Mark and Fran

Off the beaten path to El Salvador, staying in possibly the most underveloped beach town in the world, where we were joined by our friends Kristen and Dawn. It was very cheap and very fun. As for surfing, we mostly just got pummeled by some very big waves. Our hunt for some smaller waves took us up and down the coast but to no avail, so we spent our time just watching and wishing we could join in the fun. Other than that there was nothing to do but drink some beers, swing in hammocks and watch the world go by, namely various local characters including "Mr Rasta" an approximately ninety year old Rastafarian whose daily yoga routine was most inspirational. Heading north to Guatemala where we met up with a uni friend of Fran´s, Tom. ... read more

After standing on the Equator for a good few hours we didn´t spend much time in Ecuador but hot footed it over to Colombia. Despite getting stuck in the middle of violent student protests and accidently staying in a red-light district, Bogota was an amazing place and home to the friendliest people in the world. Fact. Next, the coastal town of Cartagena which was beautiful and ridiculously, ridiculously hot. Not able to fork out for the luxury of air-con we had to sleep under the shower everynight. We met up with some friends Kristen and Dawn (who we met in the Galapagos) and decided we would all get a sail boat to take us across the Carribean sea to Panama as an adventurous alternative to flying. An adventure it was but not really in a ... read more

Lots of High-speed, high-altitude action. The mystical lake Titicaca - highest navegable lake in the world-was a little gem. We mostly spent our time on the water in various vessels. Hijaking a farmer´s rowing boat we went for a gentle row across the lake when Lucy was tempted in by the sapphire blue waters. Despite owing Mark and I a reasonable sum of one million and ten pounds (unlucky betting) Lucy challenged mark to a race - her backstroke against his rowing. Lucy didnt factor in the altitude or sub zero temperatures of the water nor the fact that she cant actually swim that fast and after thirty seconds a dramatic rescue atempt had to be executed and a dejected near-dead Lucy was pulled ashore with a rope. Next stop was Cuzco, the Inca capital. ... read more

url='/Videos/2944.html' onclick='dialog("/Videos/2944.html?popped=1","tbvideo",600,600);return false;' Bolivian Wrestlingurl='/Videos/2945.html' onclick='dialog("/Videos/2945.html?popped=1","tbvideo",600,600);return false;' Dynamite Mark... Mining in Potosi Onward to Potosi, a Silver mining town. Not sure you can call it a highlight but definately the most eye-opening experience was taking a guided trip down into the mines. Definately not set up as a tourist excursion, these mines are fully functioning and the conditions were unbelivable - like stepping back in time to the 18th Century.. However, Lucy, Darren, Mark and Fran bravely tackled the claustrophobia, altitude, poisonous gases and general difficulty of navegating our way through the middle of a mountain in metre wide tunnels and got to see some of the miners at work. It was pretty humbling watching boys ... read more

Mendoza is a pretty attractive place, at the foot of the Andes. Modern city as far as Argentina goes, great vibe - a bit of a mini Buenos Aires and famous for its wines. Greated at our hostel with an all you can eat/drink bbq - great start. Met some fun Argentinian girls who took a shine to an eccentric 50 year old man - unfortunately Fran had to spend the entire evening translating for them, editing the eccentrics words where appropriate so as to minimise embarrassment. All day wine tasting tour the following morning with a 7.15 start took its toll but we are now connoisseurs and can brew our own in times of need. Chocolate factory was also a big hit. unfortunatley no Willy Wonka though. Salta, in northern Argentina, is an atmospheric ... read more