Welcome to my journal.
Here I'll briefly list what I'm up to each day when I'm travelling (Internet-availability permitting...).
South America 2010/2011
March 15, 2011 (Iguazú Falls/Puerto Iguazu, Argentina)
Took the early bus to the entrance of the national park, so that I could be one of the first to get into the park. Well, worth it as it got very crowded later on. Spent the day walking around and looking at the massive amounts of water hurling down cliffsides. Splurged and took the boatride to get up close and personal with the falls. Went for a walk around town in the late afternoon and spent the night sorting through photos. Tomorrow it is off to Brazil!
March 14, 2011 (Puerto Iguazu, Argentina)
After checking into the hotel, I went down and had a late lunch before walking down to Hito Tres Fronteras, which is a lookout point where you can see over the Río Iguazú and Río Paraná to Brazil and Paraguay. Went to bed early to be ready for the next day and the visit to the waterfalls.
March 13, 2011 (Sayta Cabalgatas/Salta, Argentina)
After a nice breakfast, the driver took us back to Salta. After leaving my big backpack at the busstation I went for a walk around Salta, shopped a little and had a nice lunch. Later in the afternoon it was time to get on the overnight bus that would take me to my last stop in Argentina, Iguazu!
March 12, 2011 (Sayta Cabalgatas/Salta, Argentina)
I was picked up at my hotel after breakfast and driven to the estancia (ranch) together with a Dutch couple. After another breakfast, the horses were sadled and we went for a three hour long ride around the surrounding area. After returning to the ranch we had an amazing grilled lunch with plenty of red wine. The energetic (i.e. sober) people went for another ride in the afternoon, while the rest of us relaxed in the shade and drank some more red wine. The evening was spent talking with our hosts, enjoying good food and fighting off the bloodsucking mosquitos.
March 11, 2011 (Salta, Argentina)
Began the day by challenging my fear of heights. Took the teleférico (cable car) to the top of Cerro San Bernardo for great views of the city. After walking down I spent the rest of the day walking around the city, chilling at the shady Plaza 9 de Julio and visiting the Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña (MAAM) which focuses on Inca culture and child sacrifices left on Andean peaks.
March 10, 2011 (Salta, Argentina)
Took the very early morning bus (3 am!!!) to Salta. Spent the day taking care of laundry, e-mails and sleep. I also went for a walk around the centre of town. I like Salta.
March 9, 2011 (Tilcara/Purmamarca, Argentina)
In the morning I went to the bus station and bought my ticket to Salta further south in Argentina. Afterwards I went to a small town called Purmamarca, whivh is located beneath a very colorful mountain called "Mountain of Seven Colors". Went for a very nice hike around it. Had lunch at a small restaurant and then took the bus back to Tilcara. Spent the afternoon and evening walking around town and catching up on a few things on the computer.
March 8, 2011 (Tilcara, Argentina)
Left Tupiza on the bus at 10:30 going to the small bordertown called Villazon. Immigration turned out to be closed so had to leave without my exit-stamp... Luckily it was no problem getting into Argentina. After buying the tickets onwards to Tilcara I went with Pablo (from the Salt flats tour) and had lunch. Arrived in Tilcara around 8 pm, found a hostel, had some dinner and then it was pretty much time to go to bed...
March 7, 2011 (Salt flats tour, Bolivia)
We were up at 5 am in order to be on the salt flats when the sun came up - it was amazing! Afterwards we drove to the salt hotel, where we had a very nice pancake breakfast. Spent the rest of our stay walking around in the water, enjoying the landscape and taking a few silly photos. On the way back to Uyuni we visited the (overrated) train cemetary and took some more silly photos. After dropping Ilse and Melissa off by the bus in Uyuni the rest of us headed back to Tupiza. After checking into the hotel I met up with Pablo for dinner.
March 6, 2011 (Salt flats tour, Bolivia)
Today we got to sleep in until 6:30! First stop was the Laguna colorado which was filled with Flamingos. It was very beautiful. Next stop was a rock shaped like a tree. Afterwards we visited a lot of lagoons, saw a bunch of mountains and a lot more rocks. We arrived in Uyuni around 5 pm.
March 5, 2011 (Salt flats tour, Bolivia)
We had a lot od driving to do today so we were up already at 4 am. It had snowed a lot at night, so the first few hours were spent driving through the mountains in the snow. During the day we visited a lot of lagoons, drove through amazing desert and visited a hot spring. Arrived at the Lagoona Colorado around 5 pm to spend the night.
March 4, 2011 (Salt flats tour, Bolivia)
The driver picked us (Ilse from Holland, Melissa from Seattle, Pablo from Argentina and me) up at 9 am. First stop was a lookout over the Sillar and Palala canyons. After followed a lot of driving stopping at different viewpoints to take photos of the amazing landscapes and the llamas. We arrived in San Antonio de Lipez around 4 pm to spend the night. I have never been so cold in my life.
March 3, 2011 (Tupiza, Bolivia)
After a few hours sleep I started out by booking a tour to the Salt flats. When that had been taken care of, I set out for a walk around town and some nearby mountains. Had a nap in the afternoon and then watched some of the carnaval processions.
March 2, 2011 (Sucre, Bolivia)
Spent my last day in Sucre sleeping in, having brunch and walking around the city. At 6 pm I got the bus to Tupiza. The lady at the office had told me the trip would be between 12-16 hours, but it turned out to be only 10 hours, so I arrived in Tupiza at 4 am!
March 1, 2011 (Sucre, Bolivia)
Began my day by going to a café where I had a really nice brunch for 25 BOB (that's 20 Dkr!!!). The rest of the day was spent walking around Sucre enjoying the sunshine and looking at the old colonial buildings. Went to another movie in the late afternoon to see "El Turista" with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie.
February 28, 2011 (Sucre, Bolivia)
After finding a laundry place and having some late breakfast I went with the Dino-bus to Parque Cretácico which overlooks more than 5000 sets of dinosaur footprints. The park itself was pretty cheesy with big models of different dinosaur species, but the footprints were incredible to see. Afterwards I had lunch at a small pizza place before going to the movies to see "Unstoppable" with Denzel Washington.
February 27, 2011 (Sucre, Bolivia)
Arrived in Sucre around 8 am after a really cold night in the bus. After cheking in to my hostel/hotel, which is soooo nice (private room AND bath), I went down and had some lunch at a local café. The rest of the day was spent in bed sleeping and watching movies on my computer as I had a really bad cold and felt really sick.
February 26, 2011 (La Paz, Bolivia)
Had a really nice morning. Went out for brunch with Rachel followed by a walk around town taking care of some practical things like collecting our photo-cd from yesterdays bike-ride. Spent the rest of the day hanging out at the hostel. I was getting a cold, so didn't feel like doing too much. Left for Sucre on the overnight bus at 8 pm.
February 25, 2011 (La Paz/Death Road, Bolivia)
Spent the day mountainbiking down "The World's Most Dangerous Road". The ride began at 4700 m and descended to 1200 m. The first 20 km were on a paved road whereas the last 43 km were on rough gravel passing through a few waterfalls and over two streams. The road is only 3.5 m wide in places with drops of 600 m. It was amazing despite the pouring rain.
February 24, 2011 (La Paz, Bolivia)
After my pancake breakfast at the hostel I went for a a bit of a shopping spree buying most of my presents and souvenirs. Had a very nice lunch with Kerry from Australia and then it was off to the post office to send a bunch of stuff home. Had dinner at the hostel with Rachel and Ryan.
February 23, 2011 (La Paz, Bolivia)
Spent the morning eating free breakfast in exchange for being filmed for a commercial for a new hostel. The rest of the day was spent walking around the city buying a few souvenirs and booking a mountainbike tour for friday. Had dinner at the hostel as it was raining a lot.
February 22, 2011 (La Paz, Bolivia)
Went on a day-trip to the ruins of Tiwanaku. These ruins are the most important pre-inca ruins in Bolivia. They are still being excavated, so there isn't that much to see, but it was still interesting. It rained quite a bit, so some of it got a bit rushed. Relaxed at the hostel in the late afternoon before going out for dinner with Rachel and Ryan.
February 21, 2011 (La Paz, Bolivia)
Went for a hike up a small mountain called Cerro Calvario to see the view of Lake Titicaca and Copacabana. At an altitude of almost 4000 m, the hike was a bit tough on the lungs. In the afternoon I took the bus to La Paz where I managed to check in at the very nice Adventure Brew Hostel - free beer every night :) Went out for Thai food with a german girl. Met up with Rachel and Ryan afterwards as they are also staying at my hostel.
February 20, 2011 (Copacabana, Bolivia)
Took the bus to Copacabana in Bolivia at 7.30 am. The border crossing was very fast (compared to Chile...) and they didn't even check our luggage. A bit weird I thought. Well, the weather in Copacabana is wet and cold so only staying here tonight before going to La Paz tomorrow. Ran into two Finnish girls that I met in Puno, so going out to eat Mexican food with them tonight. Otherwise, I'll be spending the day walking around town looking at the shops and beach.
February 19, 2011 (Puno, Peru)
Went on a tour of the Uros Islands in Lake Titicaca. Uros Islands are floating islands made of reeds. It was a really nice (but touristy) trip and very interesting to learn about the islands. In the afternoon I went on another tour to Sillustani which is a pre-Incan burial site. It was really nice site, but the hike up to the top was a bit tough due to the altitude. We also visited a local farmer where we tried Andean potatoes with a clay sauce - apparently it is good for the health...
February 18, 2011 (Puno, Peru)
Took a bus to Puno on the edge of Lake Titicaca (elevation 3800 m). After checking in at my hostel and relaxing a bit I went for a walk downtown where I had a very nice dinner (Lomo Saltado). Peruvian food is very tasty, especially after Chile where the food was a bit bland. Spent the night at the hostel adjusting to the altitude.
February 17, 2011 (Arequipa/Colca Canyon, Peru)
The alarm went off at 2.35 am, so I would be ready to be picked up between 2.45 and 3.30 am. After the pick-up followed a 3 hour drive in the dark to reach a lookout over the mountains at an elevation of almost 5000 m. It was soo cold up there and the view was quite literally breathtaking! After taking a few photos it was back in the van an onwards to the Colca Canyon where we went looking for condors. We didn't see any at the lookout but were lucky enough to spot one on the way back. The canyon and nearby valley was beautiful, but I think it is defintely a better option to go to the canyon on a trek as much of my trip was spent in the van.
February 16, 2011 (Arequipa, Peru)
Had the best breakfast in a while - banana pancake with dulce de leche (type of milk caramel). Spent all day walking around town visiting a monastery (amazing and very photogenic), a museum about Inca mummies (saw an actual frozen mummy), and an old mansion. Had a typical Peruvian dish, that I can't remeber the name of, but it included meat stuffed into a big green chili and some weird eggy-sauce. Getting up REAL early tomorrow so going to bed soon.
February 15, 2011 (Arequipa, Peru)
Thought this would be an easy travel day - WRONG!!! Started out by taking a collectivo (a sort of shared taxi) from my hotel to the international bus station where I changed to another collectivo that would be bring me across the border to Tacna in Peru. That trip was supposed to take about an hour, but because of a looooong line at the border on both sides it ended up taking close to 3! Oh, and that whole stretch is in the desert! After finally arriving in Tacna I discover that I have just missed the bus to Arequipa and have to wait for about 2.5 hours in the 37 C bus terminal. Well, at least I'm on my way and after 8.5 hours (that trip was supposed to take 5 hours) I arrive in Arequipa. Went for a quick bite to eat and then it was bed time!
February 14, 2011 (Arica, Chile)
Another sunny day in Arica so went to the beach. Went back to my hotel in the late afternoon to get my bags ready for tomorrows trip to Arequipa in Peru. While I was sitting on my bed cheking my mail I felt the bed shake a little and thought a big truck had just driven by.... No! It was a 5.4 earthquake about 220 km southeast of here! Or as the Chileans would say - there was a little shake. Apparently they don't consider it an earthquake until it is above 7 on the richter scale...
February 13, 2011 (Arica, Chile)
Spent the morning sorting photos, taking a nap and reading. Went to the Carnaval Andino in the afternoon.
February 12, 2011 (Iquique/Arica, Chile)
After what felt like avery long night in the bus, I arrived in Iquique at 5:30 am. First I had a very unpleasant taxi driver and next the hostel had screwed up my reservation. After a few hours, I decided to head to Arica instead and as a result spent another 5 hours in the bus. Turned out to be a good decision as I arrived in Arica for the Carnaval Andino. Checked into a nice hotel and walked around town all night looking at the parade.
February 11, 2011 (San Pedro de Atacama, Chile)
Alarm went off at 3:40 am, just in time to get dressed before the tour bus picked me up a little after 4 am. Went to the Tatio geyser-field where the morning was spent looking at hotsprings, geysers and fumaroles. It was amazing. On the way back to town we went on a crazy scramble along a small river to see a big cactus, but unfotunately the river had swollen too much for us to get there. Walked around town in the afternoon before getting on the bus to Iquique at night.
February 10, 2011 (San Pedro de Atacama, Chile)
Spent the morning at the hostel relaxing before going on a sunset tour of Valle de la Luna seeing amazing views of the mountains and desert and visiting crazy rock formations.
February 9, 2011 (San Pedro de Atacama, Chile)
Arrived in San Pedro de Atacama around lunch completely exhausted. After checking in at the hostel I went down to the village center (this is defintely not a town!) and after talking to a lot of fully booked tour operators I managed to book the two tours I want to do here. Now I just have to cross my fingers that they won't get cancelled due to rain. Because, yes, I am so unlucky that I happen to be in the driest desert on the planet when it's raining! Spending the night uploading photos and going to bed early.
February 8, 2011 (La Serena/Elqui Valley, Chile)
Went on a tour of the Elui Valley today visiting a few little towns, a Pisco distilleri and a Papaya shop. The views were nice but otherwise the tour wasn't that exiting. Got dropped at the bus-station and pretty much went straight on the bus to San Pedro de Atacama. The ride sucked from the beginning. My seat didn't recline all the way and I was right next to the smelly toilet. This is going to be another long and uncomfortable busride.
February 7, 2011 (La Serena/Isla Damas, Chile)
I was picked up at my hostel at 6:30 am to go on a tour to the Reserva Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt to see penguins (obviously), dolphins and sealions. We also saw a sea otter and a lot of different birds on the over two-hour long boatride. The rest of the day was spent crammed in a van and not so exciting. Went for a wander in La Serena when I got back. It is a really pretty little colonial city. I wish I had time for the beach here, but I go on another tour tomorrow and at night it is off to San Pedro de Atacama further north.
February 6, 2011 (La Serena, Chile)
Breakfast at 9:30 am and then off to the bus station at 11 am to catch the bus to La Serena at 12. The trip takes 7 hours so won't be doing much else today. After I checked in I got my tours booked for the next two days and spent the evening talking and drinking beer with some people at my hostel.
February 5, 2011 (Valparaiso, Chile)
Breakfast wasn't until 9:30 am so didn't get going until 11 am. Went for a walk around an area called Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre looking at street art and colorful houses. Bumped into an Australien girl that I first met in Puerto Varas. Afterwards I went downtown and shopped some things for tomorrows busride to La Serena. Spent the evening updating the daily journal and the map.
Here I'll briefly list what I'm up to each day when I'm travelling (Internet-availability permitting...).
South America 2010/2011
March 15, 2011 (Iguazú Falls/Puerto Iguazu, Argentina)
Took the early bus to the entrance of the national park, so that I could be one of the first to get into the park. Well, worth it as it got very crowded later on. Spent the day walking around and looking at the massive amounts of water hurling down cliffsides. Splurged and took the boatride to get up close and personal with the falls. Went for a walk around town in the late afternoon and spent the night sorting through photos. Tomorrow it is off to Brazil!
March 14, 2011 (Puerto Iguazu, Argentina)
After checking into the hotel, I went down and had a late lunch before walking down to Hito Tres Fronteras, which is a lookout point where you can see over the Río Iguazú and Río Paraná to Brazil and Paraguay. Went to bed early to be ready for the next day and the visit to the waterfalls.
March 13, 2011 (Sayta Cabalgatas/Salta, Argentina)
After a nice breakfast, the driver took us back to Salta. After leaving my big backpack at the busstation I went for a walk around Salta, shopped a little and had a nice lunch. Later in the afternoon it was time to get on the overnight bus that would take me to my last stop in Argentina, Iguazu!
March 12, 2011 (Sayta Cabalgatas/Salta, Argentina)
I was picked up at my hotel after breakfast and driven to the estancia (ranch) together with a Dutch couple. After another breakfast, the horses were sadled and we went for a three hour long ride around the surrounding area. After returning to the ranch we had an amazing grilled lunch with plenty of red wine. The energetic (i.e. sober) people went for another ride in the afternoon, while the rest of us relaxed in the shade and drank some more red wine. The evening was spent talking with our hosts, enjoying good food and fighting off the bloodsucking mosquitos.
March 11, 2011 (Salta, Argentina)
Began the day by challenging my fear of heights. Took the teleférico (cable car) to the top of Cerro San Bernardo for great views of the city. After walking down I spent the rest of the day walking around the city, chilling at the shady Plaza 9 de Julio and visiting the Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña (MAAM) which focuses on Inca culture and child sacrifices left on Andean peaks.
March 10, 2011 (Salta, Argentina)
Took the very early morning bus (3 am!!!) to Salta. Spent the day taking care of laundry, e-mails and sleep. I also went for a walk around the centre of town. I like Salta.
March 9, 2011 (Tilcara/Purmamarca, Argentina)
In the morning I went to the bus station and bought my ticket to Salta further south in Argentina. Afterwards I went to a small town called Purmamarca, whivh is located beneath a very colorful mountain called "Mountain of Seven Colors". Went for a very nice hike around it. Had lunch at a small restaurant and then took the bus back to Tilcara. Spent the afternoon and evening walking around town and catching up on a few things on the computer.
March 8, 2011 (Tilcara, Argentina)
Left Tupiza on the bus at 10:30 going to the small bordertown called Villazon. Immigration turned out to be closed so had to leave without my exit-stamp... Luckily it was no problem getting into Argentina. After buying the tickets onwards to Tilcara I went with Pablo (from the Salt flats tour) and had lunch. Arrived in Tilcara around 8 pm, found a hostel, had some dinner and then it was pretty much time to go to bed...
March 7, 2011 (Salt flats tour, Bolivia)
We were up at 5 am in order to be on the salt flats when the sun came up - it was amazing! Afterwards we drove to the salt hotel, where we had a very nice pancake breakfast. Spent the rest of our stay walking around in the water, enjoying the landscape and taking a few silly photos. On the way back to Uyuni we visited the (overrated) train cemetary and took some more silly photos. After dropping Ilse and Melissa off by the bus in Uyuni the rest of us headed back to Tupiza. After checking into the hotel I met up with Pablo for dinner.
March 6, 2011 (Salt flats tour, Bolivia)
Today we got to sleep in until 6:30! First stop was the Laguna colorado which was filled with Flamingos. It was very beautiful. Next stop was a rock shaped like a tree. Afterwards we visited a lot of lagoons, saw a bunch of mountains and a lot more rocks. We arrived in Uyuni around 5 pm.
March 5, 2011 (Salt flats tour, Bolivia)
We had a lot od driving to do today so we were up already at 4 am. It had snowed a lot at night, so the first few hours were spent driving through the mountains in the snow. During the day we visited a lot of lagoons, drove through amazing desert and visited a hot spring. Arrived at the Lagoona Colorado around 5 pm to spend the night.
March 4, 2011 (Salt flats tour, Bolivia)
The driver picked us (Ilse from Holland, Melissa from Seattle, Pablo from Argentina and me) up at 9 am. First stop was a lookout over the Sillar and Palala canyons. After followed a lot of driving stopping at different viewpoints to take photos of the amazing landscapes and the llamas. We arrived in San Antonio de Lipez around 4 pm to spend the night. I have never been so cold in my life.
March 3, 2011 (Tupiza, Bolivia)
After a few hours sleep I started out by booking a tour to the Salt flats. When that had been taken care of, I set out for a walk around town and some nearby mountains. Had a nap in the afternoon and then watched some of the carnaval processions.
March 2, 2011 (Sucre, Bolivia)
Spent my last day in Sucre sleeping in, having brunch and walking around the city. At 6 pm I got the bus to Tupiza. The lady at the office had told me the trip would be between 12-16 hours, but it turned out to be only 10 hours, so I arrived in Tupiza at 4 am!
March 1, 2011 (Sucre, Bolivia)
Began my day by going to a café where I had a really nice brunch for 25 BOB (that's 20 Dkr!!!). The rest of the day was spent walking around Sucre enjoying the sunshine and looking at the old colonial buildings. Went to another movie in the late afternoon to see "El Turista" with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie.
February 28, 2011 (Sucre, Bolivia)
After finding a laundry place and having some late breakfast I went with the Dino-bus to Parque Cretácico which overlooks more than 5000 sets of dinosaur footprints. The park itself was pretty cheesy with big models of different dinosaur species, but the footprints were incredible to see. Afterwards I had lunch at a small pizza place before going to the movies to see "Unstoppable" with Denzel Washington.
February 27, 2011 (Sucre, Bolivia)
Arrived in Sucre around 8 am after a really cold night in the bus. After cheking in to my hostel/hotel, which is soooo nice (private room AND bath), I went down and had some lunch at a local café. The rest of the day was spent in bed sleeping and watching movies on my computer as I had a really bad cold and felt really sick.
February 26, 2011 (La Paz, Bolivia)
Had a really nice morning. Went out for brunch with Rachel followed by a walk around town taking care of some practical things like collecting our photo-cd from yesterdays bike-ride. Spent the rest of the day hanging out at the hostel. I was getting a cold, so didn't feel like doing too much. Left for Sucre on the overnight bus at 8 pm.
February 25, 2011 (La Paz/Death Road, Bolivia)
Spent the day mountainbiking down "The World's Most Dangerous Road". The ride began at 4700 m and descended to 1200 m. The first 20 km were on a paved road whereas the last 43 km were on rough gravel passing through a few waterfalls and over two streams. The road is only 3.5 m wide in places with drops of 600 m. It was amazing despite the pouring rain.
February 24, 2011 (La Paz, Bolivia)
After my pancake breakfast at the hostel I went for a a bit of a shopping spree buying most of my presents and souvenirs. Had a very nice lunch with Kerry from Australia and then it was off to the post office to send a bunch of stuff home. Had dinner at the hostel with Rachel and Ryan.
February 23, 2011 (La Paz, Bolivia)
Spent the morning eating free breakfast in exchange for being filmed for a commercial for a new hostel. The rest of the day was spent walking around the city buying a few souvenirs and booking a mountainbike tour for friday. Had dinner at the hostel as it was raining a lot.
February 22, 2011 (La Paz, Bolivia)
Went on a day-trip to the ruins of Tiwanaku. These ruins are the most important pre-inca ruins in Bolivia. They are still being excavated, so there isn't that much to see, but it was still interesting. It rained quite a bit, so some of it got a bit rushed. Relaxed at the hostel in the late afternoon before going out for dinner with Rachel and Ryan.
February 21, 2011 (La Paz, Bolivia)
Went for a hike up a small mountain called Cerro Calvario to see the view of Lake Titicaca and Copacabana. At an altitude of almost 4000 m, the hike was a bit tough on the lungs. In the afternoon I took the bus to La Paz where I managed to check in at the very nice Adventure Brew Hostel - free beer every night :) Went out for Thai food with a german girl. Met up with Rachel and Ryan afterwards as they are also staying at my hostel.
February 20, 2011 (Copacabana, Bolivia)
Took the bus to Copacabana in Bolivia at 7.30 am. The border crossing was very fast (compared to Chile...) and they didn't even check our luggage. A bit weird I thought. Well, the weather in Copacabana is wet and cold so only staying here tonight before going to La Paz tomorrow. Ran into two Finnish girls that I met in Puno, so going out to eat Mexican food with them tonight. Otherwise, I'll be spending the day walking around town looking at the shops and beach.
February 19, 2011 (Puno, Peru)
Went on a tour of the Uros Islands in Lake Titicaca. Uros Islands are floating islands made of reeds. It was a really nice (but touristy) trip and very interesting to learn about the islands. In the afternoon I went on another tour to Sillustani which is a pre-Incan burial site. It was really nice site, but the hike up to the top was a bit tough due to the altitude. We also visited a local farmer where we tried Andean potatoes with a clay sauce - apparently it is good for the health...
February 18, 2011 (Puno, Peru)
Took a bus to Puno on the edge of Lake Titicaca (elevation 3800 m). After checking in at my hostel and relaxing a bit I went for a walk downtown where I had a very nice dinner (Lomo Saltado). Peruvian food is very tasty, especially after Chile where the food was a bit bland. Spent the night at the hostel adjusting to the altitude.
February 17, 2011 (Arequipa/Colca Canyon, Peru)
The alarm went off at 2.35 am, so I would be ready to be picked up between 2.45 and 3.30 am. After the pick-up followed a 3 hour drive in the dark to reach a lookout over the mountains at an elevation of almost 5000 m. It was soo cold up there and the view was quite literally breathtaking! After taking a few photos it was back in the van an onwards to the Colca Canyon where we went looking for condors. We didn't see any at the lookout but were lucky enough to spot one on the way back. The canyon and nearby valley was beautiful, but I think it is defintely a better option to go to the canyon on a trek as much of my trip was spent in the van.
February 16, 2011 (Arequipa, Peru)
Had the best breakfast in a while - banana pancake with dulce de leche (type of milk caramel). Spent all day walking around town visiting a monastery (amazing and very photogenic), a museum about Inca mummies (saw an actual frozen mummy), and an old mansion. Had a typical Peruvian dish, that I can't remeber the name of, but it included meat stuffed into a big green chili and some weird eggy-sauce. Getting up REAL early tomorrow so going to bed soon.
February 15, 2011 (Arequipa, Peru)
Thought this would be an easy travel day - WRONG!!! Started out by taking a collectivo (a sort of shared taxi) from my hotel to the international bus station where I changed to another collectivo that would be bring me across the border to Tacna in Peru. That trip was supposed to take about an hour, but because of a looooong line at the border on both sides it ended up taking close to 3! Oh, and that whole stretch is in the desert! After finally arriving in Tacna I discover that I have just missed the bus to Arequipa and have to wait for about 2.5 hours in the 37 C bus terminal. Well, at least I'm on my way and after 8.5 hours (that trip was supposed to take 5 hours) I arrive in Arequipa. Went for a quick bite to eat and then it was bed time!
February 14, 2011 (Arica, Chile)
Another sunny day in Arica so went to the beach. Went back to my hotel in the late afternoon to get my bags ready for tomorrows trip to Arequipa in Peru. While I was sitting on my bed cheking my mail I felt the bed shake a little and thought a big truck had just driven by.... No! It was a 5.4 earthquake about 220 km southeast of here! Or as the Chileans would say - there was a little shake. Apparently they don't consider it an earthquake until it is above 7 on the richter scale...
February 13, 2011 (Arica, Chile)
Spent the morning sorting photos, taking a nap and reading. Went to the Carnaval Andino in the afternoon.
February 12, 2011 (Iquique/Arica, Chile)
After what felt like avery long night in the bus, I arrived in Iquique at 5:30 am. First I had a very unpleasant taxi driver and next the hostel had screwed up my reservation. After a few hours, I decided to head to Arica instead and as a result spent another 5 hours in the bus. Turned out to be a good decision as I arrived in Arica for the Carnaval Andino. Checked into a nice hotel and walked around town all night looking at the parade.
February 11, 2011 (San Pedro de Atacama, Chile)
Alarm went off at 3:40 am, just in time to get dressed before the tour bus picked me up a little after 4 am. Went to the Tatio geyser-field where the morning was spent looking at hotsprings, geysers and fumaroles. It was amazing. On the way back to town we went on a crazy scramble along a small river to see a big cactus, but unfotunately the river had swollen too much for us to get there. Walked around town in the afternoon before getting on the bus to Iquique at night.
February 10, 2011 (San Pedro de Atacama, Chile)
Spent the morning at the hostel relaxing before going on a sunset tour of Valle de la Luna seeing amazing views of the mountains and desert and visiting crazy rock formations.
February 9, 2011 (San Pedro de Atacama, Chile)
Arrived in San Pedro de Atacama around lunch completely exhausted. After checking in at the hostel I went down to the village center (this is defintely not a town!) and after talking to a lot of fully booked tour operators I managed to book the two tours I want to do here. Now I just have to cross my fingers that they won't get cancelled due to rain. Because, yes, I am so unlucky that I happen to be in the driest desert on the planet when it's raining! Spending the night uploading photos and going to bed early.
February 8, 2011 (La Serena/Elqui Valley, Chile)
Went on a tour of the Elui Valley today visiting a few little towns, a Pisco distilleri and a Papaya shop. The views were nice but otherwise the tour wasn't that exiting. Got dropped at the bus-station and pretty much went straight on the bus to San Pedro de Atacama. The ride sucked from the beginning. My seat didn't recline all the way and I was right next to the smelly toilet. This is going to be another long and uncomfortable busride.
February 7, 2011 (La Serena/Isla Damas, Chile)
I was picked up at my hostel at 6:30 am to go on a tour to the Reserva Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt to see penguins (obviously), dolphins and sealions. We also saw a sea otter and a lot of different birds on the over two-hour long boatride. The rest of the day was spent crammed in a van and not so exciting. Went for a wander in La Serena when I got back. It is a really pretty little colonial city. I wish I had time for the beach here, but I go on another tour tomorrow and at night it is off to San Pedro de Atacama further north.
February 6, 2011 (La Serena, Chile)
Breakfast at 9:30 am and then off to the bus station at 11 am to catch the bus to La Serena at 12. The trip takes 7 hours so won't be doing much else today. After I checked in I got my tours booked for the next two days and spent the evening talking and drinking beer with some people at my hostel.
February 5, 2011 (Valparaiso, Chile)
Breakfast wasn't until 9:30 am so didn't get going until 11 am. Went for a walk around an area called Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre looking at street art and colorful houses. Bumped into an Australien girl that I first met in Puerto Varas. Afterwards I went downtown and shopped some things for tomorrows busride to La Serena. Spent the evening updating the daily journal and the map.
February 4, 2011 (Valparaiso, Chile)
After a quick breakfast and cleaning up Rebeca's apartment it was off to the bus-station to catch the 10:45 bus to Valparaiso. In Valparaiso I checked in at the very friendly Hostal Casa Valparaiso and then I was on my way to see the city. Started out with a walk through some narrow stairways, followed by a tour of the harbour and then a visit to Pablo Neruda's house La Sebastiana. Spent the night at the hostel drinking free sangria. Oh, and I'm not the only Danish girl at my hostel... It is so weird to speak Danish again!
February 3, 2011 (Santiago, Chile)
Didn't really do anything today. Just enjoyed the fact that I had a whole apartment to myself. Tomorrow it is back to hostels. Had dinner at the apartment with Rebeca and two of her friends.
February 2, 2011 (Santiago, Chile)
After a relaxing morning I took the metro and bus to "Parque por la Paz", which tells the story of some of what went on during Pinochet's dictatorship. Afterwards I went back to the Centro and had a walk through the neighborhoods called Bella Artes and Bella Lastarria (finding a new icecream place - YUMM!!!) before going back to Rebeca's place. Feeling a bit tired after La Piojera last night; I spent the night relaxing and watching "Flight of the Conchords".
February 1, 2011 (Santiago, Chile)
Had a really quiet morning enjoying the fact that I had a whole apartment to myself. Around noon I headed out taking the metro to the cemetery where I went for a walk. It was very different to the one in Buenos Aires. Afterwards, I went back towards the Centro visiting two food markets and some old buildings. Went to La Piojera (a bar) at night, with Rebeca and some of her friends to taste the famous drink called terremoto (earthquake!).
January 31, 2011 (Santiago, Chile)
Went for a walk around Bellavista before meeting up with Jackie from Australia, who I got to know in Puerto Natales. We walked to the Centro and had our first (and last) Chilean hot dog at a street vendor. Afterwards, we went back to Bellavista and found a nice café to have fresh juice at before I had to go and meet Rebeca from Chile, who very generously had said I could stay at her apartment. Went for a walk to a small park with Rebeca at night and had empanadas for dinner.
January 30, 2011 (Santiago, Chile)
Met up with Rachel and Ryan to go see the changing of the guards at Palacio de la Moneda, which is the presidencial palace. Afterwards we went to see a collection of pottery and textiles from major pre-Colombian cultures at the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombiano. Then it was time to say goodbye to R&R as they were of to Valparaiso. I spent the rest of my day at the big shopping mall called Parque Arauco watching a movie and buying new flip-flops.
January 29, 2011 (Santiago, Chile)
Spent the morning changing from my hostel in the Centro to a hostel in Bellavista. I spent the rest of the day wandering around the neighbourhood and getting a view of the city from the top of a hill called Cerro San Cristóbal. Met up for drinks at night with Rachel and Ryan from the UK, who I got to know when I was stuck in Puerto Natales.
January 28, 2011 (Santiago, Chile)
Was up really early to go hike Volcano Villarica. Things didn't really work out according to plan though, so ended up coming back early. I was really tired of Pucon at that moment, so I decided to head up to Santiago at the 11:30 am bus. Spent the rest of the day in the bus arriving in Santiago around midnight.
January 27, 2011 (Pucon, Chile)
Took the 9:30 am bus to Pucon from Puerto Varas. Arrived in the early afternoon and spent the rest of the day preparing food and booking a tour to go to Volcan Villarica tomorrow. Stayed in a dorm with three Chilean guys who turned out to be big time party people and very loud snoorers. Not a good night!
January 26, 2011 (Puerto Varas, Chile)
Took the local minibus out to Saltos del Petrohué which is a big waterfall. Afterwards, I wanted to go for a 12 km hike in the surrounding national park, but after trying to fight off 20 horseflies for half an hour I gave up an went back to town. I have the worst luck when it comes to hiking. Spent the afternoon getting my bus-ticket to Pucón sorted and then I went and had a really nice pizza. Played a weird Dutch bean game with the Swiss girl and two Dutch guys at night at the hostel.
January 25, 2011 (Puerto Varas, Chile)
Went to the busstation in Castro with the aim of getting a busticket to Ancud. Ended up going to Puerto Varas on the mainland instead. I just felt like moving on from Chiloé. Found a nice hostel in Puerto Varas and spent the afternoon walking around town, enjoying the view of the Osorno volcano and eating delicious fresh fruit. Helped an Australian girl celebrate Australia day at night and played chess with a Swiss girl. Lost the first game; won the second.
January 24, 2011 (Castro/Parque Nacional Chiloé (Chiloé), Chile)
Went to Chiloé national park near Cucao to do some hiking. Walked two of the trails. One which went through the indigenous forest and one that went down to the beach. It was nice but not very challenging. Back in Castro I spent the last of the afternoon walking around town and relaxing at my hotel enjoying the fact that I have a room to myself. Tried to book accomodation in Chepu but it is full until the 27th. Think I might go to Ancud tomorrow and see if anything opens up in Chepu for the 26th.
January 23, 2011 (Castro/Dalcahue/Tenaún/ Isla Mechuque (Chiloé), Chile)
Went on a day tour to the sunday craft market in Dalcahue, the small town of Tenaún and Isla Mechuque with Turismo Pehuen. Tried the local dish Curanto al hoyo in Tenaún, which is different meats, potatoes and seafood cooked on top of really hot stones in a hole in the ground. Saw a few nice churches, weird museums and went for a hike to a viewpoint of the islands on Isla Mechuque. Really tired when I got back, so went to bed early.
January 22, 2011 (Castro (Chiloé), Chile)
Spent the day walking around Castro looking at the palafitos (houses built on stilts in the water), visiting a weird historical museum and the local arts and crafts market. Wrote on my blog and sorted through some pictures at night. I can tell I need a little bit of a break from people after Puerto Natales and the ferry.
January 21, 2011 (Castro (Chiloé), Chile)
Arrived with the Navimag ferry at Puerto Montt at noon. Walked to the bus-station with Rachel and Ryan and got a bus-ticket to Castro on the island of Chiloé. R&R are off to Puerto Varas. Arrived in Castro late afternoon and checked into my hostel. I have my own room - total luxury. Spent the rest of the day taking care of laundry and booking a tour of the island for sunday.
January 20, 2011 (The Navimag ferry, Chile)
The boat was still rocking quite a bit this morning, so decided to skip breakfast after last night's "episode". Had a shower and went up for the info meeting at 9:30 am. Hung out in the bar-room with Rachel and Ryan reading our books occasionally going out on deck to look at the "scenery" which was covered in fog and rain. The ships purser gave a talk about different locations and at night there was a big bingo game, where you had to dance in front of everyone if you won something. I won a pen... Afterwards there was a party in the bar-room.
January 19, 2011 (The Navimag ferry, Chile)
Today we sailed by more amazing scenery looking at glaciars and small waterfalls. Around 10:30 we arrived in Puerto Eden where a few locals had to get off the ship and a few new ones got on. The rest of the day was spent reading in the bar-room when we weren't out on deck looking at an old ship-wreck and a small statue on an island. Just around dinnertime we entered the Pacific Ocean and things started to move around. I had a bad reaction to the seasickness tablets and ended up in the bathroom throwing up followed by a high fever. Afterwards I slept really well though even though we were repeatedly hit by 5 m waves.
January 18, 2011 (The Navimag Ferry, Chile)
First real day on the ferry. We left Puerto Natales around 8 am. The whole day was filled with beautiful scenery and dolphin spotting, so weren't able to get a proper nap which was highly neede after last nights lack of sleep. At night just before heading off to bed we sailed by an impressive glaciar.
January 17, 2011 (Puerto Natales/The Navimag ferry, Chile)
Last day in Puerto Natales - we hope! Walked around town with Rachel and Ryan and getting our boarding cards for the ferry. had lunch with Omar and then watched two movies before heading down with our bags. All was still calm, so we decided to walk back to town to eat dinner. At the end of dinner we noticed at lot of cars with black flags driving by in the direction of the Navimag terminal. When we came down there, the military was there to keep the large number of protesters from getting into the actual area. Because of the demonstration we didn't end up boarding the ferry until 4 am.
January 20, 2011 (The Navimag ferry, Chile)
The boat was still rocking quite a bit this morning, so decided to skip breakfast after last night's "episode". Had a shower and went up for the info meeting at 9:30 am. Hung out in the bar-room with Rachel and Ryan reading our books occasionally going out on deck to look at the "scenery" which was covered in fog and rain. The ships purser gave a talk about different locations and at night there was a big bingo game, where you had to dance in front of everyone if you won something. I won a pen... Afterwards there was a party in the bar-room.
January 19, 2011 (The Navimag ferry, Chile)
Today we sailed by more amazing scenery looking at glaciars and small waterfalls. Around 10:30 we arrived in Puerto Eden where a few locals had to get off the ship and a few new ones got on. The rest of the day was spent reading in the bar-room when we weren't out on deck looking at an old ship-wreck and a small statue on an island. Just around dinnertime we entered the Pacific Ocean and things started to move around. I had a bad reaction to the seasickness tablets and ended up in the bathroom throwing up followed by a high fever. Afterwards I slept really well though even though we were repeatedly hit by 5 m waves.
January 18, 2011 (The Navimag Ferry, Chile)
First real day on the ferry. We left Puerto Natales around 8 am. The whole day was filled with beautiful scenery and dolphin spotting, so weren't able to get a proper nap which was highly neede after last nights lack of sleep. At night just before heading off to bed we sailed by an impressive glaciar.
January 17, 2011 (Puerto Natales/The Navimag ferry, Chile)
Last day in Puerto Natales - we hope! Walked around town with Rachel and Ryan and getting our boarding cards for the ferry. had lunch with Omar and then watched two movies before heading down with our bags. All was still calm, so we decided to walk back to town to eat dinner. At the end of dinner we noticed at lot of cars with black flags driving by in the direction of the Navimag terminal. When we came down there, the military was there to keep the large number of protesters from getting into the actual area. Because of the demonstration we didn't end up boarding the ferry until 4 am.
January 11-16, 2011 (Puerto Natales, Chile)
Arrived in Puerto Natales expecting to spend the afternoon getting ready to leave for the Torres del Paine Park on the next day, returning to the city a day before the Navimag ferry to Puerto Montt. Instead I got stuck at my (luckily very nice) hostel for a week as all roads in and out of the city was blocked on tuesday night due to a protest against increasing gas prices in the region. Despite the protest turning violent in Punta Arenas nothing really bad happened in Puerto Natales. Everyone was still really nice and friendly, there was just a lot of black flags everywhere and people driving around town honking their horns. Someone said a few tires had been burnt around town, but I didn't see that. Most of the days were spent with the other people at my hostel taking about the protests and going for walks around town.At the end red cross got involved as people were coming back from the park with no where to stay and because tourists were getting really frustrated because they started to miss their planes onwards. A lot of people from my hostel ended up hiking and hitchhiking to El Calafate in Argentina while the roadblocks were open for a few hours. Despite the frustration of being stuck I met some really nice people that I have been lucky enough to meet up with later on and our hostel-host Omar took such good care of us, even organising a dinner to lift our spirits.
January 10, 2011 (El Calafate, Glaciar Perito Moreno, Argentina)
Was picked up at 8 am at my hostel to go see the Glaciar Perito Moreno. First stop was by a small harbour from where we went on a boat to see the southern side of the glaciar. We were really lucky to see the glaciar calve a few times. Afterwards we were driven to an area with multiple viewpoints of the northern side. I spent three hours there just walking around looking at the glaciar and eating my picnic lunch. After the tour I went for a walk down to the lake to look at the flamingos. My back is doing so much better now. Looking forward to Torres del Paine. Spent the night packing as I have an early bus to Puerto Natales in Chile tomorrow.
Was picked up at 8 am at my hostel to go see the Glaciar Perito Moreno. First stop was by a small harbour from where we went on a boat to see the southern side of the glaciar. We were really lucky to see the glaciar calve a few times. Afterwards we were driven to an area with multiple viewpoints of the northern side. I spent three hours there just walking around looking at the glaciar and eating my picnic lunch. After the tour I went for a walk down to the lake to look at the flamingos. My back is doing so much better now. Looking forward to Torres del Paine. Spent the night packing as I have an early bus to Puerto Natales in Chile tomorrow.
January 9, 2011 (El Calafate, Argentina)
Arrived in El Calafate in the afternoon. After checking in at my hostel, I went downtown and booked a tour to the glaciar for tomorrow as well as doing some grocery shopping. All ATMs were out of money so had to pay for the tour with dollars.
January 8, 2011 (El Chalten, Argentina)
My back is feeling a bit better so went on a very easy hike to a waterfall called "Chorillo del Salto" (about one hour each way) and for a walk around town. Spent the afternoon relaxing at the hostel - again! Looking forward to El Calafate, where I'm going tomorrow.
January 7, 2011 (El Chalten, Argentina)
Still in El Chalten and still stuck in the hostel with a sore back. Spent the day going to another treatment at the physical therapist's office and watching "Flight of the Conchords" (New Zealand sitcom) on my computer.
January 6, 2011 (El Chalten, Argentina)
Woke up with a really sore back. Could hardly get out of my bed (of course the top bunk!!!). Spent the day visiting the doctor, getting treatments by a physical therapist and sleeping. Not what I planned to do in El Chalten.
January 5, 2011 (El Chalten, Argentina)
Still on the bus. Arrived in El Chalten around 9.30 pm after two buses and a very long ride in a taxi. Had some (bad) white wine with Sophie catching up on the last few days.
January 4, 2011 (Puerto Madryn, Argentina)
Leaving for El Chalten today at 13 pm and will be spending the next 27 hours on a bus... This will be a loooong trip!
January 3, 2011 (Puerto Madryn/Peninsula Valdez, Argentina)
Went on a tour to Peninsula Valdez, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. Saw quite a few animals including the guanaco, a hairy armadillo, elephant seals and sea lions. The hightlight was, however, the whale watching where we saw Southern Right Whales. A mother and calf swam under our boat while we were looking at them. Totally exhausted at night, so fell a sleep early (again!!!).
January 2, 2011 (Puerto Madryn/Gaiman, Argentina)
Arrived in Pto. Madryn at 8 in the morning. As everything is pretty much closed on sundays I took the local bus to a small town called Gaiman. It is an old Welsh town but except from a few buildings I didn't see a large Welsh influence. Everything was pretty much closed there as well so spent some hours walking around town and sitting in the shade in the park reading my book. In the afternoon I had Welsh tea and cake and then it was back to Pto. Madryn. I was really tired and there was not really anything going on at the hostel so went to bed early.
January 1, 2011 (Bariloche, Argentina)
Woke up early to say goodbye/see you to Sophie who is taking the bus to El Calafate today. We are planning to meet up again in El Chalten and do some hiking. Spent the rest of the day on the computer trying to catch up on pictures, e-mails and blog. Taking the nightbus to Puerto Madryn at 6 pm tonight.
December 31, 2010 (Bariloche, Argentina)
In the morning I went with Tanya to buy the groceries for the Tiramisu we are making for the New Years Party. Spent the rest of the day cooking, reading, drinking cold white wine and counting down to 2011.
December 30, 2010 (Bariloche/Road-trip to some of the 7 lakes, Argentina)
Rented a car with Jaqueline, Tanya and Deidre and had a very nice drive to a few of the lakes and the village of Villa La Angostura, which is near Bariloche. We also went for a hike up a small mountain to see the view of the lakes in that area. We arrived back at the hostel just in time for the planning party for New Years eve.
December 29, 2010 (Bariloche, Argentina)
Relaxed at the hostel and went for a walk around town. Pretty sore legs after the hike in Llao Llao.
December 28, 2010 (Bariloche/Llao Llao, Argentina)
Took the bus out to Llao Llao which is 25 km outside Bariloche. Spent the day hiking in the forest and going for a swim in the 12 C cold water - brrrr.... Arrived back at the hostel at 7 pm just in time to have a shower before going out to a nice steak restaurant (Alberto's) with some cool people from my hostel.
December 27, 2010 (Bariloche, Argentina)
Walked around Bariloche buying some postcards. Had a lovely lunch down by the harbour where I sat for a long time just reading in my book and enjoying the views.
December 26, 2010 (Bariloche, Argentina)
Woke up to a perfectly clear day with no clouds and hardly any wind. So, I went with Jaquelin and Sophie to Cerro Campanario to see the 7th best view in the world (at least according to National Geographic). The view of the lakes and mountains was AMAZING. Walked around town in the afternoon looking for new hiking boots as my old ones are falling apart. Ate dinner at the hostel and spent the evening learning about Australien politics.
December 25, 2010 (Bariloche, Argentina)
Got up late and spent the morning relaxing at the hostel. In the afternoon I went for a 10 km hike along the shore of the lake Nahuel Huapi with some other people from the hostel. Spent the night at the hostel reading my book.
December 24, 2010 (Bariloche, Argentina)
Went to the market to buy some fruit for the dinner at the hostel. Spent the rest of the day hanging out at the hostel, taking a nap and wishing the family back home a very merry christmas. At night we had a nice dinner at the hostel followed by a party. Merry Christmas...
December 23, 2010 (Bariloche, Argentina)
Arrived in the town of Bariloche at 2 pm after a beautiful drive through the mountains passing several lakes. I finally got a bus with bingo, but didn't win anything. Went to my hostel (Hostel 1004) and spent the day reading, trying to upload photos to the blog and just relaxing. Pretty tired after the 17 hour long busride. There is a planning-party at the hostel tonight to arrange tomorrows christmas dinner.
December 22, 2010 (Mendoza/High Mountains, Argentina)
Went on a tour of the high mountains around Mendoza and saw several cool places, including the Inca bridge, Aconcagua (with clouds...) and Christ the redentor (a monument at 4000 m above sea-level). The views were really beautiful. Spent the night on a nightbus to Bariloche.
December 21, 2010 (Mendoza/Maipu, Argentina)
Went on a bike and wine tour in Maipu with Lisa and Fiona. We visited three wineries and had a really nice bikeride. No accidents despite all the wine. Went to dinner at a restaurant next to our hostel at night and had a drink at the bar.
December 20, 2010 (Mendoza, Argentina)
Changed to the Damajuana hostel today where, it turned out, the two girls I went hiking with in Córdoba are also staying. Spent the day walking around Mendoza, which is a very nice little town. At night there was a bbq at the hostel which was really nice.
December 19, 2010 (Mendoza, Argentina)
Arrived in Mendoza at 8 am. Thought it would be cooler here because it is close to the mountains but it isn't. Walked to Hotel Petit where I will be staying for one night before changing to a hostel. Total luxury to have my own room and bathroom. Took a long nap before I went for a walk around town. Had hoped to get a lot of work on my blog and e-mails taken care of, but the internet is unbelivable slow. Managed to get my photos sorted and uploaded to the Picasa online album.
December 18, 2010 (Córdoba, Argentina)
Went on a guided hike in the Quebrada del Condorito which lies in the mountains of Córdoba. The hike would have been beautiful had it not been for the clouds and rain, which completely obscurred all views of the valley and mountains. We didn't see any condors either as they were hiding in the bad weather. Had an interesting scramble down a mountainside which left us soaked and really dirty. Had a nice warm shower back at the hostel along with a warm cup of tea and popcorn. And then it was pretty much time to pack up and head to the busstation to catch an overnight bus to Mendoza.
December 17, 2010 (Córdoba, Argentina)
Walked around town most of the day and ended up at the same café as yesterday hiding in the shade. Had my first encounter with fake money, but could remember which shop I had received the note in, so went there and complained and got it exchanged to a real note instead.... Went to the supermarket and then back to the hostel to relax. I'm really tired at the moment and just feel like sleeping.
December 16, 2010 (Córdoba, Argentina)
Woke up early so ended up catching a bus to Córdoba already at 8:30 am. Arrived in Córdoba a little after 3 pm and went straight to my hostel called Tango Hostel. Went for a walk around town and ended up in the shade at a nice café on a square in the centre where I had dinner. The temperature in Córdoba is between 35 and 40 degrees (Celcius) at the moment. Was really tired when I came back to the hostel so spent the night reading and falling asleep early.
December 15, 2010 (Rosario, Argentina)
Woke up early because of the noise from the traffic. Spent the morning booking bus and hostel for going to Bariloche to spend Christmas. Afterwards I went with a boat across the Rio Paraná to a small island with a long beach. Found a spot in the shade and spent the afternoon relaxing (and reading Billed Bladet - Thanks Annu!). Spent the night packing for the next day's trip to Córdoba and going for a walk to the flag monument to see it with lights on
December 14, 2010 (Rosario, Argentina)
Took the bus to Rosario at 9:30 am. Arrived 4 hours later at the long-distance bus terminal outside town. Took the local bus into the center of town together with Kerry from Australia and a couple from Germany. We are all staying at the Che Pampas hostel. Did my laundry and went for a walk around town, visiting the birthplace of Che Guevara, a museum for contemporary art and the monument to the Argentine flag. Cooking dinner at the hostel tonight (mmm Knorr Chicken soup...).
December 13, 2010 (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Last day in Buenos Aires. Was supposed to meet a girl from the plane, but it didn't work out. Instead I spent most of the day walking around an area of Buenos Aires called Puerto Madero which is down by the harbour. Walked throught the Centro on my way back to the hostel to visit my favorite icecream place, Heladeria Cadore. The night was spent packing and sorting through photos.
December 12, 2010 (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Went with Kerry to the Retiro bus station to buy the tickets for Rosario. We leave Buenos Aires on tuesday. Afterwards we went to the giant San Telmo antiques market. It was really fun and there were lot of nice things to look at. We had lunch at the Desnivel steakhouse, and afterwards Kerry went back to the hostel and I went for a wander around the San Telmo and Centro areas. Came across a Human Rights celebration/demonstration and hung around listening to the music and speeches for a while.
December 11, 2010 (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Followed the Lonely Planet walking tour around the center of town. Took a break a the old and classic Richmond Café on Florida Street, as it began raining in the afternoon. After a break at the hostel, I went down to Av de Mayo, where the city was celebrating "The Day of Tango". Saw both professional dancers as well as the locals tangoing. Really nice evening, but a bit chilly.
December 10, 2010 (Buenos Aires/Tigre, Argentina)
Went to the city of Tigre 35 km from Buenos Aires with Kerry and David from my hostel. Tigre lies in the delta so we went for a boatride to a small suburb called Tres Bocas. It looked like a cool place to wander around for a few hours, but unfortunately it started to rain a lot, so we just went to a small restaurant and had lunch - best steak I've ever had - YUM :) Spent the night at the hostel listening to one of the guys that work here playing his guitar. Ended up cooking dinner with Rebecca and Marcello from Chile, Kerry from Australia, British Chris and American Chris.
December 9, 2010 (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Spent the morning trying to catch up on some computer-stuff and making plans with a girl from Australia about possibly travelling together to Rosario and Cordoba next week. Later on I grabbed a cab and went for a wander in the famous Recoleta cemetery and the surrounding neighbourhood, including a Japanese garden. Returned to my hostel around 7 pm and have been relaxing for the rest of the night - my feet are really sore from all the walking in flip-flops! The weather today have been mostly warm and sunny, but with a small shower in the morning.
December 8, 2010 (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Changed from my mixed dorm to an all female dorm. Afterwards I went for a walk to the neighbourhoods called San Telmo and La Boca, which were really nice, but very touristy in parts. Returned to my hostel at 9 pm and ended up going out for dinner in Palermo with some people from my hostel at 11 pm. Apparently that is normal in Buenos Aires.
December 7, 2010 (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Arrived in São Paulo with only 15 minutes until my next flight, but made it as that flight was delayed as well. Arrived in Buenos Aires and took a shuttle to my Hostel, Portal del Sur. After check-in I went for a walk around the centre of town seeing the Casa Rosada and some other sights. Bought a cheap empanada for dinner and fell asleep at 10 pm completely exhausted.
December 6, 2010 (Somewhere between Europe and South America)
After a good nights sleep and breakfast, I got my bag sorted and then it was time to go to the airport. Annu and her two children and Sarah and her son came to say goodbye. The flight to Frankfurt was a bit delayed so I had to go straight on to the flight to São Paulo, which then turned out to be more than an hour delayed.
December 5, 2010 (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Last full day in Copenhagen. Met up with Emilie for brunch followed by lunch with Trine. Then it was back to Annu's place to pack up my things before going to spend my last night at Sarah's place.
December 4, 2010 (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Spent the morning with Camilla and her daughter Amalie, before heading back to Copenhagen for a birthday-party at my friends place.
December 3, 2010 (Odense, Denmark)
Spent the morning with Annu and her family before going to a meeting in town about a potential job for when I get back in April. Afterwards it was back to Valby to catch a train to Odense where I'm visiting with my friend Camilla and her daughter until tomorrow.
December 2, 2010 (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Went to Tivoli in Copenhagen with Annu and her two children to look at the Santas and the christmas decorations. It was a very cold experience! Ran some errands afterwards followed by dinner at Nina and Rachid's place. I'm beginning to realize just how much I'll miss everyone the next four months.
December 1, 2010 (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Last day at work. I'm definitely not being as productive as I could. Despite meeting a few nice people, I won't be missing this place! I'm handing over the keys to the apartment tonight and will be sleeping at different friends' places until I leave. Tonight I'm staying with Annu and her beautiful family.
November 30, 2010 (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Last night in my apartment. Spent it cleaning the kitchen and bathroom and packing my bag. I hope I remembered everything?!?! 6 days to go...
November 23, 2010 (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Beginning to stress quite a lot about all the things I have to take care of before I go as well as making time to see everyone on top of working full time. Only 13 days left...
October 26, 2010 (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Things are beginning to come together. I've bought my travel insurance, booked an appointment to renew a few of my vaccinations (typhoid and hepatitis b) and today I placed an add on dba.dk about renting out my apartment. 41 days to go...
October 19, 2010 (Copenhagen, Denmark)
I bought the ticket for my trip to South America today. I leave for Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 6, 2010 and (so far....) return from São Paulo, Brazil on April 7, 2011. 48 days to go...
