From the moment we crossed the border into Chile from Bolivia, it was very clear we were in a completely different country. While the transition from Ecuador to Peru and Peru to Bolivia wasn’t so obvious, the shift to Chile was a big change. Not only were the roads paved but people’s attitude towards foreigners was entirely different as the people were extremely friendly and helpful without looking at you as if you were a dollar sign. However, alongside this, Chile has by far been the most expensive country so far. The beauty about Chile is, due to it being so [View Full Entry]

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Before arriving in Bolivia we had heard excellent reports from other travelers who had told us that it had been their favorite country throughout their travels in South America. With this in mind, we began our trip with high expectations, and so far have not been disappointed. After arriving in Copacabana and spending a night there, we witnessed the extraordinary spectacle of ‘El virgin de Copocabana,’ which involves locals parking in front of the cathedral, opening up their car bonnets and putting a picture of the Virgin Mary on the engine. They then proceed to spray their car wi [View Full Entry]

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Northern Peru does not hold the premier touristic attractions of the country as tourists usually bypass much of the north and head straight down south and of course, to Machu Picchu and Cusco. Although, as I write this at the end of my trip in this stunning country and with my visit to Machu Picchu fresh in my head I still remember how interesting the variety of sites and attractions there were to see in the north. From Loja in Ecuador we made our way by bus to a city called Piura in Northern Peru travelling through the Sechura desert. Tired [View Full Entry]

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The Hilton was a big change, obviously, to the kind of accommodation we were used to staying in. Just add about 200 dollars extra per night to what we usually pay and you get an idea! We didn’t just stay in a regular room but the Executive suite which had 2 plasma TV screens, a living room, bedroom as well as a Jacuzzi and 2 bathrooms…Perhaps a little excessive for just the 2 of us but it was my birthday so who cares! We had an open bar from a certain time as well as free food and access to the [View Full Entry]

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I am writing this blog now for a second time due to the fact that I had my laptop stolen on a bus travelling from Quito to a small village called Mindo. I have not had the best luck so far on this phase of my travels as a few days ago I was bitten by a dog and, as a result, have had to undergo a series of anti rabies vaccinations. I am just hoping the third thing won’t be contracting swine flu! However, the good things so far have counteracted the bad as Ecuador is a beautiful and exciting [View Full Entry]

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After recovering from our trek we made our way to Queenstown and were excited to witness this famous adrenaline fuelled town. Queenstown is well known for offering every possible activity imaginable mainly bungee jumping and sky diving in the day whilst also offering a good bar scene at night. On the day we arrived we did a sky dive and I can't quite believe I did it! It was lucky we did it the day we did because on the following days, it poured with rain non-stop and Queenstown had more rainfall in 2 days than it had had for the [View Full Entry]

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Kekerengu itself is not the most happening place but is, therefore, a great place to save money. I've spent the last 6 weeks here working as a waitress in a restaurant called 'The Store' which has a beautiful setting right by the sea. Kekerengu is just a small hamlet between the two larger towns Blenheim and Kaikoura so apart from a weekly shop at either of these towns, there is not much to do apart from go to work and chill out in the evenings with a few glasses of wine! Although there isn't much to do here, I have had [View Full Entry]

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Great Kepler Walk After 3 days of solid walking along one of the best walking tracks in New Zealand, Helen and I came away with many blisters, rock hard leg muscles and even more wonder for this stunning country.This track is about 20 years old and was opened to relieve the pressure off the famous Milford track which everyone raves about and is booked up for months in advance. The Kepler track is an alpine track so is inevitably dryer than the Milford and it begins by following the lakeshore of Te Anau before a steady climb for a few hours [View Full Entry]

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Day 1: The one where we left Auckland Goodbye Auckland! We said our goodbye's to Auckland and went to collect Ruth and Anthony's van. After a fairly long drive we arrived in Taupo and introduced Helen's parents to freedom camping as we camped at the biggest freedom camping camp ground in the north island. Day 2: The one where Helen jumped off a bridge We had an early start as Helen did the highest water touch bungee jump in New Zealand. She didn't actually touch the water but managed to launch herself off a bridge and hurtle head (and feet at [View Full Entry]

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After spending over 3 months in the bustling city of Auckland it was finally time to pick up and go again and resume being a travel bum. Working for Wicked was really beneficial as i got a 20% discount for the van hire plus other perks. So about 2 weeks ago, Helen and i set off on our next adventure - 10 days exploring northland New Zealand (the far north part of the north island) above Auckland and a weekend furthur south in the touristic hot spot of Rotorua. Travellers tend to flock to the South island on arrival in Auckland [View Full Entry]

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