celind
Christian Celind Joined: April 20th 2006
Logged in: January 17th 2012
Logged in: January 17th 2012
Travel Blog Posts
Cerro Chato
“This hike is very difficult” says the ticket selling guy. “That’s ok” I reply, grinning to myself, confident the hike to Cerro Chato will be no match. The information leaflet says that the hike is suitable for people from the ages 8 to 65. I’m right in the middle, so this should be a walk in the park. I’m given a simple, possibly hand-drawn map. It’s not quite clear where the train begins, but using the elimination method to rule out other potential entrances, soon I’m on my way. Cerro Chato is a volcano, literally in the shadow of the more famous Arenal volcano in central Costa Rica. It’s been inactive for a few thousand years, and the crater has formed a little lagoon. Reaching that little lagoon seems like a nice afternoon outing. The first ... read more
The River Wild – 90’s flick with Meryl Streep as the white water rafting expert heroine, Kevin Bacon as the city boy villain. Whether the film ever served as inspiration for anyone to take up rafting is doubtful, but the movie does come to mind. Urban dude exposed to the forces of nature, risking life and limbs (almost anyway) going down the rapids for the first time – that’s me. Getting on board the bus taking us to the starting point, I take a quick look around to get familiar with the company of the day. Or rather, to see who else is up for getting wet, and possibly drown. There’s the Boston family of three, two young German girls, and three local teenagers. In addition to this there are two guides, the kayaker, and the ... read more
Galatasaray - Antalyaspor
They call it Hell. Ali Sami Yen, the home ground of the football club Galatasaray. The stadium has earned its nickname from the vibrant, energetic, and sometimes hostile atmosphere created by the fanatic supporters. Over-exaggerated by media, or bordering insanity to pay a visit as a foreign and neutral spectator? Only one way to find out. Finding the correct subway stop is fairly easy. Next step is to find the actual stadium. Find supporters with team jerseys on, and follow them. There is a great number of people wearing the red and yellow Galatasaray shirt. The problem is, they’re walking in different directions. The language barrier makes it a challenge to ask for directions. So, pick a direction that seems logical, start walking, and hope for the best. The venue turns out to be a rather ... read more
Bosporus
Is it a river? Is it a lake? No, it’s the Bosporus strait! Connecting the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea, it not only divides the city of Istanbul, but also marks the end (or beginning) of Europe, and the beginning (or end) of Asia. The massive city spreads out on both sides of the strait. When the countless amount of streets and people become too much, the water is the perfect place to seek refuge. The ferry sets off from the Eminönü pier on its journey towards the Black Sea. The seats are not very comfortable, the amenities are few, and no voice from the speaker system tells you to look left, right, or straight ahead to see this and that building or bridge. But, for a fraction of the price charged by the ... read more
It might be the most annoying tune of all times, or it might be the catchiest feel-good tune in decades - surely opinions vary. Regardless of which, the name is burned into the memory on all of us who ever tried to sing along with the lyrics or made more or less coordinated and gracious attempts at getting the moves in sync with the rhythm. La Macarena is neighborhood in Seville. Somewhere in the mid-nineties a couple of local musicians borrowed the name of the area, named their seductive party girl in the song after it (think about it, have you ever heard anyone actually named Macarena?), and an instant hit was born. While the name travelled the world many times over, and probably will for years to come, the original barrio remains picturesque and tranquil. ... read more
Paragliding1
Jumping off a cliff will render you going one out of two ways; up or down. If you go down, you hit the rocks an unsurvivable number of meters down. Inadvisable. Hence the paragliders. Designed to make you go and stay up, if used correctly. The winds of the Pacific seem to make the cliffs of coastal Lima the ideal spot for this sport. With impressive skills the pilots maneuver their equipment to head out over the cold and dark ocean before turning around and go back over dry land. Soundless and colorful bodies whirling around the skies of Miraflores, adding a dimension to the point where the huge city ends and the vast ocean begins. With Lima seemingly suffering from a lack of interesting activities and sights for such a massive city, and not knowing ... read more
Pukara
I could have opted to take the local bus between Puno and Cuzco, or even a direct coach. Would probably have saved me a couple of hours and half the ticket price. But, instead I choose the slower, educational, comfortable, and culturally loaded Inka Express. A premium price, but comfortable buses, stops at interesting sites along the way, an English-speaking guide, and a free lunch buffet sold itself. The name Inka Express. The Inka part indicates that we’ll be seeing some Inca relate historical sites. The Express part suggests that the transport will move with an above average age. Clearly catering to tourists who want to combine the cultural experience with rapid pace, making efficient use of their time. Happy to leave the boring, cold, and sleepy city of Puno, I board the bus in the ... read more
Huacachina
After a long bus journey and a short taxi ride we arrive in the oasis in the Peruvian desert. Our taxi driver is trying to charge three times the fare. Putting on his “innocent old man” face when we don’t buy it. Better luck next time. Despite being an avid traveler, my experience with deserts in general and oases in particular is very limited. Oasis; overrated English rock band with a few hits in the 90’s. Also; green area in the desert, presence of water. Or; something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast. Huacachina is far from rock’n’roll, but definitely meets the other criteria. A square-shaped little lake, palm trees bordering the waterline and providing shade, mighty sand dunes towering up on all sides. Sleepy hotels and quiet restaurants surrounding the water. This is a ... read more
The road
They call it the most dangerous road in the world. Yungas Road has earned its reputation by claiming hundreds of victims. Every year. I’m deciding to travel down this road. By bike. There’s no shortage of tour agencies of various quality in South America. This is one tour where you do not want to go cheap; one where the quality of guides and equipment can actually make a difference between life and death. I choose a company named Gravity, seemingly with a good reputation, solid experience, and professional staff. The group meets early in the morning at a coffee shop in central La Paz. For someone who lives in Amsterdam the idea of meeting in a coffee shop early morning before rushing headlong down the Road of Death on two wheels is rather amusing. Our guides ... read more
Salar de Uyuni
Another sleepless night, but the altitude sickness is wearing off, and I feel surprisingly fresh. With military efficiency we get up, get ready, pack our stuff, and eat breakfast. We want to see the sun rise over the middle of the salt flats, no time to waste. Stuff on top of the car, ourselves inside the car, and race to get as far out as possible before the sun rises. Our German astronomer friend knows his stuff, and down to the minute he predicts how long time we have before the sun is up. Other cars are racing alongside ours. Like little boys with toys the drivers really push their vehicles to the limit. Looking back we’re putting some serious miles behind us, the mountains become smaller and smaller. Looking at the horizon ahead, the distance ... read more
