Santiago

Last day. Shame it is in this place. Smog blocks out any view on the Andes or any other mountain range for that matter. City tour was slow because of traffic and ended in a jewellery store with prices way over the top. Had a nice crab dish at the fish market. Saw a nice cathedral in the main city square. Before we leave tomorrow we will see the changing of the guard at the presidential palace. Then in the afternoon we will catch Qantas back home. Sydney late Thursday, fly to Melbourne Friday. We have had a great time, and are barracking for Peru in the footy match Wednesday night. Quarter finals. See you soon.

Lake Titikaka and La Paz

Happy New Year.

No, I have not gone out of my mind, but today (21st June) is the start of the New Year in the Inca Calendar as it is the Winter Solstice.

We had lunch on Lake Titikaka yesterday, and a nice lunch it was cruising down the lake. It is a far less bumpy way to go than the roads.  In Peru the roads were passable, Bolivia there is more holes than road and I am describing the highway!! In towns, they are either dirt, pot holed or cobble stones! The numb bum syndrome is common,

The temperature has dropped considerably. The weather is fine as this is the dry season, but it is cool, freezing at night. And you know those pictures of South American women walking around in bright coloured clothes with a bowler hat on? Well they are all around the place. It is not just a brochure shot.

Sorry about the pictures but updates are via my phone and I just do not take any with it.

We had a morning tour this morning and there is not a flat spot in La Paz. It is up and down hills, narrow streets with Street markets selling food all the way through to cars. The architecture is predominantly modern with a few old streets left with the spanish houses. Because the place is so steep, public transport is a funicular, and they have 3 lines up and running with 2 more being built. Great for the locals and pretty good for the tourist. A round trip is less than 50 cents. It beats walking at this altitude.

La Paz is surrounded by high mountains and snow. Have not had altitude sickness but to walk up stairs or a hill is damn hard work. Up at 3 in the morning to catch  our flight back to sea level. Flights only seem to go from La Paz at night. Santiago here we come.

Machu Picchu

It was fantastic. Ok lots of stairs - these Inca's love stairs - but it is really a magic place. The scenery is as good as the pictures and the mountains steep and imposing. You would need to be super fit to walk the Inca trail. We learnt about how they lived,who built it and the human sacrifices though few were done here. It was hot in the morning with brilliant blue skies but the clouds rolled in after lunch and it was a bit cooler. The train ride follows the river. It was very nice but not that spectacular looking like in NZ or Canada.

Out of the Jungle into the Mountains

The Nasca lines were brilliant if you could get your eye in to see them.

Anyway, we have been to the jungle. What were you doing at 8:15pm Saturday night? Watching the footy, having a nice glass of wine with dinner, perhaps? Well the equivalent time of 5:15am Saturday morning, I was slogging my way through the the mud, heat and humidity Amazon Jungle to go to a lake to see Giant River Otters. And yes we did see them, plus we went fishing for Piranhas! I caught 4, best in the boat. They sure do have sharp teeth. We also saw different types of monkeys, birds and a few animals. We had a great time.

Then we flew from the heat to Cuzco ..... highest elevation we have been to. It is an old Inca town, with the Spanish houses built on the ruins of the Inca city. They are currently celebrating the winter solstice, so the Inca ways still exist.

Today we went to the Sun Temple of the Incas and the Pisca markets. Tomorrow is Machu Pichu. Sorry no pictures today.

Off to see the Nasca Lines

Catch the bus this morning to Paracas and then a flight over the lines. Tomorrow a boat ride to see wildlife and catch the bus back. Will see what pictures I can get. Lima OK but too far out traffic wise to go to the old town by ourselves .... Over an hour!

Guayaquil, Equador

A half day city tour today, took us to some of the interesting buildings in the financial capital of Ecuador, Guayaquil. The city burnt to the ground in the late 1800's as it was built of bamboo. Rebuilt with bricks and concrete, the buildings are of neoclassical design, with many having been modeled on European buildings. We walked along the water front, of the river and saw many monuments to the good presidents and freedom fighters when Ecuador gained independence from Spain. The old town was recreated as close possible to the old design, so has houses built steeply up the two hills. The brightly coloured paint helps to liven the place up, though it is becoming a haven for artists and artisans. The city parks have the mainland iguana, which has a beard, something no longer required in Galapagos. They also sit in trees, warming themselves which can be dangerous to walk under when they do start to warm up!! Our last stop of the tour was to one of the flower markets. Such a variety of blooms, as the highlands grow many cold climate flowers !(roses, dahlias) while the lowlands grow more tropical (bird of paradise). A very interesting tour of an interesting city,

Returned from the Galapagos

After a great week a float, I have arrived back on dry land at Guayaquil. Lots of animals, birds and fish have I seen. It only rained one day, the rest being hot and humid. Have walked up hills, looked into Volcanoes that haven"t erupted lately, been snorkeling with iguanas, seals, penguins, sharks and plenty of tropical fish. Food was good and plentiful, though some night sleeps were interrupted with engines starting. We got within 900m of the erupting Volcano and saw the lava flow into the sea. A selection of animal photos below.

On the way to the Galapagos

Up at 4:15 to get my transfer to the airport for my flight to the Galapagos. This airport has free Wifi! Was greeted and taken through the special security scan. Then got a window seat for the flight. Was told the snorkelling is just fantastic. So here goes.

Arrived Quito

The adventure begins.

Our morning tour takes us to a view in the centre of the city. South is the working people, north is the old town and the industry. Guess what, a lot of traffic in the evenings. East and West are the more expensive parts of town, mainly because of the hills. We then move to the old town and see many of the churches. Unfortunately they are not open to view unless Mass is going on, but we do see a couple. Extravagance!! The buildings remind a little of Macau. On returning to the hotel we head for a recommended restaurant a couple of blocks away for lunch. We order Guinea pig to try. It is fried and a bit dry, but you need to pick. The rest of the afternoon is spent looking around the area and resting (or updating a blog).

Looking South

Old Town

Hotel in the Old Toiwn

Fried Guinea Pig

Made it to Sydney

First part of the journey completed. Arrived in Sydney and met up with Carolyn and Russ. Relaxing time in the bar before our big flight tomorrow.

All Packed

The case is packed. Everything fitted. So what have I forgotten? Woodie will be off to Grand-mas in the morning.

Ted will not be joining us this time as I am afraid he will get left behind somewhere. However I do have a picture of him that will pop up from time to time so he will be there in spirit.

Tomorrow is the flight to Sydney then on Wednesday we will be off to Santiago, Chile at 11:25am, Just over 12 1/2 hour flight to arrive at 11:05am. Six hour wait at the airport before a 7 1/2 hour flight up to Quito, Equador to arrive there at 10:30pm.

Chile is 13 hours behind us, and Equador / Peru are 15 hours.

Updates will be a bit sporadic as they will be via the phone and only if WIFI available. But I will see what I can do. Enjoy.