The Monkey Puzzle Tree is actually called "Araucaria". after its latin name of Araucaria araucana. Acacia is a common type of flowering tree in the northern hemisphere that has nothing to do with the monkey puzzle!
http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ecoph27.htm
will miss have so enjoyed this diary and the photos ......will really miss it as I presume you are now back in the UK! Hope all goes well for you both, love jill
Yes indeed, we're hooked! Thanks for the positive comment! We're hooked alright. I'm already thinking about the next jaunt. I think Africa might well be our next long term destination.
Off topic, but just read about a very destructive sounding planned mining operation in chile, and just having come back from there it was especially poignant. Have a read external support needed by the sounds of it!
http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=12447
Travel longing Judging from your detailed trip descriptions, and great pictures, you will, or have, become adventure-travel addicted...Great mental and visual memories no one can take from you, to be recalled later, when you return to the real world, to escape once again, albeit temporarily, til the next trip....
Wife and I toured New Zealand, North island about 8 years ago, and much of Western Europe in 2002; Still recalling those memories, and planing next jaunt...Vaya con Dios!
Mmmmm salty... Hey guys. Great piccies from the Salar. Wish we were back there! We are in NZ now, spent this afternoon kayakking around the north coast of the South Island, so I guess its not all that bad! Missing South America, although definitly not missing the regular toilet stops hehe!
Great synopsis! Thanks for your compliments guys! The tour really was fantastic! Unfortunately all my photos of Bolivia were stolen along with my camera in La Paz, so if you have any to send me, I would appreciate it greatly! Oh, and guess who I met in the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after a hard day hiking through Machu Picchu and surrounding summits.... Chris and Ubi!!!! Enjoy the rest of your travels (or are you already home??). I know what you mean about send-offs in Santiago!!!
Cathy
Great that you spotted a Gruff. There was a TV programme last night called Planet Earth and they were saying how rare it is to see a Gruff these days, in fact they are almost extinct. Good work !
Organised tours Yeah, we've met a few people that have done organised trips around south america. I guess it depends on how you like to travel - for me, this is the only way to do it, I wouldn't like being herded around and not given the chance to stay in one place if you liked it - but I've met other people that have really enjoyed their tours. I think it also comes down to how much time you've got - if you're short of time, organised tours let you cram a whole lot in....
Awesome Looks like a great trip! I want to go. I was just looking at this website where it is all planned for you and things are included. It seems like it might save money, and provide some good things to do, but I would be afraid that I would only see the mainstream attractions and would have to follow someone elses schedule so that would take away from the magic of experiencing another part of the world. The bike trip looks particularly attractive to me since I love biking. I bet a week would not be nearly long enough to take it in.
The REAL Bungholio! That's no optical illusion, that's the real deal!! As far as taste goes, it certainly won't be replacing chicken in my diet.... very fatty too..... all part of the experience though!
Bungholio hey guys!
You did stay with the same family-i recognise them! fancy that eh? is the piccie of your dinner with the animal nose an optical illusion? or did it belong to the guinea pig? did it taste like chicken? we didnt get involved.... loving Gruff!
You jammy bastards! im so jealous of your Santa Cruz trek! im glad the sun shone in part and you got to see the montañas...glad too you got to meet and enjoy the company of Huaraz's mountain goat (AKA Vistor). Good piccies Georgeous.. more gruff! more gruff! more gruff!
Set them free! Im in the 'set the felines free' camp too! Love the look Emma, very sexy! Definitely agree with the need for a day or two of luxury whilst 'on the road'. We have yet to indulge but will do so in Brazil me thinks...
Boarding bum hey Georgey,
love your boarding styly! im gutted we wont get to hook up, how did we get that so wrong? still, sounds like you and Emma are having a wicked time and making the most of this crazy continent. Reading your Blogs with a smiley face :)
Big Luv
J XXX
enjoying Happy New Year to you both. Am enjoying reading your adventures though quite envious. Makes my trip to Spain seem tame! Will have to just get on and start arranging my next trip to some distant lands. Enjoy Peru as I certainly did,awaiting next instalment! Cheers, Jill
Adventures in the land of office That sounds like fun. This week I have been mainly sitting at my desk in the office. I have got drunk a few times too. Well it is Christmas after all! Have fun x
I´m at the start of a South American adventure, along with my lovely girlfriend Emma. Hope these pages interest and inspire others to do the same. We´re already having the time of our lives....... full info
George the Greek
George Mason
Corrected!
Thanks for the correction. I never was much of a horticulturist.