The business class backpacker.

Trip Start Oct 06, 2004
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Trip End Ongoing


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Thursday, July 7, 2005

I woke up at 11:30AM today, and I didn't even go out last night. I went to bed quite early in fact. Possibly I just slept long because I spent the previous (sleepless) night in Santiago airport, on an uncomfortable bench. But after nine months on the road, I must admit that it's not that often anymore that I jump out of bed at 6AM in the morning (I like to sleep) full of excitement and ready to explore. Waking up at dawn is something I did at the start of this trip, and also on previous shorter trips at different locations around the world. But now I usually like to sleep a bit longer. I am still very exited about being on the road, but there's also days when I just feel like being lazy, and do nothing.

I have heard stories about being ruined-out in the Maya world, churched-out in Latin America or templed-out in South-East Asia, but I am not there yet. I have seen a lot on this trip, so I understand when some people say that they don't feel the same excitement seeing yet another waterfall, yet another mountain or yet another pile of stone 01 Pub Liverpool.
01 Pub Liverpool.
 . It's all about making your trip varied I think, mix cities with mountains, sea with jungle, parties with ruins and so on. And if you cannot take it anymore, just stop and take a break. Do something totally different, like study a bit of Spanish or do some volunteering work.

Another change I have noticed from the start of my trip, is that I have become a business class backpacker. I'm not exactly on a package holiday, but I think I spend a bit more money now than I did back in Guatemala and Honduras. I haven't stayed in many dorms on this trip, as I cannot stand big dorms with people coming home from parties at 3AM while other leave for the bus at 5AM, and then I guess they can't stand my snoring either. So I prefer having my own room, or alternatively share with some other backpackers I meet. But except for that, while I was back in Central America, I would take the bus to or from the airport or main bus terminal, check different bus companies for the best price, locate a cheap restaurant or wander around town for a good deal on a hotel or hostel. Now however I'm not that fuzzed. I still have some money left, so I take a taxi instead of the bus, I often splurge on meals or spend "fortunes" on parties in fancy bars, I buy some scruffy looking backpacker a few beers, I take the first and best hostel I can find, not worrying too much about the price. And if I feel like spending US $650 or so for a flight to Easter Island, well then I go to Easter Island. As I said once before, I am not out to prove myself, but to have a good time. And I do!!!

Well, I have just returned from Easter Island and I am back in Mendoza for the third time. I feel like I know this place now, so it's time to make a move north. I promise!
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