Coca leaves and grown and produced here in Bolivia and also in Peru. Theyre used to make cocaine but also have more legal qualities:
Pretty much all of the native people here chew coca leaves. They put a big handfull into one side of their mouths and chew it, releasing its medicinal properties. They also use "catalysts" such as bicarbonate of soda or this weird spongey mass made from the ash of burnt cactus and potatoe (?!). The result is like a tiny tiny bit of cocaine, it numbs your mouth and throat and gives you energy. It is also used to cure altitude sickness and to help digestion.
The first time I tried it I just chewed it like normal food, and it was horrible, I was picking leaves out of my teeth for hours. Once Id learnt the technique I experienced the real effects of the leaves, my mouth went numb, it woke me up a bit, but the taste is really horrible. I like the numb mouth feeling but the problem is that you get bits of leaves everywhere but you cant tell because its all numb.
Its basically a way of live here, people walk around looking like hamsters because their cheeks are so full of coca, but I dont think i'll be doing it again.
Thursday, 30 June 2011
Laguna Volcanes Tour
24th June
I did a trek today to Laguna Volcanes. There are no volcanoes there, but the mountains are cones shaped, and look like volcanoes.
Eight of us went: 4 men from Spain, 2 American girls who are staying in the hostel, Southern gentleman Jonathan, and myself. We went with Carmelo, the same guy who lent us his motorbike.
We drove an hour and a half to a really posh golf resort where we started our tour. On the way there we drove past the skeleton of a horse by the side of the road, there were about 10 vultures surrounding it picking off the remains of its meat. It had only died two days previous yet there was next to nothing left of it. Ive never seen anything like that before.
We began our trek, in the pouring rain, walking to the far side of the golf course and then off the track into the woods where Carmelo pointed out different and interesting plants. There was one that burned your skin if you touched it, and another whose leaves closed up as protection.
We walked up a really steep hill to get a panoramic view of the mountains, the rivers and the village down below, however there was so much cloud you couldnt really see much, just the tip of a mountain or the occasional flash of greenery when the cloud momentarily cleared. It was quite mystical looking. We walked along narrow path across the crest of the mountains before eventually heading down towards the jungle.
Luckily, just as we stopped for lunch, the cloud cleared enough for us to get a good view of the mountains. It was very beautiful and majestic, and they really do look like volcanoes.
The walk down was steep and the vegetation gradually got thicker and thicker until we arrived at the jungle floor. We walked through the jungle some, which was very challenging, the floor was wet and slippy and there was no path, just Carmelo infront of us hacking away with his machete! At one point I stood on a log to cross the river and it was totally decayed, it disintegrated under my weight and I got a wet foot! We also saw a family of monkies jumping through the trees, that was really awesome, Id never seen wild monkies before.
After pulling some Tarzan moves we emerged at the edge of the jungle at a river. We were to cross the river 10 times so we took our shoes and socks off and rolled up our pants. Walking in the river was nice, but the track along the side of the river wasnt so great; it was super slippery because of the rain and it was all ups and downs, meaning we slid about loads and were falling over every ten minutes. Plus the path was covered with little stones and twigs and stuff, so I didnt much enjoy that part of the walk. We had to climb over some pretty huge rocks too and it was really difficult, I fell a couple of times and had to get a hand up from Carmelo (who mysteriously didnt fall once!)
It was a very wet, muddy tour but enjoyable nonetheless. Going into the jungle and seeing the monkies was the best bit.
I did a trek today to Laguna Volcanes. There are no volcanoes there, but the mountains are cones shaped, and look like volcanoes.
Eight of us went: 4 men from Spain, 2 American girls who are staying in the hostel, Southern gentleman Jonathan, and myself. We went with Carmelo, the same guy who lent us his motorbike.
We drove an hour and a half to a really posh golf resort where we started our tour. On the way there we drove past the skeleton of a horse by the side of the road, there were about 10 vultures surrounding it picking off the remains of its meat. It had only died two days previous yet there was next to nothing left of it. Ive never seen anything like that before.
We began our trek, in the pouring rain, walking to the far side of the golf course and then off the track into the woods where Carmelo pointed out different and interesting plants. There was one that burned your skin if you touched it, and another whose leaves closed up as protection.
We walked up a really steep hill to get a panoramic view of the mountains, the rivers and the village down below, however there was so much cloud you couldnt really see much, just the tip of a mountain or the occasional flash of greenery when the cloud momentarily cleared. It was quite mystical looking. We walked along narrow path across the crest of the mountains before eventually heading down towards the jungle.
Luckily, just as we stopped for lunch, the cloud cleared enough for us to get a good view of the mountains. It was very beautiful and majestic, and they really do look like volcanoes.
The walk down was steep and the vegetation gradually got thicker and thicker until we arrived at the jungle floor. We walked through the jungle some, which was very challenging, the floor was wet and slippy and there was no path, just Carmelo infront of us hacking away with his machete! At one point I stood on a log to cross the river and it was totally decayed, it disintegrated under my weight and I got a wet foot! We also saw a family of monkies jumping through the trees, that was really awesome, Id never seen wild monkies before.
After pulling some Tarzan moves we emerged at the edge of the jungle at a river. We were to cross the river 10 times so we took our shoes and socks off and rolled up our pants. Walking in the river was nice, but the track along the side of the river wasnt so great; it was super slippery because of the rain and it was all ups and downs, meaning we slid about loads and were falling over every ten minutes. Plus the path was covered with little stones and twigs and stuff, so I didnt much enjoy that part of the walk. We had to climb over some pretty huge rocks too and it was really difficult, I fell a couple of times and had to get a hand up from Carmelo (who mysteriously didnt fall once!)
It was a very wet, muddy tour but enjoyable nonetheless. Going into the jungle and seeing the monkies was the best bit.
More about Samaipata and Andoriña Hostel
*There's an animal refuge. I went one day, its about a 20 minute walk from the centre of town and has pigs, parrots, dogs and monkeys. The monkeys roam around freely and randomly climb on you, theyre cool. There was a baby one call Kiki that I fell in love with.
*A "famous" Bolivian singer called Piraí Vaca came to do a concert in Samaipata, and he stayed in MY hostel. He was slightly arrogant although he practiced for his concert all morning in his room and played for us at dinner so we got to listen for free, he's very talented. I didnt go to the concert though, I had to work.
*The hostel owners also have a farm far away in the mountains (where Jonathan works) and I went there one day. Its on the edge of the Cloud Rainforest where giant fern trees go and supposedly has wonderful views. When I went there however it poured with rain and I didnt see a thing. They grow allsorts of fruit and veg there, and its a pretty nice set up, although its pretty basic (ie the toilet is just a cess pit.) I couldnt live there, for one Im no farmer, and I couldnt handle the isolation.
*Everyone at the hostel is really nice apart from Andres, the Dutch owner. He drives me mad and is pretty much the sole reason for my early departure. The way he talks is really patronising and condescending, he has a weird sense of humor and he's absolutely disgusting. He's all into sustainable living and eco shit, which is great, apart from the fact that he leaves decaying food around the hostel and it attracts flys. When we went to the finca he actually scooped up a load of shit from the cess pit and showed it to us saying "look what wonderful fertilizer"! Given that I have to stay in the hostel from 1pm til 8am - yes 19hours a day - I think he gets a buzz over giving me "permission" to go out, for a whole hour at a time sometimes! Ive gotten to the point now where every little thing he does grates on me, even the sound of his voice. I was meant to be here for 6 weeks but I'll be leaving after 2 and a half. And I cant wait!!!
*A "famous" Bolivian singer called Piraí Vaca came to do a concert in Samaipata, and he stayed in MY hostel. He was slightly arrogant although he practiced for his concert all morning in his room and played for us at dinner so we got to listen for free, he's very talented. I didnt go to the concert though, I had to work.
*The hostel owners also have a farm far away in the mountains (where Jonathan works) and I went there one day. Its on the edge of the Cloud Rainforest where giant fern trees go and supposedly has wonderful views. When I went there however it poured with rain and I didnt see a thing. They grow allsorts of fruit and veg there, and its a pretty nice set up, although its pretty basic (ie the toilet is just a cess pit.) I couldnt live there, for one Im no farmer, and I couldnt handle the isolation.
*Everyone at the hostel is really nice apart from Andres, the Dutch owner. He drives me mad and is pretty much the sole reason for my early departure. The way he talks is really patronising and condescending, he has a weird sense of humor and he's absolutely disgusting. He's all into sustainable living and eco shit, which is great, apart from the fact that he leaves decaying food around the hostel and it attracts flys. When we went to the finca he actually scooped up a load of shit from the cess pit and showed it to us saying "look what wonderful fertilizer"! Given that I have to stay in the hostel from 1pm til 8am - yes 19hours a day - I think he gets a buzz over giving me "permission" to go out, for a whole hour at a time sometimes! Ive gotten to the point now where every little thing he does grates on me, even the sound of his voice. I was meant to be here for 6 weeks but I'll be leaving after 2 and a half. And I cant wait!!!
Winter Solstice
20th June
The winter solstice is a very important event for the local people here, they see it as an opportunity to worship the earth and ask for a good harvest. Its also an excuse for a big piss up.
At the site of El Fuerte, that big carved rock I went to, all the local communities get together to hold a big event to celebrate the solstice. The idea is to stay up all night and watch the sunrise in the morning, its said to be a magical and spiritual experience.
There were stalls selling food and drink, a big bonfire and a stage where various speeches were made, bands played and people in traditional dress danced and performed.
We went in a big group from the hostel and decided we would hitch hike there (sorry again Mum!) As we got to the main road there were lots of military vehicles and police preparing to go up to El Fuerte and I, as a joke, asked them if they minded giving us a lift. To my surprise they said they were happy to take us and we all climbed onto the back of a military jeep. One of the soldiers said that me and one of the other girls could sit inside the jeep, which we did, however we were soon to find out the soldiers ulterior motives. Once inside the jeep we were chatted up by the soldiers, who asked for our email addresses and invited us out to dinner the following day! To makes things even weirder they were playing Justin Beeber's album and asking us what the lyrics meant and they had multicoloured neon lights flashing around the stereo. Sitting inside a military vehicle translating Justin Beeber songs is yet another thing I wasnt expecting from my trip to Bolivia! Whatsmore, halfway up the mountain the huge army truck infront of us hit a rock and broke off its front axel, so all the soldiers plus a few dozen civilians all got out of their vehicles and lifted the truck up to move it to the side! It caused a huge tail back and we had to walk the final 1km up the mountain.
When we finally got to the top we pitched a tent and drank our booze; 1.5lt bottles of wine costing 24 bolivianos (just over £2!). We watched the dancing for a while and sat by the fire. There were lots of people there I knew or recognised, its a small town afterall, and I eventually found myself sat on an airplane seat inside a white VW camper van with a bunch of crazy hippies and an old austrian man who offered me every kind of intoxicating substance known to man. The hippies were fun to talk to, your typical spiritual, nature loving happy people who live up in the mountains and were drinking some foul tasting home made alcohol.
The night concluded with me throwing up (too much cheap red wine), passing out in our tent, and missing the sunrise! I hear it was cloudy anyway though so Im not too bothered. I didnt wake up until 10 and missed the locals sacrificing a llama! - Im not too upset about missing that either!
We got a taxi back into town and I spent the majority of the day in bed when I was supposed to be working. Ah well :)
The winter solstice is a very important event for the local people here, they see it as an opportunity to worship the earth and ask for a good harvest. Its also an excuse for a big piss up.
At the site of El Fuerte, that big carved rock I went to, all the local communities get together to hold a big event to celebrate the solstice. The idea is to stay up all night and watch the sunrise in the morning, its said to be a magical and spiritual experience.
There were stalls selling food and drink, a big bonfire and a stage where various speeches were made, bands played and people in traditional dress danced and performed.
We went in a big group from the hostel and decided we would hitch hike there (sorry again Mum!) As we got to the main road there were lots of military vehicles and police preparing to go up to El Fuerte and I, as a joke, asked them if they minded giving us a lift. To my surprise they said they were happy to take us and we all climbed onto the back of a military jeep. One of the soldiers said that me and one of the other girls could sit inside the jeep, which we did, however we were soon to find out the soldiers ulterior motives. Once inside the jeep we were chatted up by the soldiers, who asked for our email addresses and invited us out to dinner the following day! To makes things even weirder they were playing Justin Beeber's album and asking us what the lyrics meant and they had multicoloured neon lights flashing around the stereo. Sitting inside a military vehicle translating Justin Beeber songs is yet another thing I wasnt expecting from my trip to Bolivia! Whatsmore, halfway up the mountain the huge army truck infront of us hit a rock and broke off its front axel, so all the soldiers plus a few dozen civilians all got out of their vehicles and lifted the truck up to move it to the side! It caused a huge tail back and we had to walk the final 1km up the mountain.
When we finally got to the top we pitched a tent and drank our booze; 1.5lt bottles of wine costing 24 bolivianos (just over £2!). We watched the dancing for a while and sat by the fire. There were lots of people there I knew or recognised, its a small town afterall, and I eventually found myself sat on an airplane seat inside a white VW camper van with a bunch of crazy hippies and an old austrian man who offered me every kind of intoxicating substance known to man. The hippies were fun to talk to, your typical spiritual, nature loving happy people who live up in the mountains and were drinking some foul tasting home made alcohol.
The night concluded with me throwing up (too much cheap red wine), passing out in our tent, and missing the sunrise! I hear it was cloudy anyway though so Im not too bothered. I didnt wake up until 10 and missed the locals sacrificing a llama! - Im not too upset about missing that either!
We got a taxi back into town and I spent the majority of the day in bed when I was supposed to be working. Ah well :)
The Motorcycle Diaries
16th - 17th June
If you'd have said to me that one day I would hire a motorbike in Bolivia and follow Che Guevara's final steps along a dirt path through the Andes to the spot where he was assasinated, I would have thought it unlikely. Certainly isnt something I had planned to do. But I did!
Me and Jonathan found a guy in Samaipata willing to lend us his motorbike for a few days for the small price of £30 each. So on Thursday morning around 9am, with our backpack full of camping gear tied to the back of the bike with a piece of rope, we set off into the mountains.
Our destination was La Higuera, the village where Che Guevara was eventually apprehended and killed. The 'Ruta del Che' has recently started to attract tourists but isnt a busy route as its so far out and the road is pretty dangerous.
Our first pit stop was Mairana, the next town after down the road. Its a busy town, seems livelier than Samaipata, and we stopped there for petrol. From there we went to Mataral, a sleepy town where the road splits off South towards Valle Grande. We sat at the crossroads and had an ice cream before getting back on the road again to Valle Grande, 123km away from Samaipata.
Valle Grande is where Che's body was taken and exhibited after he was killed. His remains were kept there for a while before Argentina claimed them. You can visit the spot where his body was kept, its inside an old hospital, but we didnt go.
After Valle Grande there are no more paved roads. On the 2 hour drive to La Higuera the road went from bad to worse, there were huge bumps in the road, rocks to avoid and a sheer drop down the side of the mountain. At first I found the bumps quite fun and exhilarating, but then my knees started to ache and my bum got sore. At one point we stopped off by the side of the road and climbed up a hill for a rest. The views there, and along the whole route we amazing, you go right deep into the Andes, theres just mountain after mountain for as far as you can see. Its totally untravelled terrain too, there we very few villages along the way and hardly no other traffic.
We finally made it to La Higuera at about 5pm, after a loooong drive. La Higuera is a tiny little village with a population of only 50, theyve not even got electricty there.
On the dirt path leading into the village we saw the spot where 3 of Che's guerilla fighters were killed, the same road where Che was shot. He carried on, wounded to La Higuera where he was captured and then killed.
We carried on too, although unharmed, to a corn field where we decided to camp the night. Jonathan, as well as driving all day, also provided and assembled our tent. We set up camp and went back into the village where we met an old lady called Irem, she had lived there all her life, had met Che and was there when he was killed. She invited us into her shop and gave us a bowl of soup each. The soup was disgusting, it had some kind of offal in it which I dont even want to guess where it came from, I fed mine to her dog. Irem also let me look at her house and use her bathroom - interesting! It had no doors, and the floor was carpeted with corn! Corn on the cobs, millions of them all over her floor and there were ducks and chickens randomly sat the amongst it all. Ive really never seen anything like it.
As the sun set we drove back to our camp. Jonathan earned himself yet more man points by making a fire using wood and grass that we found by the side of the road. We heated some water and made tea then attempted to make pancakes! I say attempted because our awesome fire eventually went out before we could cook the pancakes and we resorted to burning some pages from my book and cheated by using some petrol from the bike. The pancakes were, in the end, edible and thus a sucess and we had fun making them.
Sleeping in a corn field isnt the most comfortable experience, and there were a few fairly large rocks underneath us, however it was better than some camping experiences ive had in England, mainly because it wasnt raining and blowing a gale.
In the morning when we woke up there was a little girl sat watching our tent - very creepy! We asked what she wanted and she told us she was waiting for her Dad and that they were going to harvest the corn. We were in her field. She stayed there watching us until we packed up and left.
Back in the village we went into a hostel and got coffee for breakfast. The hostel was called El Telegrafista and had a beautiful courtyard where we drank our coffee in the sun. We spoke to the guy working there, he was from Nantes in France, of all places, and had some very interesting opinions about Che, communism and politics in general (he confirmed my opinion of French people being militant!) It was nice speaking to him.
In La Higuera you can go into the room where Che was killed, its been converted into a shrine-come-museum. We had to go to the owners house and asked her to open up for us, this provided me with another excuse to snoop in her house; its so different to what I consider to be a home. Made out of mud bricks, dirt floors, the toilet a hole in the ground... and this is one of the more well off people from the village. It really made me appreciate what Ive got at home.
The actual "museum" wasnt very impressive, much more of a shrine than anything else but it was good to see. We called in to say goodbye to Irem before heading off again.
Back on the terrible road again we had our first set back - we fell off the bike! Going round a sharp corner we hit wet ground and the wheel slipped. I was terrified of falling off when I first got on the bike but when it happened it was nothing, we were going slow and it was the same as falling off a push bike. I grazed my knee and we snapped the hand guard on the bike and bent the gear lever. Nothing serious. Now I can pretend to be cool and tell people Ive fallen off a motorbike.
I really enjoyed the whole motorbike aspect, even though I was really scared at first. I secretly felt pretty bad ass driving around on the back of a bike, and it was a really fun ride. Plus its more 'authentic' going on a bike just like Che.
From La Higuera we went to Pucara, and bought petrol from a corner shop. Pucara is a really pretty little town along the Che Trail, although we didnt spend very long there as we were pressed for time.
We got back to Valle Grande for 1.30 and were starving. We had an excellent meal in a nice restaurant overlooking the main plaza and then lay on a bench in the sun for a while before continuing on.
We made our way back to Samaipata just as it got dark. The route is so pretty, its "real Bolivia", just how I imagined it to be before coming here. We had to stop so many times along the way because there were random animals stood in the middle of the road, so many animals! Horses, cows, donkies, chickens, pigs, dogs... repeatedly blocking our way, it was really funny.
It was an awesome trip. Felt really cool to be doing it ourselves alone, and not paying a ton for a guided tour. We were just free to do what we wanted and go where we pleased. I enjoyed camping too, proper roughing it! I was exhausted by the end though; a lot of the trail was downhill, meaning my whole bodyweight plus the weight of the back pack was falling forward onto Jonathan, and squashing his balls against the petrol tank!! Uncomfortable for him but also hard work for me as I was constantly trying to push back with my legs to support my weight.
If you'd have said to me that one day I would hire a motorbike in Bolivia and follow Che Guevara's final steps along a dirt path through the Andes to the spot where he was assasinated, I would have thought it unlikely. Certainly isnt something I had planned to do. But I did!
Me and Jonathan found a guy in Samaipata willing to lend us his motorbike for a few days for the small price of £30 each. So on Thursday morning around 9am, with our backpack full of camping gear tied to the back of the bike with a piece of rope, we set off into the mountains.
Our destination was La Higuera, the village where Che Guevara was eventually apprehended and killed. The 'Ruta del Che' has recently started to attract tourists but isnt a busy route as its so far out and the road is pretty dangerous.
Our first pit stop was Mairana, the next town after down the road. Its a busy town, seems livelier than Samaipata, and we stopped there for petrol. From there we went to Mataral, a sleepy town where the road splits off South towards Valle Grande. We sat at the crossroads and had an ice cream before getting back on the road again to Valle Grande, 123km away from Samaipata.
Valle Grande is where Che's body was taken and exhibited after he was killed. His remains were kept there for a while before Argentina claimed them. You can visit the spot where his body was kept, its inside an old hospital, but we didnt go.
After Valle Grande there are no more paved roads. On the 2 hour drive to La Higuera the road went from bad to worse, there were huge bumps in the road, rocks to avoid and a sheer drop down the side of the mountain. At first I found the bumps quite fun and exhilarating, but then my knees started to ache and my bum got sore. At one point we stopped off by the side of the road and climbed up a hill for a rest. The views there, and along the whole route we amazing, you go right deep into the Andes, theres just mountain after mountain for as far as you can see. Its totally untravelled terrain too, there we very few villages along the way and hardly no other traffic.
We finally made it to La Higuera at about 5pm, after a loooong drive. La Higuera is a tiny little village with a population of only 50, theyve not even got electricty there.
On the dirt path leading into the village we saw the spot where 3 of Che's guerilla fighters were killed, the same road where Che was shot. He carried on, wounded to La Higuera where he was captured and then killed.
We carried on too, although unharmed, to a corn field where we decided to camp the night. Jonathan, as well as driving all day, also provided and assembled our tent. We set up camp and went back into the village where we met an old lady called Irem, she had lived there all her life, had met Che and was there when he was killed. She invited us into her shop and gave us a bowl of soup each. The soup was disgusting, it had some kind of offal in it which I dont even want to guess where it came from, I fed mine to her dog. Irem also let me look at her house and use her bathroom - interesting! It had no doors, and the floor was carpeted with corn! Corn on the cobs, millions of them all over her floor and there were ducks and chickens randomly sat the amongst it all. Ive really never seen anything like it.
As the sun set we drove back to our camp. Jonathan earned himself yet more man points by making a fire using wood and grass that we found by the side of the road. We heated some water and made tea then attempted to make pancakes! I say attempted because our awesome fire eventually went out before we could cook the pancakes and we resorted to burning some pages from my book and cheated by using some petrol from the bike. The pancakes were, in the end, edible and thus a sucess and we had fun making them.
Sleeping in a corn field isnt the most comfortable experience, and there were a few fairly large rocks underneath us, however it was better than some camping experiences ive had in England, mainly because it wasnt raining and blowing a gale.
In the morning when we woke up there was a little girl sat watching our tent - very creepy! We asked what she wanted and she told us she was waiting for her Dad and that they were going to harvest the corn. We were in her field. She stayed there watching us until we packed up and left.
Back in the village we went into a hostel and got coffee for breakfast. The hostel was called El Telegrafista and had a beautiful courtyard where we drank our coffee in the sun. We spoke to the guy working there, he was from Nantes in France, of all places, and had some very interesting opinions about Che, communism and politics in general (he confirmed my opinion of French people being militant!) It was nice speaking to him.
In La Higuera you can go into the room where Che was killed, its been converted into a shrine-come-museum. We had to go to the owners house and asked her to open up for us, this provided me with another excuse to snoop in her house; its so different to what I consider to be a home. Made out of mud bricks, dirt floors, the toilet a hole in the ground... and this is one of the more well off people from the village. It really made me appreciate what Ive got at home.
The actual "museum" wasnt very impressive, much more of a shrine than anything else but it was good to see. We called in to say goodbye to Irem before heading off again.
Back on the terrible road again we had our first set back - we fell off the bike! Going round a sharp corner we hit wet ground and the wheel slipped. I was terrified of falling off when I first got on the bike but when it happened it was nothing, we were going slow and it was the same as falling off a push bike. I grazed my knee and we snapped the hand guard on the bike and bent the gear lever. Nothing serious. Now I can pretend to be cool and tell people Ive fallen off a motorbike.
I really enjoyed the whole motorbike aspect, even though I was really scared at first. I secretly felt pretty bad ass driving around on the back of a bike, and it was a really fun ride. Plus its more 'authentic' going on a bike just like Che.
From La Higuera we went to Pucara, and bought petrol from a corner shop. Pucara is a really pretty little town along the Che Trail, although we didnt spend very long there as we were pressed for time.
We got back to Valle Grande for 1.30 and were starving. We had an excellent meal in a nice restaurant overlooking the main plaza and then lay on a bench in the sun for a while before continuing on.
We made our way back to Samaipata just as it got dark. The route is so pretty, its "real Bolivia", just how I imagined it to be before coming here. We had to stop so many times along the way because there were random animals stood in the middle of the road, so many animals! Horses, cows, donkies, chickens, pigs, dogs... repeatedly blocking our way, it was really funny.
It was an awesome trip. Felt really cool to be doing it ourselves alone, and not paying a ton for a guided tour. We were just free to do what we wanted and go where we pleased. I enjoyed camping too, proper roughing it! I was exhausted by the end though; a lot of the trail was downhill, meaning my whole bodyweight plus the weight of the back pack was falling forward onto Jonathan, and squashing his balls against the petrol tank!! Uncomfortable for him but also hard work for me as I was constantly trying to push back with my legs to support my weight.
El Fuerte
14th June 2011
El Fuerte is... THE BIGGEST CARVED ROCK IN THE WORLD! Pretty amazing right? I went there today with an English lad called Sam who is staying in the hostel.
We half walked, half hitch hiked there, its only 9km away from Samaipata but the road there is up and down hill and is dusty and hard to walk on. We hitched 2 cars to get there, the first dropped us at the bottom of the hill, from where we walked about 2km before stopping a couple in a jeep, they stopped leaving us in a in a cloud of dusk and took us right to the enterance.
El Fuerte consists of a long walkway around this massive rock. The path has several look out points with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and of course, views of the "world famous" rock. It has carvings from pre-inca times and has been used for centuries as a fortress, a temple, a trade centre - everything. It was a very pleasant walk actually. Nice views, inca ruins - standard south american tourist attraction really. I enjoyed it. We rushed through a little because I had to be back at the hostel for 1, but I think we took enough time- theres only so much rock you can look at before getting fed up.
We started walking, unenthusiastically, down the mountain for about half an hour before hitching a ride on a flat bed truck. Sitting on the back of a truck in south america hitching through the Andes is endlessly cool, however, the cloud of dust and dirt which envolves you is not. We got a lift all the way back to Samaipata, saving us loads of money, but we were covered in dust and dirt by the end of it.
It was a good trip, followed by a good evening. Even though Im supposed to stay in the hostel all night I managed to slip out for dinner. We went to Tierra Libre, by far the best restaurant in town, and had a fantastic meal followed by lots of red wine, card games, cake and music in the hostel. Not bad really.
El Fuerte is... THE BIGGEST CARVED ROCK IN THE WORLD! Pretty amazing right? I went there today with an English lad called Sam who is staying in the hostel.
We half walked, half hitch hiked there, its only 9km away from Samaipata but the road there is up and down hill and is dusty and hard to walk on. We hitched 2 cars to get there, the first dropped us at the bottom of the hill, from where we walked about 2km before stopping a couple in a jeep, they stopped leaving us in a in a cloud of dusk and took us right to the enterance.
El Fuerte consists of a long walkway around this massive rock. The path has several look out points with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and of course, views of the "world famous" rock. It has carvings from pre-inca times and has been used for centuries as a fortress, a temple, a trade centre - everything. It was a very pleasant walk actually. Nice views, inca ruins - standard south american tourist attraction really. I enjoyed it. We rushed through a little because I had to be back at the hostel for 1, but I think we took enough time- theres only so much rock you can look at before getting fed up.
We started walking, unenthusiastically, down the mountain for about half an hour before hitching a ride on a flat bed truck. Sitting on the back of a truck in south america hitching through the Andes is endlessly cool, however, the cloud of dust and dirt which envolves you is not. We got a lift all the way back to Samaipata, saving us loads of money, but we were covered in dust and dirt by the end of it.
It was a good trip, followed by a good evening. Even though Im supposed to stay in the hostel all night I managed to slip out for dinner. We went to Tierra Libre, by far the best restaurant in town, and had a fantastic meal followed by lots of red wine, card games, cake and music in the hostel. Not bad really.
Hitching to Cuevas
11th June, Cuevas
The people who run the hostel, Andres & Dora, also have a farm far up in the mountains, and there's a guy living up there in total isolation taking care of the place. His name's Jonathan and he's American. He comes from North Carolina and calls me "ma'am" which I quite like.
Today Jonathan and went to a town called Cuevas, 20km away from Samaipata. As there are very few buses per day, and taxis are really expensive, we ended up hitch hiking there. So... Im sorry Mum, I broke my promise and hitch hiked. Everyone does it here as we're so far away from everything and everywhere, it's the most reliable mode of transport.
After 20 minutes walking we got picked up, coincidentally, by some guys staying in the hostel who were off out on a tour. We climbed up onto the back of their guide's jeep and got dropped off right outside where we wanted to go.
We paid 10Bs each, which is about £1, to enter this reserve. We walked through the reserve, past 3 beautiful waterfalls, and carried on, eventually going off-track, over barbed wire fences and fighting our way through trees and branches until we could go no further. We turned back and made it to the river where we agreed we wanted to climb the huge mountain facing us. Naturally, being the born adventurers we are, we chose not to follow the winding path that lead slowly and safely to the top, instead we chose the straight up vertical route. We were doing well clawing up mud and clinging on to grass and rocks, until we got about 2m from the top. First John got stuck and very nearly fell to his end when the rock he was stood on started to slip. Then when he managed to get over the ledge at the top it was my turn to risk my life. At one point John was holding my whole body weight with one hand and I was just dangling precariously off the edge of this cliff.
But we survived it and the view from the top was very nice. We celebrated our triumph with a banana.
After the sweaty hike we swam in the river and jumped in off rocks by the waterfalls. The water was freezing but it was so nice. There was even golden sand by the side of the river so we dried off on our own little beach. It was gorgeous.
Getting back to Samaipata I fulfilled a small ambition of mine; I hitched a truck! We stopped a big lorry thats probably usually used to transport cows, and we had to climb up the side and over the top to get in. Inside there was a load of bags (probably full of cocaine) and a rural looking woman asleep on top of them. We stood up and leaned over the sides, getting thrown 2ft in the air everytime we went over a bump. It was FUN.
The people who run the hostel, Andres & Dora, also have a farm far up in the mountains, and there's a guy living up there in total isolation taking care of the place. His name's Jonathan and he's American. He comes from North Carolina and calls me "ma'am" which I quite like.
Today Jonathan and went to a town called Cuevas, 20km away from Samaipata. As there are very few buses per day, and taxis are really expensive, we ended up hitch hiking there. So... Im sorry Mum, I broke my promise and hitch hiked. Everyone does it here as we're so far away from everything and everywhere, it's the most reliable mode of transport.
After 20 minutes walking we got picked up, coincidentally, by some guys staying in the hostel who were off out on a tour. We climbed up onto the back of their guide's jeep and got dropped off right outside where we wanted to go.
We paid 10Bs each, which is about £1, to enter this reserve. We walked through the reserve, past 3 beautiful waterfalls, and carried on, eventually going off-track, over barbed wire fences and fighting our way through trees and branches until we could go no further. We turned back and made it to the river where we agreed we wanted to climb the huge mountain facing us. Naturally, being the born adventurers we are, we chose not to follow the winding path that lead slowly and safely to the top, instead we chose the straight up vertical route. We were doing well clawing up mud and clinging on to grass and rocks, until we got about 2m from the top. First John got stuck and very nearly fell to his end when the rock he was stood on started to slip. Then when he managed to get over the ledge at the top it was my turn to risk my life. At one point John was holding my whole body weight with one hand and I was just dangling precariously off the edge of this cliff.
But we survived it and the view from the top was very nice. We celebrated our triumph with a banana.
After the sweaty hike we swam in the river and jumped in off rocks by the waterfalls. The water was freezing but it was so nice. There was even golden sand by the side of the river so we dried off on our own little beach. It was gorgeous.
Getting back to Samaipata I fulfilled a small ambition of mine; I hitched a truck! We stopped a big lorry thats probably usually used to transport cows, and we had to climb up the side and over the top to get in. Inside there was a load of bags (probably full of cocaine) and a rural looking woman asleep on top of them. We stood up and leaned over the sides, getting thrown 2ft in the air everytime we went over a bump. It was FUN.
Andoriña Hostel, Samaipata
I am volunteering at Andoriña hostel in Samaipata. Samaipata is a little village in the Andes in the Santa Cruz region of Bolivia, its in a valley surrounded by mountains, there are no cash machines or supermarkets and the only internet available is in one of two internet cafes where the connection is incredibly slow. Its a very quiet, peaceful and picturesque place.
The hostel is located 2 blocks away from the main square, it has a maximum capacity of 20 and is run by a couple called Andres (Holland) and Dora (Samaipata). They're a pretty odd couple. Eccentric vegetarian eco hippies, neither of them are very chatty or have any discernable social skills. When I arrived, after almost 24 hours travelling, I introduced myself as the new volunteer and expected to be welcomed with some kind of induction, a tour of the hostel, perhaps maybe even a cup of tea. But no. All I got was a frosty hand shake and I was left sat at a table for hours. No one even showed me where my room was.
The hostel is nice, it has lots of plants and hammocks and verandas where its nice to sit and chill. My room is downstairs in the communal living room, but no one uses it so I have a pretty large space to myself, and my own bathroom.
I get to stay here for free, free breakfast, and free reign on the hostel in exchange for working here 5 afternoons a week. Although its not exactly clear what I have to do, as nobody bothered to explain it to me. Basically I have to be around from 1pm, incase anybody arrives, sometimes there are beds to be made, or washing up to be done, but most of the time I just sit around in one of the hammocks and drink coffee. The lame thing is that I have to stay here all the time, even though theres nothing to do. I have to lock up at night and be around incase anyone forgets their key or incase we have late arrivals. I dont see myself staying here the 6 weeks theyre expecting me to stay.
The hostel is located 2 blocks away from the main square, it has a maximum capacity of 20 and is run by a couple called Andres (Holland) and Dora (Samaipata). They're a pretty odd couple. Eccentric vegetarian eco hippies, neither of them are very chatty or have any discernable social skills. When I arrived, after almost 24 hours travelling, I introduced myself as the new volunteer and expected to be welcomed with some kind of induction, a tour of the hostel, perhaps maybe even a cup of tea. But no. All I got was a frosty hand shake and I was left sat at a table for hours. No one even showed me where my room was.
The hostel is nice, it has lots of plants and hammocks and verandas where its nice to sit and chill. My room is downstairs in the communal living room, but no one uses it so I have a pretty large space to myself, and my own bathroom.
I get to stay here for free, free breakfast, and free reign on the hostel in exchange for working here 5 afternoons a week. Although its not exactly clear what I have to do, as nobody bothered to explain it to me. Basically I have to be around from 1pm, incase anybody arrives, sometimes there are beds to be made, or washing up to be done, but most of the time I just sit around in one of the hammocks and drink coffee. The lame thing is that I have to stay here all the time, even though theres nothing to do. I have to lock up at night and be around incase anyone forgets their key or incase we have late arrivals. I dont see myself staying here the 6 weeks theyre expecting me to stay.
The Trip to Samaipata
8th June
More long bus rides.
After about 5 hours sleep in the whole time I was in La Paz I got on the night bus to Santa Cruz. For a 17 hour journey the bus didnt even have a toilet, and for the first time on a bus I felt scared.
At one point, slowing down in traffic to pass through a toll, I asked the driver if we could stop for a toilet break and he told me no, but I could go by the side of the road if I liked. So naturally - I did. I peed in front of a long line of traffic, on the hard shoulder before a motorway toll, and the bus didnt even wait for me, I had to run to catch it up again and get back on!
More trauma occured at about 2am; I was leaning back in my seat, unable to sleep, with my arm behind my head resting on the head rest, and the man behind me wiped his face along my arm!! It scared the life out of me. Slobbery and whiskery. I turned round to see what the hell he was playing at and he looked out of his face on something. He was scary. So I just kept my mouth shut and sat there traumatised for a while.
My saviour during the trip was the girl next to me. Although the rest of the bus passengers were scary looking men, my companion for the trip was a sweet 17 year old called Vera, from La Paz. We chatted lots, she read my palm and did some sort of adolescent 'he loves me he loves me not' thing with a lolly stick. I liked her.
Early in the morning we all had to get off the bus whilst the army searched it for drugs. Id just woken up and was well confused. They didnt find any and we were on our way once more.
From Santa Cruz, which isnt a particularly inviting or interesting city, I took a 'colectivo' to Samaipata. A colectivo is a pooled taxi. Our driver, a keen businessman, cramed 6 of us into the car including himself. There were two fully grown men squashed onto the front seat for the 2.5 hour drive!
The drive to Samaipata was 1 hour of straight road, followed by 1.5 hours of poorly or unpaved windy mountain roads as we went further into the Andes.
Finally I arrived at Andoriña hostel.
More long bus rides.
After about 5 hours sleep in the whole time I was in La Paz I got on the night bus to Santa Cruz. For a 17 hour journey the bus didnt even have a toilet, and for the first time on a bus I felt scared.
At one point, slowing down in traffic to pass through a toll, I asked the driver if we could stop for a toilet break and he told me no, but I could go by the side of the road if I liked. So naturally - I did. I peed in front of a long line of traffic, on the hard shoulder before a motorway toll, and the bus didnt even wait for me, I had to run to catch it up again and get back on!
More trauma occured at about 2am; I was leaning back in my seat, unable to sleep, with my arm behind my head resting on the head rest, and the man behind me wiped his face along my arm!! It scared the life out of me. Slobbery and whiskery. I turned round to see what the hell he was playing at and he looked out of his face on something. He was scary. So I just kept my mouth shut and sat there traumatised for a while.
My saviour during the trip was the girl next to me. Although the rest of the bus passengers were scary looking men, my companion for the trip was a sweet 17 year old called Vera, from La Paz. We chatted lots, she read my palm and did some sort of adolescent 'he loves me he loves me not' thing with a lolly stick. I liked her.
Early in the morning we all had to get off the bus whilst the army searched it for drugs. Id just woken up and was well confused. They didnt find any and we were on our way once more.
From Santa Cruz, which isnt a particularly inviting or interesting city, I took a 'colectivo' to Samaipata. A colectivo is a pooled taxi. Our driver, a keen businessman, cramed 6 of us into the car including himself. There were two fully grown men squashed onto the front seat for the 2.5 hour drive!
The drive to Samaipata was 1 hour of straight road, followed by 1.5 hours of poorly or unpaved windy mountain roads as we went further into the Andes.
Finally I arrived at Andoriña hostel.
Wild Rover, La Paz
6th - 8th June, La Paz
I stayed in Wild Rover hostel. A well known chain of party hostels in Peru and Bolivia. And oh how it was fun!
On the first night I arrived at half 5 had a shower and went straight to the bar. The night ended with me dancing on the bar, getting called a pikey, crying, and being taken home by two Iraelis.
On the second night I lost 40 bolivianos in a game of poker, pulled a sexy Serbian and stayed out til 8.30 in the morning in a secret club where you can order cocaine at the bar.
And two Austrailians gave me money. Totally separate unrelated and random people.
As for La Paz, its big, hilly and busy. I visited a witches market selling dead baby llamas, bought some "sex potion", and went for a pee in the poshest hotel in the city which costs 800 bolivianos per night.
The city is like a bowl, the centre being at the bottom of the bowl and spreading out up the sides. There are great views if you can be bothered walking up high enough and can find a spot without a sky scraper blocking your view.
All in all I had a great time there because of the people, the hostel and the nightlife, but the city itsself didnt endear me that much; its big and everything is spread out, and there arent specific tourist attractions to visit so its hard to know where to go.
I stayed in Wild Rover hostel. A well known chain of party hostels in Peru and Bolivia. And oh how it was fun!
On the first night I arrived at half 5 had a shower and went straight to the bar. The night ended with me dancing on the bar, getting called a pikey, crying, and being taken home by two Iraelis.
On the second night I lost 40 bolivianos in a game of poker, pulled a sexy Serbian and stayed out til 8.30 in the morning in a secret club where you can order cocaine at the bar.
And two Austrailians gave me money. Totally separate unrelated and random people.
As for La Paz, its big, hilly and busy. I visited a witches market selling dead baby llamas, bought some "sex potion", and went for a pee in the poshest hotel in the city which costs 800 bolivianos per night.
The city is like a bowl, the centre being at the bottom of the bowl and spreading out up the sides. There are great views if you can be bothered walking up high enough and can find a spot without a sky scraper blocking your view.
All in all I had a great time there because of the people, the hostel and the nightlife, but the city itsself didnt endear me that much; its big and everything is spread out, and there arent specific tourist attractions to visit so its hard to know where to go.
Copacabana & La Isla del Sol
After being ill all night I missed the morning boat to the islands, so I spent a few hours moping about Copacabana, feeling rough and sorry for myself. I sat on the beach, which is overrun with tour operators and I was in such a foul mood I considered going straight to La Paz and just skipping the island all together. I didnt though, and Im really glad.
At 1.30pm I got on a boat to the Isla del Sol. It's an island and protected nature reserve with a population of 2000, it took an hour and a half to get there from Copacabana on the boat, and I didn't get sick. On the boat I met two English girls, an Argentine girl and some Brazilians.
My first impression of the island wasnt great as I still had a grey cloud hanging over my head and I was faced with yet more stairs to climb. Seriously all Ive done is climb things since I got to South America. We went up and up and at the top I forced myself upon two of the Brazilian boys and made them share a room with me. It worked out cheaper and I really didnt want to stay on my own. Plus they were hot and really funny. The room had the most stunning view I have ever seen, overlooking the lake and the Isla de la Luna.
Across from the Isla del Sol is the Isla de la luna, a smaller less touristy island with only 100 inhabitants. You can get a private boat there but I didnt because it's expensive.
Me and the Brazilians, Sebastian and Valmor, then continued to climb to the very top of the island where we could see the west side. We had lunch on a terrace, in the sun, overlooking the lake. There was no one else around and it was peaceful.
After lunch we walked up (yes, up some more) to the highest point of the island, from where we could see the whole island, Puno to the west, Copacabana in the south and the snow capped mountains in the east. We stayed there for ages and watched the sunset, the whole sky turned orange.
As it got dark we headed back towards the village and went to a restaurant with another Brazilian couple. The restaurant didnt have any electricity and the only light outside was the moon shining on the lake. Inside we sat by candle light and drank red wine and ate pizza.
It was a really nice evening, although it was a bit of an effort to keep up with the conversation which was mainly in Portuguese! We stayed in the restaurant for ages before stumbling home in the dark.
The next day we woke up really early to our beautiful view and had breakfast outside. To celebrate the gloriousness of the view I had one of my precious Tetleys teabags that Stacey gave me before I left home. Then we went on a mini trek across the island to some pre-inca ruins. A temple built around 1200AD to worship the sun.
We got the boat back to Copacabana and I gave up trying to converse in Portuguese, instead I sprawled out at the front of the boat and enjoyed the sun and the scenery.
Back in Copacabana we went for lunch and RANDOMLY I saw the 4 rugby boys off my Colca trek! They had lunch with us, it was so nice to bumb into them again, in a totally different country!
Then I was off again on my way to La Paz. I sat next to a German lad on the bus, his name was Christian and he lives in Sucre. At one point we had to get off the bus and onto a boat to cross the lake, the coach was sent across on what I can only describe as a wooden raft! I couldnt believe me eyes.
The bus to La Paz was only 3 hours and I got there at about 5pm, said farewell and promised to visit Christian, and went to my hostel, straight to the bar to find some new friends!
At 1.30pm I got on a boat to the Isla del Sol. It's an island and protected nature reserve with a population of 2000, it took an hour and a half to get there from Copacabana on the boat, and I didn't get sick. On the boat I met two English girls, an Argentine girl and some Brazilians.
My first impression of the island wasnt great as I still had a grey cloud hanging over my head and I was faced with yet more stairs to climb. Seriously all Ive done is climb things since I got to South America. We went up and up and at the top I forced myself upon two of the Brazilian boys and made them share a room with me. It worked out cheaper and I really didnt want to stay on my own. Plus they were hot and really funny. The room had the most stunning view I have ever seen, overlooking the lake and the Isla de la Luna.
Across from the Isla del Sol is the Isla de la luna, a smaller less touristy island with only 100 inhabitants. You can get a private boat there but I didnt because it's expensive.
Me and the Brazilians, Sebastian and Valmor, then continued to climb to the very top of the island where we could see the west side. We had lunch on a terrace, in the sun, overlooking the lake. There was no one else around and it was peaceful.
After lunch we walked up (yes, up some more) to the highest point of the island, from where we could see the whole island, Puno to the west, Copacabana in the south and the snow capped mountains in the east. We stayed there for ages and watched the sunset, the whole sky turned orange.
As it got dark we headed back towards the village and went to a restaurant with another Brazilian couple. The restaurant didnt have any electricity and the only light outside was the moon shining on the lake. Inside we sat by candle light and drank red wine and ate pizza.
It was a really nice evening, although it was a bit of an effort to keep up with the conversation which was mainly in Portuguese! We stayed in the restaurant for ages before stumbling home in the dark.
The next day we woke up really early to our beautiful view and had breakfast outside. To celebrate the gloriousness of the view I had one of my precious Tetleys teabags that Stacey gave me before I left home. Then we went on a mini trek across the island to some pre-inca ruins. A temple built around 1200AD to worship the sun.
We got the boat back to Copacabana and I gave up trying to converse in Portuguese, instead I sprawled out at the front of the boat and enjoyed the sun and the scenery.
Back in Copacabana we went for lunch and RANDOMLY I saw the 4 rugby boys off my Colca trek! They had lunch with us, it was so nice to bumb into them again, in a totally different country!
Then I was off again on my way to La Paz. I sat next to a German lad on the bus, his name was Christian and he lives in Sucre. At one point we had to get off the bus and onto a boat to cross the lake, the coach was sent across on what I can only describe as a wooden raft! I couldnt believe me eyes.
The bus to La Paz was only 3 hours and I got there at about 5pm, said farewell and promised to visit Christian, and went to my hostel, straight to the bar to find some new friends!
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Las Islas Uros
The Floating Islands, Puno, Peru.
At 8.30am I was collected from my empty hostel by a chatty Oasis fan called Luis. He escorted me to the port and left me sat on a boat. We eventually set off across Lake Titicaca. It´s beautiful, still and clear like a mirror. It took half an hour to reach the islands and we were welcomed by the locals singing in their native language Aymara and wearing traditional dress. On each island there are up to 10 families, living in houses made from reed. The islands themselves float on the root of the reed, 3m deep. It´s weird and squishy to walk on. We got to taste the reed, which the locals eat, it was like soft coconut and we went in the reed houses...which have solar powered TV!!!
We went on a ride on a reed "taxi" where we were hassled to give money to the local children, they fleeced me.
It was an enjoyable trip, really surreal that people live like that. Really interesting. During the trip I met some lads from Bolton (small world) and some Canadian girls.
After that I had a mooch around Puno. It´s pretty unspectacular. The most interesting thing was a lookout point up the mountain that had amazing views of the entire town and bay.
At 2.30pm I got my bus across the boarder to Copacabana. Crossing the boarder I had to actually get off the bus and walk across, and get stamps in my passport from 3 different immigration offices!
Copacaban is lovely, and so cheap! But unfortunately I didnt get to see much of it because I got sick pretty much as soon as I arrived and spent the evening hugging the toilet bowl in my not-very-nice hotel.
I´m always sad when I leave people and go off travelling on my own again, and this was compounded by my being ill. I wanted to go back to Arequipa to my nice house and all the lovely people there. Nothing worse than being on your own when youre sick.
At 8.30am I was collected from my empty hostel by a chatty Oasis fan called Luis. He escorted me to the port and left me sat on a boat. We eventually set off across Lake Titicaca. It´s beautiful, still and clear like a mirror. It took half an hour to reach the islands and we were welcomed by the locals singing in their native language Aymara and wearing traditional dress. On each island there are up to 10 families, living in houses made from reed. The islands themselves float on the root of the reed, 3m deep. It´s weird and squishy to walk on. We got to taste the reed, which the locals eat, it was like soft coconut and we went in the reed houses...which have solar powered TV!!!
We went on a ride on a reed "taxi" where we were hassled to give money to the local children, they fleeced me.
It was an enjoyable trip, really surreal that people live like that. Really interesting. During the trip I met some lads from Bolton (small world) and some Canadian girls.
After that I had a mooch around Puno. It´s pretty unspectacular. The most interesting thing was a lookout point up the mountain that had amazing views of the entire town and bay.
At 2.30pm I got my bus across the boarder to Copacabana. Crossing the boarder I had to actually get off the bus and walk across, and get stamps in my passport from 3 different immigration offices!
Copacaban is lovely, and so cheap! But unfortunately I didnt get to see much of it because I got sick pretty much as soon as I arrived and spent the evening hugging the toilet bowl in my not-very-nice hotel.
I´m always sad when I leave people and go off travelling on my own again, and this was compounded by my being ill. I wanted to go back to Arequipa to my nice house and all the lovely people there. Nothing worse than being on your own when youre sick.
Saturday, 4 June 2011
Lonely in Puno
I arrived in Puno sometime around 8.30pm. The bus journey was ok, I slept, read and ate the whole time.
Coming out of Puno bus station I got into my first ever moto-taxi! A motorbike with a seat attached to the back for passengers, I think the guy ripped me off charging me 5 soles (he originally said 7!) But I didnt care I was just excited to be travelling in the home made golf buggy type taxi.
I'd decided to stay at the famous Point hostel. It's a chain across Peru known for being party hostels. I've been in a couple before where friends have stayed and I was very impressed. However, on arrival in the one in Puno I soon realised I was the only person staying there! For some reason the lady at reception still tried selling me a more expensive smaller dorm, which makes no sense because I had the entire building to myself never mind the dorm! It was nice though, friendly staff, good facilities, comfty beds and hot water. Still, I was very disappointed. Id napped all the way from Arequipa with plans of staying up late in the hostels bar, talking to randoms in order to fill the void left by those Id left behind at the volunteer house. In reality the bar was in darkness and there was no one there. Its probably partly due to the strike, everybody who was here has left, and everyone else is weary to come.
I walked into the city centre down a long steep hill which I was later to find difficult to climb with my belly full of food. The main plaza boasts the standard colonial cathedral and the main pedestrian street was overpriced but busy and vibrant. I got heckled an aweful lot by the local men, one of them saying to me "have sex baby", it amazing how I barely noticed it walking around in Arequipa with the other volunteers but here on my own again it made me feel uneasy and slightly annoyed.
I had a huge chinese meal in a restaurant that had some telenovella playing that was quite sexual and inappropriate, then dragged myself back up the big hill to my empty hostel, to my empty room, and got an early night.
Coming out of Puno bus station I got into my first ever moto-taxi! A motorbike with a seat attached to the back for passengers, I think the guy ripped me off charging me 5 soles (he originally said 7!) But I didnt care I was just excited to be travelling in the home made golf buggy type taxi.
I'd decided to stay at the famous Point hostel. It's a chain across Peru known for being party hostels. I've been in a couple before where friends have stayed and I was very impressed. However, on arrival in the one in Puno I soon realised I was the only person staying there! For some reason the lady at reception still tried selling me a more expensive smaller dorm, which makes no sense because I had the entire building to myself never mind the dorm! It was nice though, friendly staff, good facilities, comfty beds and hot water. Still, I was very disappointed. Id napped all the way from Arequipa with plans of staying up late in the hostels bar, talking to randoms in order to fill the void left by those Id left behind at the volunteer house. In reality the bar was in darkness and there was no one there. Its probably partly due to the strike, everybody who was here has left, and everyone else is weary to come.
I walked into the city centre down a long steep hill which I was later to find difficult to climb with my belly full of food. The main plaza boasts the standard colonial cathedral and the main pedestrian street was overpriced but busy and vibrant. I got heckled an aweful lot by the local men, one of them saying to me "have sex baby", it amazing how I barely noticed it walking around in Arequipa with the other volunteers but here on my own again it made me feel uneasy and slightly annoyed.
I had a huge chinese meal in a restaurant that had some telenovella playing that was quite sexual and inappropriate, then dragged myself back up the big hill to my empty hostel, to my empty room, and got an early night.
My Extended Stay
From Arequipa I had planned to go to Puno, Lake Titicaca, and cross over into Bolivia from there. However for the past month there have been strikes in Puno over closures and taxing on the local mineral mines. The situation escalated just around the time I was meant to be leaving to the point where nobody could get in or out of Puno, the ports and the boarder were closed due to road blocks, and protesters were attacking buildings and vehicles with rocks and fire. People Ive spoken to who were there said it was dangerous and terrifying.
Not surprisingly, when the time came for me to leave Arequipa I wasnt too keen to head on to Puno, even though they claimed to have postponed the strike until after the general election at weekend (5th June).
In the end I just didnt want to leave Arequipa- strike or no strike. I'd gotten attached to the place, the house, and most of all the people there. And I extended my stay an extra 3 nights (which delightfully I didnt have to pay for).
Today however (3th June), I finally made the push to move on. I got the 6 hour bus to Puno. It wasnt a luxuary bus like the previous two Ive been on, just your standard coach with no leg room and no air con. But then again the ticket did cost me about £3.50. I have to get over the boarder quickly before the strikers get going again, and Im now going to be late for my expected arrival in Samaipata. However my extra 3nights in Arequipa gained me a night out, lost me a camera, and offered me the opporunity to witness first hand Peruvian medical treatment for rabies. So Im going to say it was meant to be.
Not surprisingly, when the time came for me to leave Arequipa I wasnt too keen to head on to Puno, even though they claimed to have postponed the strike until after the general election at weekend (5th June).
In the end I just didnt want to leave Arequipa- strike or no strike. I'd gotten attached to the place, the house, and most of all the people there. And I extended my stay an extra 3 nights (which delightfully I didnt have to pay for).
Today however (3th June), I finally made the push to move on. I got the 6 hour bus to Puno. It wasnt a luxuary bus like the previous two Ive been on, just your standard coach with no leg room and no air con. But then again the ticket did cost me about £3.50. I have to get over the boarder quickly before the strikers get going again, and Im now going to be late for my expected arrival in Samaipata. However my extra 3nights in Arequipa gained me a night out, lost me a camera, and offered me the opporunity to witness first hand Peruvian medical treatment for rabies. So Im going to say it was meant to be.
Cathedral and Mundo de Alpaca
One sunny morning, before work started at the orphange, Essex girl Emma and I took some time to be tourists. We went to Alpaca World, a big shop selling alpaca wool products and at the back you can see how its produced. You can even stroke the alpacas and llamas! Fact of the day: Peru has 95% of the worlds llamas. It was good, we got a free guided tour then didnt buy anything because it was super expensive.
Then we did some shopping and went to the cathedral. The cathedral is the centre point of the city, located on the Plaza de Armas. It was 15soles for a guided tour of the cathedral, the museum, and a visit to the roof and to the bell towers. It was good value for money, the guide explained to us how the cathedral has been repeatedly built and rebuilt throughout the centuries as it has been destroyed several times by earthquakes and fires. Apparently Arequipa undergoes around 25 seismec tremmors per day, although they almost always go unnoticed by the people. I certainly haven't felt any. We were shown around the cathedral's museum where my anti-catholic sentiments were once again reinforced seeing the vast amounts of diamonds, gold and silver kept in there. Stark contrast to the people living in extreme poverty in shanty towns in the outskirts of the city. The tour ended with a trip up to the roof where we were welcomed by panoramic views of the city, which made the whole thing worthwhile.
Then we did some shopping and went to the cathedral. The cathedral is the centre point of the city, located on the Plaza de Armas. It was 15soles for a guided tour of the cathedral, the museum, and a visit to the roof and to the bell towers. It was good value for money, the guide explained to us how the cathedral has been repeatedly built and rebuilt throughout the centuries as it has been destroyed several times by earthquakes and fires. Apparently Arequipa undergoes around 25 seismec tremmors per day, although they almost always go unnoticed by the people. I certainly haven't felt any. We were shown around the cathedral's museum where my anti-catholic sentiments were once again reinforced seeing the vast amounts of diamonds, gold and silver kept in there. Stark contrast to the people living in extreme poverty in shanty towns in the outskirts of the city. The tour ended with a trip up to the roof where we were welcomed by panoramic views of the city, which made the whole thing worthwhile.
Alpaca Steak and Volcanic Rock
Adding to my list of weird and wonderful foods I have sampled during my time in Peru, I recently went out to a very fancy restaurant and tried alpaca steak. The restaurant, Zig Zag, has a reputation for having the best steaks in town and it didnt disappoint. The alpaca came served on a sizzling slab of volcanic rock, it was thick and juicey and delicious, like beef steak but softer and the taste was more delicate. The meal was expensive by Peru standards but still only came to about £10. Definitely beats the guinea pig I had in Cuzco!
Thursday, 2 June 2011
My Last Day at the Orphanage
I finished my volunteer placement at the orphanage. I spent the whole month of May there and I cant believe how fast its gone. It was a really nice day, we took the kids to the park in the morning, then I had lunch with all the 'tias' and the kids put on a show for me; They sang and did typical peruvian dances and read poetry. I didnt expect to be sad saying goodbye but I was; I'll miss the kids, I really bonded with a few of them, one even started calling me mama, which is heart breaking as well as touching. All in all its been a great and inspiring experience, hard work, and eye opening. Ive learnt a lot and met some wonderful people. The women that run the place are incredible, it's lovely to see how theyve helped the children who, in spite of having such a difficult start in life, are all polite, loving and well rounded kids.
Robbery and Rabies
Our weekly volunteer meeting once again resulted in a memorable and eventful night. It started off with shepheards pie and mojitos, an excellent combination, then afterwards we went out to Wild Rover where I made friends with some randoms named Rob (Ireland) and Peter (Sussex), after a drink off with the Irish guy (I won, obviously) we all went to a club, where we danced for what felt like a long time, and someone stole my camera. I didnt notice til I went to get my purse out and realised my bag had been opened and my camera was missing. Sad face. Only the 4th one Ive lost in the space of a year. It gets worse though...
We got home to find our friend Ric locked out of the house, drunk and nursing a bite from a homeless man's dog. After deciding he probably had rabies we set off into the night to find a hospital. Which we eventually did (it was only round the corner but we managed to go the long was and ended up getting in a "dangerous" taxi, which took us 5 yards down the road to the gate and charged us 3 soles!) And once there they told us to come back in the morning!
So today we went back to Hospital Goyenche, and I had my first experience of Peruvian medical care. The hospital was a series of little buildings not dissimilar to garden sheds, it had its own rabies department though... a tiny one roomed building that looked more like a storage unit for old typewriters and other dusty looking things left over from the 70's. The doctor was a lady named Maria, who asked us a series of unrelated and personal questions ("do you know about aids?") before asking Ric for a cig and the two of them smoking, right there in her office... in the hospital!!!
The organisation of the hospital was pretty similar to what it is at home, no one knew what was going on, and we were sent to basically every "ward"/shed in the hospital, only to be told again and again that they didnt have a clue what was going on and that we had to go somewhere else, at the opposite side of the hospital.
Finally, after purchasing his own set of needles for the bargain price of 17p, Ric recieved his vaccination -in the pediatrics clinic (?) from a slightly unhinged nurse who after giving him the injection dismissed us by turning on her radio and busying herself with something else. So with Ric vaccinated I attempted to sort out my life by reporting my stolen camera, buying a new one, and eating a pasty. The process of buying a new camera involved chosing a camera from the camera desk, going to a computer where the lady typed something, then going into a seperate room where I paid, then going to the other side of the shop where they finally gave me my purchase. It's more complicated than Argos! All this, and I was supposed to have left yesterday to go to Puno!!!
We got home to find our friend Ric locked out of the house, drunk and nursing a bite from a homeless man's dog. After deciding he probably had rabies we set off into the night to find a hospital. Which we eventually did (it was only round the corner but we managed to go the long was and ended up getting in a "dangerous" taxi, which took us 5 yards down the road to the gate and charged us 3 soles!) And once there they told us to come back in the morning!
So today we went back to Hospital Goyenche, and I had my first experience of Peruvian medical care. The hospital was a series of little buildings not dissimilar to garden sheds, it had its own rabies department though... a tiny one roomed building that looked more like a storage unit for old typewriters and other dusty looking things left over from the 70's. The doctor was a lady named Maria, who asked us a series of unrelated and personal questions ("do you know about aids?") before asking Ric for a cig and the two of them smoking, right there in her office... in the hospital!!!
The organisation of the hospital was pretty similar to what it is at home, no one knew what was going on, and we were sent to basically every "ward"/shed in the hospital, only to be told again and again that they didnt have a clue what was going on and that we had to go somewhere else, at the opposite side of the hospital.
Finally, after purchasing his own set of needles for the bargain price of 17p, Ric recieved his vaccination -in the pediatrics clinic (?) from a slightly unhinged nurse who after giving him the injection dismissed us by turning on her radio and busying herself with something else. So with Ric vaccinated I attempted to sort out my life by reporting my stolen camera, buying a new one, and eating a pasty. The process of buying a new camera involved chosing a camera from the camera desk, going to a computer where the lady typed something, then going into a seperate room where I paid, then going to the other side of the shop where they finally gave me my purchase. It's more complicated than Argos! All this, and I was supposed to have left yesterday to go to Puno!!!
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