Salento & Cali Colombia

Medellin was awesome but I  had to leave otherwise I might not have ever left. I took off to a town called Salento in the Coffee Region of Colombia up in the mountains. It was about a 4 hour bus ride from Medellin from Terminal Sur. Got dropped off on the side of the highway  and then ran accross to where we were told the bus would pick us up. After waiting a few minutes we started to hike up the road.... In retrospect not a smart idea. As it was a 2 lane road with a ton of traffic as everyone was coming up here for the end of semana santa. I could feel the cars driving past as we hiked down the mountain in the direction we hoped was the right way. After about 30 minutes and 5 buses passing us which were full we were able to flag down a bus that had room for us. Very happy we did that because once we got to the bottom of the hill we started heading up and got stuck in traffic and if we were walking it would have taken a  lot longer than the hour and half we were told and more like 4-5 hours. Got into town which was nice and bunked up at the plantation house which is owned by Tim an Englishman and his Colombian wife. It was a nice place and amazing scenery. Was able to go up to the mirador which overlooked the valley and hung out in the plaza for a quite weekend in the mountains. Did a tour of the coffee farm that Tim and his wife own and learned how the process from the planting to the harvesting and selling until it gets into the cups at starbucks. Also Colombia exports all of their coffee so there isn't very good coffee left in the country. I now know why coffee is so expensive and the farmers are not the ons who are making the money. I took off from a stormy weekend in Salento and headed down to Cali planning to take a refresher spanish class and take some salsa lessons. I got to the Pelican Larry Hostel which was nice where I quickly made friends with some awesome people. I was told by the staff that I didn't need Spanish lessons that my Spanish was fine. I wasn't there on days when they offered salsa lessons eithere so I opted to do the next best thing which was to go eat and drink with some locals. I went out with my new friends for dinner and drinks, which then led us to buy a bottle of Aguardiente  and play drinking games before a night out of salsa and merengue dancing. We eneded up going out in Menga on a Monday night which ended up being a great time and stayed out till about 4 AM then came back and passed out for the morning. Then slept showered and repeated the next night. I then realized if I stayed in Cali this would keep going. So I packed my stuff and headed out that next day for a 17 hour bus ride to Quito. This bus ride turned into quite the adventure after getting stuck in Pasto because I was the only person left on the bus  going to Ipiales so they first told me the border was closed. I called bullshit and then they said it wasn't safe for me to go which I told them too bad. It was already 1 in the morning and I knew Pasto wasn't safe at night either. They then told me it wasn't cost effective for them to drive only one person to the border so I would have to catch the first bus in the morning and they gave me back 5000 Pesos enough for the bus in the morning and dropped me off at a hotel near the bus terminal. I crashed for an hour and a half and then got up and took off for the bus station and made it to the border. Then it gets interesting and that you will read about in my next update about Quito...

Medellin, Colombia

Medellin what a great place to experience so much. First and foremost everyone I've talked to since I've been in Colombia they have all been asking if it is safe in Colombia? Answer: Yes... but if you want to find trouble, like anywhere in the world, you will find it! So that is why I don't go searching for trouble. I look for good people and good times and I find them. Here are some things to do in Medellin if you decide to travel there, which you should. First off I stayed in Zona Rosa in Poblado which is where there are a ton of hostels, hotels and restaurants. A special shout out to Alejandro at Saman Hostel on Calle 10 y Carrero 36. One of the best hostels I stayed in during my whole trip. I took a trip up the Metro Cable to the favella and to the library there and then further up to the National Park up top which was very beautiful and had a great market with amazing food for next to nothing. I also went to Botero Square in El Centro at Parque Berrio which was really cool and had some cool sculptures. I alllso recommend hitting up Salsa Dancing on Tuesday or Wednesday nights in El Centro circa de Parque Periodista. The place was packed but it was a great time inside the bar and there was a party out on the street as well. If you do stay in Zona Rosa hit up the Medellin Beer Factory for some great Colombian Beer and some great Chicken Wings. From Medellin I took off for Salento that will be in the next update.

Cuzco, Sacred Valley and Machu Pichu, Peru

Cuzco is high up there at 3,700 Meters which for you American's is above 12,000 feet. I definitely didn't acclamate well. I got altitude sickness the first 2 days and couldn't get out of bed. If you haven't had altitude sickness before count yourself very lucky because I  would not wish that upon anyone. After 2 days was able to get around town and left on a tour of the Sacred Valley which was incredible  and went to see some of the Incan Ruins which are massive and amazing to think they built these terraces and fortresses into the sides of these mountains  completely by hand. Some of the rocks we saw were incredibly huge which you will see from my pictures.  It is simply amazing. It is one of the most beautiful places I've been to in the world and will definitely go back one day. The next day did a city tour of Cuzco which included the Cathedral in the Plaza De Armas which had their own rendition of the Last Supper which had Cuy (Guinea Pig) as the main dish. Then took off to some ruins outside of the city which was very cool to see how they all depicted some animal that meant something in the Inka culture. Also got to see a sacrificial altar where they used to sacrifice llamas to the gods. Now onto Machu Pichu left on a 2 hour bus to a 2 hour train which was a beautiful ride through the sacred valley from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes which is the town at the base of Machu Pichu. From Aguas Calientes it is a 20 minute bus ride up the mountain. You then walk up a lot of steps and it will be one of the most amazing views you have ever seen. It is a very powerful place full of a ton of history and is a very Sacred Place as well. The pictures I took won't do it justice and I think everyone should go there to see how truly amazing it is. I will go back one day and actually hike the Inka Trail since I opted not to do that this time. Who will join me on that adventure?

Machu Pichu Pictures

Cuzco & Sacred Valley Pictures

Lima, Peru

Lima, Peru was a really interesting place. I stayed in the Miraflores district (the tourist district) at a few different spots. Puriwasi Hostel and Condor House prior to heading to Cuzco. If you are ever in Lima there are a few things I would definitely recommend that you do. Head to downtown before sunset and see the fountain show. It is called Circuito Magico and it is the most amazing fountain show I have ever seen. I know you're thinking it's just water coming out of the ground .... and all my submarine brothers are probably thinking that we've all seen or been surrounded by enough water what makes this so special? It was really amazing though. I've been trying to upload a video unsuccessfully due to bad wifi connections but will get it uploaded soon. There are a total of 18 different fountains. Some  you can walk through like a tunnel and some trap you like a prison. Others you can control with remotes and the show they put on at night is simply amazing. The other thing you should check out is the beaches. In the Miraflores district there is a rock beach. I don't mean a pebble beach like you can see in other parts of the world, but big smooth rocks the size of baseballs in bigger like ones you would see line a path in a garden or the woods possibly. It makes the most amazing sound when the water gets sucked back into the next oncoming wave. Also there is some pretty good surf throughout all of Peru. After Lima headed to Cuzco and Machu Pichu. I will post something separate for that. Check out these pictures from Lima: Lima, Peru Pictures

Panama Pictures

Panama Pictures

Panama City

What is there to say about Panama City? It has been extremely modernized and has a huge international population especially those American's who were doing less than legal activities in the states where they felt more comfortable operating down there. I have to admit it was nice hanging out with some American's watching March Madness in a sports book. I was able to go do Casco Viejo, The Panama Canal and Al Cerro Ancon which were all very amazing things.  I got some great pictures which I'm trying to upload and will post a link later today. All in all had a great time in Panama City would have liked to make it outside the city more but am happy with what I saw. Thanks to Miguel my tour guide. If you end up in Panama City make sure to go to Casco Viejo maybe by the time you get there it won't be under as much reconstruction. Headed to Lima Peru on the 19th and will post something separate for that. If you like reading this please leave a comment public or private just curious who all is reading this.... Thanks to those who are writing I love hearing from you all. Buen Viaje Todo el mundo! (Safe Travels Everyone!)

Tamarindo!

Tamarindo was an amazing few days. I'm looking forward to my friends from their posting some pics to facebook because I don't think I remembered to take a single picture there, I was way too relaxed and having too much fun. Staying at Pura Vida Hostel was such a great time and I hope to meet up with my friends from there in the future. Maybe a reunion there in 2 years or so..... we shall see. I'm packed and about to head to the airport headed to Panama City for the weekend and then onto Lima, Peru. I'll update again in a few days.  Buen Viaje todo el mundo!

Pictures!!

Costa Rica Pictures

Bocas Del Toro & now Tamarindo AKA Tamagringo

So went to Bocas Del Toro in Panama it was pretty cool and hit up Starfish beach with was called La Playa De las Estrellas and then headed towards La Isla de los pajaros, the island of the birds. Headed out the day before yesterday to San Jose and in San Jose went out with the bartender from my hostel with many people from Switzerland, Norway, Canada, Texas,   and we were out till about 430 in the morning it was amazing and the DJ's killed it at Club Vertigo with their trance music warming up the Imperial Festival. Moved on to Tamarindo AKA Tamagringo. I got here last night and then went out with my hostel mates last night and had a blast and of course they couldn't get me off the dance floor. I got home and then headed out for a 5 hour cruise where they let me drive the boat for an hour back. I was out with the Jersey shore girls having a blast. I am back at the hostel getting some dinner and getting ready for tonight. If you come to Tamarindo I highly recommend staying at the Pura Vida Hostel. My new goal in life is to become a Costa Rican Radio Announcer.... for now....

Punta Uva, Porto Viejo & Manzanillo

What an amazing plush jungle here on the caribbean coast of Costa Rica. I'm so glad I took the recommendations of fellow travelers to hit up this tropical paradise. I've been staying at the Walaba Hostel which is absolutely incredible. It is a hidden gem in Punta Uva. It's a big house/ bungalow. I hope you don't mind sleeping outside because you may have a bed but there are no walls in this hostel. It's been pouring rain over the past few nights which makes amazing sounds on the steel roof. The staff is great and yesterday rented a bike and rode down to a few beaches one in Manzanillo and one in Punta Uva. I'm taking off today for Bocas Del Toro in Panama and will be there for a little while I think?

I made the Paper! I'm Famous!

Check out this link to a story in the Sacramento Bee. You all can afford to do a trip like this if you want. http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/26/4286644/dump-the-job-and-travel-for-mature.html

Arenal, La Fortuna

La Fortuna what a cool town. We were there last Thursday and Friday and had a great time. On Thursday just walked around and chilled around the town and had some beers. Met some folks at the Hostel where we were staying which was Backpackers Arenal which was a very nice hostel with A/C very nice thing to have in Costa Rica. On Friday we went ziplining and horse back riding. It was so much fun. One of the zipline cables was 980 Meters almost a kilometer long. Got going about 50 KM/Hour. After that went up to the Baldi Hot Springs and almost killed myself on these crazy water slides. I think I literally flipped upside down in the tube. Got John off to the Airport on Sunday and stayed the night in San Jose. Now I'm traveling solo for a few weeks before I meet up with my friend in Peru. I had convinced myself to attempt to only speak in Spanish for the next few days to practice more but rode out to Porto Viejo with a van full of Americans who were very interested in my trip which is awesome. I hope they all take a career break it's been amazing so far and keeps getting better.  I just made it into Punta Uva which is about 5 Km outside of Porto Viejo, I'm staying at the Walaba Hostel and Beach Houses. I'm on the top floor of this bungalow in a bunk room that looks very comforatable and the bunk looks ready for me to take a siesta. I'll be here for a few days and then will figure it out. Ultimately working my way down into Panama where I will fly out of to get to Peru. I hope you all are enjoying reading this as I enjoy writing these and reliving these amazing memories. Keep in touch and drop me a line to say hi or leave a comment. Pura Vida!

Montezuma

Headed to Montezuma last Sunday and I think today is Thursday. It's very nice not worrying about what day of the week it is. Montezuma was amazing spent 4 nights there hanging out at the beach eating some great food and drinking some tasty beverages. Met 2 Austrians Willy and Martin who I look forward to partying with more in Vienna when I'm there this summer. The majority of people I have met traveling on my trip are Canadians. It's a trip I'm trying to figure out if they are all out of the country traveling who is actually there staying holding down the fort. Hiked to the Montezuma Waterfall which was amazing and then hiked up the difficult way to get up to the top pools. Found the easier way up when we exited from the top pool. If you are to visit Montezuma I recommend going to Cocolores which is a great restaurant and having segundo desayuno's. It's the Cat's Ass!! I am now in La Fortuna at a hostel and am going ziplining tomorrow through the canopy. Then onward from there. La Pura Vida!!

Quepos & Manuel Antoni

Made it to Quepos on Wednesday and it is now Friday I think... It is absolutely amazing!! Hiked through Manuel Antonio National park and saw some bats, monkeys, toucans, and very large sloths. Last night headed out to republik club and went dancing great times as well. Today headed to Manuel Antonio to the beach which is absolutely incredible and spent the entire day there. We then headed up to the El Avion for happy hour which I think down here is everday all day and watched the sunset into the Pacific. I think today I discovered the meaning of La Pura Vida. What a way to live life... Makes you wonder how you could live any other way. With that have a great night and weekend and Stay Thirsty my Friends!

San Jose Costa Rica

 

 
Made it to San Jose Costa Rica and have spent the last day and a half wandering around the city. The amount of buses and traffic seem ridiculous for a city of this size but the traffic patterns are even more fun trying to figure out. About to hop on a bus to Quepos outside of Manuel Antonio about 4 hours away on the Pacific Coast.

Seattle - Brazilian Pick up lines

I came up to Seattle last night to see my big Sister Aleen for the night prior to my departure. We went out to a bar called the Brave Horse Tavern it was a pretty awesome spot. While talking to my sisters friends about my trip a girl overheard and asked where I was going .... once I got to Brazil on my list she asked me if I spoke Portuguese. I do not so then she offered to help me with pick up lines I should use in Brazil. I have them written on a napkin which I will be practicing from over the next few months until I reach Brazil. Here's to you random stranger for contributing to my trip. Saifora Gatinna!

Packing for the Adventure

Here is what I have found through a lot of research online and speaking with fellow travelers about their journeys. The key I have found is quick dry clothing which is a little more expensive but worth it's weight in gold. Here is a list of what I'm bringing with me on my trip to help those fellow travelers who are planning their trips.

• Osprey Waypoint 65 with zipoff daypack and raincover for pack
• Reef Flip Flops
• Adidas Climacool running shoes
• Merrell World Rambler casual shoes
• 1 Marmot Balcon long sleeve button down shirt
• 2 short sleeve button down shirts 1 merrell and one Scottevest
• 1 Scottevest Travel Vest
• 1 Scottevest Micro fleece Pullover
• 3 Exofficio exo dri t-shirts
• 3 merrell Geo t-shirts
• 1 Pair Exofficio Nomad Pants
• 1 Pair Exofficio Nomad Shorts
• 1 Pair Scottevest Travel Pants
• 1 Pair Scottevest Travel Shorts
• 1 Marmot Precip Rain coat
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Ziploc Bags
• Toiletries
• Quick Dry Towel
• Buff Bandana
• Headlamp
• Batteries
• Flashlight
• Headphones
• Origaudio Rockit www.origaudio.com
• Samsung Tab 10.1 w/ bluetooth keyboard
• Casio Tryx 12 MP Camera