Chilean society is a society in transition. With a relatively new and successful democratic political system, a strong and highly globalized economy, a conservative Catholic backbone and a new generation of liberal youth, the birth pangs of modernization can be seen throughout Santiago. This liberal/conservative dichotomy contributes to a distinctively mixed cultural climate, one where free speech is embraced, but discussion of issues concerning homosexuality, for example, is strictly taboo. However, Chile is arguably the most progressive country of South America, and this can be s [View Full Entry]

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Buenos Aires is a very sexy city. The architecture, the language, I dare say even the women, have a very distinct appeal not found in any other location I've visited on this side of the prime meridian. Often referred to as the "Paris of South America," hundreds of years of strong European immigration have given it its unique flavor; I was in a truly distinct city. As soon as I arrived, I rendezvoused with my good friend Matt at his classically furnished, poetically hip town house. Classy yet modern, his place really lends itself to a feeling of twenty-something living in [View Full Entry]

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I write you from within the trenches; I'm on the front lines in the battle of life. My classes have started, and I'm finally finding a routine and settling in. I welcome the return of the everyday struggle and, like at home, hope to carry it on like a true warrior. As my blog entries slowly approach 1000 cumulative views, let me thank you once again. I want you all to know that recently, there have been many situations where I've taken videos or photos at the risk of looking ridiculously touristy in situations where it is absolutely vital for a [View Full Entry]

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I went to the island of Chiloé (Chee-low-ay) hoping to find few tourists, peace, quiet, and time to read, write and meditate. Well, I certainly found it. After a 17 hour bus ride, I arrived to an island with beautiful landscapes and quiet seaside villages. As soon as I got there, I wandered around the city of Castro, Chiloé´s largest city. The island is known for its culture of wooden architecture, especially its churches. I visited Castro´s church and was very impressed how beautiful it was. It was definitely unique. Since I was alone, I had an amazing amount of liberty [View Full Entry]

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So I wanted to write this entry just to give a quick update on my status. Thanks to everyone who has been reading and supporting my blog. It's been rewarding (and at times a lot of work) investing in it, and I hope you've all enjoyed it thus far. Whenever I'm out and something is going down, I take a video and think "Damn, this is good blog footage!" My entries should slow down now, and will revolve more around my life in Santiago. However, I still will have many outings to write about. I suddenly realized that my time here [View Full Entry]

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Ahhhh, La Paz - How I adored you... You charmed my heart, gave me a thrill (or two), and you were awfully cheap. No, this is not me wooing an unsuspecting Latina, I'm writing about the highest capital in the world, La Paz (literally Peace), Bolivia! I had a wonderful time in La Paz, and it was a great way to end my trip. Things are pretty cheap here in La Paz, even cheaper than Peru. Many of my lunches were scarcely over a dollar, and I paid about 5 dollars a night for decent housing. It's a beautiful city nestled [View Full Entry]

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So these past 4 or 5 days we have been hardcore tourists. In order to get the most out of our time and money, we must be hardcore. Dozens of churches, museums, markets, festivals, we must hit them all. Forget pleasure, tranquility, and leisure, we´re on the move baby! I admit it´s a bit tiring and I´m getting burned out. If I were traveling for months at a time, I would go at a much slower pace. On the way back from Aguas Calientes and through the Sacred Valley to Cusco, we saw a festival (for Carnival) on the side of [View Full Entry]

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Here we are, the much anticipated Machu Picchu entry. Everything that comes to mind when you hear the phrase ¨Hiking South America¨ is true. The Cusqueñan mountains are some of the most beautiful I´ve ever seen. They are populated by Peruvians who pour sweat and blood into the land, maintain indigenous traditions and languages, and who were very welcoming and friendly to two ¨gringo¨ travelers. The entire journey took 4 days and 3 nights to reach Aguas Calientes (Hot Waters), a touristy hotspot at the base of Machu Picchu. On the first day, we departed from Mollepata and trekked o [View Full Entry]

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Hola! The 26 hour bus ride to Cusco was at times miserable, and at times more miserable. I got to see plenty of the country side and absorb a sense of the Peruvian landscape, but a bus crossing over a mountainous landscape using excruciatingly twisty, curvy roads at night does not sit well with my stomach. Anyways it was part of the experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have over 45 hours of busing ahead of me anyway. The Cusqueñan landscape is marvelous. I´ve seen my share of mountains in my lifetime, but the majestic hills populated with Peruvian houses, [View Full Entry]

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Much has happened so I will have to cut down some of my long winded decorations and get straight to the point(s). The airline lost my luggage (it´ll arrive late) and I had to buy some cheap clothes at the local supermarket before my trip to Lima. Thus I feel a little shorthanded walking around the streets, (¿How is one supposed to impress the Latin girls without his gear?) but truly it doesn't matter to me much because a Latin girlfriend isn't exactly what I want right now. Arriving to Lima was a pleasure. I was humbled and educated in the [View Full Entry]

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