Mo’orea (Moorea) is only 30-45 minutes from the port in Papeete via ferry. And the port is only 10 minutes from FAA, Papeete's airport. Despite being so close, this island feels world's away from the often busy streets of Papeete. Need Internet access upon landing at the Moorea port? A Vodafone phone shop is within a short walk of the ferry terminal - located next to the gas station. SIM cards plus data plans can be purchased here. Often … [Read more...]
A Crazy Stop in La Paz, Boliva
Upon arriving in South America I entered a very familiar airport, Jorge Chavez International Airport. I lingered in Lima for a refreshing shower in the hotel directly across from the airport. Walked back to the departures terminal and tried to sleep for a few hours on the hard floor. Loud music playing at 130am followed by staff cleaning the floors. No sleep tonight. Boarded next flight. Arrived in Cuzco - exited the airport with just enough time … [Read more...]
Exploring Paramaribo, Suriname the Fun Way!
After a nearly 13 hour car + van ride from Georgetown in Guyana which began at 4am and included a 4 hour border crossing (slow ferry a big part of this), I arrived in Paramaribo in the late afternoon. Exhausted after eating only an energy bar I found tucked away in my backpack given to me weeks ago by Jacki Ueng I checked into the Guesthouse Zin & Grand Cafe. For only $23/night it included a private room with AC and use of their pool. I soon … [Read more...]
An Interesting Mix of Activities & Distractions in Guyana, South America
The final touchdown could not come soon enough. 39 hours prior I left my place in California for the airport at 430am. After a night in Miami (part of which involved nearly a 2 hour drive to go 3.1 miles from the airport - you think Los Angeles traffic is horrendous, think again), I finally arrived in Guyana. Most people I told prior to my trip that I was going to Guyana greeted me with a blank stare. The few older folks correctly equated Guyana … [Read more...]
Cruising the Beagle Channel on the Paludine, Ushuaia Argentina
I wandered into one of the small tour operator huts down by the harbour in Ushuaia this afternoon to escape the rain and the cold. After inquiring about one of their tours I was soon booked for the next morning - a sailing trip through the Beagle Channel on the Paludine. Allowing only 8 people maximum on board, these sailing tours are intimate and a great way to see the wildlife. After an hour drive on both pavement and a graded dirt road we … [Read more...]
Exploring Ushuaia, El Fin Del Mundo
After four days in a row on a plane, two of which were overnight flights I have reached El Fin del Mundo, Ushuaia - the world's southernmost city. Flying over Tierra del Fuego, we were treated to spectacularly clear views of the jagged mountains, glaciers and lakes - ultimately reaching the bays near Ushuaia and dropping into the small airport on a nearly cloudless day. My visual research prior to this trip indicated Ushuaia is rarely clear … [Read more...]
Are they really *Panama* Hats?
The last time I was in Panama I purchased a Panama Hat - a misleading name considering these hats are made in Ecuador. During the construction of the Panama Canal workers wore these hats. When USA President at the time, Teddy Roosevelt saw one - he wanted to wear it - he was photographed wearing this hat and the name "Panama Hat" soon stuck. In actuality these hats should be called Ecuadorian Hats! After wearing out the 'Panama Hat' I bought … [Read more...]
Exploring the Quito Surroundings
With a visit to the market yesterday evening - we were set for breakfast this morning. Cherimoya, Guanabana (soursop) and Granadilla (passion fruit) made for a delicious fruit based breakfast. The inside of a Granadilla looks like something from the guts of an alien - with black seeds surrounded by some goopy stuff encased in a white sack encased in the entire orange outside of the fruit. Never trust looks when it comes to fruit - sometimes you … [Read more...]
Up, Up into the Andes – Ecuador
After seeing the streets flooded with people last night - alcohol flowing like water, dancing, music and lots of action - we stumbled out of our hotel early this morning to eerily empty streets. However, remnants of last nights' craziness were clearly evident - including broken bottles, other shattered glass and nasty messiness left from those who had to much liquor and were unable to keep it in their stomachs. Saturday is the big party night … [Read more...]
Exploring Quito
A young English teacher found us wandering the streets of Quito this morning. He was properly dressed - in suit and tie while bopping to tunes with his large earphones. He saw us struggling with a paper map and stopped to give us a hand. Eventually we found our way to a travel agency - made arrangements for the "avenue of volcanoes" tour - the spine of the country south of Quito which boasts some of the tallest volcanoes on the planet including … [Read more...]