notanotherboringtravelblog

The biggest tourist attraction in Latin America – and now I see why. I´d been filled with anticipation since booking the Inca Trail months ago, but on arrival in Cusco the excitement gradually turned to dread. After deciding a personal porter wasn’t necessary (the group porters carry food and tents , so how much can some clothes and a sleeping bag really weigh ? Answer = A LOT), dread turned to fear. Luckily, my fears were nothing to be concerned about and the trek was actually very enjoyable, with enough hard work to feel like you really earned that first glimpse of Machu Pichu. Cusco is a real gem, beautiful plazas, grand churches and Inca ruins on every corner. You can tell the government plough all their resources into keeping this place clean, but I´m curious ... read more

After a day hike from Quito to test my ability at altitude, it was time to hit some of Ecuador´s snow-capped mountains. My first stop was Cotopaxi - the world´s second highest active volcano. I stopped at an amazing hostel (Secret Garden) which was pure luxury: delicious food, the best views and a jacuzzi to soak in after a day trekking or cycling. On arrival we were taken on a guided walk to a waterfall. Our guide packed a towel and said anybody who jumped in would be rewarded with a free beer. This offer was irresistible on a number of levels and so I took the plunge into the icy pool with gusto! I´ve never swam so hard and fast to get out of a pool in my life and it took at least ... read more

I´d heard so much great stuff about Colombia that when I arrived in Cartagena I was worried that my expectations were too high and I´d end up disappointed. Luckily, my worrying came to no fruition. Colombia was everything, and more, than I could want from a country. Great music, modern cities, colonial towns, beautiful countryside, brilliant nightlife and some of the friendliest and most welcoming people I´ve met so far. Colombia, unjustifiably, can´t shake it´s reputation as a dangerous country (and there is no denying that ten years ago it certainly was). This means that tourism is in it´s relative infancy and in many places you can walk through a city without seeing another gringo all day. However, there is still enough infrastructure to make travelling easy and safe. Medellin was one of my favourite cities ... read more

Two blog posts in as many weeks! What a treat... Well, I’ve been back from Cuba for nearly a month and so I thought while I’m in the writing mood I’d update on what’s been happening since then. Still; unrecovered from the Hotel International bug, I dragged my poorly self to my next destination, Caye Caulker – a tiny island off the coast of Belize where I’d be volunteering for a little school. The island’s slogan is ‘Go Slow’ and that pretty much sums up everything here. The other day I was accosted by a local for going so fast on my bike; “lady, what’s the hurry? Go Slow!’ He had a point, I was in no hurry to get to where I was going. The reason I decided to volunteer here (despite the Caribbean water, ... read more

I´ve been (mostly) fortunate enough on this trip to meet lots of Mexicans - (something easily avoided when sticking to the gringo trail). After basic introductions, the first thing every Mexican wants to know is whether you like their food. After agreeing that Mexican food is some of the best in the country I am given a list of the places I MUST go to, for the best mole/tamala/sopa etc. Although EVERY Mexican I have ever met would, without hesitation, say it is their mother that is the best chef they know. So following my stay with the family in Minatitlan I moved onto Oaxaca City (capital of the region with the same name). It´s another beautiful colonial city filled with churches, parks and squares. I spent my first day in the city wandering and people ... read more