When I first came to Peru, I lived in Arequipa for over four months while I was studying Spanish. Even though I grew up on a farm in Minnesota, I had lived in Tokyo and Los Angeles for about 20 years so was used to life in the big city. However after living here in Cotahuasi for over a year and a half, I have become a country boy again. When I go to Arequipa, I usually try to make it as brief as possible. Planning to make a short trip there, I left Cotahuasi at 7:00 on a Wednesday morning. I decided to check out the approach to Coropuna on the way, as I was driving right by there. We would be climbing it in a few weeks and I wanted to get a little more hands on information, especially as it had fresh snow since the last time I was near there. I was a little nervous about the climb as well because Coropuna is 21,079 feet high.
I looked around and found a different road and was able to drive closer to the base of the mountain than last time, finally stopping when boulders blocked the road at an elevation of about 16,000 feet. I then hiked up almost 3,000 feet, on what looked like the best approach route, to about 18,800 feet. This was only about 2,300 feet below the summit, so I was very pleased with that. It took me three hours and 35 minutes to get up there and two hours and 15 minutes to get back to the car. Of course where I turned around is where it really gets steep and I was already starting to really feel the effects of the altitude. I was still below the snow line as well, so that will slow things down considerably when we reach that point. Anyway, it got me thinking that it might even be possible to do as a day hike! Will have to see how it goes this time as a two day hike, and then decide if it is possible to do as a day hike or not.
I arrived in Arequipa that evening about 10:00 and was at Marcio's, where I stay, and in bed before 11:00, hoping to get a good night's sleep. Of course the dogs in the neighborhood had other ideas (they bark all night long), I always forget how much noisier it is in Arequipa than in Cotahuasi. And then the combis and taxis start very early in the morning, honking and hollering for passengers, and the room I sleep in is right on the street and is definitely not sound proof!
In the morning I went to the main post office to pick up a package that was being held at customs. After about an hour of waiting, filling out and signing forms, I finally got my package, surprisingly without having to pay anything. Why they couldn't have just sent it on to Cotahuasi, I don't know.
After that I started on my shopping, buying things that I can't get in Cotahuasi or that are more expensive there. I talked with a shopkeeper friend in the central market and she warned me that there were more pickpockets and thieves than ever and to be extra careful. I have learned to take warnings like that seriously. Unfortunately I was out of money so had to go to the bank before I could finish shopping. I got my money in dollars from the ATM machine and then went to the moneychangers to exchange it for soles. When I got my soles, I put most of them into a money belt that I wear around my waist, tucked into my pants. Of course I was trying not to be too obvious about this, not wanting people to see where I was putting the money. I carefully zipped up the pouch and then started back to the shopping area, crossing the street right in front of the moneychanger's office.
As I got to the other side, I noticed a couple of men running into the street and picking up money, I soon realized that it was mine! Here I was, trying to get the money back from them, trying to pick up some that is still in the street, and then realizing that more money was falling on the street as I moved around! I was totally bewildered, as I knew I had zipped up the pouch and was sure it hadn't developed a hole in it since I last used it. I went back into the moneychangers to get off the busy street and checked the pouch; there was no money in it and no hole. I finally realized that in my trying to put the money in there discreetly, I must not have put it into the pouch but in between the pouch and my pants!
Sure enough there was still more money falling down my pants legs so here I was trying to get that out and make sure I got it all, while standing in a corner of the open office! I'm sure I must have made quite a sight, the man behind the counter kept looking at me strangely. Finally sure that I had it all secure; I left the office. Then I realized that it was possible that a "ladron" (thief, pickpocket) might have seen me and was just waiting for me to come out. I went away from the shopping area, looking over my shoulder often and quickly ducked into an open courtyard of a museum and office complex to gather my wits and count the money. I was about 130 soles short (about $40) but was thankful I hadn't lost more.
I felt that it wasn't a good idea to head back to the shopping area on foot, so decided to go get my car and do my shopping with that, especially as I had to get some heavy things like sugar, powered milk, popcorn, a large case of cereal, as well as a large pack of toilet paper. I parked on the street in a busy wholesale shopping area and first went into a shop to get a dozen packages of my favorite cookies, kind of like a vanilla Oreo with strawberry filling. I had to wait a few minutes while she found 12 packs with all strawberry and just as she put them on the counter, a woman on the street hollered something about my car. I was afraid there was a policewoman coming to give me a ticket so ran out of the store to see my car hooked up to a tow truck and they were just starting to drive off with it! I ran to the truck and pleaded with the policeman to not tow it away but to no avail. He said I would have to go to the "deposito" to get it. Of course I had no idea where or what the deposito was so he said I could ride with them in the truck.
To shorten a long story, 142.50 soles and about an hour later I got my car out of the impound yard, after having to take the filled out forms around the corner to have copies made for them. Almost all government offices here require photocopies of all paper work but they don't have copy machines so you have to go to a store and have copies made. Fortunately, there are copy machines everywhere, in all kinds of stores, so it is not too difficult to find one. I had remembered to take a copy of my passport to the customs office at the post office in the morning and sure enough they wanted that as well.
Rabu, 29 November 2017
Rabu, 22 November 2017
Adventure Travel An Exciting And Enthralling Experience
You often hear people talking about adventure travel and that makes you wonder as to what adventure travel actually is. It is something by which u can add adventure and fun to your life. So before going for an adventure travel, you must know what it is. Adventure travel doesn't mean that you have to endanger your life for your trip to be called adventurous!
The term adventurous is a concept that is not defined physically when you talk about adventure travel. This concept is defined psychologically. Different people have different definitions of adventure. Earlier adventure travel meant going abroad or just traveling to different places. However, its definition has changed today. Adventure travel is when you experience an event rather than being a mere spectator in your travels. It is actually living in the present and experiencing the place and not just sight seeing.
Adventure is different for everyone. What may appear adventurous to you could be totally boring for someone. And that is reason that there are so many options available if you want to go for adventure travel. You can choose the one which suits you, and more importantly the one which excites you! White water rafting or kayaking can be fun for someone. On the other hand camping in an interesting place can de defined as adventurous by some people. Hot air balloon ride may sound boring to you but it can be the perfect adventure travel for some.
Adventure travel is when you get yourself involved in an enthralling experience. It includes boating, kayaking, hiking, sky diving, mountain climbing, scuba diving, sailing, bicycling and much more! You should not indulge yourself into any form of adventure travel in which you are not comfortable. The level of risk in your travel is defined by you just like term adventure is defined individually. Adventure travel is getting yourself engaged into a new experience but make sure that you are totally comfortable in what you are doing.
You can choose a tour if you wish to go for adventure travel. Such adventure travel tours are available for couples and families. But don't worry in case you are single, adventure tours are also available for you. So you can make a plan for an adventure tour. You can choose a tour which suits you best. These tours usually have two groups of people. One group goes on sight seeing and visits their areas of interest, whereas the other group involves itself in adventurous activities. Of course the type of activity depends on the tour which you have selected.
It is a misconception that adventure travel is only for the younger people. You can indulge yourself into it irrespective of your age. Adventure travel is enjoyed by one and all. It's not uncommon to see an old couple getting engaged in adventurous activities. Having worked hard throughout their life, they want o experience something new and enthralling. You can meet people from all quarters of life in adventure travel. Now, meeting different people from different backgrounds can itself be very adventurous!
You can choose an adventure travel which excites you. It can simply be going out of the country to some distant place or maybe engaging yourself in bunjee jumping. Whichever activity you choose, just make sure that you are comfortable in it, for there will be no fun and no adventure if you are not comfortable!
The term adventurous is a concept that is not defined physically when you talk about adventure travel. This concept is defined psychologically. Different people have different definitions of adventure. Earlier adventure travel meant going abroad or just traveling to different places. However, its definition has changed today. Adventure travel is when you experience an event rather than being a mere spectator in your travels. It is actually living in the present and experiencing the place and not just sight seeing.
Adventure is different for everyone. What may appear adventurous to you could be totally boring for someone. And that is reason that there are so many options available if you want to go for adventure travel. You can choose the one which suits you, and more importantly the one which excites you! White water rafting or kayaking can be fun for someone. On the other hand camping in an interesting place can de defined as adventurous by some people. Hot air balloon ride may sound boring to you but it can be the perfect adventure travel for some.
Adventure travel is when you get yourself involved in an enthralling experience. It includes boating, kayaking, hiking, sky diving, mountain climbing, scuba diving, sailing, bicycling and much more! You should not indulge yourself into any form of adventure travel in which you are not comfortable. The level of risk in your travel is defined by you just like term adventure is defined individually. Adventure travel is getting yourself engaged into a new experience but make sure that you are totally comfortable in what you are doing.
You can choose a tour if you wish to go for adventure travel. Such adventure travel tours are available for couples and families. But don't worry in case you are single, adventure tours are also available for you. So you can make a plan for an adventure tour. You can choose a tour which suits you best. These tours usually have two groups of people. One group goes on sight seeing and visits their areas of interest, whereas the other group involves itself in adventurous activities. Of course the type of activity depends on the tour which you have selected.
It is a misconception that adventure travel is only for the younger people. You can indulge yourself into it irrespective of your age. Adventure travel is enjoyed by one and all. It's not uncommon to see an old couple getting engaged in adventurous activities. Having worked hard throughout their life, they want o experience something new and enthralling. You can meet people from all quarters of life in adventure travel. Now, meeting different people from different backgrounds can itself be very adventurous!
You can choose an adventure travel which excites you. It can simply be going out of the country to some distant place or maybe engaging yourself in bunjee jumping. Whichever activity you choose, just make sure that you are comfortable in it, for there will be no fun and no adventure if you are not comfortable!
Rabu, 15 November 2017
Animal Safari - Let Nature Balance Itself
Now think of safari...of Serengeti...of wildlife sanctuaries...what images dominate your thoughts? Yes, animals.
Wildlife aside, safari would only be composed of a number of plant species, of terrain and of strange creatures like insects, bugs and the likes. Without the animals, African safaris would be reduced into a haven of sedentary and rarely moving species. Without the animal of the safaris, ecosystems would not exist. In a sense, animals add to the beauty that life in Africa may present. They give meaning. They add excitement. And they encourage tourism.
It is thought that African safaris started to become famous when the hunt for animals boomed sometime in the nineteenth century. This is because men then were perceived bold enough if they can kill wild animals right in their habitats and in action. This activity provided them a bag full of hunting trophies that adorned the walls of their libraries.
These days, a great thanks to movements for wildlife, hunting is restricted to many areas of African safaris. Nonetheless, there are still areas where slaughtering of wild animals are allowed. Because of the banning, travelers are now limited to only watch the animals hunt each other, predators to prey, and experience the exchange of life and death among them. Some of us still see hunting as a sport though.
The most famous of the animals in safari are known to be the big five which includes rhinoceros, lion, buffalo, leopard and the elephant. Why they became to be, no body is sure. Why other equally wonderful animals are not included in the list remains to be a mystery. It's safe to presume that that's simply the way hunters prefer it.
Adding to the big five are plain animals and mammals that coexist with each other. Some being the prey. Some being the predators. Nonetheless, they all take their parts in the circle of life. They give life.
Though not really considered animals, it is still worth saying that there are thousands of insect species, bugs, butterflies, and other moving creatures found in the African safaris. However large or big they can get won't really matter. They still balance wildlife and they aid in continuing the existence of ecosystems in African safaris.
Some people say, once human intervene with this natural process, even only for once, he may intervene with the succeeding years and life of the species that live in the safaris. And this seem to be true. Sudden and gradual fluctuations of population in the safaris are very much affected by the minute actions of the animals and other living things that exist in it.
Thus it is important that travelers and explorers let things be in the wildlife. Just allow them to exist and do as they were destined to do.
Wildlife aside, safari would only be composed of a number of plant species, of terrain and of strange creatures like insects, bugs and the likes. Without the animals, African safaris would be reduced into a haven of sedentary and rarely moving species. Without the animal of the safaris, ecosystems would not exist. In a sense, animals add to the beauty that life in Africa may present. They give meaning. They add excitement. And they encourage tourism.
It is thought that African safaris started to become famous when the hunt for animals boomed sometime in the nineteenth century. This is because men then were perceived bold enough if they can kill wild animals right in their habitats and in action. This activity provided them a bag full of hunting trophies that adorned the walls of their libraries.
These days, a great thanks to movements for wildlife, hunting is restricted to many areas of African safaris. Nonetheless, there are still areas where slaughtering of wild animals are allowed. Because of the banning, travelers are now limited to only watch the animals hunt each other, predators to prey, and experience the exchange of life and death among them. Some of us still see hunting as a sport though.
The most famous of the animals in safari are known to be the big five which includes rhinoceros, lion, buffalo, leopard and the elephant. Why they became to be, no body is sure. Why other equally wonderful animals are not included in the list remains to be a mystery. It's safe to presume that that's simply the way hunters prefer it.
Adding to the big five are plain animals and mammals that coexist with each other. Some being the prey. Some being the predators. Nonetheless, they all take their parts in the circle of life. They give life.
Though not really considered animals, it is still worth saying that there are thousands of insect species, bugs, butterflies, and other moving creatures found in the African safaris. However large or big they can get won't really matter. They still balance wildlife and they aid in continuing the existence of ecosystems in African safaris.
Some people say, once human intervene with this natural process, even only for once, he may intervene with the succeeding years and life of the species that live in the safaris. And this seem to be true. Sudden and gradual fluctuations of population in the safaris are very much affected by the minute actions of the animals and other living things that exist in it.
Thus it is important that travelers and explorers let things be in the wildlife. Just allow them to exist and do as they were destined to do.
Rabu, 08 November 2017
African Safari Trips - A Taste of Wild and Romantic African Adventure
Safari is an East African tradition and means to travel or journey. An African safari is a popular trip that has been undertaken for centuries by both Africans and other nations visiting Africa. The most enduring image of safari is the British explorer in his white hat and shorts, hunting for big game in the wilds of Africa. Africa is a very popular destination due to beautiful terrain and varied wildlife.
African safari began centuries ago with Arabs and Swahilis making long voyages into mainland Africa to do trade with other markets. The word became synonymous with the caravans, hunting, and the sense of adventure. The traders brought ivory, supplies and slaves. Thankfully British control put an end to the slavery.
The British soon brought people from all over the world looking for Safari adventure. What really attracted them was Africa's wildlife, which still does today. Some people wanted to observe and study the amazing African animals, while others wanted to hunt them. Needless to say, soon it became necessary to establish an ethical and legal code protecting the animal population from over hunting. Today hunting is very strictly regulated to protect the animals.
Many western explorers gained massive fame and their tales of Africa started the trend that still goes on today. They told romantic stories of the freedom and beauty of Africa, as well as serious tales of the dangers that face explorers. Drought, wild animals, disease and hostile tribes are dangers that still exist today and so the modern safari will be equipped very well and with caution. A safari trip that is unprepared for disaster could run into very serious, possibly fatal, trouble.
Safari trips to Africa are easy to find and book. They usually start by taking you to a lodge where there are observation decks, entertainment, bars and beds. These lodges act as a starting point for the convoys of vehicles that will take you across the land and into game territory. Just like in the past, many safaris have a native African guide who adds his knowledge of the terrain and survival skills.
African safari began centuries ago with Arabs and Swahilis making long voyages into mainland Africa to do trade with other markets. The word became synonymous with the caravans, hunting, and the sense of adventure. The traders brought ivory, supplies and slaves. Thankfully British control put an end to the slavery.
The British soon brought people from all over the world looking for Safari adventure. What really attracted them was Africa's wildlife, which still does today. Some people wanted to observe and study the amazing African animals, while others wanted to hunt them. Needless to say, soon it became necessary to establish an ethical and legal code protecting the animal population from over hunting. Today hunting is very strictly regulated to protect the animals.
Many western explorers gained massive fame and their tales of Africa started the trend that still goes on today. They told romantic stories of the freedom and beauty of Africa, as well as serious tales of the dangers that face explorers. Drought, wild animals, disease and hostile tribes are dangers that still exist today and so the modern safari will be equipped very well and with caution. A safari trip that is unprepared for disaster could run into very serious, possibly fatal, trouble.
Safari trips to Africa are easy to find and book. They usually start by taking you to a lodge where there are observation decks, entertainment, bars and beds. These lodges act as a starting point for the convoys of vehicles that will take you across the land and into game territory. Just like in the past, many safaris have a native African guide who adds his knowledge of the terrain and survival skills.
Rabu, 01 November 2017
Adventure Travel Tours: A Day on the Trail
An adventure travel vacation is a great way to explore your world. Join a group of fun people who share your interests as we go on a day hike in the Alps. Enjoy a little taste of Switzerland.
Up, Up, and Away
After consuming a hearty breakfast, we depart for the trailhead. It's close to our conveniently located inn, so we take a leisurely stroll - greeting friendly locals and shopkeepers along the way.
We board a bright red cable car that whisks us soaring above the valley to a far away peak. One of your companions excitedly nudges you, "Look, marmots!". We gaze at a trio of cuddly creatures staring back at us from the rockface - so close we feel we could reach out and touch them.
We disembark at a solid rock and timber mountain station - now peaceful, this station hosts a clattering mass of skiers during the winter season.
Clean Mountain Air and Emerald Lakes
Breathing in the fresh mountain air, we set out on our trail. Carpets of wildflowers surround us. Gentle cows graze the alpine grasses - serenading us with a cheerful tinkle of bells. Hiking here is so refreshing.
A meandering path leads us through hillocks of glacial moraine, now cloaked in a splendid green, to the edge of a startlingly beautiful emerald lake. The nearby mountains reflect on its surface.
We make a brief stop to admire this natural jewel. Some of our group rambles around the tiny lake - others lay back and enjoy the serenity.
Hiking Amongst Towering Peaks
Our trail continues along a high mountain valley bordered by towering snow-capped peaks. Beautiful Alpenroses form a lovely rolling heath. We tramp across a small snowfield - its coolness underfoot contrasts with the glorious warmth of the alpine sun.
We spy a cairn ahead with the familiar red-and-white trail marking painted on one of its rocks. Rounding a corner we spot our lunchtime destination in the distance - a solid Berghaus growing out of the surrounding rocks.
Lunching on the Sonnenterrasse
As we settle ourselves on a rustic, sun-drenched Sonnenterrasse, a tantalizing smell of frying onions and sausages greets us. Lunch is hearty mountain fare - plates heaped with Rosti mit Spiegeleier und Speck (a wonderfully golden, crispy fried potato pancake with egg and bacon) - served by a flaxen-haired girl in a traditional, powdery-blue farmer's smock.
We wash down our delicious lunch with bottles of local beer and gaze out across a massive glacier winding its way down between two peaks and glistening in the sunlight.
Stunning Views
Well sated, we regain our trail and soon find ourselves breaking out onto a sloping hillside - affording us stunning views of the valley far below. We see a tiny hamlet across the valley, its sun-burned houses and barns surround a central church spire. A massive mountain rears up behind this peaceful scene.
Slowly dropping down a gentle path, we enter a straggle of dwarf pine. We're greeted by a pungent fragrance that reminds us of the cleanliness of this wonderful habitat. The afternoon sun is gaining strength and it's a perfect time for us to enter the cool loaminess of the lower forest. We follow the edge of a cascading glacier-fed creek - its frostiness refreshes the air around us.
Warm Sun and the Smell of Hay
We clatter across an ancient wooden bridge - its surface well worn by generations of cows being driven to Alpine meadows. In the lower pastures, local farmers are harvesting the hay with large wooden rakes. A comforting, sun-rich smell of dried grasses greets us.
Off to the Konditorei
The relaxing smell of hay and the warmth of the sun has put us into a peaceful, lazy mood. We beeline to the nearest Konditorei to debate our biggest decision of the day - is it to be the daintily glazed apricot torte, the decadent chocolate mousse with lashings of whipped cream, or the traditional (and oh so tasty) Engadiner Nusstorte.
We relax in a cozy nook and relieve today's experiences.
Relaxing Back at the Inn
We amble back to our welcoming inn - a great time for relaxed exploration of the local shops. Back at the inn, some members catch up on reading in the inn's glorious wood-paneled library - others send postcards or nap in the warm afternoon sun.
Later, we'll watch as the sun paints the mountains with golden color. An adventure travel vacation in Switzerland is a fantastic experience.
Tomorrow, we set off on another lovely adventure.
Up, Up, and Away
After consuming a hearty breakfast, we depart for the trailhead. It's close to our conveniently located inn, so we take a leisurely stroll - greeting friendly locals and shopkeepers along the way.
We board a bright red cable car that whisks us soaring above the valley to a far away peak. One of your companions excitedly nudges you, "Look, marmots!". We gaze at a trio of cuddly creatures staring back at us from the rockface - so close we feel we could reach out and touch them.
We disembark at a solid rock and timber mountain station - now peaceful, this station hosts a clattering mass of skiers during the winter season.
Clean Mountain Air and Emerald Lakes
Breathing in the fresh mountain air, we set out on our trail. Carpets of wildflowers surround us. Gentle cows graze the alpine grasses - serenading us with a cheerful tinkle of bells. Hiking here is so refreshing.
A meandering path leads us through hillocks of glacial moraine, now cloaked in a splendid green, to the edge of a startlingly beautiful emerald lake. The nearby mountains reflect on its surface.
We make a brief stop to admire this natural jewel. Some of our group rambles around the tiny lake - others lay back and enjoy the serenity.
Hiking Amongst Towering Peaks
Our trail continues along a high mountain valley bordered by towering snow-capped peaks. Beautiful Alpenroses form a lovely rolling heath. We tramp across a small snowfield - its coolness underfoot contrasts with the glorious warmth of the alpine sun.
We spy a cairn ahead with the familiar red-and-white trail marking painted on one of its rocks. Rounding a corner we spot our lunchtime destination in the distance - a solid Berghaus growing out of the surrounding rocks.
Lunching on the Sonnenterrasse
As we settle ourselves on a rustic, sun-drenched Sonnenterrasse, a tantalizing smell of frying onions and sausages greets us. Lunch is hearty mountain fare - plates heaped with Rosti mit Spiegeleier und Speck (a wonderfully golden, crispy fried potato pancake with egg and bacon) - served by a flaxen-haired girl in a traditional, powdery-blue farmer's smock.
We wash down our delicious lunch with bottles of local beer and gaze out across a massive glacier winding its way down between two peaks and glistening in the sunlight.
Stunning Views
Well sated, we regain our trail and soon find ourselves breaking out onto a sloping hillside - affording us stunning views of the valley far below. We see a tiny hamlet across the valley, its sun-burned houses and barns surround a central church spire. A massive mountain rears up behind this peaceful scene.
Slowly dropping down a gentle path, we enter a straggle of dwarf pine. We're greeted by a pungent fragrance that reminds us of the cleanliness of this wonderful habitat. The afternoon sun is gaining strength and it's a perfect time for us to enter the cool loaminess of the lower forest. We follow the edge of a cascading glacier-fed creek - its frostiness refreshes the air around us.
Warm Sun and the Smell of Hay
We clatter across an ancient wooden bridge - its surface well worn by generations of cows being driven to Alpine meadows. In the lower pastures, local farmers are harvesting the hay with large wooden rakes. A comforting, sun-rich smell of dried grasses greets us.
Off to the Konditorei
The relaxing smell of hay and the warmth of the sun has put us into a peaceful, lazy mood. We beeline to the nearest Konditorei to debate our biggest decision of the day - is it to be the daintily glazed apricot torte, the decadent chocolate mousse with lashings of whipped cream, or the traditional (and oh so tasty) Engadiner Nusstorte.
We relax in a cozy nook and relieve today's experiences.
Relaxing Back at the Inn
We amble back to our welcoming inn - a great time for relaxed exploration of the local shops. Back at the inn, some members catch up on reading in the inn's glorious wood-paneled library - others send postcards or nap in the warm afternoon sun.
Later, we'll watch as the sun paints the mountains with golden color. An adventure travel vacation in Switzerland is a fantastic experience.
Tomorrow, we set off on another lovely adventure.
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