Long Bus
In the bus to Guatemala City I slept the whole way and the short trip was over before I knew it. We changed busses in the city and I practically froze due to the aircon! I put everything I could find on me and even used my flag as a blanket! They eventually turned the aircon off and I got some more...
Good Bye Antigua
I had a slow morning and sorted out some photos before heading to Hedman Alas to book my ticket to Honduras. After some conversation in Spanish (which I managed to understand most of) I had all my questions answered and my ticket was booked. I headed to the market for some lunch. I love market food!...
Little Beach & Lots of Bus
I was awake early to get my things together but as usual the taxi was late (I had planned for that). I said my farewells and my thank yous before jumping in the cab and making our way to El Cuco. It wasn't a long drive and as I got there I wish I could stay longer and I almost had to. At reception I...
Lazy with Locals
It was a slow morning with all my new friends working in the salon that they own. I sat around catching up on some internet and trying to figure out how to get back to Antigua. I decided to stay here another night and grab a taxi early in the morning to head to El Cuco to catch a shuttle back to Ant...
Local Fun
I met up with Sandy and her friends in the late morning and was immediately greeted with a vodka and we took a walk to the beach for some beers and ceviche. We swam a little before heading to my hostel to enjoy the pool. Here we enjoyed some more beers and fun in the sun and water. When it came time...
Beach & Bonfire
I was up and ready for my bus at 8. As usual the bus was late so I enjoyed some WiFi and said some more farewells before it arrived. On the bus I met some friendly Canadians who helped pass the time with plenty of conversation. At the border an Australian guy didn't have an entry stamp so he had t...
Wedding & Ice-cream
I started the day updating my blog a little before Lisa came to visit and we headed to the market with Barbara and Mattia for some lunch. I finally found the food section (yes it's that big) and got some nice cheap local food. We walked around some more before heading back to the hostel for a beer....
Glowing
I made my way to breakfast where I met some friends. We chatted for a while to kill some time before I went to pack my bag and check out. I then moved to the bar to enjoy some shade and a book. It was a slow morning and I enjoyed a few lunch time beers before the shuttle. Lisa and I boarded and made...
Lake Side Chilling
I wasn't able to sleep very late due to the activity in my room. I got up and enjoyed some breakfast with some new friends. Lisa and I decided to head to the sun chairs and enjoy the lazy day there. We got our books and headed there. We enjoyed some lazy sunshine before jumping off the deck into the...
Lake Life
I was awake early and sat on the terrace reading a little before taking a walk around the town and finding another hostel to stay at for the next few days as there is no space at mine. Fortunately the second place I went to had space so I booked and carried on walking around. Back at my hostel I gra...
Lake Villages
It was another slow start to the day but I did pack and get ready to leave. I sat around chatting most of the morning before going to lunch with Barbara and Mattia. After lunch we went back to the hostel where I waited for my shuttle. Yay, the shuttle actually arrived! It wasn't that full so I chatt...
Australia Day
Everyone took a slow start to the day after the party last night. I grabbed some breakfast and watched the setup of the mechanical surf board before taking a walk around town. When I got back I read a little on the terrace and even had a nap. When I got up I chatted to a few people and made some new...
Ruins & Party
I took another slow morning. I was awake early but just sat around in the common area updating some of my blog and chatting to fellow guests. At about 2 I decided it was time to get some food and went walking around with Elizabeth. Unfortunately the market was already closed so we went and took a wa...
Beer Pong & Flu
I woke up early with everyone leaving my dorm so I took a slow start to the day with some breakfast and updating my blog. I managed to get a new bus to San Pedro and sell my old ticket to Devon for a discount. We grabbed some street food for lunch and headed back to the hostel where I had a good nap...
Missed Shuttles
I woke up early as usual and feel a cold coming on so got some breakfast before sorting out all my pictures and killing time before my shuttle to San Pedro arrives. Oops, they left me behind but it's not that bad I will just get the 4pm one. I got to try the fish tacos from the chicken bus with Bryo...
Ruins & Hotel
After a big party the day got off to a slow start with chatting to a few people in the hostel and having breakfast. Ryan is off to Cancun so we had a farewell drink before he got the shuttle to Guatemala City. I went to meet Gema to take a walk around Santo Domingo hotel which used to be a monastery...
The Reward
We were up at 4am (not that we slept much) to make our way to the top of Acatenango for sunrise. This was meant to be the hardest section of the hike but as we had no packs and were more accustomed to the uphill it wasn't so bad. We kept going for an hour and a bit before we hit the top. What a feel...
Ouch!
We got up early to grab some breakfast before being picked up for the tour. As usual the tour was late so we sat around chatting to new and old friends. The shuttle eventually arrived and took us around the corner to the office where we got to know some of our fellow hikers. The shuttle dropped us h...
Slow Day
There was a lot of noise around my room so I wasn't able to sleep very late. I grabbed some WiFi for the first time in a few days and met some of the people who work at the hostel and arranged a group of people to get some lunch later. We then took a walk to the market to get some food (which wasn...
Hola Antigua
I packed my bags and headed for some breakfast where we met up with many new friends. We chatted some more while the rain poured down and tried to figure out how we would stay dry on the back of the bakkie that takes us back to Lanquin. Fortunately the rain slowed and we made our way along the bumpy...
Spectacular Sights
When I got up and out of my room I was struck by an amazing view. I took a walk towards the river where I could appreciate the fog in the valley, emerald water with a few rocks pointing out of it and a yellow bridge. I sat and enjoyed the view for a while before getting some breakfast where some of...
Beautiful Bus Ride
We got up and grabbed a quick breakfast before the bus came to pick us up. It was a tourist bus so we met a few people before having a nap. We stopped a few times for food and toilet breaks which also included some beer stops. On the bus we made some friends which made the trip go quicker. The views...
Tikal & Festival
After a long night we took a slow morning and grabbed a late breakfast before joining a tour to Tikal. On the bus we got to know a few people before stopping for some snacks before we got to the site. Tikal is thought to be the Mayan capital for many years before it was betrayed by one of its allies...
Kayak & Festival
I woke up and lay in bed for a while before going to get some WiFi and get the day going. Ryan got up a bit later and we headed to do some laundry and get some food. We found a cool little place on the water where we decided to go kayak around some of the lake. Ryan and I got chatting to the bar ten...
Rain & Festival
I was awake early with the movement in the dorm so I decided to get up and get the day going. I met Ryan for breakfast where we met the owner who is a South African expat. He explained to us that there is no income tax in Belize and that there are plenty of people now trying to get residency in the...
Caving & Tubing
I woke up suddenly with my alarm and jumped into action. Fortunately I had packed a bag so I was ready to go. I grabbed it and got going to the office where I was the first person to arrive so went across the street for some breakfast for the busy day ahead. Ryan and the rest of our group arrived an...
Party in the Jungle
I spent the morning doing a little planning for Guatemala before finally getting a fry jack for the bus trip. I made my way to the ferry where I enjoyed a few beers before heading to Belize City. The ferry ride was uneventful and I managed to get on the bus with ease. Here I met some fellow traveler...
Enjoying The Split
I enjoyed a nice slow morning after watching the sunrise through the bedroom window. I had another walk around town before deciding to spend some time in a hammock at the beach with a book and some beer. This eventually led to a nap only to be rudely awoken by one of the palm leaves falling onto the...
Sun & Volleyball
I woke up to some noisy dorm mates before deciding to make my way to Caye Caulker. I caught up on some internet and packed my bag before taking a walk to the ferry. As I arrived on Caye Caulker I felt like I was home. I wish it was cheaper and I had longer. The road is made with compressed sand and...
Chicken Drop
I took a walk down the beach (if you can call it that) to see the town by day and not much was different to what I saw the night before. I walked past the airport with its parking area full of golf carts. I then made my way back to the hostel where I updated my blog some more before meeting up with...
Island Life
I enjoyed a nice fruit and toast breakfast before packing my bag and catching the bus. As I got onto the bus I was told about an exit fee for when we leave Mexico of MX 390. Fortunately I had some pesos left but also had to use a few dollars. In the bus I chatted to a few other travelers to pass the...
Lake Sailing
We took a slow start to the day with having some breakfast before I did a beer run for our sailing fun later. We sat around chatting for a while before jumping on the boat and headed out to the pirate channel. Here we docked at an old restaurant that is now in decay but still has some amazing wall a...
Bus Sleeping, with a Difference
I got up at 4 to pack the last of my things and caught an Uber to the airport. It was a quick process to check-in and get through security except for one problem. I forgot to take my Leatherman out of my hand luggage! Using my broken Spanish I understood that due to having time I could get my checke...
Toros
We had another lazy morning before we took a walk to get some breakfast. After breakfast we went and sat in a park to enjoy the sunshine and all the dogs running around playing. We went back to the house where we chilled and I caught up on some more of my blog. In the afternoon I made my way to th...
Downtown & Mezcal
The day started slowly with me updating some of my blog (I’m slowly catching up) and making plans for the day. We decided to go downtown to have a few drinks and go up the Latin American building. We jumped on some bikes and made our way into downtown. We had a look at the line for going up the buil...
MAXIMO SEXY!!
It was a nice slow morning with the house staying asleep for most of the day while I caught up with friends and family back home to wish them a happy new year. I then did some research for my trip through Central America and planning around dates. In the afternoon Olivier and I went across the stree...
New Years Bars
After sleeping most of the way we arrived in Mexico City North bus terminal. I headed to the metro to make my way to Olivier's place. It wasn't as busy as I expected so I managed to fit on the train with my bags. It took about an hour to get to Olivier's house and when I we arrived we chatted and ca...
Beach & Beer
When I got up I tried to sort out my bus ticket back to Mexico City which proved to be rather difficult as the busses online didn't accept my credit card for some reason. Eventually I called them and the one was sold out but the other had space but will only accept reservations in their office (an h...
Busses & Beach
It was a slow day with waking up on the bus and drifting back asleep. We made the standard stop for food at some random place on the side of the road. I wasn't hungry so I didn't venture out but instead continued to read. It wasn't long before I finished the book and started another one called Gone...
Choo Choo
I managed to get up without any hassles and got my taxi and onto the train quick and easy. When the train left there were so many spare seats and it made me wonder if I was just unlucky yesterday or something. The further we went the more passengers we picked up and the more full the train got. The...
Stuck in Chihuahua
I was up and headed to the train station via taxi braving the cold again. It was very busy but with people bundled up in their winter clothes. I made my way to the ticket office, which was empty, and asked for a ticket only to be told that there were none. Hmm, what to do? I only had one option and...
No Chihuahua in Chihuahua
What a sleepy slow morning. It got going after about 2 hours of sleep and all went well until I got to the airport. Here I hit another long line and by the time I got to the front my flight was about to board but I had to wait as staff changed shift and other passengers jumped in front of me (even t...
Feliz Navidad
I started the day by calling friends and family back home but I think some of the are still in a food coma as plenty didn't answer. It was good to chat with everyone but it did make me miss home more and all my people. After Kristina spoke to her family in Poland we made our way to do some sightseei...
Feliz Noche Buena
I was awake bright and early which was a surprise considering I didn't sleep very well, but I'm heading to the bus station so I'm sure I will be able to catch up on some sleep on my trip to Monterrey. I packed my bag, checked out and made my way to the corner to grab a cab to the bus station. It did...
City Christmas Lights
I got a slow start to the day with updating my blog a bit before going to find some food. I took a walk a couple of blocks from the hostel and found a place called Café Cortao which was bustling with locals so went in and sat at the coffee bar and ordered some food and drinks. While sitting the plac...
Unexpected Road Trip
It was an early start to the day and caught an Uber to Evie's house. We chatted while her sister got her things together and before long we were on our way. It was rather early but there was already traffic. When we got out of the city we stopped for some coffee and a car decided to reverse into me...
Coyoacan
I took an easy start to the day with planning my trip through Mexico a bit and updating some of my blog. I'm only just over 4 months behind now. After the admin morning we made our way to Coyoacan to walk around the old neighborhood and grab some lunch. After we left the metro I didn't notice much...
Teotihuacan
It was another slow morning and got the day going around lunchtime and made our way to Teotihuacan. This involved metros and a bus but was well worth it. The site used to be a city with the two main pyramids being for the sun and the moon. We walked around amongst the masses of local tourists (and t...
Ruins & Palace
Due to the late night we got a slow start to the day. We joined the group for some midday breakfast before Olivier and I cycled into the downtown area to see some of the old buildings. We started on a pedestrian street which was packed full of Christmas shoppers and the occasional tourist. At the ma...
Some Mexican History
We got the day rolling with going to the Thai embassy so Olivier could get a visa for their trip in January. From here we took a walk past the South African Embassy so I paid them a visit set foot on South African soil. From here we visited the Museo Nacional de Antropología where Olivier explained...
Mezcal & Catch up
I was back to my early waking so I put my things together and made my way to the bar for coffee and a muffin. Here I sat catching up on some admin and with people back home before meeting up with Anna to make out way to the airport. It was quite a journey (long but uneventful) before we said our far...
Broadway Night
I took a slow start to the day to get my laundry done and play with some photos while waiting. Eventually I made my way to Brooklyn for a walk around at midday and to find some lunch. I went to one of Zina's recommended places called Yemen Cafe for some lamb haneeth. Wow, I miss these strong flavour...
Walking the Bridge
The day got off to a later start than I planned but at least I got to sleep in a bit. I took a walk along the water from the hostel to the east river ferry and enjoyed the Manhattan skyline. On the ferry I met Bianca, a Scottish girl, and she joined me for a walk along the Brooklyn Bridge. On the fe...
Walking New York
I had an early start and got the subway to Wall Street where I joined a Manhattan walking tour. It started around the financial district and we saw the 9/11 memorial and all the construction in the area. From here we then went to a few of the popular districts like China Town, Little Italy, Soho, Gr...
Walking Central Park
For some reason I was awake bright and early without the need of an alarm. I picked up my bags and headed to reception to checkout and headed to the L. Walking through the city in the morning there were plenty of people around still enjoying the party from last night even though the bars would all h...
Zoo & Christmas Lights
I got a late start to the day and went to explore the old town and Lincoln Park. I liked the feel of the neighborhood and when I hit the park I found myself wondering through the zoo enjoying the Christmas light show with all the local Chicago families. From the park and zoo I wondered back to the h...
Chicago Party
I moved from Rebecca's apartment to my hostel (Freehand) where I checked in. This place has very much got a hotel feel and is, as they call it, a poshtel! I chatted to Damien about his plans for the next few months before joining Rebecca in the lounge downstairs. Here Rebecca started working and I g...
Heights & Pizza Pie
We got a late start to the day and where Rebecca got to working and I made my way into the downtown area to have a walk around. By the time I got there it was already dusk so enjoyed the parks and the bean first before wondering around the city. I enjoyed some of the old buildings and the iconic Chi...
Hello Ruthi!
It was a rushed morning and I just made the flight in time with the help of one of the airline staff. Once on board I enjoyed the sunrise before sleeping most of the way to Chicago. This meant that when I arrived at 1pm I was rather hungry but all the food places were behind security so I got onto t...
Typical Hollywood
Today marks a year since I left Cape Town and what an amazing year it's been. It started a little rough but it has been beyond expectations since then. The one thing that sticks out for me is the people that I have met along the way. We may have spent a few hours, days or even weeks together but I a...
Universal Studios
It was a slow start to the day with me trying to decide what to do as I feel very low on energy. I think my body is telling me to slow down but I'm not sure I listen to it very well. After not knowing what to do I decided I would just make my way to Universal City and do a very touristic theme park...
Mustang & Beaches
I was up and having the pancake breakfast after a restless night and also feeling a bit a of a cold coming on. After chatting to some other hostel guests I headed to Santa Barbara beach and along the coast. The drive took me along some more scenic landscapes and ended up in Malibu. There weren't man...
More Mustang & Views
I started my day with some waffles at the motel and hit the road early. I stopped in near pebble beach but I left my clubs at home so didn't catch a round. I continued south for a while stopping to enjoy the views along the way. I was very surprised at how long the road trip was taking but then agai...
Mustang Time
I, and the rest of the dorm, got an early start and I made my way to collect my rental car. I booked a Challenger looking to get an American muscle car experience and the mustang was twice the price. I was presently surprised to find out that they didn't have any challengers available so they gave m...
More Admin
Today was another admin day (and I need a few more!). I sorted out my bank account but I am still having problems with the card so I hope to get a new one soon. I also took a walk through the mission to do a bit of shopping for Damien but they didn't have what he wanted in stock so I will keep looki...
Exploring Alcatraz
The day started early to say farewell to Adriena and Gabby, her gorgeous 2 year old who made me miss Luella even more. After catching a Bart into central San Francisco I checked into my hostel and got my day going. My first stop was a tour of Alcatraz. As usual I arrived there early and enjoyed some...
Missed Train
I was up early again to do some more admin before Sanaa and I went shopping. I returned to pack my bags in preparation for my trip tomorrow. I then made my way to see Adriena again and met her friend Kash and adorable little Gabby. We enjoyed some wine before Kash took me to a bar for some more drin...
Missed Flights
After some chats and convincing by Sanaa I decided to miss my flight back to Mexico and stay in the States for a while longer. This means that in the space of 2 days I have missed 5 flights that I booked as return flights and one of them being my flight back to Cape Town from Rio. I then went to Kor...
Slow Day
We were awake early after the party and took a lazy morning before cleaning the house a little. Once the cleanup was done we made our way to Kevin’s restaurant for some vegan brunch. Here we also enjoyed some live music and some great cocktails. We then took a walk around the mission area for a whil...
Dance Party
We were up early to grab some coffee and breakfast before cycling to Sanaa’s dance class. I watched the class for a while before taking a walk around Berkeley to see the area. I returned to see the end of the class and then we went to grab some lunch at a little cafe around the corner. Here we bumpe...
Cycling Oakland
We had another lazy morning after a great night and cleaned up a little before we all cycled to Brown Sugar for some chicken and waffles and BBQ ribs. These were so delicious and worth the effort of getting there. We then cycled around the old industrial area that has now become an art area and hous...
Happy Birthday Sanaa
I started the day with some admin before going to visit Adriena while Sanaa enoyed the beginning of her birthday with some friends. On the BART I saw some of the Oakland A’s players and their mascot (an elephant). It made the journey a little more interesting than normal. Adriena met me at the BART...
Sausolito & Golden Gate
After a fun night we took another slow morning and headed out to Embarcadero at around midday to catch a ferry across to Sausolito. In Sausolito we took a walk along the coast before deciding it was time for a drink and found a bar (called No Name Bar) for a beer and a snack. With the recent energy...
Exploring & Dinner Party
We slowed into the day catching up and a fresh omelette from the chickens in the garden. We started planning our day with multiple suggestions from Kevin and Ryo (Sanaa’s housemates). We took a Walk to the BART station (which was much closer to her house than the one I used) and took it into the cit...
Hola Chica
Due to not being able to sleep and the train to the next terminal only leaving at 5am I went and got some more WiFi. It's amazing how much we use it these days. From the train I walked through terminal 1 and managed to check in and get through security rather quickly. This terminal is definitely a l...
Bye Bye Liz
It was a slow morning but I was awake early to read. We took it easy and had breakfast at the hostel and chatted a bit before we went in search of juice box rum to get as a gift for some of Liz’s friends. We finished packing before we found some street food which after a few drinks didn’t taste so g...
Convertible Cruising
We were up early and grabbed a cab to get to the end of the peninsula where we found a coffee shop for some breakfast. From the coffee shop we took a walk to the beach and settled on some beach chairs. Here we enjoyed the beautifully blue waters and the loungers even though some of the other people...
Resort Town
We had arranged for a tax to take us to Varadero so got up early and had another casa breakfast before getting into the cab. We joined 4 Brazilians in the cab who were kind enough to juggle the seating around as there was no space in the back for Liz and I to sit. I managed to get the seat to myself...
Beach Day
After a very buy day and late night we had a lazy morning and late breakfast before we headed to the bus station to plan our next trip. Unfortunately they were closed for lunch so we returned to the casa for some more aircon. Once we sorted the bus tickets we tried to catch a bus to the beach but it...
Diving Day
We were up early to enjoy a big breakfast before getting picked up by the dive instructor and a bus. There wasn’t much space on the bus so I stood for the short trip to the dive site. Once we got our gear Liz gave me some instructions and last minute tips to help calm my nerves. We took a walk acros...
Back to the Beach
We were up early to catch the taxi to Playa Giron. As we were planning to go diving I borrows Liz’s PADI book to get some understanding of what I was getting myself into. After the PADI book I started a new novel “Worth Dying For” and read most of the way. Along the way we stopped a few times to enj...
Horse Riding
We enjoyed a big breakfast for the busy day ahead. We were picked up by a local dressed as a cowboy in his old pimped up car and taken to his farm. In the car we met some fellow travelers also doing the tour and we met a few more once at the farm. Here we were introduced to our guides and assigned o...
Lazy Viñales
We had another lazy morning and chatted in the room for most of the morning before having some breakfast and sorting out our plans for the day. We headed to the bus station where we arranged a cab to take us to Viñales. We also managed to get some other travelers to join us so got going relatively q...
Crazy Storm
The day started off slowly as I continued to read my book while Lis caught up on some sleep. Eventually we decided to get up and had a late breakfast and chilled at the hostel for a while. We got going and took a walk to the Revolution Museum and had a walk around. The entire museum was very one sid...
Swimming, Carnival & Pickpocket
I was up early and collected by my taxi and taken to a main road where I was taken to another car with a few locals and we were shortly underway when the car was full. We headed towards Havana and I had my nose stuck in a book the whole way. We stopped for refreshments but I just sat in the car wait...
Visiting Che
I was awake again before my alarm (I think I may have caught up on all my sleep) and had some breakfast before taking a walk to the bus station to check in. The bus was pretty uneventful with me sticking to my book. Once in Santa Clara I reserved a seat on the bus to Havana for tomorrow before findi...
A Different Cuba
I didn't sleep much on the bus as it was so hot. We got to Trinidad at about 7:30 where I grabbed my bag and got in the queue to get a ticket to Cienfuegos. Along the way I read some more and finished another book. It's so strange to be reading so much but I am also enjoying it. The bus to Cienfuego...
Cuban Insight
I woke up with my alarm and got my things together to get going to the beach. I arranged to meet up with the group of Canadians to go through with them. I went to meet them at the designated spot and after waiting for a while I decided that their plans had changed so I started looking alternate opti...
Around Town
I was up and ready for the day so I took a shower (after fixing the washer which was leaking water everywhere) and went to grab some breakfast before moving to another casa (apparently the sister of Rosa). Not sure why I was asked to move but it's closer to the centre (all of 2 blocks) and I have le...
Bus Mayhem
It was a slow morning and I spent most of it in bed catching up on my blog before having some breakfast at the casa and taking a walk to the centre for a mojito before my bus. I took a walk from Casa Isabel to the bus station and in no time I was sitting with my ticket in my hand waiting for the bus...
Baracoa Trekking
I woke up at about 6 with a rain storm and fortunately managed to get back to sleep and got up to enjoy some breakfast in the casa before putting a bag together and getting ready for a walk along the beach and onto the peninsula (if it's possible). I started out along the Malicon and then along Bara...
Puebla Streets
I got up with my alarm but was not a willing participant. I hadn't slept well but hey that's what busses are for. I gathered my things together and went to say bye to Hernan before grabbing a cab to the bus terminal. When I got there it was as I expected. I joined a queue (of 1 person) to basically...
Taxi Road Trip
I was up with my alarm after a good sleep. I had breakfast at the casa again before making my way to Plaza Céspedes to meet the taxi driver. I didn't see him or Renato anywhere so decided to find another one and lucky I did as I managed to negotiate him down to 35. This is still expensive but at lea...
Bici Taxi
I woke up at 8 but was still tired so got up at 9 and had some breakfast in the casa before getting walking. I walked around close to the casa for a while and enjoyed the old buildings and views down over the harbor. I then followed a map down to the harbor to find an old castle that doesn't seem to...
Bus Day
Fortunately I set 2 alarms as the first didn't wake me but on the second try I got up and headed to Rolandos Backpackers to catch the cab to the bus station. Leaving the hostel wasn't so easy as I was locked in but after a few bell rings they were up and let me out. At the bus terminal there was a l...
Around Havana
I got up at about 10 which meant I slept for about 12 hours. This past week has really taken it out of me! At breakfast I met a Chinese girl (Lulu) and we chatted a bit before I got walking again. I was making my way to the bus station to get a ticket to Santiago de Cuba and came across revolution s...
Sleep Exploring
I woke up and got myself a coffee and some internet before heading to the train to terminal 2 where I was able to check in before grabbing some food. I am also preparing myself for no internet while in Cuba so catching up on what I can. After a very expensive breakfast I went through security and fo...
Miami Days
Neither of us were able to sleep much so we took advantage of out late check out and chilled in the room before hitting the pool area. I was feeling really pap after the week’s adventures and we were lucky to find a nice big couch in the shade where we spent most of the afternoon. Needless to say th...
History & Celebrations
We had a lazy morning and started the day with a beer from the beer bucket we got last night. I then contacted the concierge to book us on a tour of the oldest still standing plantation house and a tour of the bayou. After lazing around we didn't have much time so needed to grab something to eat to...
Ola Mississippi
We were up and checked out before catching a cab. We thought we had plenty of time but the queues everywhere were moving so slowly and we were a little worried that we would miss our flight. The fear was heightened when we realised we had to take the sky train to another terminal and heightened even...
Ferrari Road Trip Cont.
We enjoyed some French toast at the hotel after a good sleep. I was excited to get going as today was my turn to drive! We grabbed our bags and took a walk to the car. I quickly dropped the roof and we were off. I drove down Duval Street to have one last look before heading out of town. We drove ba...
Ferrari Road Trip
We were up early to grab some breakfast before the car arrived but a we were not up early enough. As our food arrived so did Jordan delivering the Ferrari California. Damien went to meet him and he was like a kid at Christmas. He left his food and took it for a test drive while I ate and eased my wa...
Miami Reunion
I was up early as usual and headed to the common area for some breakfast and WiFi. Rowan and Gordon joined me shortly after and we spent most of the morning in the pool reading and chatting before packing our bags and checking out. We took a walk to the ADO bus terminal and Gordon grabbed a cab to t...
Beach & Pool Chilling
This was a rather chilled day with heading to the beach after breakfast and checking out. On the way back to the hostel we returned to the taco place for another great meal before finding some hammocks at the hostel for a nap and a bit of reading. In the early afternoon we got going and headed bac...
Swimming with Whale Sharks
We were up early and quickly got ready and joined our tour group and headed to the dock. Here we waited to get assigned to a boat which we jumped on and got given our gear. This took a while but eventually we were on our way. They ride out was ok with us bouncing on the waves for an hour or so while...
Golf Day
After a good night we were still up rather early to change rooms and get the day going. We decided to hire a golf cart for the day to see the island. As we had the golf cart it was only logical that we had to play golf and since the island was so small there were no golf courses we decided to play s...
Turtle Swimming
We had arranged to go snorkeling in the morning so we're up early and on our way to some cenotes and the beach to enjoy the turtles. At the dive shop we got our gear and a piece of string to make a wrist strap for my gopro. We jumped in the van with Abel and we were on our way to the first stop. Thi...
Sharing Travel Stories
For some reason I was up by 10 but unfortunately missed breakfast. I packed my bag and then sat at the pool enjoying some internet before Gordon arose. We relaxed around the pool before going to get some street tacos for lunch. Back at the hostel Gordon's hangover started kicking in but we managed t...
Beach Beers
I was up at 9:30 and went to get breakfast before it closed only to sit there with food on my plate for an hour before deciding to eat it. After breakfast I lay in the pool chatting to some friends before going to reception to ask something and bumping into Gordon. We spent some time catching up in...
Breaking Myan Virginity
I was awake early due to the heat where I finished off packing and grabbed some breakfast before taking a walk to the bus terminal. I didn't have to wait long before I was on a nice air-conditioned bus and able to catch some more sleep. The bus took us right to the archaeological site so I left my b...
Day Tripping & Flag Painting
I was up early and said farewell to Joyce before enjoying some pancakes for breakfast to get my say going. I took a walk to the colectivo station but the next one was only at 10 so I went to the 2nd class bus terminal where I caught a bus that was leaving at 9. It's about a 2.5 hour bus ride so I ma...
Missed Sights
For some reason I was awake before my alarm but I waited in the warmth of my bed before getting up as it was rather cold out. I had the dorm to myself so I managed to repack a few things before getting on my way to the bus station. I was at the station with plenty of time to spare (as usual) and che...
Cave Swimming
We arrived at the bus terminal at about 6 and we got our bearings and decided to trust Google who said the hostel was far away so Joyce and u grabbed a cab which took us2 blocks to our hostel. At the hostel we managed to settle in, shower and plan our day. We started our day with getting some cash a...
Food Craving… Satisfied!
It was a little early to get going so I grabbed a coffee and some internet while I waited for some light. We grabbed a cab and I was surprised at the size of Tuxtla Gutiérrez as we drove through. In Chiapa de Corzo we sat in the square for a little while before saying our farewells and I made my way...
Miami Admin Day
I enjoyed a bit of a chill in bed after my dolphin tour had been cancelled. I got up and got going with some research on Miami before Damien and I planned, chatted and booked our Miami and New Orleans celebrations trip. It took about 3 hours of research and options but eventually it was all sorted a...
More Beaches
When I got up I went straight into action and got the day going. I went to the market to get some breakfast, well only because that's what time of day it is. I had 4 sopas. These are not soups as I expected but rather small tortillas with mole negra, meat of your choice and some salad. I really am l...
Mermaid for a night
I was awake early so I did some research and had a shower before getting ready to watch some rugby online (Springboks vs World XV). Unfortunately I couldn't find the game online so I followed a bit of the commentary before the internet died and we decided to get some good. Maya and I went to the mar...
Bumpy Bus
I enjoyed some breakfast and coffee before resubmitting my tax documents to SARS, which I was expecting, before booking my bus. I also killed some time before packing my bag and going to buy some bus munchies. It's been a while since I have got those. Just as I was about to sit down and get on the i...
Mole & Salsa
I was up early again and made my way for some breakfast and some more chats before getting ready to head out to Hierve el Agua and Mitla for the day. I took a walk to catch a bus or colectivo. I waited at the stop fascinated by the system they used. The colectivos simply have the names of their dest...
Exploring the Town
I managed to sleep most of the way with waking up every now and then but basically slept from start to finish. In Oaxaca I did some research for my next stop while in the bus terminal before grabbing a cab and getting to my hostel. In the hostel I had some breakfast before taking a walk around the t...
Transit Day
I didn't manage to sleep much in the airport as there were no comfortable benches but I did manage a few winks before checking in and making it through customs etc very easily. It really feels so strange being in an airport for the first time in 6 months. It really feels like I am cheating. The flig...
TeleferiQo
I was up early for a cold shower and then we made our way to en Dolce for some breakfast. It was so good to smell all the fresh bread and croissants. The breakfast was huge and I needed the walk back to the hostel to work some off it off. From the hostel we caught a cab to the teleférico where we go...
Mitad del Mundal
This early waking thing seems to have stuck. I lay in bed and played online for a while before going to get some coffee on the roof top bar and catch up with some new friends. We sat chatting for most of the morning as there isn't much to do on a Sunday. We eventually decided to go visit the mitad d...
Quito Old Town
We were both a little surprised when the bus pulled up and the driver shouted "Quito". We got our stuff together and headed for the trole and got a free ride to our stop which is just around the corner from the hostel. Unfortunately the trole decided to close the doors before we could get out so we...
Ceviche Madness
I was awake early as usual (I really need to get out of this habit) and did some research on Mexico. Olivier sent me an awesome itinerary for the first few weeks for me to get from Mexico City to Cancún which I will probably follow and hopefully meet Rowan along the way. I sat and charged some of my...
Farewell San Jacinto
The repellent didn't work very well. I kept waking up with mozzies buzzing around. I hate to think of how many times I was bitten but it was also the heat that made it so hard to sleep. When I got up I had some breakfast before returning to the sun bed manufacturing line with Joel. We spent a couple...
Fanless Night
It was a slow morning and Joel and I converted some more beds before the heat got the better of me and I went to cool off with a swim in the ocean. Shortly afterwards Chris arrived with some beers but they weren't cold so we had to wait patiently while they chilled in the freezer. I spent a little t...
Beer & Heat
After a good night's sleep I got up and waited for the rest of the team to get the day going. It was baking by the time it was 9 so Joel and I found some beds to convert and spent the morning in the shade doing that. It was a rather chilled afternoon. Sarah made us some lunch and we all spent the af...
Happy Birthday Ma
I was up early as usual and Harley came to fetch us to help him with carrying some furniture. The first cabinet fitted ok but the second needed to be adjusted so we took it back and went back to Harley and Anne's place for some bacon and eggs. After brunch we returned to get the cabinet and installe...
Uninvited Guest
I was woken at 1:30 by Pedro shouting my name and knocking on my window. I got up and went to ask him what's going on. He told me Toro (one of the dogs) was barking and he got up to see what was going on and found a guy walking around the site. Nothing was taken but it was a bit of a surprise to hav...
Saturday Drinking
I was up early and cycled to Chris and Kim to sort out the plans for the day and if we were needed to be on set. Joel was the only one who really wanted to go so he caught a ride with the crew bus and I cycled back to the cabañas and started on some beer. We sat most of the morning listening to musi...
A Long Walk for a Long Wait
We were up early to take a walk to Chris and Kim to help out for the day but they didn't need any of us so we got some breakfast and got to work. It started with cleaning and then painting some more asbestos roof sheets. Joel and I then converted a bed into a sun bed to put next to the pool that has...
Rocky is a Star
I was awake really early so got up and made some coffee and gave the kitchen a good clean before the other guys went to get some bread and fruit for breakfast. I then got going by watering some plants by bucket (I hope my green fingers are better here) and then cleaned up the area a little. I then g...
Riding Rocky
The day started as normal but there wasn't much work to do as all the tools were in use already so we will have to do some extra work tomorrow. At about 11 we felt like some beer but started on rum and coke instead before moving onto beer and then wine with a late lunch. We even refilled our rum sto...
Demolition Man
I woke up early and went to the kitchen to get some coffee and breakfast going for the team. After breakfast at about 9 we got to work and started demolishing a few walls. It was amazing how quickly they come down with some force and a sledgehammer. For lunch we made a big tuna salad which we all en...
Almost Hungover
I woke up with a fright and went to the kitchen to get the day going. There wasn't much happening and we were all feeling rather tired. I think I even felt a bit hungover for a change. I got working on the gate to fix it as it was falling apart. It wasn't much fun working in the sun as it was hot al...
Fly Dennis Fly
I was awake early and as I got up Chris and Kim arrived to drop Frankie off. He was back to his usual self but just without balls. They picked up mama as today was her turn. I then checked on Dennis (the bird) and he looked a little more energetic. Kim suggested giving him a fish as that may be bett...
Bye Bye Balls
I was up early to finish off the kill room. It used to be called the puppy palace but we have had to change its name as it's now going to be the "hospital". We laid out the plastic on the floors and also put some plastic on the tables to have it ready for when the vet arrives. He was due to be here...
Shrimp Cleaning
It was a normal chilled morning and got it going by cleaning a little and getting one of the rooms ready to have some of the dogs fixed (it feels like I'm preparing Dexter's kill room). I then grabbed a beer and helped Joel paint a bookshelf before taking a walk down the beach to buy some camarones....
Braaied Fish
I was up early in the morning and immediately got going with painting the bed I have been working on. Even though it was still so early the heat was crazy and I was sweating without moving much at all. It didn't take long to get the first coat on and then took a drive to get some turps and find the...
Sanding in the Sun
The day got off to its usual start and it was boiling hot from an early hour. I got sanding and went to go buy some paint (I got to drive rocky again) before heading to Kim’s place to pick her up. I was a little early so I was given a cocktail made from rum and ice cream before we went back to the c...
Driving Rocky
I woke up at 7 and enjoyed a slow start to the day and eventually got up and made my way to the common area. Joel returned from going to grab some bread and cheese for breakfast and let us know that the fishermen were bringing in their nets and if we helped them they may give us some fish. Joel, Ped...
Burger Night
It's the first day in the new job and it started off with a tour of my new environment. The construction has just started and there is so much to do. I have a private room and bathroom and my fellow team all seem like we will get along and have a lot of fun. When I got up I met Chris (Kim's partner)...
Adios Ayampe
It feels good to be leaving this place and finding something new. I got up and had a good chat with Mike and was really good to hear about all the antics that Luella is getting up to. I then chatted to my folks who were enjoying the long weekend in Betty's. I even had a quick chat to Vanessa who was...
So Many Choices
I was awake early and lay in bed watching a moving before making my way to get a coffee and some internet. After a while I started watching the Bulls vs Cheetahs game online before grabbing a beer to watch the Sharks vs Stormers game. The internet was a little stuttery which added to the frustration...
Restless at the Beach
After another restless night and getting up a few times to let Blanca out and to kick her off my bed I managed to sleep in a little. When I got up I enjoyed some coffee before making my way to the beach hammock where I continued reading. After a while I went for a swim but don't stay in the water lo...
Ethics Day
I slept badly again so took it easy and got up when Blanca came to wake me up to let her out. I got my computer and went to the common area to have some coffee and get started on my ethics module (the last thing standing between me and finishing ACCA). After finishing the ethics module I sat on the...
Las Tunas Lunching
I struggled again to fall asleep and when I did I had Blanca waking me up to be let out. I was up early and submitted the balance of my PER so it's now all submitted. All I need to do now is the ethics module and I'm done! At about 11 I went to fetch Kristin and we talk a walk to Las Tunas to grab s...
PER Catch Up
After a restless night I got up and got a much needed coffee while I submitted some PER questions. I then sat playing with my drink of the day photos trying to remember everything that's happened over the past 6 months. I then took a walk to the hammock on the beach where I lay and read for a while...
6 Months!
I can't believe it's been 6 months since I left Cape Town. There have been so many highs and new friends and it has gone way too quickly. I think I need to find a way to get my money to last longer as I just don't think a year is going to be enough! We got up early to get the day and multiple bus jo...
Sunsets & Funny Photos
It was another lazy morning that started with a coffee, laundry and then some funny photos. By this stage Sarah had already decided not to leave today. This seems to be a common trend while at the beach. We then made our way to the beach for a swim and another shell searching session before we heade...
I Broke Sarah…Again
The day got off to a lazy start and ended up in the hammock and having a long skype with Damien after deciding to stay here an extra few days. We discussed travel plans and the possibility that he will join me in Galapogas but he will only know in a few days so I will enjoy the beach life until then...
Cave Hunting…Again
We got up at 10 to get the day going and made our way for some breakfast and coffee before we all went to try and get to the cave. We got there at low tide but were again unable to walk there. I guess we have to swim or take a boat but there were plenty of rocks around so decided against the swimmin...
Cave Hunting
We got up just after 9 and had some breakfast before taking a walk along the beach to find a cave. There wasn't much information about it online but took a walk anyway as it was low tide. It took us a while to get there as we kept stopping to collect shells for Sarah's collection. When we did get th...
A Hammock & A Book
I woke up early and had some online chats before grabbing a coffee and a hammock with my book. The hammock proved to be rather comfortable and I stayed there while I updated my blog and chatted to fellow guests and read some more. Sarah also updated her pictures and before we knew it it was 4pm. We...
Bus Day
I was awake early and packed my bag before picking up my book again. Soon Markus and Sonja appeared to say goodbye. I read some more before going to the communal area where we had coffee and chatted for a while before starting our trip to Canoa. The trip started with a cab to Puerto Lopez where we g...
Hiking Rio Ayampe
I woke up at about 8 and made my way to Sarah's room to ensure she was up and ready for our hike. We chatted a bit before I went to get some coffee and chat with Sami. Sarah, Marcus and Sonja joined me and we chatted for a while before we decided to get going. We got our things together and headed t...
Failed Hike
After not being able to sleep I was awoken by Sarah knocking at my door asking if we were going for a hike. We decided to do it and I jumped into acting changing and getting ready. At breakfast we started chatting to a German couple (Markus and Sonja) who decided to join us but we also decided it wa...
I Broke Sarah
I managed to sleep a bit late after the late night and made my way to the hammock on Sarah's balcony to read a little before moving back to my room to have a late morning nap. When I got up again I made my way back to the hammock to read some more while enjoying the sea views and sounds and a little...
Bye Bye Kat - Drowning Our Sorrows
After another night waking up scratching I got up at 8 and made my way to Sarah and Kathrin's room. Here Kathrin was almost finished packing but I still tried to convince her to stay longer with no luck. She finished off packing and we made our way to have some breakfast. After breakfast we chatted...
Pizza Night
I woke up a few times from all my bites. No matter how much tabard I use I still seem to get eaten. Guess i may be eaten more if I didn't use any! I got up early and made my way back to the hammocks on the beach where I lay and read some more. After I while I returned to the hostel and grabbed my la...
Mud & Smelly Water
I didn't sleep very well after such a big meal so I took my time in the morning and lay in bed doing some research on the Internet and also playing with some photos. After a while I needed a better internet connection so I made my way to the communal area where I got my pictures to upload. I also me...
Hammock & Books
I woke up rather early and did some reading in bed before making my way to a hammock on the beach to continue reading. It was rather overcast so there was no sun (which may be a good thing) so I lay in the hammock enjoying the last few pages of my book and the sounds of the ocean. Every now and then...
Horses & Mosquitos
I woke up early to change hostels. Spondylus is good and very comfortable but I am moving to stay in the same place as Sarah and Kathrin and I get a private room on the beach for the same price. After moving I met up with Sarah and Kathrin and had some fruit salad for breakfast. I also saw Kristin o...
Beach Time
We arrived in a hot and humid Guayaquil just after 4am and I took a walk around the station that looked like a shopping mall to find a bus to Ayampe. All I could find was one to Montanita so I took it and will try to get another one from there. I think I was overcharged for the ticket as it seems re...
Another Lazy Day
I didn't sleep very well and kept waking up scratching but I did manage to sleep through yoga class again (guess it's just not meant to be) and eventually got up after a few chats with people back home. I packed my bag and checked out before finding a comfy spot to do some more reading. After a whil...
Hammocks & Sunburn
I woke up with the intention of having my first yoga class only to realise that I was already 15 min late so decided to stay in bed and have a little more sleep. I eventually got up at around 9 to grab some breakfast before sitting and chatting to some guests. I then made my way down into Vilcabamba...
Around Vilcabamba
What a good sleep! I woke up at 10 without stirring at all! I did miss breakfast and the morning yoga but that's all good. I enjoyed the sleep in. When I woke I finally had some WiFi so I lay in bed and caught up on all the missed conversations. When I eventually got up I had a nice hot shower befor...
First Motor Taxi
I finally woke up with the first few rays of sun appearing from the horizon and I enjoyed my last Peruvian sunrise from the bus window as we were entering Piura. After a while we stopped at the bus station where we jumped off and grabbed my bags. I made my way out to grab a taxi to go to the next bu...
Actual Departure Day
The day got off to a slow start with me getting to sleep in a bit. When I got up I started collecting all my things from around the room and packed my bag. Woohoo, it all still fits! I then took a shower before taking a walk to El Carmen for a triple (big sandwich). I also took a walk to the library...
Departure Day
I woke up at about 11 feeling rather lazy and in no mood to pack. I don’t have my bus ticket yet so think I may only leave tomorrow. Ok, i know I'm not leaving today! I then took a walk next door to get my bus ticket. I now leave tomorrow night and even have my accommodation booked. I then took a wa...
Last Shift
I didn't sleep very well but got up in time for my shift all the same. I was hoping for a quiet one and was really happy that it turned out that way. I spent the shift chatting to some guests and the few customers that come in. Juliane came by for a break from her thesis and I joined her and Alex fo...
More Wings
I got to have a bit of a sleep in and was even joined by Pablo (the cat) for the last few hours but eventually I got up and left him there. After some breakfast I took a walk to the library to return Lily's books (but it was closed) so I pushed on to the laundry to get some washing done. I then orga...
Movie Day
I slept until about 1 before lying in bed and enjoying some internet. When I got up I ate some chocolate croissant before taking a walk to La Gringa to find all my friends there hungover but having a few beers to try and feel better. I decided to have a nice quiet day so after chatting for a while I...
Typical Thursday
It was an easy start with training another volunteer. Fortunately it was a very quiet shift so she got an easy introduction but it also meant I got a chilled morning. After my shift I lay in bed and watched a movie before going to get a chocolate croissant at the bakery up the road. After a few chat...
Quiz Champs
I had a good sleep in and only got up at 1 and immediately heated some leftovers and sat down to watch some champion’s league soccer. After the game I went for a walk before deciding to watch a movie in bed. It was dark by the time I got up again and I was really hungry. I chatted for a little while...
Busy Day
Now that's what I call working. I was running around sorting out breakfast, checkouts and training from 8 to 1 nonstop. The kitchen ended up making about 40 breakfasts (by 1 person) which is a new record. Now it is time for me to chill a little and watch some soccer before going to have a nap when I...
Grooming Day
After a bit of a restless night I got up with my alarm to get the morning going. I am training a new volunteer again so the shift got a little busy but it slowed down later as usual. After my shift I caught up on my blog and finally got it up to date. I then gave myself a haircut before spending a b...
Happy Mothers Day
I managed to sleep late after a few coughing fits and got up at about 1 where I made my way to the surf school to sit with Ruthi, Lily, Roxane and Matteo where we ate the leftover pizza and a massive chocolate croissant. After some charting I said my farewells and took a walk and popped in at La Gri...
Farewell Party
I was up early to get my shift started after having a restless sleep and waking up in a few coughing fits during the night. The shift was another easy one with nothing too exciting happening. After my shift I helped Ruthi and Katri get stuff together for their party tonight. We got some chicken wing...
Sleepy Shift
I was up and got the shift going but fortunately it wasn't very busy so I enjoyed a relatively slow morning. I must admit though, I'm feeling rather tired. My shift slowly came to an end and I sat on the couch doing some more typing for my blog. Shortly afterwards I made my way to bed for a good nap...
Typical Thursday
I managed to get a good night sleep again and only got up at 9 before making my way to collect my laundry and buy some bread. I'm still feeling sick and my head is feeling heavy. I made some breakfast before updating some blog posts but after I while I went to my bed to watch a movie only to fall as...
Bacon Pesto Pasta
I enjoyed a bit of a sleep in and got up after 10 and took my laundry to the lavendaria before coming back to the hostel for some breakfast. I then did some blog typing before making my basil pasta. I decided to cook the pesto to break down the garlic a bit which worked well and I seem to have the f...
Beer & Sunset
I got up at about 12 and went to the market to grab some basil, oil and an egg sarmie before returning to the hostel to try fix my pesto. I got it better but it's still not right. Next time I will use less garlic. I then sat in the common area to enjoy some Champions League before taking a walk to g...
Meri Party
It was another early shift and I was training a new volunteer so was quite busy but nothing really out of the ordinary. After my shift I took a walk to Kristin to say cheers but unfortunately she wasn't home. On the way back I stopped in at the market to grab a few things before making some basil pe...
More Farewells
I slept the whole morning and only got up at about 12 to have some lunch and chat to some guests before my shift started. The shift was relatively busy with me serving some drinks and food and in between Sanaa came to say goodbye. We had a beer before she left to finish off a few things. It was grea...
Its Boxing Day
It was another morning shift for me and actually a relatively busy one. But once it finished I took a walk down the beach road to see what damage the waves had caused. In one direction there was some water and sand in the road but when I went in the other direction there was sand, water and even sto...
Afternoon Naps
It was another slow start to the day but it picked up quickly and kept me going. By 2 it was rather quiet and I found myself falling asleep in the chair so I finished my shift early and went for a nap. After a few hours I was up again and joined a few guests on the terrace for some beer before I wen...
Slow Start
I was up and got the hostel ready but was a pretty quiet start to the day but fortunately things picked up a little later on. After my shift I took a walk to chat to everyone at La Gringa and took a walk along the beach having a look at the waves but my muscles were way to sore to even think about g...
My First Surf Trip - (the longest left in the world)
The day got an early start and I was up and at La Gringa hostel by 7 ready for our pick up. We sat and chatted while we waited for the van which finally arrived and we got packing. Boards on the roof, wetsuits in a bag and all 6 of us inside. We all planned to get some sleep in the van but were chat...
Hammock Time
I had a slow morning with sleeping in a little before having some breakfast and taking a rest in a hammock before getting ready for my afternoon shift. My shift started a little busy with having a few guests for lunch before I sat and chatted to the guys from the surf school. After a while I started...
Boozy Afternoon
I got up after a bit of a sleep in and had some pizza for breakfast before having a walk along the beach but decided not to surf (feeling a little lazy). I then stopped off at La Gringa hostel to say hi to the people there before meeting up with Sanaa for a boozy afternoon. We started on the beach w...
Pizza & Movies
It was a slow start to the day and only got up at about 1 to shower and find some food. I first went to La Gringa to visit Mattia and Manu before making my way to My Friend’s hostel for lunch where I bumped into Renato. Soon after Gordon arrived and we had lunch before we made our way back to the ho...
Braai Time
I managed to sleep in a little before getting up and having some breakfast and catching up on a little wifi. I even managed to watch a little rugby online and eagerly awaited the Stormers vs Bulls game and hoped that the Internet plays it's part. Woohoo, Yay Stormers! It was a close game and it (and...
Early Night
I was up in time for my shift at 8 which had a few busy moments but was quiet as usual. I'm definitely looking forward to a nap this afternoon! I had some lunch and then killed some time before finishing my shift and getting some much needed sleep. Soon after my nap I was forced into a beer with the...
Just Keep Paddling
I tried to sleep in but think my body clock is getting used to being up early so I got up and went to the bakery for some bread before making some breakfast. After breakfast I got my wetsuit on and picked up a board and headed for the waves. Along the way I met Paul and another girl and we all paddl...
Beach Sunset
I was up early to let a guest in at 5 before having some coffee with her and then getting back in bed for a quick 2 hour nap before starting my shift. Fortunately it was another quiet morning so sat and waited for the day to pass. After my shift I sat chatting to a few guests before grabbing a beer...
Drinking & Working
I managed to sleep a little late as I am on the afternoon shift. After some breakfast I made my way to the market to get some fruit and a few things for dinner. From the market I went to Paul to visit him and Sanaa before returning to my hostel to cook some dinner and get ready for my shift. The wav...
Crocodile Drinks
I was up early for my shift (after forgetting to set an alarm) and I had the best sleep. I woke up feeling tired but quickly got going and set up for the day. Fortunately it wasn't that busy with the kitchen being closed so had a quiet morning planning to surf in the afternoon. After my shift I chi...
Street Food
I woke up and sent Sanaa to my bed to continue sleeping while I took a shower and got the hostel ready for breakfast. Fortunately it was a slow morning and I managed to chill a bit before having a beer as I finished my shift before going to the beach with Sanaa where we sat and chatted some more. We...
Beach Drinking
After having a bit of a sleep in I got up at about 10 to grab a breakfast and catch-up with some new friends before enjoying some sport for the day (end of the Bulls vs Sharks, Man Utd vs Chelsea and end of Cheetahs vs Reds). So good to see sport even on a stuttering computer screen in poor quality....
Pier Jumping
After not being able to sleep much I was up at 9 and finished off my bacon and made some eggs before chatting to a few guests. A few of us went down to the beach for a swim. We did cheat a little and walked to the end of the pier where we jumped in and swam back to the shore. It was so refreshing an...
All Night Party - (The first of many)
It was a relaxed morning as I had my first afternoon shift (which tends to be even more chilled). After breakfast I made my way to the beach for a surf. I went out on the left of the pier and damn was it tough. It took me an age to make my way through the waves and was exhausted by the time I got th...
Sunset Paddling
Ahh, another busy morning but that's what makes working fun. Kept me busy for while before being able to chill by lunch time. After my shift I went down to the beach and saw the waves again rather flat. Think I will check in an hour and see (hopefully they will be better). What an awesome way to see...
Flat Waves
I was up early for another shift bit fortunately this one got a little busier and time went quickly. I'm thinking I will stay here until the end of the month before heading to Ecuador. After my shift I went to check out the waves but they were flat on "my" side of the pier and way to big on the othe...
Sunset Surfer
I was up and at work by 8 where I got some coffee going and then kind of sat and waited for things to happen but much like yesterday not much happened. I chatted to a few guests and updated some more of my blog before heading out for a surf after my shift. The waves were not so good and the water a...
Training Day
I was up early after another restless night ahead of my first day on the job. It's pretty simple really. I just need to manage the reception, the bar and food orders and the hostel is really quiet at the moment so it's very chilled. Before the end of my training shift I even made it to the market wi...
Hostel Change
After a not so big night I took a slow morning and packed my bag before going and making breakfast and chilling at the hostel for a few hours before heading to Meri Surf Hostel to check in for my job. At my new hostel I met my fellow team mates before chilling in the common area and chatting for a w...
Market Lunch
I had a little bit of a sleep in but got up and went for an early lunch in the market with Zina. After lunch I returned to the hostel where I updated some of my blog and just chilled in the sea air. Unfortunately the waves are pretty small and not worth going out so will have to have a chill day. Po...
Solo Surfer
I woke up relatively early and had my leftover bacon with some cheese, eggs and avo. Such a good way to start the day! After chilling for a while at the hostel I made my way to go have a surf (on my own). Rented my board and wetsuit and set out. I went in next to the pier (where we had our lessons)...
Swimming Huanchaco
After another nice slow start to the day I went to the market and got some goodies before coming back to the hostel and making a bacon, cheese and egg sarmie for breakfast. Something that is surprising me is that I am eating much more than I have been recently but I think that comes down to the surf...
Surfing Day
After being awake early I took a walk to the market where I bought some bread and returned to the hostel to make breakfast (can't believe I managed to leave there without buying anything else!) After breakfast I went to have another surf lesson. It wasn't as good as the first one but now I will cont...
Surfing Time
I got up and made some eggs for breakfast (need to get back to the market) and left to take a walk around town to look for a hostel to work at and also find chicho to get some surfing lessons. I didn't have much interest for immediate work but a few that may need someone after the weekend so going t...
Another Chilled Huanchaco Day
It was another chilled day with lazing around watching movies and cooking. In the evening I did have a walk around town with Paul and his friend Dave who showed me some good places to get good cheap food but other than that was a very quiet Sunday.
Huanchaco Chill
I had a nice sleep in with the sound of the ocean in the background and got up at about 11 to get the day started. It was a very chilled lazy day with my only outing being to the market to get some fresh fruit and veg. The market is a little smaller than most but still has everything you need and mo...
Hola Huanchaco
We arrived at the bus station much earlier than I expected and it was like an airport. All modern and shiny but everything was closed. I grabbed a cab with a New Zealand couple I met on the bus and we drive through a massive traffic jam before 6am. Once we got closer we realised it's a fresh fish ma...
Laguna 69 Trek
I was up and packed and waiting when the bus arrived. I jumped in and was greeted by two very energetic Israeli guys. We then picked up 2 Argentine girls and after a little while we stopped to change buses and we were off. We all caught up on some sleep on the journey but I woke up when we got stuck...
Round Huaraz
In Huaraz I grabbed my bag and jumped in a cab and made my way to my hostel where I checked in and booked my bus to Trujillo and caught up on some WiFi before having some breakfast. After breakfast I decided to grab a nap and before u knew it it was after 1! I got up and took a walk into town to gra...
Adios Lima
We took another slow morning with little planned for the day. We checked out and chilled on the roof terrace before going to meet Alex and Emma for lunch. We went to La Lucha where we had some sandwiches and fresh juice before taking a walk to the beach. At the beach we couldn't see much as there wa...
Around Lima
Had a chilled morning before moving to Pariwana hostel and sorting out my bus to Huaraz to do some more trekking. I'm a little worried that I am not spending enough time in Lima but then again I'm not a fan of these big cities. After some more bread and jam and some strange cereal we made our way to...
Hostel Drinking
We took a slow morning before having an exciting continental breakfast and making our way to park Kennedy (the main Park in Miraflores) where we bumped into Claire. Dom and Tina went looking for some shoes while I sat at Starbucks catching up on my budget (I’m a little overspent) but need longer to...
Slave Tunnels
We woke early with some cocks singing and people making a noise but managed to get in another hour before deciding to get the day going. We packed up before making our way to get some breakfast (egg rolls and fresh fruit juice). Probably one of the better and more random places we have found. After...
Pool Day
We were up early again due to the heat and Dom very kindly bought me a beer for breakfast in bed. After we all got up and going we grabbed some breakfast before heading to the pool where I spent most of the day in the water. Dom and Claire were a little sore from the previous night so they only joi...
Beach Time
I had a little sleep in but the room got too hot so was up and finally showered before getting the day started. We found a restaurant on the beach that served us a very simple breakfast before we made our way to the bus to head to the reserve. In the reserve we saw the red beach, a little fishing vi...
Dune Buggy & Sandboarding
After a late night we (Tina, Claire, Dom and I) were up by 9 and in the pool for some beer. We spent the rest of the morning here before making our way to the bus at 11:30 for the pisco and wine tour. Peruvian wine is made differently to other wines. They actually just add pisco to grape juice so th...
Huacachina Bound
We were up early again to catch the bus to Huacachina in the hope that we would get there as there is a bridge that has been washed away and we are not sure if it is on our route or not. On the bus we made our way out of Arequipa and for the first time I was able to see the snow capped volcanoes tha...
Arequipa Monastery
We finally got to sleep late and enjoy a sleep in. Only got up at 11 to pack and move to wild rover to get the t-shirt (these can be bought for 15 soles but we had to earn them). Once here we had some lunch before meeting up with Alex and Emma. I left them and went to look for a Gopro which I got fo...
Colca Canyon & Condors
We were up on time and joined a group in reception who were also waiting for a tour. Luckily we were picked up and very soon after I was asleep again for the 2 hour drive. On the way we passed through the Highlands (approx 5000m) which were covered in snow and had the sun shining on us. We stopped h...
Arequipa
We arrived later than scheduled after driving through some heavy mist but it was still early in the morning. Fortunately we were able to check in and have some breakfast (even though there was no electricity). After a while we were able to put our bags in our room and Tina could try to get some slee...
Adios Gillian!!
Gills had an early morning flight so we were up by 4 but fortunately I could stay in bed while she packed the last of her things and we said our farewells. For some reason her pickup didn't arrive so she ran back to the room to get some cash for a cab and made her way to the airport which, unfortuna...
Slow Day
We had a lazy morning and only got up at 12. We then took a walk to drop my laundry and book my bus to Arequipa. I decided to use Peru Hop (a little expensive) but did make things much easier. Once this was sorted we went to Plaza de Armas for some lunch (had some alpaca) before meeting Tina and Jor...
Moray
We made it up on time and actually got to enjoy a coffee (if u can call it that) before being picked up to make our way to Moray. As usual I got some more sleep on the bus. Moray is like a green house where the incas would bring plants from all over and grow them. From top to bottom there is an al...
Sacred Valley
We were up and off by 8 on our way to sacred Valley. It is called sacred Valley because the incas believed that the Urubamba river was connected to the milky way which was very important to them. After driving around a bit we made our way to Pisaq (partridge in quechua) where we walked through a mar...
Machu Picchu
After an awesome sleep we were up and actually early for our bus. We met up with Lilly and the rest of the group before jumping on the bus and making our way up to a very wet, cold, cloudy and rainy Machu Picchu. Lilly took us through the temples explaining them to us. These buildings and techniques...
Inca Trail
We got an early start to the day and after only 2 hours of sleep the bus picked us up and took us to the train in Ollantaytambo to start our mini inca trail. Fortunately the bus was about an hour drive so we caught up on some sleep before grabbing some coco tea as we entered the train. We got our se...
Rugby and Ruins
The day got off to an early start in order for us to try catch some rugby (a delayed broadcast of Reds vs Brumbies). We took a walk to Nortons where we caught the second half while we followed the Stormers vs Chiefs game on our phones. We enjoyed a few more beers on the balcony before having a walk...
GILLIAN!!
I woke up at about 10 and went to the bar for breakfast only to realise that for the first time in my trip I had forgotten to take my photo of the day the previous day!! I tried to duplicate it so started the day with a baby Guinness (kalua and baileys shot) before chatting and catching up with the...
Cusco Chill
I got up and went for breakfast at 10 but little did I know what was waiting for me. I walked into an ambush of more drinks and shots. This set the tone for the rest of the day. We sat outside drinking and chatting the whole day and having a bit of food now and then. In the evening the party continu...
Rebecca Day
After a good sleep I went to breakfast still glowing and bumped into Rebecca. We chatted a bit before I went to scrub of my luminous paint in a cold shower and making my way back down stairs to find some internet and find Rebecca to spend the day together. We took a walk around to some places she wa...
Lazy Cusco
After a late night I was up relatively early where Tina and I lay in our beds chatting before deciding to get up just before 12 to grab some breakfast and take a walk down the main road in search of an ATM. We walked around a while before returning to the hostel in search of some WiFi and some food....
Hola Cusco
After a little sleep on the bus we got in just after 5 and grabbed a cab to our hostels. Fortunately we were able to check in and I grabbed some internet before making our way to Jack’s Cafe for breakfast. It was awesome, the first full English breakfast I have had in 3 months! From there Tina and I...
Floating Islands
After an early night we were up early and well rested. We packed our bags and headed down to breakfast where I finally didn't have to eat jam. I had avo on bread and some other normal items. The first tour picked us up on time and we made our way to the boat which took us to the Uros Islands. These...
Copacabana
Ahh, it’s so nice to only wake once in a coughing fit but luckily managed to get back to sleep. I got up for breakfast at 9 before Rowan and I made our way to the Moorish church where they bless cars on a daily basis. The cars were dressed up in flowers and then a priest comes to bless the car throw...
Angry Bus
What a rush. The bus was supposed to pick us up at 7:30 but we got an email to say it had changed to 5:30. We were given no reason why but we later found out that it's because there are protests planned for today on our route and they are notoriously violent. I get up just after 5 after hardly sleep...
Around Le Paz
When I got up I went to the bar for breakfast and made plans for the day. I met Cheryl and Rowan at a coffee shop where we chatted for a while before we headed out on a walking tour with Rowan as our guide. On the walk we saw multiple plazas and old buildings and one really interesting fact was that...
Death Road
I managed to get some good sleep till about 1 when my bladder decided it was time to get up but fortunately I managed to get back to sleep quickly only to wake up again at 5. At 6 I got up to get ready to catch the tour to Death Road tour. I met Tina and Sandra and took a cab to the office as it was...
Sick Day
The late night and was not good for my flu which didn't let me sleep due to all my coughing. Eventually after a few naps and keeping the dorm awake I got up at 10 but couldn't eat breakfast (it was only bread and jam after all). I sat chatting to Sandra and Tina for a while before heading back to be...
Hola La Paz
I woke up as we were entering the outskirts of la Paz with a few markets and houses. We stopped and picked up a few people on the way and one of them made a speech on the bus and started selling what looks like eastern medicine. I'm not sure what it was for but he seemed to sell a lot of it. After a...
Adios Sucre
I woke up feeling a bit better except that my throat was still a little sore but at least my chest was ok. I lay in bed trying to get some internet before giving up and going for breakfast. Not much planned for the day but checked out And got ready to watch some more rugby before having a walk aroun...
Last Spanish Lesson
As has now become normal I was up before my alarm (rather frustrating). I made my way down for some breakfast before headed to my final Spanish lesson. It was pissing with rain but fortunately it was still warmish. The Spanish practice has been good but the problem I have is that my vocabulary is so...
More Spanish Lessons
I was up early to finish my Spanish homework over breakfast before making my way to my lesson. My chest is feeling tight but during the day it seems to get better. At the lesson I was tired but fortunately managed to concentrate. Back at the hostel I did my homework before grabbing something to eat...
Spanish Lessons
I was up early for breakfast so I could make my Spanish lesson on time. It was an easy class and we just practiced speaking and trying to improve my vocabulary. After my lesson I met up with Sandra and Michelle and we made our way to the market for a enu del dia lunch. As we walked through the marke...
Sucre
I woke up early but at least I managed to get a second sleep before getting up and enjoying a hot shower and great breakfast. The breakfast was great and so different from the bread and jam that I am used to. There were all sorts of fruits, fresh bread, homemade jams and even pancakes! This is proba...
Mining tour
After breakfast we met up with the tour guide and dressed into mining gear before taking a walk around the corner to the bus. Our first stop was a store where we could buy some gifts for the minors. The guide told us a little about what they used in the mine, why they eat so many coca leaves and als...
Solar de Uyuni Tour - Day 3
My alarm was set for 4:30am so we could get up for breakfast before making our way to solar de Uyuni for sunrise but the power came back on at 4:25 and woke everyone instead. We got away a little later than planned but still managed to get onto the solar in time for sunrise. Here we all took lots of...
Potosi
I got up before my alarm as I was wide awake and packed my back before heading to the bus station where I sat in the sun while waiting for my bus. I must admit that I am out of breath but not sure if it's the altitude or the flu. I went into ticket office to ask about the bus only to notice that the...
Solar de Uyuni Tour - Day 2
We were up early to have breakfast and get the day going and after breakfast we helped Milton pack the car and then headed out. Due to the really cold temp during the night the windscreen was covered in ice but we were in a rush so we got going anyway and Milton only had a little whole to see out of...
Solar de Uyuni Tour - Day 1
I was up early to finish packing my bag and to get ready for the tour. Fortunately I was one of the first people to be picked up so wasn’t left behind like yesterday. I the bus I got chatting and met an awesome group and hopefully we can all be in a car together. We waited at the border on Chile sid...
The Missing Pick-up
My alarm woke me up with a fright at 4am but got up and ready for the tour to the geysers. I sat in the common area for a while enjoying the warmth (gets rather chilly after dark here) and after a while I made my way outside to stand with the other people waiting for the tours. Slowly but surely the...
Valle de Luna
I was up at 7 (think my body is used to the early mornings again) and had a shower. It is an interesting experience as you walk outside to another building to find the shower and trying to get the right temperature was also fun. It's either boiling or ice cold so had fun dancing around and trying to...
Adios Argentina
If you want to find something busy in the morning (as in before 8am) in Argentina, the only place is a bus terminal! So after the cab and deposit refund I am now left with 45 pesos and nothing is open so can't buy anything. Let’s see where I can spend them… For a change the bus left late (20mins) bu...
Cafayate - Happy birthday dad!
Wow, slept like a baby and woke up after a few hours tired but up and ready for the tour and some wine. I had to wait a little and we were on our way by 8. It looks like its been raining all night as the streets are a little flooded. Let’s hope it's not like this the rest of the day. This country is...
Humahuaca
I woke early to catch the tour. I hope all oes well because my stomach is still not happy. I had some breakfast (tea and bread) and waited for the tour (they always late). They picked me up at 8 and collected a few more old people before making our way. We drove through a hilly area which had trees...
Around Salta
I didn't sleep well so slept late and got up just in time for breakfast and sorted out some info for peña for tonight (local folklore music evening only found in Salta). I then went to Maam museum with layla (really interesting history about Incas and some mummies they found in the area). After the...
Hola Salta
I woke up with the sunrise (which is fortunately much later as I am more North) and noticed that the landscape was much the same (flat with mountains in the distance) but the vegetation was very different. Everything was very green and dense. On the few hills that were around I noticed some trees bu...
Fancy Bus
I woke up dreaming about my bus that I had missed somehow and that I was trying to sort out another way to get to Salta and was really pissed off that I missed my fancy bus! Fortunately it was only at 8pm so I still have plenty of time to get there and catch it. I got up and went to do cambio with T...
Wine Tour
For some reason I couldn't sleep late so got up and took my washing to the laundry which, just for today, only opened late. I sat at the hostel waiting for tour to collect me but we’re on Argentina time so knew that I would have to wait for a little while. I eventually got picked up and we were on o...
Wine & Bikes
I made my way to Cheryl and Rowan’s hostel to catch a bus to Luján so we could enjoy a cycle around some wine farms. Rowan went to change money but got caught in an hour long queue but fortunately I managed to fill the time with internet and chats. We got the bus which took longer than expected so k...
Around Mendoza
After a long day and a massive dinner I had a lekker sleep before getting up for breakfast. I met an elderly British couple and girl from Brazil. We had a good chat over breakfast and then got ready for the day. Ana (girl from Sao Paolo) and I took a walk to the main road to find a cambio and an ATM...
Results & Horses
I woke up at about 9 and showered and made my way down to breakfast and finally picked up some WiFi. I replied to a few whatsapp messages before opening my email and saw the results email. Before opening it I hesitated for a while and when I finally opened it I reread it about 10 times before grinni...
Mendoza Chilling
Due to my early night I woke early n enjoyed lying in bed for a while before getting the day started. The early start also meant that I could have a skype chat home and chat to my parents and gran who recently turned 88. Then enjoyed some cereal and bread for breakfast before heading to independence...
Hola Mendoza
I awoke with the sun in my eyes and after a little while I was able to see and had a great view of the Andes. The closer we got to Mendoza (and after another little nap) the vineyards started to appear. When we got to the bus stop I looked at all the bus options and decided I wanted to try get the f...
Around Valparaiso
After not sleeping much I got up at 10 to grab some breakfast and checkout. I then met up with Cheryl and Rowan at their hostel (walking much of the same route as the walking tour). We then went for some coffee and catching up before walking around a little and found a restaurant which was overlooki...
Valparaiso Graffiti
We woke up in time to catch breakfast before making our way to the walking tour which started at 10. We were running a little late but fortunately so was the tour. At the start of the tour we were amazed at how the buildings seemed to be hanging off the side of the mountain. The tour started with us...
Hola Valparaiso
We got an early start and enjoyed some toasted ham and cheese sarmies for breakfast (nice change from the bread and jam) while Rebecca did some planning with wifi I went out to find some flash drives to exchange and backup pics. On the way I bumped into Tai and Krista who had just arrived but were u...
Around Santiago
We had a slow start to the day with getting up at 10 and having some breakfast before showering and getting ready for the day. Unfortunately the internet in hostel was still not working so went walking to look for a cafe with wifi. We found one around the corner and had some coffee, did some researc...
Superbowl Day
We left the bus station and started walking in search of a coffee shop with WiFi to find some accommodation. As we left the bus station we grabbed a coffee and a chicken and avo sarmie for later and kept walking. We walked down O'Higgins (a main road) and everything was closed (it was Sunday after a...
Hitching Day
We got a slow start to the day and were up after 10 where we repacked our bags before making some breakfast (and found another egg has been stolen). After some WiFi and got some hitching advice from Gloria (the hostel owner). She also told us to try get to Temuco as busses are cheap from there and w...
Volcano Trekking
We woke up early to make some sarmies for the hike and breakfast before a long day of trekking up Villerrica Volcano. We then made our way to our tour Co (andesma) to sort out some gear but only left for the volcano at 7:30. Fortunately there was a bit of a drive there so we managed to catch up on s...
Rafting Day
As we had to change hostels we were up early to pack our bags and put them in storage and sent away some laundry before making our way to go rafting. From the office we went to a little store unit where we got all our gear (wetsuit, helmet, booties, etc). We then got back in the van which now had so...
Planning Day
We got a slow start to the day after waking up at 9 and having some breakfast while chatting to our new friends. We tried to do some planning online without much success so decided to take a walk into town and look for a new hostel as there was no more space here for us. Most places were booked up s...
Hola Pucon
We woke up early to pack our bags and catch the bus to Pucon. The bus was very empty with only about 8 people on it so we sat up front to enjoy more leg room. It was probably one of the better busses that I have been on but the wifi and free drinks are still eluding me… The border crossing took ages...
Bike Day
After a chilled night we managed to sleep through the alarm and got up at 9am for breakfast and made our way back to the bus terminal to find a bus to Pucon. We easily managed to get a relatively cheap bus for the next day (considering how expensive the bus from El Chalten to Bariloche was). We then...
Bus Day
After some seep and a sniffling Rebecca it was time to change buses in Perito Merino. The bus was early so there was nothing open in town even though we took a little walk around only to be told that the only place that will be open is the hotel where the bus dropped us. Eventually the hotel opened...
Hiking Day
We had a great sleep and a slow start to the day and we made our way back to the panaderia for some sweet pastries before deciding on what hike we would do for the day to tire us out before the bus at 8pm. Started walking towards the beginning of the Fitz Roy ony to come across some decent wifi outs...
Viedma Glacier Trekking
I didn’t sleep well and was u early so read a bit again in bed before getting up and getting ready for the glacier trek. Obviously we needed some food stocks before we went so made our way to the panataria to get some lunch and also just happened to get some sweet pastries for breakfast. We then wen...
American Day
I took another slow start to the day and read in bed a little before heading into to town. The weather decided to change a little and was now windy and overcast but still made my way to Mathildas for some coffee and to do the last little bit of catching up on my blog and admin. Here I met some climb...
Canadian Day
My early waking body clock seems to be back with it waking me a little later than usual at 8:30. I had some more dolce de leche and bread for breakfast before making my around town to find out about tours to go trekking on the glacier and getting busses to Bariloche. After getting all my info togeth...
Hammock & Craft Beer
The day started nice and slow with my body clock waking me at 8:30. I packed my bag for a day of typing and admin and headed down the road to get going. I stopped in at a tour agency and booked a tour for Rebecca and I to go trekking on Glacier Viedma on Friday and then went a little further down th...
Laguna de los Tres
I got up and grabbed some bread with dolce de leche for breakfast before making my way to Cheryl and Rowan’s hostel for the shuttle pick up to start our trekking for the day. We took the shuttle to Hostelria El Pilar and walked from there to Laguna de los Tres ad then back into town. The last hour o...
Hola El Chalten
We were up early to catch our 8am bus to El Chalten and were actually very pleased to get out of El Calafate. The town just seemed like a tourist trap and didn’t really have a nice feel about it. On the bus I started ready and yes fell asleep again. After a while I woke up and we had the most amazin...
Perito Merino Glacier
Masha got up early to sort out buses while I stole a few extra ZZZ’s but was up shortly after her so I could catch my tour. Shortly after I got up a very excited Masha came back to the room as she had just scored the last ticket to go trekking on the glacier and had also booked tickets for a day tri...
Farewell Puerto Natales
I took a really slow and relaxed start to the day and was surprised to find that my legs and feet were not screaming at me. We spent the morning exchanging pics with the team and packing my bag. I ran out to get a sandwich for the bus and then made my way to the bus station after a few farewells at...
The W-Trail - Torres del Paine
Day 1: Got up early to do a little final packing and grab breakfast before walking to the bus station with my house on my back. This was my first multiday hike and camping experience so I was feeling rather nervous but really excited about it. We had to do this walk at a rather brisk pace as we were...
W-Trail Planning
In the hostel Rebecca met another solo traveller (Andy) who was also keen to join for the W-trail. We had a slow morning and then went back to Base Camp for the info session where we met Wil. Our team was complete! After the info session we did some planning and went in quest for some gear and food....
Puerto Natales
I had a nice slow morning and made my way to catch the 10am bus to Puerta Natales only to find that Cheryl and Rowan were on the same bus as me. As has become normal now after reading a few pages on the bus I fell asleep only to wake up every now and then to see some more karoo landscape and a few s...
Bus to Punta Arenas
I was up early in the morning to catch an 8am bus to Punta Arenas and then a connecting bus to Puerto Natales at 9pm. On this bus trip we needed to cross over into Chile which I was interested how it would work and how long the transfer would take but fortunately at the border the bus got a dedicate...
Chill Day
After lots of walking yesterday and there not being much more to do in Ushuaia due to me being stuck here longer than expected I took it easy and caught up on admin and blog posts. Something I forgot to add about the other day is that this place is crazy difficult to get out from. There are so many...
Laguna Esmeralda & Glacier el Martial
Chez, Rowan, Michael, Tudor and I met at the hostel at 9:30 and made our way down to the bus station to catch a bus to the beginning of the trail. The trail started in the forest before opening up to Beaver Lake where we could see clear evidence of beavers but unfortunately didn’t manage to spot any...
Chill Day
The plan for the day was to join Tudor on a hike to the glacier but somehow we missed each other (even though we were in the same dorm room). I took the opportunity to head into town (by walking 1 block) to find some new pants and also a beanie as I am now planning to camp in Torres del Paine which...
Tierra Del Fuego
During the day yesterday I arranged with Florian, Krista and Tai (from the hostel in Buenos Aires) to go to the national park for the day and do some hiking. I made my way down to the bus station, met Florian and then we caught the bus into the park where we waited for Krista and Tai. While waiting...
Adios Amigo - See you soon...
We woke relatively early to have some breakfast and pack our bags before heading to the airport. At the airport we were in separate terminals but after checking in we met up for one last farewell beer. IT was a great trip together and was awesome to catch up again and I hope I have managed to convin...
Feliz Compleaños
The celebrations started the night before but today we got up early to get to the meeting point where we would go skydiving. We duly woke at 7 and got walking the few blocks and approached the van. The guy sitting inside took one look at me and asked “how much do you weigh?”. I was a little surprise...
Colonia
At the port we found the check in counter where we were informed that the ferry was leaving an hour early (at 12:15). We grabbed our boarding passes and got our passports stamped and just managed to catch the ferry in time. Due to buying the tickets so late we had to buy first class tickets there wh...
Feliz Año Nuevo
We had a slow start to the day with just relaxing around the hostel and then taking a walk to the supermarket to get some drinks for the party later. We also got some food for the trip to Colonia for the next day as we were warned that everything would be closed on new year’s day. At the hostel we h...
San Telmo, La Boca & Palermo
After a few lazy days (and crazy nights) we decided to see what Buenos Aires was about during the day so went on a few free walking tours. We started in the hostel and made our way through San Telmo seeing some local markets and getting an appreciation for the history of the area. The problem is tha...
More Food
After another late night we missed breakfast again and had an easy day. In the early afternoon we were getting hungry and decided to return to Del Plata for lunch. Here we shared a 700g rib which again was excellent! Unfortunately there were no random people met but Damien did stay in contact with R...
Steak & Tango
After the big night the night before we eventually got up around lunch time and started thinking about what we want to do in Beunos Aires and also what we were going t do for new year and obviously this had to be done over a beer. We did some planning in the hostel and enjoyed a few beers. Not much...
Hola Buenos Aires
We eventually arrived in Buenos Aires at about 2pm and took a cab to the hostel (America del Sur) which was awesome. At reception they were extremely helpful and friendly and sorted us out with some much needed beer after we had dropped our bags in the room. After a few beers we made our way into Sa...
Iguazu Falls from Argentina
As planned, we woke up to enjoy the sunrise over the falls. What a spectacular sight! We capped this with a beer before making our way down to breakfast where we enjoyed another hot breakfast before making our way into the park to explore the Argentinean side of the falls. We took a train to the wal...
Feliz Navidad
We started the day slowly with some calls home and a hot breakfast before catching a cab across the border and to our hotel. We decided to splurge a little, it is Christmas after all, and booked into the Sheraton and enjoyed a room with a falls view. We both just walked into the room, dropped our ba...
Iguazu Falls from Brazil - Christmas Eve
The bus was on time and very comfortable and got us to Rio without a hitch and some much needed sleep. From there we grabbed a cab to the airport and checked into our flight to Iguazu. Everything was just working which was awesome after my travel experiences so far! We then had some time to kill at...
4x4 Tour
The day got off to a relatively early start and grabbed breakfast at the hostel (ham and cheese roll) and made our way to the meeting point for the tour. We met up with our guide, Sonia, and a few other tourists and jumped onto the back of a Land Rover and drove off into the hills. Our first stop wa...
Planning Day
After the big night we took a slow day and planned the rest of the trip, but it wasn’t as easy as it sounds. First there were no more busses to Sao Paolo so we had to get a bus back to Rio and then get a flight from there to Iguazu. We wanted to get to Iguazu around midday so we could do some sights...
Ola Paraty
We had another easy morning today making a bit of a dood gooi with some leftovers for breakfast. We then checked out and made our way into town (5 min walk) to wait for our transfer (yes, with Easy Transfers) to Paraty. There wasn’t much to do while waiting in the heat so we decided a few beers woul...
Walking Day
Jana came to our place at about 10:30 when we were just sitting outside enjoying the view of the beach and planning the rest of our trip. We said our farewells and she made her way to Soa Paolo and Berlin after being away since August. Ilha Grande is known for its natural beauty and forest walks so...
Boat Trip
We had a slow start to the morning and Jana joined us at about just before 10am when Damien and I made our way to the local for a quick drink before the trip. We got into town a bought a few beers and water and hired the snorkel equipment. We then jumped on the boat and made our way along the coast...
Ciao Rio - See you next year...
Through our hostel we arranged for a transfer to Ilha Grande and were told to be ready for pick up by Easy Transfers at 8am. As the punctual people we are, we were packed and waiting at 8. We had also arranged for Jana to be collected in Leme at 7:30. We were just relaxing at the hostel and catching...
Paragliding & Favela Tour
Carlos met us in the morning and took us back to Pepino beach to go paragliding and enjoy Rio from the sky. We met up with Max and Marinho (our pilots for the day) who, after some creative passport numbers and indemnities, took usy up to Tajuca Forest and onto the Pedra Bonita ramp. Now that we were...
Corcovado & Sugar Loaf
On Tuesday morning we got up and ready for our tour to go see Tajuca Forest, Corcovado, Lapa Steps and then Sugar Loaf. Our tour guide, Carlos, was such a character! Constantly making jokes and enjoying the local talent with us. Before heading to the forest we made our way to Pepino beach to get o...
Adios Abraço Carioca
On Sunday night Damien and I made our way to my old hostel to have dinner and say farewell to all the new friends there. After cheating a little by taking a taxi up the hill we walked up the stairs through the favela to the hostel we enjoyed a great farewell dinner, beers and Caipirinhas. On our wal...
N&D go to the Beach
We took an easy start to the day after laughing about the night before and made our way to the beach at around midday. We took a walk from our hostel to Ipanema and then around through to Copacabana. Obviously we needed some fuel for this trip so we stopped for multiple beer refills. Once in Copac...
Reunited in Rio - Trouble has arrived
Rio was always going to change a gear when Damien arrived. On Sunday morning I packed my bags and made my way from Leme and my hostel with the amazing view to Ipanema to meet up with Damien who had just arrived from the airport. All I can remember thinking when making my way down the stairs and the...
Niteroi - Fish!!!
Today got off to an early start by waking at my usual 6am. I tried to get back to sleep but to no avail so I got up and had a coffee and enjoyed the early morning view...that hill is really worth the walk! After taking it easy we (the hostel owner as guide and a group from the hostel) went to Nitero...
Beach Chill Day
To all of you watching my diet (which has mainly consisted of beer and bread) I decided to start the day with a fruit salad. Shortly after this there was a loud bang from the favela below us and our electricity and wifi was gone! Shortly after Gabriel (the hostel owner) arrived to inform us that som...
Rio Streets at Night - Lapa
Being a Saturday night and being in Rio we decided that we should take the opportunity to experience the night life. We made I way into Lapa to enjoy some Forro dancing. Forro is a Brazilian style of dancing where the partners hold each other close and it gets very heated. We got to the club to find...
Rio - Day 2 - The Streets
Today started with a nice big breakfast of fruit, cereal and toast (much more than I normally eat but it gets so hot during the day that I can’t even think of eating so I had to build up reserves!! Since I had seen the beach side of Rio I decided that I should walk the streets and see what makes thi...
Trip to Brasil - ...the adventure begins...
Well, where do I begin... So many things lead up to this “adventure” so let’s just start in the beginning. After a big weekend of farewells and a wedding I went to bed on Sunday night with a notification from Google saying that my flight from JHB to Sao Paolo had been cancelled. So I said “I need sl...
Rio - Day 1 - Beach Day
My fist impression of Rio was, WOW! What a contradiction! I took the BRT from the airport which was about a two hour trip and for the entire journey all I say was houses that had been half demolished and graffiti everywhere and everything just looked dirty (without any litter to be seen). From there...
The Plan - ...the ever changing one...
So, the plan as it stands is to fly in to Rio de Janeiro where I will relax for a few days on the beach before meeting Damien (one of my oldest friends) a few days later. Its been about 2 years since I last saw him so there is going to be plenty of mayhem while we catch up. Together we plan to make...