TEENA 1
Christina Howard Joined: July 14th 2008
Logged in: November 13th 2011
Logged in: November 13th 2011
Travel Blog Posts
Machu Picchu, Via Ferrata, and the Joys of a Stomach Bug! Saturday was Machu Picchu day and boy, Michelle and I were excited. I had difficulties sleeping; could have been due to the excitement, the cat hissing, or the fact that Michelle found a spider in her bed minutes before we turned the lights off. (If only I put up my bug net, I would have had a more comfortable sleep). 5:30 A.M came quickly and we were off for a quick breakfast and to catch an early train to Machu Picchu. We encountered our first real rip off situation that morning. The hotel clerk mentioned that it was a fifteen minute ride to the train station. Surely, Michelle and I thought it would be best to get a cab, especially so early in the morning. ... read more
No Gracias!: A blog written by Michelle After a restful night, thanks to my warm pillows, we enjoyed our first free breakfast at the hotel. Than off to Ave El Sol in search for a place to book our flights back to Lima. It was a success; just in time to meet Eugene in front of the Cathedral at 11AM sharp for the trip to Pisac. A 45 minute ride along a winding road, with one stop for photo ops of course, brought us to our first destination. A view of colonial Pisac. I looked in awe as I saw the tiny village sandwiched between a river and a beautiful bed of mountains. This is when I learned that my addiction to snapping photos had begun (however, Christina thought that long before). On the road again, ... read more
I Have Hot Water In Ollan-Tay- "Oh Boy" -Tambo Ollantaytambo, an hour and a half closer to Machu Picchu...cheaper train ride, earlier arrival to the ruin, plus it's cute...why not spend a few nights here? Michelle and I got dropped off in the Plaza de Armas around 10:30 and the hotel receptionist greeted us right by our taxi. Our hostel was a few minute walk from the Main Square, and difficult for a taxi to maneuver through the narrow cobblestone streets. Essentially they are mini passageways lined with tall Incan style rock walls. The entire town is a large maze and it makes for very unique pictures. After getting situated, we headed towards the square (almost trampled by three bulls) for some eats and people watching. I am enthralled with the native garb, how the women ... read more
P6190754 0506
I saw my very first llama in Cusco! As we boarded the two tiered Cruz del Sur at 8 PM, we comfortably sprawled out in the "cama's" as American's would call "recliners" and immediately put ourselves to sleep with iPods as our lullaby. The tunes of Pitbull rocked me to sleep. Occasionally, the unpaved roads jostled me awake. Overall, a painless trip. Upon our arrival in Cusco at 6:45 AM, we were greeted by an impatient taxi driver with a sign "Cristina Howard" (so we were 45 minutes late, no need to get your panties in a bunch especially when I didn't jump ugly on you for spelling my name wrong). He speed raced along the dirt roads, and by 7:15 we were checked into Hostel Loreto. Our room is equipped with an Incan Wall, two full ... read more
Photo 16
Arequipa! Friday night was our last evening in Lima and I was in need of a good night sleep. I definitely found myself getting very grumpy after two nights of on and off naps. The minute I hit the pillow I was out and I even think I woke up in the same position that I fell asleep in. Waking up a bit disoriented but refreshed it was necessary to hit up the bank before heading to Arequipa. A quick goodbye to Tony and we set off for the airport; this time in a rickety green Subaru with seat belts that no longer retract. Nearly getting into one severe sideswipe, Michelle and I were relieved to make it in one piece to our terminal. To our surprise we entered the terminal to see a sea of ... read more
P6160647 0607
Donde esta Tony Pabon? At 9:00 pm Michelle and I arrived at JFK for our flight to Lima, Peru. The red eye flight was the perfect idea so that we wouldn't waste all day Thursday traveling. After completing the rounds of phone calls, excited, and already accomplished ( I finally beat the impossible round in Angry birds), we boarded! Luckily, we were able to snatch seats together, so that I could help Michelle survive her severe hatred for flying. Several times, I had to reassure her that the rattling was normal and that the screeching noise was only the wheels folding up. Finally, the Xanax kicked in and well my job was essentially done! Sure enough, we arrived safely! Here in Lima, we are staying with Michelle's friend Tony. I guess for Michelle the perk ... read more
To be honest I had no idea what I wanted to do on my first day in Vancouver. I started out deciding on renting a bike for the day. I was equipped with a bike, helmet, backpack and map for only $17.00; thanks to the 30% off coupon my guesthouse offered me. After getting situated and realizing my fellow friend Georgita would rather die than put on a used helmet, I took off on my little adventure through downtown Vancouver. A little disoriented, almost one accident (darn truck), and a twenty minute pleasant sea coast ride I found my way to Stanley Park. I parked my bike and walked through the crafted totem poles. Weaving through a bunch a tourists I was able to snap excellent photos all wondering what my family's totem would look like. ... read more
I don't know why so many are confused? I'm in Canada eh! Peru was the idea, but traveling companions bailed at the last minute. The summer started with my "ginormous" family and I vacationing on Siesta Key Beach for a week. Two days before, I realized I had yet to purchase tickets for a summer trip. I weighed out my options and as much as it would be nice to save some money, I would go crazy if I returned to Medford too soon. After my family vacation of lounging, lounging, laughing, and lounging, I hitched a ride with my Aunt and Uncle to the Tampa airport where I caught my first flight to New Orleans. One of my best high school friends lives in Baton Rouge. I haven't seen her since her wedding three years ... read more
Flying Sansa
(Tuesday) There was a special request for a final blog... Tuesday brought another 5 A.M. wake up for Amy and I. (One would think that with all the early mornings, I would start to get use to them. However with each one I only got grumpier and grumpier! As much as I try, I don't think I'll ever be a morning person). Our next adventure led us south to the Central Pacific for the pristine villiage of Manuel Antonio. In order to not waste an entire day traveling we decided to take the shuttle plane service, Sansa, to our next destination: Flying Sansa was quite the experience. It was essential (even for short individuals like Amy and I) to crawl to the seats. The pilots were clearly visible and the plane is navigated by one propeller ... read more
Horseback Riding
Sunday morning finally brought a respectable wake up time. A delicate and fresh breakfast awaited us in the villa restaurant. Noel, the local tour guide, picked us up for our ten hour excursion to Buena Vista (tourist trap) in the heart of Guanacaste. The first stretch of the tour consisted of a vigorous trot on horseback with an eighteen year old cowboy professional, Oscar. As we headed to the rainforest, I quickly learned that my horse had a mind of it's own and preferred leadership rather than following Oscar's instructions. This led to shrills of "Ay Senor" as I tried to get Oscar's attention to redirect my horse. Instead, I found myself "Ay Senor-ing" all the way through a bush. As the ride progressed, I won the horse over with my charm and he responded with ... read more
