Tell us something you HAVEN'T done! Goodness me! Real life is going to be a bit mundane on your return ... It's hard to believe that all these students are just wandering around, bumping into each other now and then, and having all these experiences in between. Amazing times.
The silver mines sounded rather dangerous when we read up about them on Lonely Planet. So I'm glad that bit of the holiday is experienced and safely over. As you hint though, Birmingham's had its dangers too. You probably heard that three men were killed in Winson Green, defending their property and businesses - mown down by a car. The latest news last night was that a man and a teenager had been charged with their murders. The father of one of the dead men, in particular, has become a voice for peace on tv. There's a peace gathering in a park up that way this afternoon. I dare say it will be absolutely packed. Things have remained much calmer since Wednesday. The massively increased police presence in certain areas has helped.
Dad and I are going for a walk this morning. It's one we tried and got lost on last week. We now have a map as well as directions, so are hoping it'll work this time. We've also booked the ferry for our holiday in France. It's on the night of Sunday September 11th. Actually, writing that down has just made me realise the significance of the date - 9/11. I think it's 10 years ago too.
So, Lake Titicaca now - I had no idea where that was until I started looking at the map to see your route. Enjoy, and we look forward to the next instalment.
xx
Makes you appreciate home! Well, well. Hope you've been slapping on cream and repellant - could be fighting a losing battle in a place like that though! You must be saddle-sore, itchy and soaked....
Dad says you wouldn't enjoy it if it was all one beautiful sandy beach after another - it's all part of life's rich tapestry!
Now entering the less-developed areas we think. Is it Santa Cruz next? That's where we think you're flying to, then it looks another long distance to La Paz. Santa Cruz looked quite nice though. We looked it up on Lonely Planet website and someone had posted a photo of a sloth crossing the road. I wouldn't have known what it was if they hadn't said.
Warm and humid here this week - no mozzies yet though. We (Dad, Les and I) went to Whitacre and Shustoke Show on Saturday - first time we've been - and encountered falcons, cattle, ferrets and guinea pigs - so we too are having an animal experience.
Have a safe flight and keep us posted. Mum xx
Helicopter Glad to see you still have your fear of helicopters..........remember the fuss you made at Penzance,lol!!
Ps Holly it would not be cool to be eaten by an Alligator, no hands in the water trying to catch a 'baby' one.XX
Wow! Amazing photos! Good to see you at last. It all looks so colourful. Love the rainbows over the falls. Who's the lady with you by the helicopter? You both look very well, and suntanned too.
Is this turning into the holiday of a lifetime or what? All these new experiences!
Still another five weeks to go... Enjoy the Safari. Don't dangle your feet over the edge of the boat, and we look forward to hearing from you after Saturday.
xx
regular monday yes we did the helicopter this morning, absolutely great. then headed over the border to paraguay this afternoon, was...interesting. did~´t really do much over there but atleast its another stamp in the passport! we will be putting more photos up tomorrow, we have a bus at 6pm so will have a chilled day at the hostel. maybe we will try to put a few photos up on the blog if we can. xx
Argie Bargie Well, wish we had such interesting news for you! Even the bits where you're not being spoilt sound like you are being spoilt! And here's me just doing an out-patients appointment at the ear clinic! Still waiting to see your pics - Kel and Matt not over at weekend , so dad nearly signed up to facebook, but stopped (you'll be relieved to hear Liz) because he didn't want to open his email list and password to all and sundry.
Helicopter sounds amazing - did you get to do it? Must get a map out and chart your journey. Safe travelling.
xx
We're so jealous! Sounds like Paradise. How will you ever gat back to normality?
On the more mundane side, just wanted to let Liz know that Tom, the scientist, won The Apprentice. He was 'cock-a-hoop'! Helen was runner-up, but Susan did well and Alan Sugar was contemplating doing some kind of deal to get her involved. Jim didn't do very well with his business plan and interviews - far too cliched.
Looking forward to seeing some of your pics....
green with envy hi! yes it is, we went kayaking today for about 5 hours, not as sunny as yesterday which was a bit of a shame, but still good none the less. meal went well, we even cooked again today. everyone is so friendly! not too sure about uploading photos yet, the internet connection is pretty slow, but what i may do is upload them to facebook then ask joe to email them to you or something.
hope the work is going well! off to sao paulo on weds, hopefully staying with alan´s family there for a couple of nights, then down to foz de iguacu. xxx
Green with envy! wow! It sounds fantastic and just slightly better than the day I've had working in Liverpool - lashing with rain and bitterly cold! Paraty sounded idyllic when I looked it up on Lonely Planet so I'm not surprised you've decided to stay on here. Seems like you're meeting some interesting fellow travellers too. it would be good to see some photos - mum wonders if you know how to add them to the blog? It's great to read what you're doing so keep up the blog comments. Hope your meal went well at the hostel and that you have another great day tomorrow. Where are you moving on to next? Went out for meal tonight with folks from work and Sheilagh (my old boss) said that her daughter did the same as you and had a fantastic experience - so keep on enjoying it! xx
So far, so good then Hope flight was a good one - you were through the queue by the time we'd had coffee. Shame about the lack of pick-up but glad you had company in the taxi. Wondering if you've made any other arrangements with those girls, but sounds like you're building a bit of a network anyway. Sugar Loaf Mountain? Botanica gardens? Long walk? Sounds like us in Wales! We just got back from our lovely couple of days camping - great weather. Wondering what plans you've made next? Mum x
Mum / Di
non-member comment
Tell us something you HAVEN'T done!
Goodness me! Real life is going to be a bit mundane on your return ... It's hard to believe that all these students are just wandering around, bumping into each other now and then, and having all these experiences in between. Amazing times. The silver mines sounded rather dangerous when we read up about them on Lonely Planet. So I'm glad that bit of the holiday is experienced and safely over. As you hint though, Birmingham's had its dangers too. You probably heard that three men were killed in Winson Green, defending their property and businesses - mown down by a car. The latest news last night was that a man and a teenager had been charged with their murders. The father of one of the dead men, in particular, has become a voice for peace on tv. There's a peace gathering in a park up that way this afternoon. I dare say it will be absolutely packed. Things have remained much calmer since Wednesday. The massively increased police presence in certain areas has helped. Dad and I are going for a walk this morning. It's one we tried and got lost on last week. We now have a map as well as directions, so are hoping it'll work this time. We've also booked the ferry for our holiday in France. It's on the night of Sunday September 11th. Actually, writing that down has just made me realise the significance of the date - 9/11. I think it's 10 years ago too. So, Lake Titicaca now - I had no idea where that was until I started looking at the map to see your route. Enjoy, and we look forward to the next instalment. xx