elcigaro34's TravelStream™ — Recent TravelPod.com entries TravelStream™ news feed for member elcigaro34 on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/elcigaro34 en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:09:54 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com A great day with a tough feel — Aguas Calientes, Sacred Valley, Peru http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1258995908/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1258995908/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1258995908/tpod.html Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:09:54 -0500 The time has come to try this again. I need a break and I refuse to let the world break me...
Aguas Calientes, Sacred Valley, Peru

Just got back from checking out the amazing Machu Picchu. This was something. The time in general has been a bit tough. We ran into some problems with the tour company that was suppose to help us get here. First, they were late in getting to the hostal to pick us up. We were told that we paid for a private automobile, but we ended up riding on a small van style bus with 12 other people. Lucky us, during the bus ride we had a special little guy who got car sick while sitting on mama´'s lap. So, after smelling that for another hour and forcing Derrel (6ft 4in tall) to sit in a tiny cramped seat, we finally got to the train station. The train ride was relatively smooth and enjoyable. We rode through some very calming jungle scenes. There was some more drama, but I won't elaborate on that simply because this was a joyous occasion.

I have wondered about Machu Picchu for so many years. Why it was built? What it was used for? I knew that all of my questions would be answered once I got here, but they weren't. Apparently, no one really has a real clue as to how or why Machu Picchu was built. The reasoning behind the architectural marvel is not all that important. The sight is! In most pictures, Machu Picchu does not seem very large, but being here adds vastness to it and even more mystery. How did the Inca built this place and use such precision? It is truly incredible. Please enjoy the pics.

On another negative note, Derrel has been suffering from what we consider to be altitude sickness. He is a trooper though. He has put away all aches, pains, drains, and stains to be awed by what Peru has to offer. Derrel actually had the chance to take a short nap, separately of course, in the courtyard of Machu Picchu. Wiping the crust from my eyes and drool from my newly adopted beard, I was able to experience slightly what the Inca would wake up to daily.


Back in Cuzco, we were able to take a great horseback riding trek to the Temple of the Moon. A not-so-glorious ruin in comparison to the might Machu Picchu, but still fascinating. We were able to meet up with Christina, a young lady staying at our hostel and we all shared a great day of riding, shopping, exploring, prancing in the rain, devouring dinner, and dancing the night away. This was one of my favorite days while in Peru. Why do you ask? Well, being that it was Derrel's first time on a horse it was quite entertaining to see him putting his shows back on after falling off the horse that was half his size. According to Derrel, the horse started running and he didn't fall off....he was forced to "bail!" I can't get enough of this kid and his shanagans.

The final night was had in Peru, we all decided to attend one of the largest water shows on the planet. It was a marvelous experience. It was like a Disney-style water fountain park. It was really impressive and we got to meet up with about a group of 15 of us. We also managed to strategically organize a quick "Where the hell is Matt" dance sequence in the park. We had a few more in different parts of Peru, but this one had kids involved so it made it extremely special and enjoyable. If you don't know about "Where the hell is Matt" just go on youtube and type that in and take a look.

Well, I know I have written the majority of this as if I was still in Peru, but sadly I'm home now. I just finished writing lesson plans and getting ready to go back to work. I finish up class this week as well and start coaching girls softball. No vacation is long enough for me it seems.... Thank you all for reading the blog. Please, enjoy the pictures and I cannot wait to take my next adventure and share it with all of you. Have a great holiday season.

Orlando B

]]> The Inca called this their capitol and I know why — Cusco, Peru http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1258770005/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1258770005/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1258770005/tpod.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:30:08 -0500 The time has come to try this again. I need a break and I refuse to let the world break me...
Cusco, Peru

A child can feel that something he reads in books is fake and he must see it to believe it....and here I am. I remember reading about the Incas and Egypt back in 6th grade. I thought it was some cool stuff, but didn´t really believe it and I told myself that I would come one day. One of those promises is being lived out. The only thing that could make this trip any better would be sharing it with a great friend. I have lucked out on this trip and have one of my best friends with me. He is holding his own and loving every second of it.

It is hard to predict how you will travel with someone. Some people just want to party all day and night. Others want to spend their whole time in museums. Some look for the most thrilling adventures. Derrel and I are a great combination of all. I can only provide a quick rundown because it has taken me almost 2 hours to figure this pc out.

Arriving in Lima, we made friends quite quickly and stayed up all night. We had the chance to take a look at the sunrise and see it from the southern part of the world. The sun might be the same, but the eyes viewing them are enlightened. We only had a quick couple of nights in Lima and caught our next flight to Cuzco.

Cuzco is a place that I would recommend to everyone. We are saving Machu Pichu for last so you won´t see any of those pictures just yet. The city has a phenomenal square with plenty of great food and people. I believe Derrel and I just sat in the square for about an hour and saw the world passed by. Soon we looked over our shoulders and saw something that must be out of a fantasy novel. There were, not one, but TWO rainbows raising up from behind the cathedral in the main square. It was a moment of total peace. It made me believe that there was someone up there watching over us and allowing us a chance to see something our dreams could only hope for.

Please enjoy the pictures and I will upload the rest after Machu Pichu. Thank you all for the lovely comments and emails. We are both having a great time and getting well educated in many respects. To all those back in the States, have a great Thanksgiving.

Peace out!
]]> El Salvador — San Salvador, El Salvador http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1195280700/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1195280700/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1195280700/tpod.html Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:39:04 -0500 The time has come to try this again. I need a break and I refuse to let the world break me...
San Salvador, El Salvador

From the history of Rome and the gentle scene of Geneva to the bustling business and breathtaking foliage of El Salvador; I landed in the country that the majority of my family called home for many years. Some still do.

It had been a long 9 years since I last saw my family here and they nearly didn't recognize me as I patiently scoured the immense crowds for a familiar face. I would quickly remember our tradition we arrive from the States. There is no better way to celebrate your arrival in El Salvador then to drop back a couple of Pilsner and woof down a couple pupusas revueltas. This is why I doubled the quantity of both.

Soon enough I was embraced by family I had yet to meet: my 8 year old nephew and 5 year old niece. A great welcoming experience, I just seem to be in the happiest of moods when I'm around children. I still don't look forward to returning to work come Monday.

I would be lying if this trip wasn't filled with mixed emotions. The joy of meeting a part of my family I hadn't seen in nearly a decade would soon filter away to an attack of grief and regret.

Visiting the small pueblo my mother grew up in was a treat in itself, but the inevitable reminder of my grandmother lingered in the thick humid air. The short walk to the cemetery was underway. I still remember the day when my stepfather called me at school and informed me of her passing. My mother and I quickly packed a bag and were on our way when an airline employee reminded me that my passport had expired and would not be allowed to travel. My mother would have to take the somber trip alone. A day I still regret...

Standing before the deteriorating block of cement that houses my grandmother I was taken aback by my lack of emotional response. I had no idea why I could not react in the manner I had expected. My gaze simply analyzed the corroding fencing and brightly colored graves.


My true reaction didn't occur until my last day in El Salvador. A powerful storm had engulfed the capitol. Blinding lightening filled the sky and lit up my room from a crack in the window. The raindrops clashed against the thin metal roofing. Suddenly, I put my book down and realized I was sleeping in the same bed my grandmother had during her final days. This wasn't what had me thinking. I wondered if she was happy with the life I was living. If she believed what I had become was worth while. It could have just been that I was reflecting on my own life and using her as an excuse to do so. Regardless of the reason, it kept me up for quite sometime.

WOW! This has turned pretty depressing. I'm sorry. I suppose visiting a place where you are considered to be fairly wealthy and seeing people that you care so much about but rarely see puts life into perspective. It did a small number on me.

I hope my next adventure will be a more positive one. Till next time...

]]> Manchester — Manchester, United Kingdom http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1195234980/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1195234980/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1195234980/tpod.html Sat, 17 Nov 2007 01:29:30 -0500 The time has come to try this again. I need a break and I refuse to let the world break me...
Manchester, United Kingdom

Manchester
]]> Leaving the States — Geneva, Switzerland http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1193955540/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1193955540/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1193955540/tpod.html Sat, 17 Nov 2007 01:28:58 -0500 The time has come to try this again. I need a break and I refuse to let the world break me...
Geneva, Switzerland

Just heading out right now
]]> Manchester, Geneva, & Rome with my mama!!! — Rome, Italy http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1195235100/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1195235100/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1195235100/tpod.html Sat, 17 Nov 2007 01:22:49 -0500 The time has come to try this again. I need a break and I refuse to let the world break me...
Rome, Italy

There has been a lapse in my traveling habits recently and personally and don't know what it is due to. It could be financial or lack of time...even sheer motivation, but the time has come and will not go alone this time - I bring MY MOTHER!!! This is something I have been wanting to do for quite sometime and frankly, she deserves it. Anyone that could put up with me for so many years and still love me should be elected into public office.

First arrival was in Geneva, Switzerland where my mother reunited with a half sister she had not seen in 38 years. So, basically, they have never met. There is nothing more heartwarming than to witness two people that have missed the evolution of each other's lives after helping to raise one another. An emotional time you can imagine.

After settling down for a minute, it was time to explore the city once again on more deeper level. Unfortunately, a more deeper level was going out to a club with some DISTANT relatives from El Salvador studying in Geneva. A good time, but not truly my scene anymore. I can't take anything away from Geneva's nightlife though; they know how to have a good time. I would have to say that the best part of Geneva was taking a short jog around Lake Geneva and chilly afternoon. Zoned out and focusing on the beautiful city is a relaxing experience. Geneva is definitely a small city with a smaller town feel. The city is closed on Sundays - literally and there really isn't that much to do aside from some light sightseeing. If you can afford the prices in this expensive dwelling I suggest you visit it for a couple of days.

I stopped by in Manchester for a couple of days to see a friend I met in Cambodia last year. We really didn't do much exploring, but it was a great opportunity to see a good friend. I have to say that the weather wasn't welcoming of a relaxing walk (soggy ole England). England, "The great indoors." The most impressive part of my stay in England, other that visiting my buddy, was Liverpool Airport. Fairly new, it was named John Lennon Airport and have some fascinating memorabilia. Like a giant yellow submarine right outside the airport entrance doors. There are also some great Lennon quotes scattered all over the airport.

Lastly, we took a trip out to Rome. WOW! It is a great place for anyone that is interesting in history. There is so much to see you had better be there for AT LEAST a week. I was only there for a couple of days and ended up walking for 12 hours one day. Still wasn't able to see everything I wanted to. It is very easy to get around the city. The bus and subway systems are great, but honestly just walk. The city isn't really that big and with a map in your back pocket and so many sights you will not get lost. The sheer amazement of the monuments will keep you motivated to keep walking. From all of the walking you will develop quite an appetite and if you like pasta you are in the right place. Surprisingly, pizza does not look like it is marketed in the States in Italy. Don't get me wrong though it is delicious. Quick little advice, pepperoni in Italy isn't like pepperoni back home. If you order a pepperoni pizza it will come with only peppers. A great time in a place that is filled with amazing sights, delicious food, and wonderful people. I think my mom said it best while starring hypnotically at the Coliseum/Colosseo, "Siempre suena uno de venir y es increible cuando al fin llegan, no se puede creer." "One always dreams of visiting and it is incredible when you finally come, one cannot believe it."

Next stop is El Salvador and hopefully I will be able to give you a quick little description of the country with some good pictures.
]]> Oh baby, oh baby! — Geneva, Switzerland http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1159131360/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1159131360/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1159131360/tpod.html Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:16:58 -0400 The time has come to try this again. I need a break and I refuse to let the world break me...
Geneva, Switzerland

I made it to Europe okay and enjoyed my time in Geneva. I have to say that it is a beautiful city filled with all kinds of different people. It sort of reminded me of LA. Standing at the train station or walking down the streets you can overhear conversations going on in French, Italian, German, Spanish, and English (or maybe that was just me). The city is just made up of a plethora of cultures. So much so, all of food and products sold have warning labels, instructions, ect. printed in three languages.
I met up with some family while I was here, yes I have family in Switzerland and just found that out a couple of days before I left. It was awkward staying with them and well telling them stories that everyone else in my family knows and they have never heard. The best part was having to describe myself to my aunt, so she would know who I was when she came to get me at the train station.
While here I took a long walk around part of Lake Geneva. Geneva has this huge artificial geyser that was used for water purification years ago (don't ask me how) and it has become the "Pride of Geneva." This geyser shoots water about 250+ feet in the air. Wonderful sight! We also took a brisk stroll around the United Nations building. Pretty cool to think that thousands of international affairs are discussed and resolved within those walls.
This has to be one of the most expensive cities in the world though. If you come to visit be prepared to pay up. Let's just say that I went to a bar with my cousin and paid $38 for two Vodka and Red Bulls!!! My cousin said that it would be fairly easy for me to find a teaching job out here and work evenings as a bouncer and make some serious moola. I might take her up on that. Well, thanks again for keeping up with this. Hope all is well with all back home. See you in Salzburg, Austria and Munich, Germany.
]]> Back in LA — Los Angeles, California, United States http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1184903460/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1184903460/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1184903460/tpod.html Thu, 19 Jul 2007 23:51:55 -0400 The time has come to try this again. I need a break and I refuse to let the world break me...
Los Angeles, California, United States

Back in LA but planning another big one
]]> Beijing in a flash...no need to bath! — Beijing, China http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1173311520/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1173311520/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1173311520/tpod.html Fri, 09 Mar 2007 21:15:21 -0500 The time has come to try this again. I need a break and I refuse to let the world break me...
Beijing, China

Nearly 3 months after the return from my marvelous trip I simply had to get "On the road again." Things in life back home have been going fairly well, but I still feel like my real calling is to be somewhere in the world meeting new people, experiencing new things, and calling a different village/city/country my new home for a few breaths before my death. "You might say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."

Day 1
I arrived in Beijing at about 5am and with handy navigation skills I made it to my hostel in about an hour. I was a bit out of it when I first arrived so I decided to not do anything specifically for the day. I walked around for several hours, but was approached by so many eager Chinese to practice their English that I found myself having company every step I took. Not a bad thing at all though. I was invited to walk through a museum. I was asked be accompany a couple for some tea tasting. I glanced at some nice art and even had a brew with some locals at a pub. Not a bad first day I have to say.

History Note
I did make it out to Tiananmen Square, which was really made famous in 1989 when there was a student led sit-in and hunger strike. The government took the square back by force and entered with machine guns and tanks. It is said that 600-3000 people were killed, but no hard numbers have ever been released. The government has yet to admit any wrong doing and claims that no one had ever died in Tiananmen Square. A local informed me of this claim and it might be true because the military actually chased the students out of the square then shot them or crushed them with their tanks.

Day 2
I'm always on the run and feel it is good to get right into the mix, so I awoke at 6am and began my trip to the Great Wall. I won't say much about it (I will let the pictures speak for me) but I will say that walking along this amazing engineering achievement will definitely humble you. Not to mention make you tired and cold.

Day 3
Making new friends on a daily basis and so many sights to see makes life grand. Robin (an Aussie) and I have been exploring together a bit. We decided to check out the Forbidden city. After some intriguing conversation during the 5 km walk to the entranceway, my breath was taken back. Seeing this monument on TV and then in real life is remarkably different. Well, not that remarkably. We ran into a girl Erin, whom we met the night before at a pub, and she jumped in and joined the expedition. It was a great time full of laughs.
On our way out we were held up by a government tour and were not allowed to leave a certain street corner, so Robin and I made the best of it and played some hacky-sack (spellcheck). It was a great game and some locals even joined in. The game went sour when Robin attempted a backwards heel kick, which was caused by a lousy pass from your truly, and he heel kicked a local man of Chinese law. Yes, that's right we kicked a cop. The policeman's face disturbed my soul and shattered my smile. I was about to wave my freedom good bye. Luckily, the cop new we were not from these parts and told us with the authority of a territorial gorilla and the fierceness of a charging bull to stop playing...at least that is what my loose translation of his body language told me. I could be wrong.

Sorry this is so short and not to descriptive, but I'm on a time budget. I hope you enjoy the pics and I will try to write another before I leave or maybe just send some pictures. Thanks for reading and Buddha bless you.
]]> Siem Reap — Siem Reap, Cambodia http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1166284260/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1166284260/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elcigaro34/brownmansworld/1166284260/tpod.html Tue, 19 Dec 2006 01:45:52 -0500 The time has come to try this again. I need a break and I refuse to let the world break me...
Siem Reap, Cambodia

This is the last entry of my astonishing 3+ month adventure. I have to say that the travel bug has bitten me and expect more of these updates on where I am in the world - many more!


I have been in several places since my last entries, so I will just give a short description and series of events as my last entry before I get back home.

Kampot was not what Nick and I had expected. We had learned of an adventurous Nat'l Park in Kampot, but it was really more of a nature walk. The real journey was the car ride up to the park and back down. The roads were so bad in this particular area that it was smoother to drive off-road than on.

The real joy of Kampot came when an employee of our guesthouse asked if we would like to join him at the local park for an evening of festivities. As we staggered three bodies on a scooter made for two tiny Cambodians, not comfortable, we were off into the darkness of pothole filled streets. We arrived at the local park where there was a contest for the best theater production. I must say it was difficult trying to understand the entire story of the play, but we managed.


Sihanoukville was a great escape. Beautiful beaches, heart-stirring sunsets, friendly people and some memorable parties. Most of the day was spent at the beach and playing with the local children. I had an interesting experience in the ocean when a stampede of naked kids charged the ocean water and demanded that I toss them in the air and into the cool ocean water. They didn't know that I'm a pretty strong individual until they were flying 12 feet in the air (remember that Cambodians aren't very big so these kids only weighed about 40 pounds). Nick got some great pictures of me playing in the ocean with....naked little Cambodian boys...damn (geek me).

Later that afternoon, Nick and I were recruited to promote the party and were handed about 200 flyers to get the job done and that we did. They party was loud and proud. We even earned ourselves a $10 alcohol tab at the guesthouse, which was able to afford us 15 BEERS!

Siem Reap is an unimaginable place. I would constantly just stare at the architecture and super-detailed carvings and realize my mouth had dropped in awe. It took so long just to get through a few temples and you cannot spend less than an hour at each of them....not possible! Until I got here I didn't even know that the Angkor Temples exited in such great numbers. I always assumed there were just a couple of amazing temples, but there are TONS and all having their own unique qualities. Some small, some big, some crowded, some not, some amazing...all amazing.Angkor Wat is the largest of all the Angkorian Temples, but if you choose to visit don't overlook the other smaller and more cozy temples.

The final day in Siem Reap was one for the record books.We all decided to support the blind community of Siem Reap and get some blind massages. They were great, but the suspense came when we left and I couldn't find one of my sandals. I searched everywhere only to realize that one of the blind employees had accidentally put on one of my sandals. This might not sound funny, but he was cracking up along with us.

That evening was like most others. We headed out to a local pub for a beer and got hounded by little kids along the way to buy their books. With the personalities the Rory, Nick, and I have we started to play around with them. They got really comfortable really fast. After a few groin shots from a kid, we were having no more. Nick was getting kicked by a little boy with one leg...again not funny, but you have to laugh when the kid is having such a great time also. On his last kick, Nick swung around the grabbed the kid's leg in mid-kick. The kid's face was absolutely priceless. He knew he would be in trouble, but we just laughed and went on our way.

Bangkok for my final days abroad was as perfect as it could have been. I spent the entire day with my best friend from college Nick and Rory, who is now on that list as well. We just hung out and evaluated our time together in Cambodia. We even started making little plans for our next traveling quest (TBA).

Our last evening as a trio was spent in Bangkok's trendiest bar situated 198 meters above the ground. Vertigo bar is an open roof-top bar overlooking all of Bangkok. It is a bit pricey for Thailand, but you would spend the same on an evening out with buddies anywhere in the States. Probably one of the most hospitable places around. We are travelers and dressed like them, so we got bummed out when we arrived and realized there was a dress code. Instead of begging to be allowed in, we were all provided with nice black slacks and classy dress shoes. I was even given a cool blazer. Dressed and ready to enjoy the sunset, it was a night I will never forget with people I will always be grateful to.

Thank you all for all of your help and support. I couldn't of done it without you. I only hope that I have encouraged some of you to get out and see the world or join me next time.
Peace, love, and understanding.

From Bangkok, Orlando out....
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