Cusco in the morning.

The Doctor is in the House!

Camini Real Suites La Paz

Let's just say this is one of the nicest hotels I've ever been to for a very small prices. I'm still shocked what money can buy in Bolivia. Yes southwest Asia gave me beachside bungalows for less than 10 dollars but the city was always a different story. For less than 100 dollars this place gave it all. If you ever visit La Paz in a small trip and enact the best for a family trip please go here. If you are a backpacker you can disregard my post!

After being in the wilderness for days, sleeping in negative weather, having altitude headaches, and arriving at this mountainside city at night we were praying for a nice hotel. We wound down the streets from 4100m to 3500m passing more buildings than I've ever seen in my life. This city  is massive. I've said it before and I'll say it again I'm beyond impressed and shocked by what the city was like. We passed through some shady areas. 

Fingers crossed we arrived. Beautiful and massive! I felt guilty walking in with my backpack and dirty clothes. Shocked my mom and I smiled at each other! This is amazing.

The room was huge with comfy beds. We even had a pillow menus. 

We ordered room service which was not only ridiculously cheap but also ridiculously delicious.

They helped us with everything. Booked our taxis to the new year and told us where to visit. They were just on top of everything.

The best however was after the wrestling my moms ankle really was hurting. Nervous that it would hurt the trip we decided to ask the front desk what to do. The receptionist, who was the sweetest girl ever, said they would call a doctor. What?! We just meant we needed ice or a cream or something. 

She told us to wait at the room and a doctor would come. Before we knew it there were two doctors in the room checking out my moms ankle. As they asked questions in Spanish our communication was very poor. Then a translator showed up! Are you kidding me? 

The damage was small which was as good news and all should be fine In a Few days. They gave her some bandages and a prescription for pain killers. How do we get the prescription filled? No worries we will send someone to fill them and deliver. 

The whole situation was beyond comical but so nicely taken care of and convenient. We could not have been more thankful. A little nervous for the bill we were once again shocked that the total was under 10 dollars!! No seriously all of that was only 10 dollars and 8 of it was the cost of painkillers. And with that we were ready for the next part of our journey thanks to Camino Real Suites!

Ruta del Sol

Ruta del Sol

It is clear that the tourist industry is much more build up in Peru. Getting a taxi to the bus terminal our driver knew exactly what the Inka Express was. Entering the bus terminal tours were offered left and right. This is a much bigger difference than the systems working in Bolivia. 

On the way to our first stop we passed through the largest city in the Puno district. I had flashbacks of India. Cars were everywhere trying to swerve in front and navigate quickly through the city. This all happened while donkeys, llamas, and people walked down the streets. Other than the main road all of the side roads that you look down were dirt and extremely dusty. It makes me really appreciate the neat and clean living we have in the United States and other areas of the world. I'm already thankful we are taking this route so that we can see some life outside of the tourist developed and catering cities!

 

Our first stop was the ruins of the Pukara people from 200 AD to 100 Bc. Here we learned about the civilization that influenced the Incas. I was very surprised to learn that the Incas were in the 1500s and not earlier. 

One of the things they adopted from the Pukara's was the three tier life system. The condor representing heaven, the puma representing life, and the frog being afterlife. The Incas changed the frog to a snake. I have already purchased a new knife to add to my collection that depicts this belief!

I've probably mentioned it before but I love bus rides. It beats all other forms of transportation while traveling in countries. It allows you to see outside of the city and all of he towns and sights along the way. Passing by the little towns women and children were out hearing their livestock. Many house were left abandoned when the roof collapsed and new houses have sprung up around them. They are built from stacked stone and straw roofs.

 

At 4300 m we reached La Raya pass which separates Puno and Cusco. In the distance you can see a mountain glacier at 5300 m that empties into the rivers of the sacred valley and near Machu Picchu. My favorite part about this was knowing that I had previously hiked higher than that mountain.

 

Lunch was a fabulous buffet at a typical tourist bus location. Obviously built solely for tourist bus trips the building housed all types of cultural decorations. Music played while lunched was served to give you a feel of the local musical taste. 

After lunch we stopped at an old civilization stop where some of the walls still stand. I can't remember the name but one section was built so that on the winter solstice the sun Luke rise, follow the Main Street, and set at the end. Pretty cool science and architecture for that time period.

 

On the way out we witnessed the funeral of 19 year old local boy. Still thinking about it gives me chills. The entire town lined up outside of the church to carry the casket out. Women sobbed. An older lady, his grandmother,  couldn't watch and walked to a close by shop where she uncontrollable wept. 

The funeral had taken place in the Catholic Church but would then proceed down into the nature to continue practice of Incan times and pray to Pachamama as well. As sad as the scene was I found it beautiful that the people still kept both traditions alive. It turns out that during the new year celebrations the day before he had gotten into a nasty fight. Another group of local boys had beaten him to death. Clearly the result of too much alcohol. What a shame that during a celebration of sun, live, and the year a boy would lose his life.

The next two stops were at churches. Here we learned about the evolution of the churches in the area. How Spanish and such came in through the years and changed their beliefs and views. With the language barrier they used paintings on the walls to do their teachings. When the churches were taken over again they decided to just built on top of the previous alters or paintings.

Both churches were beyond gorgeous. I mean they are masterpieces. Peruvian law prohibits photography so unfortunately I couldn't take pictures. They did give us a disc with photos on it that I'll post when I get back. If you are curious Google Sistine chapel of Peru. One guy did all of the paintings in the one church.

 

The largest painting was in the back of the church. One side depicted the path to heaven while the other the oath to hell. Each side had common factors mirror each other such as the demon or angel pulling you in one direction. The picture showed that the wealthy that indulged in abundance would be pulled down the wrong road but a clear easy path. One of the men walked away from that table and walked the pathway to heaven covered in thorns. A harder but right life takes you to heaven.

On the right side of the church was a massive painting that had similarities to the one in the Sistine chapel. People were being pulled downward and eaten while others went up. The paintings were done to draw in the old religion and teach the new. The puma, condor, and snake could all be found in the section of hell.

The end of the route concluded with my mom, another couple, and a girl named Rose discussing our travels and the fun day we had.