Alright guys, this is getting serious. I am having an intense affair with Colombia...in fact, I am head over heels in love. I promise to come home, but its not going to be easy.
After writing my last blog post from Bogota, I headed back to my hostel for the night and met some awesome new buddies. First, I met these two awesome dutch guys who are riding bicylces from Alaska to Argentina, and doing it all to raise awareness about water issues. They are totally badass...check out www.cycleforwater.com, im a bit obsessed with them. I also met Bill, a hysterical older Scottish guy who, years ago, hitchhiked from New York to Central America. Meeting cool new characters from all over the world is one of my favorite joys of traveling.
And then, most importantly for me, I met two British girls, on holiday here in Colombia for just 2 weeks. They were a few beers in, and when I casually mentioned that I was headed to the Zona Cafetera the next day, and would they like to join me...they said yes! Yay new travel buddies. We spent a few days in Salento, a stunning and beautiful town. We spent a day hiking in the Valle de Cocora, which had its challanging points (picture me crawling on a log to traverse a river to understand part of the hike), but it was rewarded with incredible views at the top. The next day we spent a few hours working on a coffee plantation...cleaning trees, it was all very glamarous...which was a fun experience. Sadly, their water pipe wasnt working that day, so we couldnt have any coffee afterwards! Bummer. Dont worry though, I made up for it every other day. mmmm coofffeeee.
After Salento I went to Villa de Leyva, an awesome little colonial town that almost reminded me of Europe a bit. I wandered the square and its surrounding cobblestone streets, sat in a park, and treated myself to an amazing lunch (mozzarella with tomatoes, garlic mushrooms, and a glass of wine. delish).
After that I headed to San Gil, where I am now. It was supposed to be a jumping off point to another colonial town Barrichara, one of Colombias prettiest and most well preserved. I ended up staying here in San Gil for 2 nights, as its half the price to stay here than in Barrichara, and only a 45minute bus ride. I went to Barrichara yesterday with a fun guy from New Jersey, and we spent the day walking around, seeing churches, having iced coffee on a balcony, and doing a 9k walk to another even smaller little town. Beautiful walk, much of it around the edge of a canyon, hot hot hot sunshine...it was a good day.
In about an hour, I have a 13hour overnight bus ride to the coast, which will hopefully be my vacation within my vacation. Ive been looking forward to this part of my trip for months, and im really really excited! I shall keep everyone posted!!
Hope that summer is in full force back home :)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
COLOMBIA!!!!!!
I am in love with this country.
I think that Colombia is one of the most consistently beautiful countries I have ever been to...each bus ride and each walk I take will find me with my mouth open, staring awestruck around me. It´s unreal. I did NOT take into account that Ecuador could fit into Colombia´s pocket...Colombia is so big! So its been a lot of long bus rides, but I honestly dont even mind. Ive actually been enjoying the buses, as I get to just look out the window for hours!
Surprisingly, crossing into Colombia from Ecuador was probably the easiest border ive ever encountered. I spent one night near the border, then headed up north to Popayan, a lovely colonial city. There, I learned about Tierradentro, which became my next stop. It is only reachable by long dirt roads, but was totally worth the effort. It is the base of an archaeological sight with tombs and statues, so I spent a day hiking to those, and then farther up through the mountains for the beautiful views. Tierradentro is a perfect Colombian country town...tiny, tranquil, peaceful...i loved it. It actually made me feel like I was back in the jungle a bit.
Now im in Bogotá, the capital, to enjoy museums, good food, and some really fun and awesome people. Ive really enjoyed it so far, and tomorrow I head out to the Zona Cafeteria, or Coffee zone. It is known for...shocker...coffee, and also lots of pretty hikes and scenerey. Im really looking forward to getting there! It´s been so fun to just plan my days as I go, hopping from one place to the next. It´s awesome to talk to people about a place, and then find yourself there in a few days. I only wish that I had more time to explore, there is no way that I can do everything on my Colombia wish list. But im trying to make the most of the time that I do have!
Dont believe all of the media hype from years ago about Colombia...I do not expect to be kidnapped or to become a drug mule. Not even close. I am loving every minute...the people are so friendly, the food is delish, the coffee is always flowing, and as I cannot stop repeating, the views and scenery are unrivaled.
So far, so good! Viva Colombia!
I think that Colombia is one of the most consistently beautiful countries I have ever been to...each bus ride and each walk I take will find me with my mouth open, staring awestruck around me. It´s unreal. I did NOT take into account that Ecuador could fit into Colombia´s pocket...Colombia is so big! So its been a lot of long bus rides, but I honestly dont even mind. Ive actually been enjoying the buses, as I get to just look out the window for hours!
Surprisingly, crossing into Colombia from Ecuador was probably the easiest border ive ever encountered. I spent one night near the border, then headed up north to Popayan, a lovely colonial city. There, I learned about Tierradentro, which became my next stop. It is only reachable by long dirt roads, but was totally worth the effort. It is the base of an archaeological sight with tombs and statues, so I spent a day hiking to those, and then farther up through the mountains for the beautiful views. Tierradentro is a perfect Colombian country town...tiny, tranquil, peaceful...i loved it. It actually made me feel like I was back in the jungle a bit.
Now im in Bogotá, the capital, to enjoy museums, good food, and some really fun and awesome people. Ive really enjoyed it so far, and tomorrow I head out to the Zona Cafeteria, or Coffee zone. It is known for...shocker...coffee, and also lots of pretty hikes and scenerey. Im really looking forward to getting there! It´s been so fun to just plan my days as I go, hopping from one place to the next. It´s awesome to talk to people about a place, and then find yourself there in a few days. I only wish that I had more time to explore, there is no way that I can do everything on my Colombia wish list. But im trying to make the most of the time that I do have!
Dont believe all of the media hype from years ago about Colombia...I do not expect to be kidnapped or to become a drug mule. Not even close. I am loving every minute...the people are so friendly, the food is delish, the coffee is always flowing, and as I cannot stop repeating, the views and scenery are unrivaled.
So far, so good! Viva Colombia!
Friday, May 20, 2011
GALAPAGOS!!
Hola! I am back on the mainland, after 8 fantastically fabulous days in the Galapagos islands. The Galapagos are unbelievable, it is the stuff that Disney movies can only dream of. I kept feeling like I was on Animal Planet.
My boat was small and we certainly felt the moving seas, but apart from one really rough night where most of us bonded over our sick bags, it wasn´t a big deal. And let me tell you, it was worth it! It´s hard to sum up everything, so just some highlights:
-snorkeling with huge, colorful, funny looking fishies, sharks, sea turtles, penguins, manta rays, crabs, etc.
-watching all of the birds, many of which would fly with our boat for hours. this of course includes the blue footed boobies...we even got to watch a mating ritual.
-playing with sea lions and fur seals! they are like the puppies of the galapagos, just so so so cute.
-incredible moonlit and starry skies from the top deck of the boat
-walks around the islands where we could get literally a meter or two from the animals. the animals are generally not scared of people, and thus, as long as you don´t scare them and you respect their space, you can get super close. amazing.
-lizards, hawks, iguanas, and other fun crawlies
I´m sure that i´m missing a ton, and I cant wait to show everyone pictures! I highly recommend this trip to anyone who can manage it, its just incredible.
Back in Quito, deciding where I want to head next. I´m thinking that it´s finally time for Colombia, and I may begin to head north as early as tomorrow! No reason to stick around the city, and i´m looking forward to getting another stamp in my passport asap.
I´ll keep everyone posted on my whereabouts!
My boat was small and we certainly felt the moving seas, but apart from one really rough night where most of us bonded over our sick bags, it wasn´t a big deal. And let me tell you, it was worth it! It´s hard to sum up everything, so just some highlights:
-snorkeling with huge, colorful, funny looking fishies, sharks, sea turtles, penguins, manta rays, crabs, etc.
-watching all of the birds, many of which would fly with our boat for hours. this of course includes the blue footed boobies...we even got to watch a mating ritual.
-playing with sea lions and fur seals! they are like the puppies of the galapagos, just so so so cute.
-incredible moonlit and starry skies from the top deck of the boat
-walks around the islands where we could get literally a meter or two from the animals. the animals are generally not scared of people, and thus, as long as you don´t scare them and you respect their space, you can get super close. amazing.
-lizards, hawks, iguanas, and other fun crawlies
I´m sure that i´m missing a ton, and I cant wait to show everyone pictures! I highly recommend this trip to anyone who can manage it, its just incredible.
Back in Quito, deciding where I want to head next. I´m thinking that it´s finally time for Colombia, and I may begin to head north as early as tomorrow! No reason to stick around the city, and i´m looking forward to getting another stamp in my passport asap.
I´ll keep everyone posted on my whereabouts!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Out of the jungle. On the move. Its´s ON.
Hola from the (sort of) real world!
Do you guys know how crazy it is to see televisions? Everyone has them! And to be able to turn on a light or charge electronics whatever time of day you want? And do you know that I havent seen rain in almost 3 full days? This world is a crazy place! And don´t even get me started on the food options... It is very strange not to be at the house, but soon it will hit me that I no longer live there. Sad and exciting all at once.
So yes. I finally managed to get myself out of the jungle. Jessie came with me and we had a delightful dinner to celebrate her birthday/my leaving at El Jardín, often listed as one of the top 10 restaurants in Ecuador, and always deemed the number one restaurant in the area. And it´s right in Puyo! It was so nice to splurge and have a STEAK. mmmm so good. Worth every penny and calorie.
Jessie and I are an old married couple and werent quite ready to handle saying goodbye, so we met for coffee the next morning before she finally kicked me out of Puyo for good. So off to Quito I went, ready to do some research on the Galapagos trip I have been dreaming of forever. AND TODAY I BOOKED IT!! Thats right, I am officially going to the Galapagos islands...on Friday! I am SO SO SO excited. For the same price, I could have purchased a small house here, or funded another month and a half in south america...but it was just too amazing to pass up. I can´t wait to play with the animals!
I´m now in Otovalo, 2-3 hours north of Quito, and known for its huge market, one of the biggest in south america. I´m not here for market day though, but just to meet up with Jeremy as he heads back to the jungle. So its 2 days in Otovalo, then back to Quito for my big trip to the islands! And i´m hoping to be in Colombia by the last week of May. Time is already just whizzing by, I can´t believe how fast its all going.
I got to my hostel here and immediately realized that I was without my only fleece jacket...super lame. It´s either on the bus or in the park, both options being totally unhelpful. Luckily, the town is renound for its alpaca goodies, so I will (yet again) be buying warm south american clothes. I always do, now i´m just glad to have an excuse!
Not sure how much internet access i´ll have from the boat, and i´m going to be staring at animals, not computers... so i´ll check in again after the 20th, when i´m back on the mainland.ç
:-)
Do you guys know how crazy it is to see televisions? Everyone has them! And to be able to turn on a light or charge electronics whatever time of day you want? And do you know that I havent seen rain in almost 3 full days? This world is a crazy place! And don´t even get me started on the food options... It is very strange not to be at the house, but soon it will hit me that I no longer live there. Sad and exciting all at once.
So yes. I finally managed to get myself out of the jungle. Jessie came with me and we had a delightful dinner to celebrate her birthday/my leaving at El Jardín, often listed as one of the top 10 restaurants in Ecuador, and always deemed the number one restaurant in the area. And it´s right in Puyo! It was so nice to splurge and have a STEAK. mmmm so good. Worth every penny and calorie.
Jessie and I are an old married couple and werent quite ready to handle saying goodbye, so we met for coffee the next morning before she finally kicked me out of Puyo for good. So off to Quito I went, ready to do some research on the Galapagos trip I have been dreaming of forever. AND TODAY I BOOKED IT!! Thats right, I am officially going to the Galapagos islands...on Friday! I am SO SO SO excited. For the same price, I could have purchased a small house here, or funded another month and a half in south america...but it was just too amazing to pass up. I can´t wait to play with the animals!
I´m now in Otovalo, 2-3 hours north of Quito, and known for its huge market, one of the biggest in south america. I´m not here for market day though, but just to meet up with Jeremy as he heads back to the jungle. So its 2 days in Otovalo, then back to Quito for my big trip to the islands! And i´m hoping to be in Colombia by the last week of May. Time is already just whizzing by, I can´t believe how fast its all going.
I got to my hostel here and immediately realized that I was without my only fleece jacket...super lame. It´s either on the bus or in the park, both options being totally unhelpful. Luckily, the town is renound for its alpaca goodies, so I will (yet again) be buying warm south american clothes. I always do, now i´m just glad to have an excuse!
Not sure how much internet access i´ll have from the boat, and i´m going to be staring at animals, not computers... so i´ll check in again after the 20th, when i´m back on the mainland.ç
:-)
Friday, May 6, 2011
Last night in the jungle...
One adventure ends, another begins.
It is my last night here in the amazon jungle, what has been my home now for the past 8 months. I´m not sure how I feel, as I have absolutely not processed it yet. In my head, i´m still making plans for next week, and thinking about what else I need to get done...I have to keep reminding myself that I won´t be here!
It is definitely bittersweet. I love living here, even with all of the challanges that come with jungle life. I will especially miss Jessie, my partner in crime here, and my dog Jim. And the amaaaazing views, the children and communities I work with, taking long jungle walks, the sounds and smells of the jungle... so much about my life here is just a once in a lifetime experience that I know I will never have again.
On the other hand, I am really excited for what comes next! (Not that I have any idea what comes next...but that´s half the fun!) I have a loose outline of what my almost 2 months of travel will look like, but i´m going to just see where one bus takes me, explore, and make my way to the next stop whenever i´m ready. I´m really looking forward to Colombia, and to seeing parts of Ecuador that I have been wanting to visit since I got here.
Saying goodbye to my kids and the friends I have made out here was really emotional, it has been a very long and draining week. I am still finishing up lots of work, hence why I am still at the house this weekend and not already on the move. Hopefully everything will be finished by tomorrow afternoon, then I have one last night in Puyo with Jessie, and then I´m out of here!
I´m leaving my Ecuador cell phone here, but I will be relatively accessible via e-mail and skype. Keep in touch, and I´ll do the same. If anyone feels like joining me for some adventures south of the border, just hop on a plane and i´ll find you. I´m hoping that a large portion of my time will be spent on the carribbean coast of Colombia, but i´m also looking forward to some volcano hiking, salsa dancing, small colonial town exploring, museum touring, ruins visiting, and coffee drinking. So there is something for everyone!!
Sending besos to everyone. I miss you all more than you know!
It is my last night here in the amazon jungle, what has been my home now for the past 8 months. I´m not sure how I feel, as I have absolutely not processed it yet. In my head, i´m still making plans for next week, and thinking about what else I need to get done...I have to keep reminding myself that I won´t be here!
It is definitely bittersweet. I love living here, even with all of the challanges that come with jungle life. I will especially miss Jessie, my partner in crime here, and my dog Jim. And the amaaaazing views, the children and communities I work with, taking long jungle walks, the sounds and smells of the jungle... so much about my life here is just a once in a lifetime experience that I know I will never have again.
On the other hand, I am really excited for what comes next! (Not that I have any idea what comes next...but that´s half the fun!) I have a loose outline of what my almost 2 months of travel will look like, but i´m going to just see where one bus takes me, explore, and make my way to the next stop whenever i´m ready. I´m really looking forward to Colombia, and to seeing parts of Ecuador that I have been wanting to visit since I got here.
Saying goodbye to my kids and the friends I have made out here was really emotional, it has been a very long and draining week. I am still finishing up lots of work, hence why I am still at the house this weekend and not already on the move. Hopefully everything will be finished by tomorrow afternoon, then I have one last night in Puyo with Jessie, and then I´m out of here!
I´m leaving my Ecuador cell phone here, but I will be relatively accessible via e-mail and skype. Keep in touch, and I´ll do the same. If anyone feels like joining me for some adventures south of the border, just hop on a plane and i´ll find you. I´m hoping that a large portion of my time will be spent on the carribbean coast of Colombia, but i´m also looking forward to some volcano hiking, salsa dancing, small colonial town exploring, museum touring, ruins visiting, and coffee drinking. So there is something for everyone!!
Sending besos to everyone. I miss you all more than you know!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
PLEASE HELP AND DONATE!
http://www.youvolunteer.org/carfundappeal
Please check out that website, take a look at some of the work that i´m doing, and donate what you can! Out here, even a few dollars makes a huge difference! At the moment, our greatest need is a new car that we can actually rely on to get to the schools each day.
So take a look, and give what you can!!
And make sure to let me know if you donate, so I can thank you properly! :)
http://www.youvolunteer.org/carfundappeal
Please check out that website, take a look at some of the work that i´m doing, and donate what you can! Out here, even a few dollars makes a huge difference! At the moment, our greatest need is a new car that we can actually rely on to get to the schools each day.
So take a look, and give what you can!!
And make sure to let me know if you donate, so I can thank you properly! :)
http://www.youvolunteer.org/carfundappeal
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Getting close to the End...
I´m sorry that I have been a bit MIA this month...its been busy busy busy, and we havent had internet at the house for a while. But here I am, happy and healthy.
March was a busy month, with a full house and lots of excitement. I dont have too much time right now, so just a few quick notes.
There were lots of 18-20 year old boys at the house, meaning that rum and ¨jungle adventures¨ were back. We had 2 games of capture the flag (at night, in the middle of the jungle...fun and scary). We have a ping pong table, which has been really fun (I totally suck, but hopefully I still have some time to improve!) Our new garden, planted outside of our house, is starting to sprout, and I may even see a home grown tomato before I leave!
There have been lots of critters and creatures in the house...a tarantula named Terry, plus some of his friends and family, and Leroy, the unidentifiable animal who is most likely some sort of rodent, who lives behind the wall where my bed is. And, of course, the usual insects and crawlies. They are like second nature to me now, I am ready for anything when I get home.
There is a ton of work to do, as the reality that I only have about 5 weeks at the house left begins to hit me. I have started lots of projects that will reorganize our office and restructure how we do lesson planning, so I am (and will be) stressed and busy. But in a good way, since its nice to see my ideas get on paper and start to take shape. I do wish that I had more time here, I would love to make some more longer lasting changes--and actually be here to see them work!--but I am also ready to slowly re-enter civilization, and travel and explore more before heading home. It will be really, really sad to leave what has become my home, (and as real of a home as any apartment I have had in Boston...even more so than many). But it will be the right time.
May 6th is the day that I am planning to leave the house, and July 6th is my flight home! So I have 2 months to travel...i´m pretty set on Colombia and then finishing up back in Ecuador...with hopefully a week in the Galapagos thrown in (it will be the most expensive thing I have ever paid for, but I believe and hope that it will be worth it. A once in a lifetime experience that I would hate to give up! And once I take out my first loan for grad school, a trip to the islands will seem like pocket change).
I finished reading War and Peace!! This took me many months, and I read a few pages each day, but I am very proud of this accomplishment! I am also quite adept at changing tires and push-starting our car (we had a horrendous 2 weeks with nothing in the house working, namely our car and generator. Luckily...knock on wood...things are running much smoother now).
Thinking a lot about what comes next for me, while also trying to enjoy the time I have left here. The trimester ends soon and I am organizing the exams for the kids, plus working on all of my own projects, and in any ¨spare time¨ i´m helping to keep the house working and volunteers happy. I sleep when I can, and am actually (probably) able to take one more week off before I leave, which will be great. I know that my last post was about my vacation, so no one is impressed...but I´ll take my time off whenever I can! And as I had saved up all of my vacation time, I´m taking it back now!!
I´m already starting to think back on my time here, how much it changed me and how much I have learned. I know that despite all of the hardships, I am going to look back on the positive side. Its harder to see it on a daily basis, but when I look at my life here, I try to remind myself how lucky I really am. I don´t quite know how I ended up here, in this country, with this job, with these people, but I am grateful that it happened. Not too many people can look out thier kitchen window straight into the Amazon jungle, can they? I feel totally and completely removed from the news, pop culture, etc etc, and coming home really will be a big change for me. But thats a thougt for another day.
I hope that the snow is melting back home and everyone is looking forward to Spring.
March was a busy month, with a full house and lots of excitement. I dont have too much time right now, so just a few quick notes.
There were lots of 18-20 year old boys at the house, meaning that rum and ¨jungle adventures¨ were back. We had 2 games of capture the flag (at night, in the middle of the jungle...fun and scary). We have a ping pong table, which has been really fun (I totally suck, but hopefully I still have some time to improve!) Our new garden, planted outside of our house, is starting to sprout, and I may even see a home grown tomato before I leave!
There have been lots of critters and creatures in the house...a tarantula named Terry, plus some of his friends and family, and Leroy, the unidentifiable animal who is most likely some sort of rodent, who lives behind the wall where my bed is. And, of course, the usual insects and crawlies. They are like second nature to me now, I am ready for anything when I get home.
There is a ton of work to do, as the reality that I only have about 5 weeks at the house left begins to hit me. I have started lots of projects that will reorganize our office and restructure how we do lesson planning, so I am (and will be) stressed and busy. But in a good way, since its nice to see my ideas get on paper and start to take shape. I do wish that I had more time here, I would love to make some more longer lasting changes--and actually be here to see them work!--but I am also ready to slowly re-enter civilization, and travel and explore more before heading home. It will be really, really sad to leave what has become my home, (and as real of a home as any apartment I have had in Boston...even more so than many). But it will be the right time.
May 6th is the day that I am planning to leave the house, and July 6th is my flight home! So I have 2 months to travel...i´m pretty set on Colombia and then finishing up back in Ecuador...with hopefully a week in the Galapagos thrown in (it will be the most expensive thing I have ever paid for, but I believe and hope that it will be worth it. A once in a lifetime experience that I would hate to give up! And once I take out my first loan for grad school, a trip to the islands will seem like pocket change).
I finished reading War and Peace!! This took me many months, and I read a few pages each day, but I am very proud of this accomplishment! I am also quite adept at changing tires and push-starting our car (we had a horrendous 2 weeks with nothing in the house working, namely our car and generator. Luckily...knock on wood...things are running much smoother now).
Thinking a lot about what comes next for me, while also trying to enjoy the time I have left here. The trimester ends soon and I am organizing the exams for the kids, plus working on all of my own projects, and in any ¨spare time¨ i´m helping to keep the house working and volunteers happy. I sleep when I can, and am actually (probably) able to take one more week off before I leave, which will be great. I know that my last post was about my vacation, so no one is impressed...but I´ll take my time off whenever I can! And as I had saved up all of my vacation time, I´m taking it back now!!
I´m already starting to think back on my time here, how much it changed me and how much I have learned. I know that despite all of the hardships, I am going to look back on the positive side. Its harder to see it on a daily basis, but when I look at my life here, I try to remind myself how lucky I really am. I don´t quite know how I ended up here, in this country, with this job, with these people, but I am grateful that it happened. Not too many people can look out thier kitchen window straight into the Amazon jungle, can they? I feel totally and completely removed from the news, pop culture, etc etc, and coming home really will be a big change for me. But thats a thougt for another day.
I hope that the snow is melting back home and everyone is looking forward to Spring.
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