Blogs from Elko, Nevada, United States, North America

Back in the good ol' United States just in time for Christmas in this winter wonderland that is to be found at the base of the Ruby Mountains. I learned a lot about myself, about Peru and about life in general on this latest trip. As is my way, I did learn most of these lessons the hard way. My lack of preparation, perhaps better described as complacency, is responsible for both our Bolivian visa saga as well my extreme altitude sickness. I did enjoy seeing the landscape and the differences between Bolivia and Peru as well as intra-country differences between the Lake Titicaca region, Machu Picchu and the Nazca area. Peru is definitely one of the more developed of the developing countries I've been to and I do believe that with greater investment in infrastructure ... read more

I am back in the states now, staying with my parents while I work to get things in order for my coming move south. I've had some time to think about my big trip, and wanted to share a few of my highlights and some things that made me go "meh", okay. So here we go! Yay list! New York - A Streetcar Named Desire on Broadway Iceland - Glaciar hiking and attempting to ice climb France- Beaches of Normandy, the Eiffel Tower and the fountain art at Versailles Switzerland - the beauty of the Alps Italy - Urban graffiti in Venice, body acceptance on the beach, Michelangelo's Last Judgment Jordan - Just in general Jordan was awesome, but the bedouin family I stayed with at a camp site really topped my list. Fellow travelers in ... read more

This Friday I am taking off to visit a long time friend in her home country of Guatemala. I have stayed in touch with Bitty since the 6th grade and am finally able to visit her. We'll be seeing a lot of country within these 10 days and I am very excited and grateful to her for taking the time to be my traveling partner. I'll have images and fun stuff from the trip posted here :).... read more

One day to go and I am bouncing off the walls! Wrapping up last minute details, fretting over my pets and work and behind it all extremely excited, scared and over caffeinated - awesome mix. So if you are like me, you are curious as to what to pack for a 16 - day adventure! I'm forcing myself to get my pack under 20lbs, or somethings got to go. I'll photo-shop in different outfits once I get home before I'll carry more than 20lbs on my back around 5 countries! I'm at about 15lbs right now, pack included, and have included the following: 4 tee-shirts, tanks 1 long sleeve shirt Swimsuit and trunks (sauna here we come!!) Pajamas 1 pair dress shoes 2 pair pants, 1 skirt Hat Travel journal Blow dryer (hey give me my ... read more