What a beautiful place!
I flew into Auckland,
and I loved Auckland, maybe because it was the first place for 2 and a half months where everyone spoke English.
on the first day I booked myself onto a Coach tour of the North & South Island,
this was a Bus system where You can decide where you want to go and how long you want to stay in places it was called the Magic Bus,
also a great way to meet other travellers, i met so many lovely people.
but First things first - A Vineyard Tour
the Vineyards was on an Island in Auckland bay called Whaihiki, and what a joy,
I was on a tour with a group of people, that like myself enjoyed a tipple, so we all got on great. the Vineyards were beautiful, with plenty of fine wine & lunch thrown in, a great day.
The next day i went north to the Bay of Islands, and had a boat Cruise around the Islands, we were lucky enough to see a pod of Dolphins hunting,
i couldn't believe it, I tried to take pictures, but the dolphins were so fast i ended up with some great pictures of the Sea.
on the cruise i met up with a girl/fellow traveller called Nicky afterwards we had a meal together in a lovely seashore restaurant.
Routorua
here i went to the Waitomo Caves to see the Glow Worms,
(will tell you all about this later)
Lake Taupo
Dinner at a Maori village plus a Show,
it wasn't a real Maori Village but it was a great show, and plenty of food
Napier
i loved Napier it was my kind of place, by the sea, not to big, and not to small with plenty of Shops, Cafe and bars,
met up with Stacie and Emma and had a couple of meals together it was lovely to see them Both
(got stuck in Napier for a couple of day due to David Beckem)
Wellington
nice city, stayed at the YMCA had dinner with Stacie at a Thai Restaurant we had a good chat and giggle
Kiakoura
a very small place - Stayed at the Adelphi hostel in the middle of town
went on a Cruise to see Whales It was fantastic , i saw 3 Whales
next day a cruise to see Dusky Dolphins and they are the most energetic of dolphins
they jump out of the water showing off to each other, (got some great pictures)
had dinner at a very good Thai
Christchurch - it was ok but i didn't take to it.
Scenic Railway from Kiakoura to Christchurch a great way to see the countryside
Greymouth - Stayed at the Neptune Backpacker a very homely hostel
I loved Greymouth i travelled there by the Trans Alpine train a fantastic journey
then did some shopping and had dinner in a poncy wine bar(loved it)
went to see a show "Fiddlesticks" a very talented NZ band
Franz Josef
Small but pretty town,
walked though a rain forest to get to the Glacier (how weired is that )
Queenstown
-stayed at The Southern Laughter, a lovely Backpackers (had my own telly)
a cruise around the Milford sounds Stunning scenery- see pictures
Dunedin
Stayed at the Manor House Backpackers, and a Manor House is was not!
i have never seen such a dilapidated hostel in my life (or so i thought )
I didn't like Dinedin maybe because of the bad hostel or because there were to many Bric-a-brac shops and not enough poncy wine bars,
anyway i when to Cadburys Chocolate Factory and wished i had gone to the albatross wildlife santury instead(it was quite expensive) but we live and learn.
Lake Tekapo
What a beautiful place!
Because all the hostels were full i had to book into a Lovely hotel on the shores of the lake for one night(and it wasn't too expensive) i had such a restful sleep and breakfast overlooking the lake (see pictures, when i get round to it)
then Back to Auckland to Fly to Australia
Thursday, 6 December 2007
Sunday, 18 November 2007
Ushuaia Patagonia 30th Oct- 14 Nov
Ushuaia - The Town at the end of the world
in this town all the houses were log cabins or Swiss chalets type
the weather was cold with blue Skye's except when it snowed which was fairly often
but all the hotels, cafes and bars were warm and cosy
at my first Hotel The Lennox, a bit too poncy even for me,
my favorite hotel was the Albatross which had a lovely view of the sea, and all the boats that were taking off for Antarctica but most importantly a wine bar and Restaurant Fab!
the high street (only Street) had plenty of cafes and Restaurants
This was a one horse town (actually it had many horses)
one high Street
one Casino (Would you believe)
one night club
But that's all they needed
i went on a trip down the Beagle Channel,
then a trip on an old steam train to the Terra del Fuego National Park
then went to see a glacier, it was Fabulous
in this town all the houses were log cabins or Swiss chalets type
the weather was cold with blue Skye's except when it snowed which was fairly often
but all the hotels, cafes and bars were warm and cosy
at my first Hotel The Lennox, a bit too poncy even for me,
my favorite hotel was the Albatross which had a lovely view of the sea, and all the boats that were taking off for Antarctica but most importantly a wine bar and Restaurant Fab!
the high street (only Street) had plenty of cafes and Restaurants
This was a one horse town (actually it had many horses)
one high Street
one Casino (Would you believe)
one night club
But that's all they needed
i went on a trip down the Beagle Channel,
then a trip on an old steam train to the Terra del Fuego National Park
then went to see a glacier, it was Fabulous
Monday, 5 November 2007
Colonia, Uruguay - 26th Oct -28th Oct
Colonia,
what a Lovely place,
a little seaside town with cobbled street's with lots of cafes and craft shops.
My hotel was so charming & right on the river as it goes out into the sea
I walked into the front door of my hotel and on the right was a reception and small Bar, on the left the breakfast room,
then you walked out on to a small courtyard, and in the middle was a little fountain, dotted around the place were blooming flower pots, and around the courtyard were the rooms,
very pretty place !!
On the first day i sat at a cafe on the Sea front having brunch, and i was feeling a little lonely as this was just the kinda place you would like to share with someone,
but as I sat, I started wondering if there was a time difference between Colonia and Buenos Aires as i had a tour of the town at 2.30,
so i asked the waitress, in English, she answered, in Spanish, and after a lot of pointing at my watch i worked out the Colonia was an hour ahead, then on the table behind me i heard an loud American accent say "is she on Argentine time" then one turned to me and said "where are you from" so, we got chatting,
3 American lady's Diane, Rosanne and daughter (of about 20 years old ) Katie,
Katie had done a lot of traveling so we talked about the places she had been,
I finished my meal, and we said we said we would try and meet up later and went off for my Tour, this took 2 hours longer than it should (as it was a small place) then i went back to the hotel, had a sleep then got ready to go out for dinner
I chose a restaurant with a chap playing a guitar,
and just as i was finishing my meal the Americans walked in!
they ask me to join them for a drink at another restaurant,
so I did, and this restaurant was empty which meant we could sing and dance to our hearts content, the owner was game, and one of his friends, Patrick (also an American) turned up in a 1920 Car ! they are big on old cars here, he got chatting to Rosanne & Diane, it turns out they were in Afghanistan at the same time in the 80´s ( but not together)
we were there until 3am drinking the local hooch, dancing and having a good time.
Rosanne needed to pick up her other daughter at the Port at 4am and Patrick offered to take them, so i left them waving goodbye, as Patrick was trying to start this 1920s Car (on the 4th attempt it started)
A night to remember !
what a Lovely place,
a little seaside town with cobbled street's with lots of cafes and craft shops.
My hotel was so charming & right on the river as it goes out into the sea
I walked into the front door of my hotel and on the right was a reception and small Bar, on the left the breakfast room,
then you walked out on to a small courtyard, and in the middle was a little fountain, dotted around the place were blooming flower pots, and around the courtyard were the rooms,
very pretty place !!
On the first day i sat at a cafe on the Sea front having brunch, and i was feeling a little lonely as this was just the kinda place you would like to share with someone,
but as I sat, I started wondering if there was a time difference between Colonia and Buenos Aires as i had a tour of the town at 2.30,
so i asked the waitress, in English, she answered, in Spanish, and after a lot of pointing at my watch i worked out the Colonia was an hour ahead, then on the table behind me i heard an loud American accent say "is she on Argentine time" then one turned to me and said "where are you from" so, we got chatting,
3 American lady's Diane, Rosanne and daughter (of about 20 years old ) Katie,
Katie had done a lot of traveling so we talked about the places she had been,
I finished my meal, and we said we said we would try and meet up later and went off for my Tour, this took 2 hours longer than it should (as it was a small place) then i went back to the hotel, had a sleep then got ready to go out for dinner
I chose a restaurant with a chap playing a guitar,
and just as i was finishing my meal the Americans walked in!
they ask me to join them for a drink at another restaurant,
so I did, and this restaurant was empty which meant we could sing and dance to our hearts content, the owner was game, and one of his friends, Patrick (also an American) turned up in a 1920 Car ! they are big on old cars here, he got chatting to Rosanne & Diane, it turns out they were in Afghanistan at the same time in the 80´s ( but not together)
we were there until 3am drinking the local hooch, dancing and having a good time.
Rosanne needed to pick up her other daughter at the Port at 4am and Patrick offered to take them, so i left them waving goodbye, as Patrick was trying to start this 1920s Car (on the 4th attempt it started)
A night to remember !
Thursday, 1 November 2007
Iguazu Falls - 23rd to 26th October
i arrived at Iguazu early and was supposed to be pick up by a Taxi but he never turned up, nevertheless there were plenty of Taxis at a reasonable price, so i got one to my hotel,
that ended up being a 3 bed (a bit dilapidated ) Log Cabin with kitchen and a dinning room in a row of Log Cabins, it was a bit like having your own place for a couple of days.
That night had a look around the local Town, it was a bit of a one horse town,
one mini supermarket and one cafe and a couple of daft shops,
had a meal in the cafe (chicken & Chips) then went to bed.
The next day my guide collected me from the Cabin and took me to the falls ( I had a guide all to myself)
Iguazu Falls are Spectacular ! ( you will have to wait until i get to New Zealand for the pictures)
they are the best falls i have ever seen (and I have seen Niagara and Victoria Falls)
but the are very touristy, especially on the Argentine side but you could spend at least 2 days just looking around.
Had lunch in the Falls Restaurant, met a girl from Ireland who was on her 2nd tour of the world, this time for 18 months! (though she will be working in New Zealand & KL )
she had been to India and gave me some advice on what to do there.
Then in the afternoon there was a boat ride that took you up to the falls, got you absolutely soaked (fabulous on a hot day) I loved this part of the tour because,
1. I love anything on Boats
2. they took you through the roughest part of the river which meant you got soaked some more and lots of going up and down, my favourite, Great Fun !!
then they dropped us off down river, where we got on big open trucks through the rain forest back to the falls,
then, taken back to my hotel.
What a Day!!
Next day Back to Buenos Aires
Love to all
Kate
that ended up being a 3 bed (a bit dilapidated ) Log Cabin with kitchen and a dinning room in a row of Log Cabins, it was a bit like having your own place for a couple of days.
That night had a look around the local Town, it was a bit of a one horse town,
one mini supermarket and one cafe and a couple of daft shops,
had a meal in the cafe (chicken & Chips) then went to bed.
The next day my guide collected me from the Cabin and took me to the falls ( I had a guide all to myself)
Iguazu Falls are Spectacular ! ( you will have to wait until i get to New Zealand for the pictures)
they are the best falls i have ever seen (and I have seen Niagara and Victoria Falls)
but the are very touristy, especially on the Argentine side but you could spend at least 2 days just looking around.
Had lunch in the Falls Restaurant, met a girl from Ireland who was on her 2nd tour of the world, this time for 18 months! (though she will be working in New Zealand & KL )
she had been to India and gave me some advice on what to do there.
Then in the afternoon there was a boat ride that took you up to the falls, got you absolutely soaked (fabulous on a hot day) I loved this part of the tour because,
1. I love anything on Boats
2. they took you through the roughest part of the river which meant you got soaked some more and lots of going up and down, my favourite, Great Fun !!
then they dropped us off down river, where we got on big open trucks through the rain forest back to the falls,
then, taken back to my hotel.
What a Day!!
Next day Back to Buenos Aires
Love to all
Kate
Sunday, 21 October 2007
Buenos Aires
For the first time since i left the UK I can brush my teeth under a running tap! Bloody Luxury
and eat salads (not that I have done) Bloody Luxury!
I am staying at a very good hotel I probably should have gone cheaper but i sat on the bed and felt the comfortable mattress, and it had a bath ! (bloody Luxury)
and boy, have they looked after me.
So i stayed for a week.
I felt at home here, (lots of shops, and poncy wine bars )
up until now the wine has been awful, so i´ve not drank much, but now i´m making up for it,
(don´t worry if I partake I am always in the hotel or very near, and only a couple of glasses with my meal)
On the first day I wandered down the main shopping street and saw a crowd watching a couple dance the Tango, what a passionate dance and a bit risky too.
I have been on a city tour that took is to Boca´s Bombonera Football Stadium (knowing nothing about football this went a bit over my head)
the to Evita's grave, the obelisk,
Squares, Markets, a good overview of the city, very interesting
But the Tango Show was more up my street,
you were picked up at the hotel,taken to the venue,
immediately given a glass of Champagne,(a Kate Jay must)
then given a three course meal ( very good steak ) wine included ,
watched a great show (Not as passionate as the street Tango but still very good)
great live band,
Then taken back to my hotel.
That's how it should be !
Made some great fr¡ends, an American couple and a girl from Mexico who was also by herself so we had a giggle together (she spoke very good English)
Feria De Mataderos
Today i took a taxi out of town to the western Suburb of Mataderos to a market, that my guide said was no to be missed. (and it was quite right )
The craft markets were a joy (for me ) jewelery, leather goods, sliver wear, soft knitted shawls, I was in my element.
After i had worn my self out not buying anything (apart something for mum )
I took a seat at a small cafe that lined the square, and while I sat I listened to the musicians play Argentine folk music while the locals danced a folk dance (Chacarera),
I ate some of the traditional food,a stew called Locro with a cold beer, Lovely!
As I was making my way back to the Taxi I saw the Gauchos in all their regalia
this was the most exciting!
Horseman ride full speed down the street, standing up in their stirrups and attempted to spear a tiny ring about (2ins wide ) dangling from a ribbon.
it looked impossible and not all of them were successful, but some did, I was amazed !
In the evening had dinner on the waterfront with Leanne, had a catch up on all we had done since we last were together in the Galapagos, she had just got back from a couple of tours, the Amazon and tour in Ecuador, had lot to tell me,
(she got lost on a mountain while going for a pee, was one thing)
she is going back home to Oz in a couple of days, so it was great to see her.
Next the Iguazzu Falls
Love,
Kate
and eat salads (not that I have done) Bloody Luxury!
I am staying at a very good hotel I probably should have gone cheaper but i sat on the bed and felt the comfortable mattress, and it had a bath ! (bloody Luxury)
and boy, have they looked after me.
So i stayed for a week.
I felt at home here, (lots of shops, and poncy wine bars )
up until now the wine has been awful, so i´ve not drank much, but now i´m making up for it,
(don´t worry if I partake I am always in the hotel or very near, and only a couple of glasses with my meal)
On the first day I wandered down the main shopping street and saw a crowd watching a couple dance the Tango, what a passionate dance and a bit risky too.
I have been on a city tour that took is to Boca´s Bombonera Football Stadium (knowing nothing about football this went a bit over my head)
the to Evita's grave, the obelisk,
Squares, Markets, a good overview of the city, very interesting
But the Tango Show was more up my street,
you were picked up at the hotel,taken to the venue,
immediately given a glass of Champagne,(a Kate Jay must)
then given a three course meal ( very good steak ) wine included ,
watched a great show (Not as passionate as the street Tango but still very good)
great live band,
Then taken back to my hotel.
That's how it should be !
Made some great fr¡ends, an American couple and a girl from Mexico who was also by herself so we had a giggle together (she spoke very good English)
Feria De Mataderos
Today i took a taxi out of town to the western Suburb of Mataderos to a market, that my guide said was no to be missed. (and it was quite right )
The craft markets were a joy (for me ) jewelery, leather goods, sliver wear, soft knitted shawls, I was in my element.
After i had worn my self out not buying anything (apart something for mum )
I took a seat at a small cafe that lined the square, and while I sat I listened to the musicians play Argentine folk music while the locals danced a folk dance (Chacarera),
I ate some of the traditional food,a stew called Locro with a cold beer, Lovely!
As I was making my way back to the Taxi I saw the Gauchos in all their regalia
this was the most exciting!
Horseman ride full speed down the street, standing up in their stirrups and attempted to spear a tiny ring about (2ins wide ) dangling from a ribbon.
it looked impossible and not all of them were successful, but some did, I was amazed !
In the evening had dinner on the waterfront with Leanne, had a catch up on all we had done since we last were together in the Galapagos, she had just got back from a couple of tours, the Amazon and tour in Ecuador, had lot to tell me,
(she got lost on a mountain while going for a pee, was one thing)
she is going back home to Oz in a couple of days, so it was great to see her.
Next the Iguazzu Falls
Love,
Kate
Sunday, 14 October 2007
The Galapagos, 7th October
The Galapagos Islands
This has been one of the most magical places I have ever been !
Quito
Checked into my Hostel in the centre of town where I met the group I would be cruising with, they were of all ages, and seemed like a great fun.
I met my room mate Carol from USA and we got on famously, we went out for dinner with another couple Pete & Zoe (from Oz ) and talked about the upcoming trip
Next morning we were up at 6am to catch the plane to Santa Cruse the main Island in the Galapagos then caught the bus to Puerto Ayora where our boat , (aptly named The Darwin) was moored, nice little town, we had a look around the shops before we, transferred to the boat to drop off our luggage.
We were taken to the Darwin Research Centre where we saw the Giant Tortoises and lots of baby Giant Tortoise, all the different ones, long necks, short necks, wide flat shells, and tall shells etc.....
the guide told us they were here for a breading program to reintroduce them back into some of the the island the (giant tortoise has to be 25 years old before they can breed)
Then back to the boat for dinner (great food) then to bed, the cabins were very small with bunk beds, (I got there last so I had the top bunk! I had to practice a couple of times before I could get into it but by the end of the tour I was a dab hand) but there was a loo and shower, and that's all you need.
Next day we went snorkeling, and I swam with Sea Lions! it was magical, I still can´t believe it.
We were amongst the rocks, looking at all the colourful Angel & Parrot fish,
and there they were ! five sea lions, playing together amongst the rocks, about 3 feet away from us, Chris (one of the better divers) did a somersault and they joined in, turning an twisting under him, they wanted to play some more but soon realised that we were limited/boring & they went off to play somewhere else, but they stayed with us for about half an hour, blowing bubbles at each other, it was the most amazing thing, they were not afraid of us at all.
(that's the thing about the Galapagos none of the animals are afraid)
Next day, we climbed to the top of Bartolome (a hill / crater) to see a great view of the nearby islands.
Back to the boat for lunch, and a siesta,
next we had a walk on the beach where lots of sea lions were sun bathing, they didn´t move as we walked by, even the pups ( they were so cute), they may have lifted a head to see what was going on ,
back into the sea again, this time we swam with sharks !! (only baby sharks, 2 ft long)
we watched for 10 min's while 2 young sea lions played with it, catching the shark by its tail then letting it swim off, only to catch it again, pulling it back and so on
Then, we saw a Sea Turtle, about 5 ft wide, so we swam along with it for a while, watching as it slowly dived down, then up for air.
Lots & lots of life amongst the rocks, sponges, great big star fish, saw a couple of penguins from a distance.
Back to the boat for dinner, everybody so excited to tell each other about what we have seen.
The next morning (the last in the Galapagos) we went to North Seymour have a look at a bird colony, saw many frigatebirds and the famous Blue Footed Boobies with their chicks, they were not bothered at all as we walked passed.
Again saw plenty of sea lions,
a creche of 6 baby pups, that were left on the rocks while there mums were fishing ( one was about 2 weeks old he was so sweet ) we all took plenty of pictures
had lunch, then caught the bus to the airport for our flight back to Quito
I was so sad to leave
This has been one of the most magical places I have ever been !
Quito
Checked into my Hostel in the centre of town where I met the group I would be cruising with, they were of all ages, and seemed like a great fun.
I met my room mate Carol from USA and we got on famously, we went out for dinner with another couple Pete & Zoe (from Oz ) and talked about the upcoming trip
Next morning we were up at 6am to catch the plane to Santa Cruse the main Island in the Galapagos then caught the bus to Puerto Ayora where our boat , (aptly named The Darwin) was moored, nice little town, we had a look around the shops before we, transferred to the boat to drop off our luggage.
We were taken to the Darwin Research Centre where we saw the Giant Tortoises and lots of baby Giant Tortoise, all the different ones, long necks, short necks, wide flat shells, and tall shells etc.....
the guide told us they were here for a breading program to reintroduce them back into some of the the island the (giant tortoise has to be 25 years old before they can breed)
Then back to the boat for dinner (great food) then to bed, the cabins were very small with bunk beds, (I got there last so I had the top bunk! I had to practice a couple of times before I could get into it but by the end of the tour I was a dab hand) but there was a loo and shower, and that's all you need.
Next day we went snorkeling, and I swam with Sea Lions! it was magical, I still can´t believe it.
We were amongst the rocks, looking at all the colourful Angel & Parrot fish,
and there they were ! five sea lions, playing together amongst the rocks, about 3 feet away from us, Chris (one of the better divers) did a somersault and they joined in, turning an twisting under him, they wanted to play some more but soon realised that we were limited/boring & they went off to play somewhere else, but they stayed with us for about half an hour, blowing bubbles at each other, it was the most amazing thing, they were not afraid of us at all.
(that's the thing about the Galapagos none of the animals are afraid)
Next day, we climbed to the top of Bartolome (a hill / crater) to see a great view of the nearby islands.
Back to the boat for lunch, and a siesta,
next we had a walk on the beach where lots of sea lions were sun bathing, they didn´t move as we walked by, even the pups ( they were so cute), they may have lifted a head to see what was going on ,
back into the sea again, this time we swam with sharks !! (only baby sharks, 2 ft long)
we watched for 10 min's while 2 young sea lions played with it, catching the shark by its tail then letting it swim off, only to catch it again, pulling it back and so on
Then, we saw a Sea Turtle, about 5 ft wide, so we swam along with it for a while, watching as it slowly dived down, then up for air.
Lots & lots of life amongst the rocks, sponges, great big star fish, saw a couple of penguins from a distance.
Back to the boat for dinner, everybody so excited to tell each other about what we have seen.
The next morning (the last in the Galapagos) we went to North Seymour have a look at a bird colony, saw many frigatebirds and the famous Blue Footed Boobies with their chicks, they were not bothered at all as we walked passed.
Again saw plenty of sea lions,
a creche of 6 baby pups, that were left on the rocks while there mums were fishing ( one was about 2 weeks old he was so sweet ) we all took plenty of pictures
had lunch, then caught the bus to the airport for our flight back to Quito
I was so sad to leave
Next Buenos Aires !
Saturday, 13 October 2007
Machu Picchu - 24th Sept
Up at 5.30 to meet my personal guide for the day, and to catch the train to Aguas Caliente the nearest town to Machu Picchu
The train ride takes a slow 4 hours (due to old tracks) down the mountains from Cusco
Aguas Caliente is the most unusual place I have seen yet, the main street has many hostels and restaurants and is also the train station, so, you can sit eating your lunch and watch the locals unloading the train of all the goods they need, and on the other side of the street is a great river.
I check into my hostel and we have some lunch before the coach trip to the Ruins
Well, we finally get there ... and it was worth it
What a place to live, perched on the top of a mountain surrounded by 4 mountains,
the view was spectacular !
my guide (can´t remember his name) showed me around and told me all about the history then left to get the train back to Cuzco.
I stayed for a bit to let the experience sink in, and 2 lamas, a mum and baby, came right up to me to graze (i was sitting near a green patch) it was quite special
then I went back to my hostel, in Augas Caliente, had a shower then went out for dinner.
I found a restaurant overlooking the river, had spaghetti and and couple of glasses of very good wine,
got chatting to a fella on the next table, he was just finishing an 8 month trip around the world, and his last stop would be Cuba, I gave him some tips on what to do in Cuba, and he told me about his trip and gave me some good advice on where he had been,
it was a great day.
The next day I had a look around the markets bought a Pachu mama necklace, bag and pretty earrings,
then had some lunch before I caught the train back to Cusco
A great trip
Love to all
Kate
The train ride takes a slow 4 hours (due to old tracks) down the mountains from Cusco
Aguas Caliente is the most unusual place I have seen yet, the main street has many hostels and restaurants and is also the train station, so, you can sit eating your lunch and watch the locals unloading the train of all the goods they need, and on the other side of the street is a great river.
I check into my hostel and we have some lunch before the coach trip to the Ruins
Well, we finally get there ... and it was worth it
What a place to live, perched on the top of a mountain surrounded by 4 mountains,
the view was spectacular !
my guide (can´t remember his name) showed me around and told me all about the history then left to get the train back to Cuzco.
I stayed for a bit to let the experience sink in, and 2 lamas, a mum and baby, came right up to me to graze (i was sitting near a green patch) it was quite special
then I went back to my hostel, in Augas Caliente, had a shower then went out for dinner.
I found a restaurant overlooking the river, had spaghetti and and couple of glasses of very good wine,
got chatting to a fella on the next table, he was just finishing an 8 month trip around the world, and his last stop would be Cuba, I gave him some tips on what to do in Cuba, and he told me about his trip and gave me some good advice on where he had been,
it was a great day.
The next day I had a look around the markets bought a Pachu mama necklace, bag and pretty earrings,
then had some lunch before I caught the train back to Cusco
A great trip
Love to all
Kate
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
Thursday, 27 September 2007
The Amazon
it took half a day to get there
the plane to Porto Maldonado then an hour and a half on a boat to the jungle lodge
i was with a group of 3 Irish 3 Aussie girls all were great fun
i was very impressed with the lodge you had your own hut with bathroom,
there was a large dinning room with bar and games room and surprisingly a swimming pool but all in keeping with the suroundings
they managed to lose my backpack (but they found it later) but thank god everything of value I had on me.
the first afternoon we went to Monkey Island and as the name suggests saw many monkeys,
they feed them for the tourist so they were quite tame, got many good pictures.
Dinner then early to bed
spent the night thinking there was a monster outside my hut only to find it was a small bird
next day we were up 5am for our jungle walk. we saw many insects. spiders (Tarantula), frogs, butterflies and birds but saw no larger wildlife, i think they could hear us coming a mile off
we then climbed up into a platform high in the canope and had a great view of the forest
we were put on a rowing boat on a little lake, we floated about for a bit was very peaceful and a great way to see the wildlife
back to the lodge in the evening, had dinner, a few drinks and a laugh in the bar with a group of Americans
the next day we made our way out of the Jungle
then to Cusco for Machu Picchu
the plane to Porto Maldonado then an hour and a half on a boat to the jungle lodge
i was with a group of 3 Irish 3 Aussie girls all were great fun
i was very impressed with the lodge you had your own hut with bathroom,
there was a large dinning room with bar and games room and surprisingly a swimming pool but all in keeping with the suroundings
they managed to lose my backpack (but they found it later) but thank god everything of value I had on me.
the first afternoon we went to Monkey Island and as the name suggests saw many monkeys,
they feed them for the tourist so they were quite tame, got many good pictures.
Dinner then early to bed
spent the night thinking there was a monster outside my hut only to find it was a small bird
next day we were up 5am for our jungle walk. we saw many insects. spiders (Tarantula), frogs, butterflies and birds but saw no larger wildlife, i think they could hear us coming a mile off
we then climbed up into a platform high in the canope and had a great view of the forest
we were put on a rowing boat on a little lake, we floated about for a bit was very peaceful and a great way to see the wildlife
back to the lodge in the evening, had dinner, a few drinks and a laugh in the bar with a group of Americans
the next day we made our way out of the Jungle
then to Cusco for Machu Picchu
Sunday, 16 September 2007
Cuba
Havana
The Hotel Nacional a lovely old colonial style hotel, lovely room, good food, the Gardens were a sight to see,
I saw a local band (dinner and dance ) the place was jumping, the music was fabulous
met i nice fella who came to sat next to me and had a dance, i couldn´t understand what he said or him me but we had a laugh, waiters danced with me too, i was very well looked after
took a tour around Havana met 2 nice ladies from brazil
the next hotel was the most wonderful i have ever stayed at, Hotel Paradisus,
it was Paradise!
the pool was amazing, private beach, good food, it was so relaxing i didn´t want to leave
Now i´m back at Caracas ( got chatting to a fella on the plane , as you do)
at the Player Grande Caribe hotel,
did some shopping yesterday and bought a hat and had a look around
Next the Amazon!!
The Hotel Nacional a lovely old colonial style hotel, lovely room, good food, the Gardens were a sight to see,
I saw a local band (dinner and dance ) the place was jumping, the music was fabulous
met i nice fella who came to sat next to me and had a dance, i couldn´t understand what he said or him me but we had a laugh, waiters danced with me too, i was very well looked after
took a tour around Havana met 2 nice ladies from brazil
the next hotel was the most wonderful i have ever stayed at, Hotel Paradisus,
it was Paradise!
the pool was amazing, private beach, good food, it was so relaxing i didn´t want to leave
Now i´m back at Caracas ( got chatting to a fella on the plane , as you do)
at the Player Grande Caribe hotel,
did some shopping yesterday and bought a hat and had a look around
Next the Amazon!!
Thursday, 6 September 2007
5.30 LHR 5th september
Got up at the crack of dawn to catch the flight,
on the flight to Madrid met 5 guys that were going to climb a moutain in Quito,
on the flight to Caracas i watched the Silver Surfer and had a little sleep,
it was very hot when i arrived at Caracas the hotel
had some food and whent to bed
Today 6th Sept spent most of the day around the hotel pool (palm trees and everything )
tomorrow Cuba
Love to All
Kate
on the flight to Madrid met 5 guys that were going to climb a moutain in Quito,
on the flight to Caracas i watched the Silver Surfer and had a little sleep,
it was very hot when i arrived at Caracas the hotel
had some food and whent to bed
Today 6th Sept spent most of the day around the hotel pool (palm trees and everything )
tomorrow Cuba
Love to All
Kate
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