Ah, visas! It was so great in the south of South America because I could stay three months in Argentina, then hop across the Andes or a river, get a stamp, stay awhile and return for another three months. In Bolivia, it was three months in a year--not enough! But I did find a lot of good books in exchanges, and it was great to live like a queen for awhile.
As usual your pictures are beautiful... such great composition and vibrant colors. You mentioned that you spent a few days in Iquique, Chile. It was the first stop on this season of Amazing Race, so I could picture you there in my mind. You, of course, have spent a lot of time in Peru...is that your new base until you visa runs out?
Peruvian visa--another story... Thanks for your kind words on the color and composition, Bob. I don't know about this race, but desert-dry Iquique wasn't my favorite place though it was great to see the ocean after years away from it. The Peruvian visa is supposed to be 6 months in a year but they gave me extra time on my second entry. I'll either go to the Amazon to see if I can squeeze more months out of them on my return, or I'll just pay a fine of $1/day which will be less than what I paid to enter several countries down here. I do wish we all had open borders though I know that's not a popular sentiment.
Thanks for the memories.. Hi Tara,
Your blog really brought back some old memories, not least the blessing of cars.... We were also in Bolivia for Independence Day (but largely escaped the elevated prices by being holed-up in Sorata to the North). Loved the photos, particularly the cover of the moon over the basilica. If you find yourself back Titicaca way again, i'd definitely recommend a jaunt over to Taquille - the home-stay furthest away from the harbour was excellent and we could never get over the island's men's dedication to knitting, nor their elaborate attire for that matter. Continue to enjoy. Andy n Ali.
Lovely lake So glad to bring back memories of a fab place. Brilliant that you were in Sorata--I'd hoped to make it, but didn't (visa expiration too close). I'll check out your blog though. Regarding Taquile, I considered it, but since boats left so early in the morning, I bailed on it (slacker, I know). Glad you made it--it sounds great!
Blessing the cars Fantastic that the priests can share the blessings between flesh and metal...ensuring the power of the Church no doubt. Glorious colours in your pics as always...but extra special layout of pics did not go unnoticed.
Priests and pocket change You know, Dave, as I watched these priests, I saw that drivers were giving them little donations, which they pocketed. I wondered if the money went for a beer or the poor. Thanks for noticing the layout, especially since I had admired your whale one!
I love that you can let external factors... decide for you when to move on. It sure slows down the pace. I'm loving your blogs and pictures...the brilliant colors.
Slow traveler! Glad you're enjoying the blogs, Bob! Yes, I've always been a slow traveler--I like to stay until I can get around without a map and know a few places enjoyed only to locals. How great that there are so many different ways to travel!
Unboliviable (Heh!) I've always been intrigued by Bolivia, but after reading your blog and seeing your wonderful pictures, I'm now absolutely, positively sure I want to visit this country.
Fabulous Bolivia! I'm so glad you're inspired to go to this great country. It's gorgeous and exotic with indigenous people, beautiful landscapes and colonial architecture. It's also wonderfully affordable--for the first time in three years, I could eat in restaurants. You'll love it!
Thanks for Alfredo's! Hey B & T, you were the first to recommend staying at Alfredo's, so thanks for that. I remember you did both of the north/south trails--good for you!
You can do it! Blanca, thanks for your kind words. I feel as if I'm here to encourage others to travel. You really can travel on very little money (less than it costs to live in the US). Rent out your place, go to a place and stay awhile to cut down on transport costs, prep your own food and maybe stay in dorms. Really, you can do it--start with Mexico--it's close!
Room with a View Accommodation in Heaven as always Tara...always shake my head in amazement how beautiful are your lodgings...what a beautiful vista that is your lifestyle
Accomodation Heaven Yes, this spot tops them all--perhaps the most primitive and the most beautiful. A great trade-off! I must admit that at home, I've had rooms that were former laundry rooms, a tiny attic that only I could stand up in and a walk-in closet. I love improvising!
Amazing Isla del Sol Wow - amazing pictures. And what a view from the bathroom! I reminded us of our time (about 5 years ago) on this wonderful island. Thanks for sharing!
Toilet with a view! Yes, I must say I lingered in the bathroom there. Glad you liked the photos; I imagine the island would have been even quieter and more primitive when you were there--lucky you!
You can do it! Hey Jay, Glad you liked the photos--really, the colors of Cuzco are the best. Hopefully, I've inspired you to come to Peru, especially in the low season (not summer or winter holidays)--it's pretty affordable and really great!
Wonderful! You've really captured Cusco in your pictures. What great timing too, the spring equinox. You described it well, making me feel its vibe all over again. Four months no doubt went by too quickly!
Equinox and solstice--good points! Isn't it great to mark these changes (right now the new moon is a Cheshire cat here)? And yes, those months flew by--I could imagine living in that sweet city for years. Glad you got to experience it too!
I´m a one-way ticket, slow traveler, relishing the freedom of the open road and trusting serendipity to guide my journey. When I was younger, I used to travel for a year at a time. Then a few years ago, I roamed Europe and North Africa for three and a half years and liked that even better.
On August 1st, 2010, I left my peaceful Mission Canyon paradise in Santa Barbara's mellow summer and emerged from a couple of planes a day and a world later in the teeming, sub-zero streets of Buenos Aires´winter. Now, with the Andes, Amazon and Galapagos between here and home, will three years be enou... full info
D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley
Love it!
Great book to pose with. Sorry the visa is running short.