TravelStream™ news feed for member escott10 on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/escott10 en-us Copyright ©2010 TravelPod.com Sat, 09 May 2009 14:15:24 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/escott10/1/1241359680/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/escott10/1/1241359680/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/escott10/1/1241359680/tpod.html Sat, 09 May 2009 14:15:24 -0400 Where's WALDO (and the Scotts)

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Cusco, Peru

Wake up call at 5 am to meet Juan for the trip to the airport for our second try. Much safer with less traffic in the early am. Luck was on our side today with no line or excess baggage fee applied (should have been $80 as you are only allowed a sum of 25 lbs for two bags) like this works for women.....1 hr flight and arrived to meet Brian holding our names on a little sign. Altitude impact kicked in soon after arrival when we arrived at our host family home on the third floor to the home and our room on the third floor of the home, count em 6 floors with four bags, we were breathless. Gotta love an altitude of approx. 12,000 ft. Living with Anna Maria, a spanish teacher, her son Jose a student at the university who works for North Face and her father Alahandro who only speaks spanish. They also have another volunteer from Holland named Naomi. The majority of the language in the house is spanish which is allowing us to practice. Emily fairs much better than I in the language department, that high school class kicked in and she can do very well. Que Bueno, verdad? I did say third floor right? To get to our room you climb a narrow spiral staircase which you must duck to avoid knocking off your cabeza....going down is more of a limbo move. So....6 people one small bathroom with a warning to only use the handle in the shower with the black tape on it or you will get shocked. Settled into our room which contains two twin beds, yes that´s right.........only the beds. Oh, wait, there are two windows with no curtains which means we duck to get dressed and have a natural early morning wake up call. Tried coco tea for the altitude adjustment , so far so good and no we are not seeing things Sara......Had juevos rancheros for dinner, nothing like anything we have seen before, we are both a little queasy.......They say 2 or 3 days to adjust fully, cheers to conquering day 1! Hasta manana.
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Cusco, Peru

Friday.........everyone loves Fridays but for us it just means it is getting closer to our return home. We are staying at Anna Marie´s tonight for the last night, we will be going to Machu Picchu at 6:30 tomorrow morning and returning late Sunday night. We took the majority of our luggage to the hotel we will be staying in Sun, Mon and Tuesday to store it for us while we are traveling. This was a feat in itself as we have the 25 steps in the house and 47 down to the sidewalk.....Em is multi-tasking on the trip as she is working with her recruiter to find her next contract location. Tommorow morning we will be picked up for a bus trip to the train station, then a 4 hr ride to Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu. Will add more to this day as we are off to the orphanage........

Back again, the day was great but some of the girls were sad that we were leaving........spent most of the day outdoors playing with the girls and visiting. We received some great pictures from the kids and worked on some more craft projects as well. There was some kind of inspection going on today when we arrived and with it being Friday as well and no homework the day was a little different......Em helped with laundry, they was by hand outside in buckets and I helped dry the dishes, they set all of the wet ones in the middle of the table on a tablecloth and you use the tablecloth to dry. These kids have given us more than they know! Really hard to leave at the end of the day, it was a long departure at the gate with lots of hugs and kisses. Had laundry to pick up and then repacked all of our bags to take them to the hotel we will be staying in for the remainder of our time in Cusco for storage as we are just taking backpacks to Machu Picchu tomorrow. Afterwards found an amazing restaurant with great Italian food, really a treat.........good drinks too! Last night at Anna Maria´s...........
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Cusco, Peru

Thursday in Cusco.......the mix of old and new is interesting to see with people wandering in the traditional wear and modern influences everywhere. Yes Dan Smith there is a McDonalds here but we do not hit american chains when traveling out of the country. We have had our queasy moments because of it............but that´s what it´s all about (clap, clap). Took care of a few errands today such as laundry and banking, Em had spanish and then we spent some more time wandering. There are so many little streets and alleys and everyone is very friendly...except of course the little shit that took Ems phone. The day at the orphanage was great, a couple of the girls showed us some of their traditional dances and we spent alot of time on the so called playground with the kids. We brought alot of craft materials with us as well as other items for the school and they have enjoyed having some new things to do. The littlest girl fell asleep on the floor today in the middle of all of the activity.......another threw a screaming hissy fit........most seem fairly content as they go through their daily schedule. With the dollar strong here we are not spending money like we were on the 1st part of the trip. Last night we were yearning for something a little more like home so went to a place called Norton´s Rat Tavern, split a burger and fries-Em had a coke and I had (two for one) Gin and Tonic.....about $8.00 ***** 5 star rating for the Gin and Tonics in Cusco! Wandered around another square for awhile and got some great evening pictures. Hope everyone has a great night!
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Cusco, Peru

Yep, early morning sun to wake us and away we went. Spànish classes to start the day for two hours then out to explore the city. Em had her phone with her as she was expecting a call from her recruiter. She experienced the true Peruvian pickpocketing with her phone lifted without her noticing.........wondering if we should go to the market on Sunday to buy it back! Walked around the San Blas area that is built on the hillside, some great shops and very narrow cobblestone streets that the taxi´s amazingly pass through while almost missing the pedestrians.....located the hotel we were supposed to stay in on Saturday and made arrangements with them to stay Sun, Mon & Tue nights and store our luggage over the weekend while we are at Machu Picchu. Had lunch at Plaza de Armas (no guinnea pig yet) still working our stomachs up for that. Off to the orphanage for another day with the girls. We played volleyball, arts and crafts, worked on english for them (spanish for us) but of course all of the homework comes first. Getting more attached to these girls with each day, two of the 14 yr olds want to come home with us........they are best friends and shared a picture of dos guapo hombres that they thought were hot..........pictures to follow, expecially of them giggling about the whole thing and hiding the picture in their homework. In the evening we went to the main square to wander and find something for dinner. Many children selling various items fun to talk with but sad to see them so desperate to make money. Can´t tell you how much money we gave out to them..........just hard to say no.

Lessons learned
Spiders are good luck for money (don´t step on them)
Duck your cabeza when going up or down the spiral staircase
Huevos Rancheros in Peru don´t taste like those in the US or Mexico
Pharmacies here sell anything to anyone..........(field trip anyone)? We know this is right up your alley Sara!
Coca Tea is mmmmmmm good!
Altitude sickness is for real

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Cusco, Peru

Heading to Cusco today and excited about what it has to offer. Got all of our bags ready, had a quick breakfast and off to the airport.........three hours early to make sure we were good to go. 2.5 hrs in line, unbelievably slow but again patience is a virture when traveling right? Yeah, sure.........we get to the agent and are told that even though we have a reservation, they do not have seats for us until Sunday. We displayed our most courtesous "angry tourist" responses and they gave us a voucher for a hotel, taxi back to Lima and then a return to the airport on Sunday and three meals at the hotel. What the heck, another day in Lima to explore. We called the hotel in Cusco to cancel the reservation for the night and contacted Global Volunteers to let them know the change as well. Spent the day out on the streets, Lima is a huge city..............everything is fast and furious here. Em found a great Alpaca leather purse and more gifts for friends and family. We did actually get boarding passes for tomorrow so think we will again be good to go.
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Cusco, Peru

Woke up at 11:30 p.m., 11:52 p.m., 12:17 a.m., 12:37 a.m. and on and on, you get the picture? The dogs are driving us crazy, seems there are more dogs than people in Peru after dark. Security also blows whistles to let you know they are there and everything is safe. Unfortunately the combination of these things and beds with springs coming through the mattresses are not good combinations for sleep. We were in fine form for orientation at the Maximo Nivel school which is a sponsor for our program.Global Crossroads. At the school they teach international business people spanish as well as visitors and english for locals. People in our group from NZ, Canada, Bermuda, Ireland, England, Holland ...again, so interesting meeting all of these people. Went to the orphanage where we are spending the majority of our time and spent the rest of the day getting to know the children. This orphanage is all girls ages 4 to 15, 40 in total currently in the home (many pictures to follow). So easy to become attached quickly, one in particular has touched both of us named Rosalie who is 15 and shared with us that both her mother and father died. If we come home with excess baggage you´ll know why (maybe you should have gotten more bedrooms in the new home Sara). The main need is attention and affection for these girls as the staff is very limited (2 most of the time) and their focus is on daily chores.....lucky for us! After many Peruvian cheek kisses and hugs we said our goodbyes with the promise to return. Hailed a taxi and headed home (2.5 sole for a taxi ride anywhere in Cusco....$1 = 3 sole) gotta love it!
Breakfast = roll and tea
Lunch=Chicken dish (attempted to eat but unsuccessful)
Dinner=roll and tea
Visited with the family before turning in..........In bed escuchamos los perros.................crap!
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Cusco, Peru

Sun up = we are up..........actually awakened again about every 30 minutes to the crazy dogs.........Hard to complain when you are on holiday in Cusco but we are tired. Quick breakfast, you guessed it roll and tea and off to our spanish class. No english allowed in the classroom.........Can you picture mom as she repeatedly said "un cerveza por favor" and "donde es el bano" while I slid under the desk Sara? Set up our trips to Machu Piccu and the Sacred Valley with a man who only spoke spanish. The true test of our spanish ability will be tested come Saturday when we identify if we are really in Machu Picchu after discussing a car pick up, train tickets, bus ride, hotel reservations and MP tickets, we are hoping for 5 out of 5. Off to the orphanage where we were met with many smiles........made the day! I helped with math homework, beading and some craft projects while mom helped with homework, played soccer and games with the girls. The girls taught both of us numerous hand games that go with songs where you´re clapping, patting hands, hopping and spinning in circles before falling to the floor. The girls loved teaching us. It is amazing how little they all get by on and makes you realize how much we take for granted. Ended the day about 6:30, back to visit with the family and off to bed...........miss everyone!
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Lima, Peru

Woke up today at 11am, jet lag at its best.... Started the day by heading to the local shopping center that is located right on the ocean. The fog was thick but still warm out today. Found a few buys such as a purse made out of llama leather and locally made jewelry. Then jumped in a cab to head to the local outdoor markets. Hundreds of stalls filled with local goods and were able to buy many unique gifts for those at home. Met a lady (Julia) at one of stands while purchasing some fun finger puppets for the kids at work for Emily and for the kids back home too. She would teach us the Spanish name of each animal and in turn Emily would tell her the English name which made for a good laugh, she especially liked pig. Also met a little boy named Diego who was cute as a button (Sorry Will and Olive, Dora was not with him). Back to the hotel to drop off our stash before heading back out to dinner. Tomorrow we will make our way back to the airport (keep your fingers crossed for us) to head off to Cusco, about an hour and a half flight... wayyyyy up. We are hoping we dont get altitute sickness, otherwise we may have to resort to the so called coca leaves for medicinal purposes of course. Buenas Noches!

Lessons Learned
1. Taxi prices in Peru are very inexpensive in a monetary sense. For instance the 40 minute trip to the aiport is 27.00 U.S Dollars and around town typically 3 to 6 dollars.
2. When everyone around you speaks Spanish you tend to pick up key words and phrases much easier.
3. Everyone barters in Peru (We know Debbie this would be rough on you)
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Lima, Peru

We arrived in Lima at 7pm local time after a very interesting 19 hours. Upon leaving L.A we have never felt so uneasy in a plane as we did right after take off. The plane started making a funny noise, leveling out and not ascending further and we started circling back towards L.A both with a look of fear on our faces I am sure. The noise finally died down and sure enough they kept going as we started ascending up above the clouds on our way South. Upon arrival in San Salvador a vast majority of people were wearing masks for the fear of swine flu or possibly mad cow syndrome...(Just like good ole droplet season at work Yaz and Mindy). We got there at 7am and our next flight was at 255pm, after very random spurts of sleep on the previous plane we both felt like zombies. At last we made it to Lima and arrived to the smell of god only knows what, but it was awful (along the lines of low tide-dead fish times ten). However we were not near the water???? Also, as we got off the plane we were greeted by two ladies in gowns, gloves, and masks handing out flyers about sanitation protection. Made our way through the airport with ease and found a shuttle to the hotel. Now the story begins....Apparently the lines in the road mean nothing in Peru. According to mom it is a game of who has the biggest balls... People going in every which direction and flashing their lights, honking, and all kinds of interesting hand signals that we will use later. 40 minutes later we arrived at the hotel, yes without a scratch.. what a good driver we had. You know when the driver says other drivers are loco there is something wrong with that. (Sara, think of Mexico times 10) The hotel is lovely and an amazing roof top pool-bar area with cabanas (similar to those in your new second home Yaz). Had dinner at the hotel and have to say the presentation of it was amazing, picture worthy unfortunately the batteries were dead by that point. After dinner just relaxed a little before turning in!

Lessons Learned
1.Maybe the swine flu masks should be used for the Lima smell at the airport (luckily that was the only area with the smell)
2. Travel insurance is advised if you dare to rent a vehicle in Peru.(No Jake you dont get it all if we are bumped off)
3. Paint lines in the road are a waste of tax payers money here.
4. When flying on a trip to Peru make sure you take something to knock yourself out, spurts of sleep just dont add up well.
5. Gin and Tonic come in separate glasses when ordered in Peru
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Tauranga, North Island, New Zealand

6:30am wake up call to look out and see Tauranga awaiting us! We set off this morning on an excursion to the Kaituna Jet Boat Tour and Kiwi Farm. After boarding the Kaituna Jet that per their advertisement says "is build for speed" we were wondering why no one else wanted to sit in the back seat. Being the good volunteers that we are, we took our seats and later discovered the reasoning. In our minds however we were the lucky ones, as the blast of water in your face is unlike no other. We set out on a 12 km journey up the Kaituna river with beautiful scenery along the way (what you could catch as you flew by that is). Fast and furious with numerous 360 degree spins included by our wonderful driver (Jake you would have loved this one). It was unbelieveable, and we do believe that the four of us in the back seat took the brunt of the water for everyone. As we were dripping wet when we got off the jet boat! Great time and we want to thank the Missoula Team for this great adventure. We also toured a kiwi farm which was really quite interesting and saw many sheep along the way (yes, mom even fed them- slimy mouths and all). Spent the last few hours of our time here looking through the shops in town before heading back to the ship. Tonight we are going to check out the show and casino after dinner. The next three days are out at sea... somewhere out there!!!

Lessons Learned:
- Do sit in the back row of a jet boat or you miss all the fun.
- Law of gravity was in our favor - you can do a 360 degree turn on a river, skid sideways, and avoid turning
the boat over.
- Kiwi is not just a fruit, but can be provided in lotions, chapstick, shampoos, cookies, jam, etc......
- While cruise ships have food around every corner that doesn't mean you have to try it all, even if the
temptation arises.
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