Good One! Pete Lesson learned ... only carry your own s--t ... but it sure was a good laugh ... and makes one think of all the times we nearly did the same thing ... feliz viajes
Fijian Culture Your story of visiting Fiji, everything from the issues with Customs to getting to know the locals, made me homesick for the time I spent in Fiji! Sounds like you were well rewarded for getting off the beaten path. From what I saw, most tribes are moving away from the thatched bures and towards plywood and cement, unfortunately.
You might find the Tribewanted community interesting - they've built up a backpacker retreat off of the north shore of Vanua Levu together with the local Fijians that is true to Fijian culture. At least back to the cannibalism!
It was great having you here... Good to see you again Pete, you must come back to Auckland again soon - I think you've taken our travel plug - haha !
Have a safe and interesting trip,
Martin, Merle and Ella xx
whoops.... oops, i accidentally told you iquique used to be bolivian. it was actually peruvian (i forgot that they still have the old peruvian custom's house near the docks). my error may be due to the fact i was watching the chile-peru game and the last thing i wanted to do was think about peru (i'm chilean). anyway, i corrected my attempted correction. saludos! (cheers!) (chile won 2-0 btw)
Oops I submitted that last comment before I wanted to!!
I just wanted to say Pete that I am very grateful to you; reading your blog has really helped to while away the boring days at work!!
It really is a masterpeice, you should get it published!!
er, not colonial after all Hi James. Thanks for correcting me! Always helpful for someone to point out historical blunders in my blog. History and architecture aren't my strengths!
cheers, enjoy your travels
Pete (lobstercheeks)
vamos chilenos! sorry about the title. i was reading your blog at halftime between chile and peru for the world cup 2010 qualifier (yes, that was a horrible and terribly boooooring chile-mexico game you had to suffer through....the worst i've ever seen). what a wonderful adventure you're on. i'm glad you've gotten to know chile and their hot dogs (i think there's nothing better than avocado/palta on a hot dog). just two points. the "peninsula" whose folklore you very accurately describe is actually an island called chiloé. their tales are mostly based on a blend of indigenous and spanish tales. also, the iquique's architecture is not "colonial". i'm not even sure it existed in colonial times. it used to be bolivian but was taken by chile in the war of the pacific (1879-1884). the architecture dates from the 1890's-1915 period, during the nitrate boom. anyway, your blogs are very interesting and well written. you are defintely squeezing all the juice out of your trip and wallowing in the particularities of every country, something too few adventurers are willing to do. good luck with the rest of your travels. ¡cheers!
permits 500 a day ONLY!!?
How in the hell many people were doing the trail before the restrictions were in place?
I'm flabbergasted...is MP the tourist capital of the world or what?
Chocolate-side-up Clearly having chocolate-side-down is just plain wrong. Apart from anything else, if they get a bit melty, and you were eating them upside-down, you'd get chocolate on your fingers.
Furthermore, I believe a close study of Bagpuss will show the mice (having manufactured their biscuits from breadcrumbs and butterbeans) stowing them chocolate-side-up. And only a fool would challenge their expertise...
Fab blog!! Just stumbled across your blog, as i prepare to start my own: one word-fabulous! You've got a great sense of humour. Just wanted to say, i hope your travels get better on the accomodation front, and i shall think of steamy bottoms whenever i visit delapidated hotels from now on :)
Caroline x
the Great Chocolate Digestive debate this debate is actually quite widespread. I have joined a discussion group on Facebook called "Chocolate Digestives: the chocolate side is the TOP"
You would not..... Believe the discussion you have started around the office - the great chocolate digestive debate, its been raging for some days now. Perhaps we should call the UN.....
Similiarities with Rwanda 10. Yes! except for the sheep and shopping
11. Yes! except the govt cracked down on the tax dodge in 05
12. Yes! except I have developed the famous gypsy technique of bargining AFTER the ride. Only works if you know the fare beforehand though...
Can you take one home for me?
Pete,
The photos with the Panda are just delicious.They look so fluffy and so glamourous in their own rights!...CAn you take one back home for me as a pet.?
Nice to read you,I think you are a very good writer.
Keep smiling.Francoise.
smatlanek
Barbara Smatlanek
Good One! Pete
Lesson learned ... only carry your own s--t ... but it sure was a good laugh ... and makes one think of all the times we nearly did the same thing ... feliz viajes