TravelStream™ news feed for member punkinhed7 on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/punkinhed7 en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:36:39 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1216668720/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1216668720/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1216668720/tpod.html Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:36:39 -0400 Southern Comfort

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Buenos Aires, Capital Federal District, Argentina

Today it is raining, and very cold. Last week, it was Summer. I eat lots of facturas and empanadas, probably too many. I have yet to do anything touristy, though the ecological reserve is amazing, and if you walk far enough (out to the river) you come across a beach littered/made up of the remnants of Buenos Aires´ past. Huge pieces of tiled floors, concrete foundations, and enormous snake nests of copper pipes and wires. In between, scattered about the refuse, the ground is dotted with pottery shards, worn glass, and agates.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1214079900/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1214079900/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1214079900/tpod.html Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:29:54 -0400 Southern Comfort

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Brasiléia, Brazil

my head really hurts
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Puno, Peru

Finally made it out of Arequipa. Currently in Puno, second day here. Normally there wouldnt be much to do here, but somehow there has been a festival of sorts both days that weve been here. Yesterday it was the kids graduation from school (all levels) and there was a parade with hundreds of little children in some of the most interesting costumes ive seen in quite a while--pictures later. Today was the aniversary of Peru´s flag, so there were lots of soldiers/people in the streets carrying flags and throwing flower petals. Both were accompanied by multiple bands.

Im not sure if I wrote about it already, but I did make it to Colca, though I wasn´t able to hike down into it because of my illness. We stopped at cruz del condors and watched/waited for the birds for quite a while. Finally, as we were about to leave, i snapped a great picture of one of the giants.


Tomorrow were headed out to the islands on titicaca, maybe spend a few days out there. After that, depending on whether or not I have information regarding my plans for next year, either off to Bolivia, or up to Cusco.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1212162420/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1212162420/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1212162420/tpod.html Sat, 31 May 2008 11:18:13 -0400 Southern Comfort

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Arequipa, Peru

In Arequipa. More later

OK.

Arequpia is absolutely gorgeous. The older buildings in town are all made out of this dazzling white volcanic rock called silla, which makes for a pretty stunning view from the plaza de armas as you gaze up at the gargantuan cathedral framed by 3 very different volcanoes in the background. Im a little pissed that I was forced to skip going to Ica/Huacachina and Nazca, but I think Ill be able to make it on the return trip from cusco. Also a bit annoyed that im sick again. Upper respitory infection all the way--a bit concerned my kidneys may be screwed up, but nothing to get too worked up over. If Im feeling better going to try to make the 3 day trek to colca canyon sometime in the next few days. Wish I hadnt spent so much time in Lima and had come here earlier, but its all right, not like im too stressed for time. Ill upload some pictures (precolumbian erotic pottery anyone?) as soon as i get to a computer with a cd drive. Other than being sick, all is well, and im incredibly happy that its sunny and warm here, even if it is freezing in the night and morning.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1211416800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1211416800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1211416800/tpod.html Wed, 21 May 2008 20:46:39 -0400 Southern Comfort

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Lima, Peru

Lima is quite the trip. From the airport i passed through many different environments, most leaning towards the heavily industrial. Staying in central lima at the moment at the hostal de los artes, which, as it turns out, is not as advertised on the internet. New ownership started may 1st. No more dorm rooms, no more 5 dollar nights. Though I argued a bit, and somehow ended up with a private room with two beds for 10 bucks. Not bad, though not sure why i need two beds. All at once Lima reminds me of new york, budapest, and what i imagine detroit must be like (or maybe how i know minneapolis to be). Staying near the plaza de los culturas which is one of the coolest parks ive ever seen--all sorts of odd sculptures and monuments. Wandered into this temporary market/plaza/bar/performance area and got to see what i thought was a mediocre mime performance, but the limeños seemed to enjoy it quite a bit. Had some sort of molases cocktail though i made her leave out the raw egg yolk. Accidently bought myself a bottle of port for about a buck 50, and its actually quite good...for port. May go check out miraflores/barranco tomorrow. Who knows. Had what I can only describe as hominy on the cob--seems to be a popular street food here. Quite tasteless on its own, and very meaty, but when combined with the 6-7 salsas available, absolutely delicious. Especially for about 40 cents.

While I was in San Jose yesterday the cows were on parade. You know, the statues. Coolest ones ive ever seen. Particularly enjoyed the stripper cow complete with pole and 9 inch stilletos.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1211070960/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1211070960/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1211070960/tpod.html Wed, 21 May 2008 20:38:55 -0400 Southern Comfort

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Managua, Managua, Nicaragua

gross. though hostal santos was nice. ended up spending most of my time with a guy from georgia who had been deported after being in prison for 7 years and was currently struggling quite a bit with aids and poverty. he wanted my shoes. i gave him my pants and extra sunglasses.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1210873800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1210873800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1210873800/tpod.html Thu, 15 May 2008 15:58:52 -0400 Southern Comfort

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Leon, Leon, Nicaragua

After two days in Granada, finally made it to León. Somewhat like Granada in the style of architecture, though the use of color here is definitely toned down a bit. A bit more conservative. Also, really really hot.

Ive been staying at the hostal albergue which has been nice because my friends from Ometepe are here as well, and we´re the only people staying there--the 3 of us that remain. Other than that, it might be nicer to stay in one of the more popular backpacking spots--via via or bigfoot.

Yesterday we hitched out to the coast and spent the day on the beach sipping liquados, making artensanía and searching for shells...i found a bunch of gorgeous conch. The water was a bit too rough and full of riptide to really enjoy, and the sand was scorching hot. The day before yesterday we were walking in the parque central next to the catedral when we spotted a 2-3 day old kitty crawling along the sidewalk. Not sure what to do, someone suggested we drown it because it appeared to have a broken foot and no home. I was against the idea and, remembering a conversation I overheard in via via earlier in the morning, suggested we take it there because there was a gata that had just had kittens a few days prior. I bundled her up and brought her to the hostel as fast as i could, and at first the guys there were a bit hestitant to take her. We finally convinced them to at least try, and the took her back to the mama cat. After 5-10 minutes of trepidation, they came back and told us that all was well. We begged to be able to see and they finally relented. Sure enough, when they pulled out the box that served as the kitty nest, there she was, sucking away happily. Such relief.


Leaving for Costa Rica on Saturday--need to be on the 7am bus, so I might be heading to managua tomorrow afternoon so i dont have to worry about hitching a ride at 4 or 5 in the morning.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1210512900/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1210512900/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1210512900/tpod.html Sun, 11 May 2008 11:52:00 -0400 Southern Comfort

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Granada, Granada, Nicaragua

Finally left Ometepe yesterday on the 5:30 am Lancha in hopes that i might be able to arrange some transportation before the blockades went up around 8. This turned out to be partially true in that I was able to get a taxi to Rivas, but thats about it. Found the tica/nica bus stations to find out when the busses left (the international busses are still running). The lady at the tica station wouldnt sell me a ticket, and the lady at the nica one kept telling me to come back at 11. Spent the next few hours lounging around in the heat. Around 10 i was ¨enjoying¨ my breakfast of a large loaf of stale bread when i saw some gringas talking to some bike-taxis across the street. I ran over to find out how they got into town only to hear the same story yet again--exorbitant prices for short taxi rides. I told them that it might be possible to hitch a ride, so we went off to attempt it. Withing 10 minutes I got us a ride to granada in the back of a pickup.


Granada is beautiful. The intensely colored buildings are quite a change from tin roof architecture of ometepe and the drab monotony of rivas. Walked around town a bit yesterday, climbed the belltower of la iglesia merced for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city where I ran into a girl i met on ometepe who, as it turned out, knew the girl i met in rivas from costa rica. Small world this is. It rained last night, hard. I love tropical rain. I love rain in general. Dinner was a fish, sans guts (but otherwise completely whole), covered entirely on one side with garlic. It was good, but I think im paying for it today--my stomach hurts quite a bit....or maybe it´s all the flor de caña. Went out dancing last night at café atuí? Good times. Would have liked to continue on to león today, but not feeling so good and my travel partner (Mary de Maine) wants to stay another night. They all went off for a boat trip around la isletas this morning, and while im sure it will be beautiful and unforgettable, at the moment i prefer the company of my hammock and a bottle of water.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1208297700/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1208297700/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1208297700/tpod.html Thu, 08 May 2008 15:49:21 -0400 Southern Comfort

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Quepos, Costa Rica

So I finally made it out of the country.

Lydia drove out from arizona on saturday for a mini-vacation to the beach--needed to get away from the hell hole that is phoenix.  We went to the beach for a while then met up with gramps and grams and "norte" {formerly fidel's}.  After dinner we drove out to oceanside and walked along the pier/people watched for a few hours; there was an outdoor screening of the goonies, and i was sorely tempted to buy some kettle corn.

Sunday was spent at the beach again and I got a good amount of bodysurfing in.  Very fun, though there were a few that wrecked me, wrenching my body in five different directions as sand and salt water were forced into every orifice--later that night i leaned over to pick something up off the ground and a stream of water gushed out my nose for a good 10 seconds. 

Yesterday I packed/unpacked/packed again, and cooked dinner for grandpa and grandma.  My black bean soup turned out more like a spicy pepper and vegetable soup with beans, but it was still good.  Also I made sweet cornbread and a beautiful salad topped with many-colored nasturtium {spelling}.  After dinner they took me to the train station where we said our goodbyes.  It was really great getting to spend some time with them alone, and I kind of wish I could have stayed longer, though Im sure they were glad to have an empty house at least for a few days. 

My train got into LA at around 9, and while waiting for Brett to pick me up I met a nice girl named Katrina.  When Brett finally showed up we went out for a few drinks and for a walk around downtown LA.

At the airport I discovered that the duty-free store was still open, so spent the requisite time there.

My flight left at 2:20 AM, so I popped an ambien when i got onto the plane.  Mistake.  I most likely would have fallen asleep anyways, but after taking the ambien, I got really disconnected and nauseous--kind of felt like i was going to die.  I remember being afraid that I was going to fall out of my seat multiple times.  This morning I woke up very hungry, only to learn that I had slept through breakfast.  I heralded the flight attendent and asked for some food.  She responded by telling me that I could have pancakes or eggs, but that they were out of pancakes, so eggs it was.

"Eggs"

soggy potatoes with congealed black beans, egg-colored mush, and syrupy mystery meat.

mmmmmmmm

in San Jose I transferred to Sansa airlines, and, after waiting a few hours, boarded the 8-seater prop-plane for Quepos.  very wibbly-wobbly on the runway, but the views were spectacular since we weren't really even above the clouds.

Al was waiting for me when we landed on the strip of dirt through the jungle/palm farms.

He took me back to his place, which is fabulously amazing by the way, and i lounged around for a bit in the pool while enjoying the panoramic view of the canopy below.  met a/j's friend Linda and her hairdresser Kirby.

al kirby and I went into town for a bit and kirby and i walked around while al ran some errands.  afterwards we drove up towards manuel antonio, and al showed me the barba roja {his old restaurant}.  also got to see the beach where i was conceived....i asked to be spared the details.

anyways, costa rica is amazing so far, very beautful--flowers everywhere {the hibisci are out of this world}.  saw some giant fucking wasps, a chameleon frog, and lots of birds.  ill post pictures later.

tomorrow maybe the beach?
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1210270440/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1210270440/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/punkinhed7/1/1210270440/tpod.html Thu, 08 May 2008 15:44:04 -0400 Southern Comfort

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Ometepe Island, Ometepe Island, Nicaragua

So Ive been on Ometepe over a week now, or maybe its one week today. My intention was to stay one night in a hostel somewhere then make my way to La Paloma and surprise my family there, not quite how it happened though. I met some Chilean girls in the bus station in San Jose, and after talking to them for a while at the Nicaraguan border, found out that they, too, were headed to Ometepe. When we got off the boat we hurried onto the last bus bound for Balgue (really not so close to la paloma), but i didnt really care where i was going as long as it involved bed. Being sick and traveling really sucks. An hour and a half later the bus dropped us off at the bottom of a big hill, and we began the ascent up to el zopilote. The first few days were are a bit fuzzy because i spent them in the throes of fever, but I met some very cool people. Notably: katy and nicole--german girls studying in leon, rojer--a tattoo artist from matagalpa, and alex/georg/romina the austrians/mexican working at zopilote. Did a lot of bike riding and hiking this week--rode all the way around the far half of the island then hiked to the cascada one day, and to alta gracia and back another. My nights were mainly spent playing Taki (sort of like israeli uno) well into the night, or on thursday, saturday, and tuesday, enjoying pizza out of a wood fired oven with like-minded individuals.

Finally left the finca yesterday--i was delayed a bit as I ran out of money and was waiting for someone else to leave with me so that they could lend me money for the bus and i could pay them back when i got to the atm in moyogalpa. The huelga is not helping--not sure if ill be able to follow through with my plans of heading up to granada/masaya/leon if the transportation strike doesnt calm down a bit. Either way, ill probably be leaving the island either tomorrow or the next day.

This morning I walked into moyogalpa and had coffee at the american cafe and hostel at the urging of its owner, bob, whom i met on my walk to la paloma last night. Turns out both bob and his italian wife, simonetta, attended NYU back in the day. We chatted for a while, and then simon gave me her copy of Kahlil Gibran´s ¨The Prophet.¨ Quite a gift.
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