Tupiza exploring and 4 day adventure to Uyuni

In Tupiza, tours

http://www.latorretours-tupiza.com/v2/

Tony and I went on a "Triathalon" tour which included:

Jeep: Palala, Tambillo, Monte Rico Charaota, La Poronga, Toroyoj, Entre Rios...
Trekking: Rios, La Torre, Mirador
Horse: Palmira, Puerta del Diablo, Valley of Males, Canon del Inca.












We had dinner with a sweet British honeymoon couple (inspiring?) and a dutch couple, (the guy was a cancer researcher!) and ate dinner at the recommended and gringo party (white people) at ¨Alamos.¨ They played a Shania Twain early 2000s concert DVD and then the famous "Project classico" of an 80s and 90s video mash up mix of popular songs with thier chorus. I MUST find a copy of that and bring it back. Mi amo Project Classico.

Next day: BIRTHDAY

I woke up in my plaster white room, tried to get awake, and turned on CNN Español... ¨It´s my birthday today!¨ I thought, but I was SO tired. That´s it, I need to get rolling, since I have a huge trip starting in a couple hours. I put on my Mp3 player and danced around to Major Lazer, Swedish House Mafia, and other pump up tunes. I met everyone for breakfast at 7:15 and the news got sprang on Tony and I that instead of leacing at 9, we had to leave at 8, with a different company now and all these other people. hahaha like I was going to be ready...

... after putting my stuff into my backpack (which is a funny thing because I haven´t really purchased antyhing and my bag seems to just get bigger and bigger), then ran down the street to get water and crackers.

In a hussle, I then met with some of the new faces in our jeep. It was these 2 Bristol, England girls and their other boy mates were in another jeep. YAY girls and YAY being girly. Tony, you´re a nice guy, but I needed some chick fill... after our first stop though, I met the others and entered lad-land with 4 british boys, which added an even awesomer and comedic dynamic!

This was the itinerary 4 days 3 nights.

1st day: Tupiza, Palala, Sillar, Awanapampa, Cerillos, San Pablo, San Antonio

The boys, since there is 5 of them now all together.. pretty much resemble a boy band and we have began shooting their debut album promotion photos. a.k.a HILARIOUS

The drove in two jeeps and one of the drivers was less experienced to say the least... throughout the trip he got better, but the boys had him the first day and he almost rolled the jeep and stalled on a cliff and went backwards. Can´t wait to sit in the back with him... (not). Driving alone bumpy roads, around cliffs and up mountains was an experiencs on it´s own. NOTE: if you have to pee, you need to stop right away because the bumps are so bad they rattled your bladder and will make you pee your pants. HOWEVER, the most unreal and spectacular views I hands down have never witnessed before in my life.











After a FULL day of jeeping it, we stopped at a place around 5... oh what was that? Your rooms are completely filled, so we have to drive into the Bolivian desert mountains to find another village.. oh, right. Almost 4 (painfully long) hours later (although we watched the beautiful sunset while driving), we landed at a ranch and took our stuff off the jeep. We got wine and whiskey to celebrate my birthday, btu everyone was so exhausted, we decided to have a casual one with our 10:30pm dinner and then have a birthday kick off the next night. The food was really good and prepared by 2 cooks, who came along on our expedition. Crackers and biscuits to start with coffe or tea. Veggie soup as an app. with more bread (obviously right?) and then a delicious main. For these 4 days I did the vegetarian option, just to get back to my roots and feel healthy and full with veggies and vitamins. After expanding our hungry tummies, we then got told we had to be up by 6:30 to have breakfast at 7 and then on the road by 7:30am. Oh, boy...




2nd day: Sol de manana, Quetena, Laguna Kollpa, Laguna Verde, Desierto Dal (Salvador Dali), Geysers, Licancabur Volcano, Huayllajara, Laguna Colorada

A highlighted day indeed! (that actually felt like a birthday well spent!) A cold and early start though, into a day of colourful lakes with flamingos, hot springs, desert mountains and volcanos. The best? yesssss.











The Geysers smelt SO bad that it was almost unbarable for me. It was like being smutherd in rotten eggs. But A) I learnt what geysers were B) they were neat and will probably never see them again.







The red lake was a favourite of mine. With a backdrop of mountains, flamingos are set into a blue meet red/ orange lake. Like the water was ACTUALLY orange. How, not sure, well clearly some kind of mineral (not sure what though). There was moss on the rocks and the sun was pre-pre going down. My FAVOURITE time of light between 4-6pm I think. It was epic because we all crammed into one jeep and blasted classic tunes from an Ipod, like Journey´s ¨Don´t stop believing¨ and Boston´s ¨More than a Feeling.¨ Again the word of that trip, it was so SURREAL.











At night we cracked open the wine for dinner and the 60 of Double V (W) Wiskey for the rest of the night. We played a drinking game with a stein one of the british boys had (crazy, they were at Oktoberfest the weekened after Tony and I!), poured the whiskey in and had 2 deck of cards were ontop of it. Then you had to blow off the cards until there was one card left and that person, who it landed on, had to drink. If you didn´t blow any, you had to drink or if you blew the whole pack, you had to drink as well. It was hilarious because at hight altitude your breath is shortened and the amount you can drink is too. The power shut off and everyone got out their head lamps and we played in the dark with different rules. Muy Bien, Muchas Fun!
6 am wake up--- can´t wait.

3rd day: Arbol, Lagunas Siloli, Canapa, Honda, San Juan, Chaiviri, Chuvica











A long long day for us all, but we got to end it with sleeping in a Salt Hotel!!! It was super beautiful and neat. The walls were made of bricks of salt, the ground was salt, the bed frames were salt block. It was just so cute and cool! There was red curtains, which made the room glow at sun down. We had veggie soup and veggie lasagna for dinner. Yum, yum. Everyone headed to bed earlier because we were getting up for the sun rise at 4:30 and hit the road at 5am and then eat breakfast at the Cactus island.

4th Day: Sunrise, Breakfast at Cactus Island called ¨Incahuasi,¨ Ojos de sal, Salt Flats Uyuni, lunch break in a village and then the last stop: Uyuni

They were late waking us up! We got wake up calls everyday on the trip and then on our last day they were late. We got knocks at 5:15am and constantly yelled at to get our bags because we didn´t want to miss the sunset. Fare, but when I am in the bathroom don´t come in and holler through the stall to ¨Vamos,¨ when they were the 45min late ones...Well we saw the official sunrise and it was beautiful.





100% another top favourite moment of the entire trip was at Cactus Island. We got there when the light of the sun coming up made the tops of all the cactus´look like they had frosted tips and glowed a little. The landscape was breath taking (and so was I after trekking up the mini mountain). One of the british boys and I made an ¨Inukshuk,¨ a Canadian symbol, with some of the island rocks. You would be proud mom!





Afterwards we did hilarious prop photos on the Salt flats for honestly 2 hours. Swell times. Props included: a race car, an ipod, a paper canoe (thanks to my crafty hands) and dinosaurs.





















We had a last lunch, purchased some textiles and then headed into to Uyuni... and what can I say about Uyuni? It was COVERED in garbage, literally looked like a landfill driving into it; therefore, I was not staying a night there. One of the british girls, Katy, and I wanted to skip the Potosi mines. So we booked a bus ticket to Sucre. Hilarious bus story, more on that later. We ended up running into the honeymoon and dutch couple i mentioned early, plus more british guys Katy met earlier, so we all went out to a legendary Pizza place ran by a guy in Boston, USA (random). Best pizza ever? Of course.

Sucre, where I am now, the valley and hilly second Bolivian capital with populated with wonderful white plaster houses that have clay roofs... Now to plan the next steps!

seee it to believe it

Mr. Hugo vineyard bike ride - Mendoza, Argentina

http://www.mrhugobikes.com



"Fantasy Land" - Santiago, Chile

http://www.fantasilandia.cl

3 weeks done & a month under the belt. ¿Next?

The official update! So much has happened and so much is ABOUT to happen!!!

So after Cordoba, which I forgot to mention that on our last night was this crazy religious festival called Patriens day or something like that and it was a ghost town for a while then we walked near the center and pretty much the entire city population was there listening to this pope guy talk and then later that day everyone was running in and out of churches with Argentina flags and there were loud shots of noises that pretty much sounded like gun shots… but I never figured out what it was fun.

Park in Cordoba!



Anywaaay. Onto Mendoza.

We decided to go to a place called Mendoza Inn, it was okaaay. Well… pretty good, It definitely looked nice; however, our room was right near the lobby and the staff PUMPED reggaeton the entire day/night… Thank you ear plugs. I never went in it but, there was a “pool,” which I’m 90% didn’t have a filteration system and a maintenance guy was filling it will a hose the onse morning. A.k.a Sess (?) Pool. Minutes in to arriving at the place, we met this other Canadian girl, who was residing in Newfoundland… Anyway. That day we ended up stretching our legs by going right to a place out side of Mendoza called Belgrano and did a bike ride wine tour!!! It was through this guy/ rental place named Mr. Hugo (recommended by everyone). Mr. Hugo himself was there and got everyone right wasted. Before that though, we got a bike for 25pesos and rode along dusty paths to a wine museum (tasting), then to a chocolate and olive oil factory (deliciously tasting), beer garden (tasting and crisp tasting), another winery (tasting)…. We lucked out and had a gorgeous day! I even got tan lines from it!

















The next couple days Tony and I bought meat, cheese, and wine and had a picnic in a park and read. We rented a bike from the hostel and rode around the park because it’s pretty massive. I ate lunch near this lake, the Andes mountains in the back ground, surrounded by trees, and across from a fitness centre/rowing club. Also, the wonderful view included male futbol (soccer) players doing laps around the area of park I was in. Great view indeed

Tony heard from his Aussie futbol (their football is different that anybody elses) mate studying in Santiago. So we went there for the weekend!!!

Crossing the border was a pane in the ass and going into Chile is more strict than I expected. It was like an airport… declaring items, etc… And they confiscated (?) my apples, kiwi, and walnuts! So pissed; there goes my attempt at being health conscious in the Bread obsessed nation called South America.

Besides that, had an unreal time in Santiago. We sleept approx. 2-3 hours after a shitty overnight bus ride. Then we haulled our stuff to a hostal, La Casa Roja – very beautiful, old french mansion. It had a really good an spacious cocina (kitchen), banos (bathrooms), dorms, more than one common room, and a bar with pool. It was 5:30am and we didn’t have a bed yet, so we rolled out on some couches, ate left over shitty bus ride sandwiches and napped. Once we were able to check in, we through our stuff in lockers and took the subte (subway) to the University to watch a rugby game Tony’s friend was in. I remember even though I was tired, the subway ride was beautiful seeing the Andes in the background. Their system is better and cleaner than BsAs!

Walking onto campus I got flashbacks and nostalgic about my college days. I bought a granola bar on site and headed to the field. Watching this rugby game was funny on a number of reasons. 1) They don’t really have rugby in Australia and it’s overlooked/ has a bad rep compared to their version of football, so the Tony’s aussie mate, Alex, was pretty new at everything rugby… 2) …So was everyone else. These “players” have been learning HOW to actually play for 3 weeks in a classroom (hahahaha) and this was their first game EVER! So it was a big deal, like the guys didn’t drink the night before, so they had their game fully on.

There we were at the side lines watching these fit men stretch (how I get to these things sometimes just surprises me) and then attempt to play the game. 15 minutes later these two other girls came by who spoke english. They are from two different parts of New Zealand (I love the kiwi’s) and the one is studying at the Uni and the other followed her girlfriend here after working on a cruise ship, so now just hangs out in Stgo. We soon pieced together that we knew the same person, Alex! And oh wait, they live with him! Two other American girls showed up and a guy from Holland – all around the same age and all friends! Again, turns out we’re all cheering for the same person. The game itself was hilarous because everyone was guessing each move, but our team ended up winning – YAY! Which obviously meant asado (BBQ) and drinks the rest of the day – YAY!

The team mates (some also part of the friend crowd and live in the same house [I love travelling and how everything just works out like that] ) and Tony left for the bar after their game ended at 12:30 and the girls and me went to the supermarcado (supermarket) to start prepping food and bought beer. Side note: I’m sure some of you know I don’t really like beer, but this weekend I drank heapes of it and enjoyed it! I still stand that beer is an afternoon sunny drink. I’m not fully converted, but I am more in-like with the stuff; dark beer as my preference. I made two big batches of baked potato wedges wth spices all over them (I was trying to find sweet potatoes/ yams, but no luck, but this was close I think). Shout outs on this one to Lia, who I made them with in college and my mom, who makes them with me too. After the bitch of cutting 6 of them, they tasted great – Phew! I got some people hooked on them too and it may be a repeat recipe.



The boys came back and we through verdura (vegetables) and pollo (chicken) kabobs. And troy pan (sausage on a bun) and then massive steaks. We had ensalada (salad) on the side, along with tons of beer.

It was a good time, a good night, and so much fun meeting everyone. Tony and I went back to the hostel to pass; I woke up and noticed we were in the same room with different Aussie’s we met in Mendoza. Small travel world.
But for the Saturday, we planned on going to Santiago’s amusement park called “Fantasilandia” a.k.a “Fantasy Land” with the gang we met. Hahahaha jokes on jokes is what it was. We went on the major rides except a Straight Drop one. Again, for people who know me, I don’t like going on rides… but I went for it.

There was a one that definitely made us feel unsafe… Thanks “Evolution”





After the long day of Fantasy Land which consisted of disgusting amounts of P.D.A. (Public Display of Affection) or face eating, horrendous (?) fashion sense (seriously, nothing I have even seen before), alternative hair styles, which include the dreaded rat tail, and mullet featuring rat tail, …it wasn’t so much Fantasy Land everyone agreed. We ate delicious sushi to re-energize.
Beer and laughs at a patio and then back at the house. Oh yeah, also in the group include 2 British guys, plus some others.. I don’t remember … Tony and I stayed over in their lving room. Much appreciated!!

The next day I was supposed to got to Valparaiso to meet up with a guy I was in contact with, but that feel through due to miscommunication, so I went to Pablo Neruda’s house and up Mt.St Cristobel. Pablo Neruda’s (a famous Chilean revolutionary Poet, who also well known with the French) house was gor-ge-ous. This was his 2nd out of 3 houses and the one where he lived with his mistress with and had his funeral at. The other two are in Valpo. He saved an architect’s life, so he helped Neruda build his house. Neruda was obsessed with the Sea and made his house, all living space buildings, and decor look like parts of a ship. Also, he loved looking at the Andes Mountains and had epic views from his “lighthouse” living room and one study room resembling the captain’s room. He himself often referred to himself as The Captain. He opened his house up to his friends and the art scene, allowing people to use it as a cultural centre. I am trying to find a resonable priced poetry book of him and hopefully during the holidays read his memoirs.



St. Cristobel was like a gondala ride up to the top and it overlooked Santiago and the Andes. It was beautiful with the lovely sunny weather and at the very peak had a massive statue of the virgin Mary. Kinda like in Rio de Junaro, Brazil (?)where they have the massive statue of Jesus.

I had a moment back at the flat. The Sun was setting and I was sitting in a room that faced it, so all the orange and pink light illuminated the space, but the walls still had dramatic shadows. I felt really warm and happy. I realized that still near the beginning of my trip, there are lots of things to see and experience. 3 months is not a lot of time to travel… I don’t know what I will decide to do when I go back for the holidays, but I do know that I will be planning on another trip. There are immense possibilities and beautiful things to surround yourself with in the world and knowing this makes me more enthusiastic to find them. We’ll see what happens… because something more come. I can’t pass up the opportunity to develop myself culturally.

It was the Sunday of Canadian Thanksgiving and some of use went to this Italian restaurant. Pretty good for one of the only places open! On Sunday’s in South America most places have weird hours or are completely closed. They are still very catholic here!

After one more night of beers, jokes, hilarious YouTube videos and living room sleep overs, Tony and I unfortunately had to say goodbye to our amigos. I know I told everyone this, but I am SUPER thankful and appreciative of the hospitality everyone showed us. It was really nice to stay in one place and enjoy such wonderful company. I will try to visit again!

Now the long, but not seemingly as long, bus ride back. From Santiago to Mendoza, it was super early in the morning, but I stayed up to watch the unbelievable views…



Then from Mendoza to Cordoba and onwards to Iguazu Falls.
We ended up meeting another New Zealander “Kiwi” named Israel on the bus and ended up chumming around with him. Also, a super cool England/Ireland couple, who I made a veggie stir fry dinner with (yay, vegetables!) and enjoyed an all-night happy hour promotion. 2 strong Gin and tonics for 10pesos… haha done and done (for the Canadian’s, that’s like 2 awesome drinks for $2.50).

Iguazu .. WOW, that is what I can say.. really it should be on the Wonders of the World list!! I even think it is nominated to be on the next 7. Imagine 10 Niagra Fallls and being able to walk all around them and ever over them!!! Israel , Tony, and I took a boat to go under them. Soaking wet obviously, but thank goodness it was a sunny bright day! We did the entire park and started at 7:30am.











It was definitely just awe inspiring. I saw THREE FULL RAINBOWS! 3… FULL… like to see the start and end of a rainbow is just breathe taking! You never think you will actually see one in your life! … and I saw 3!!!!











Arrived back around 4:30. I don’t know if I could of seen anouther rainbow after that, but the day was extremely well spent. I went out to a really cute restaurant with Peter, an advertisting New Yorker I met. Muchas Gracias for good conversation and company.

Check out at 10am and back on a bus by 11am…

After much discussion, Tony and I decided to go right to Bolivia, we have both read much about it and there is waaaayy more stuff we want to do there. I think Tony and I are a bit sick of jumping cities and just want to do more natural adventure activities. We waited until Bolivia because it’s just soooo cheap. Like money and budget IS an issue, when you want to do a bunch of day exploring like that.

Now.. the new revitalized Plan of Attack:

Entering Bolivia..Stay in Tupiza at a ranch and do horseback riding and cycling (that’s what it is known for). Then the salt flats in Salar de Uyani (most well known), maybe the big city Sucre, Capital of La Paz. Onto Lake Titicaca and Copacabana… that will probably take 2-2.5 weeks. In the beginning of November Peru… Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Mancora… and at some point meeting up with my friend Piero! I met through my first roommate ever, Adrienne, and saw him before I left to tell him I was going. He booked a flight to see his family and do a bunch of day trips for a bit in November!! So we are meeting up!! That should all take approx 3 weeks.
Then I will be branching off and going back South through Chile. San Pedro de Atacama, then to La Serena, Valpariso, Santiago and fly out crossing over to do Patagonia and then Buenos Aires, then home! That is if I even have enough time to do all the above! 3 months is really not a long time to travel… after this taste of it, I plan on going back out there.

I stopped at the Salta bus terminal only to get on another one to head to La Quiaca for a pit stop before I crossed the border... The Next morning we walked into Bolivia.. I ate the BEST pork I had eaten on my trip and after a nuts bus ride, we are in Bolivia! Tony and I booked horse back riding tomorrow and then the next 4 days after (on my birthday) I will be in a jeep, staying on a ranch, and seeing the world famous salt flats!

SO PUMPED
xoxoxox hugs and lovin for everyone