tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91880494742267987592024-03-13T13:36:31.910-07:00Seb's round-the-world tourTravel Round-The-World RTW around the worldUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-30081441075574628622013-08-19T21:10:00.000-07:002013-09-17T21:33:40.764-07:00Trip update & final routeYes, in this Friday August 16th, I just decided few things about my trip after few weeks brainstorming about them:<br />
1. I will extend the trip :-) No return to Geneva anymore in few days, but Mid October at the earliest, end November at the latest<br />
2. I will divert a bit (a lot!!!) my route, as I will go US & Canada after a week in Brazil, and will come back to Brazil afterwards...<br />
<br />
So why all this?<br />
<br />
Well, the most important point I think, is that after few months traveling, I really love it, and I am comfortable not having a job, nor being registered to any unemployment benefits. I thought it was risky, but as was commenting a friend... it might be even more risky to not live the dream fully! ;-)<br />
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I have to admit I was a bit scared back in March to be without a job for more than 4-5 months, and to not look seriously for another one, but now... Now I am sure traveling few months more will enrich me personally much more than coming back to Europe, and trying to "secure" a job or benefits without a real purpose. So yes I will keep spending more the savings hardly earned in the last years, but this travel time is so special, good, precious, unique.<br />
The return to reality might be tough, but I am well aware of this and feel anyhow that after 7-8 months of travel, I will want to go back and find a work: my brain needs challenge & activity!<br />
<br />
On the route itself, well... clearly, US & Canada are not really close to Brazil and on the way back to Europe, but I have friends getting married in New-York, and I just do not want to miss this. Plus it will give me the opportunity to see good friends, then travel to Chicago, Toronto, Montréal & Quebec which I have not seen yet.<br />
<br />
After US & Canada, I'll be back to Brazil / Rio, head quickly to Paraguay /Asuncion, go see Iguazu falls, then will go around the country to see Sao Paulo, the Amazon, the North & East coasts. Many more exciting adventures to come and tell!! :-)))<br />
<br />
My world-map flights are now all over the place, up and down North / South few times, and the total km I will be flying are insane... I am not sure yet how many hours I will have spent in planes & airports, but that is for sure a lot. Hopefully, it is a personal trip.<br />
Also, I will definitely have to plant few trees (or a forest?) to balance my terrible 2013 carbon footprint!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8CXwSVpDQM/Ujkst8H26KI/AAAAAAAACN4/crvHCAAi99E/s1600/New+RTW+map+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8CXwSVpDQM/Ujkst8H26KI/AAAAAAAACN4/crvHCAAi99E/s640/New+RTW+map+resized.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-69115684869126168362013-08-06T17:00:00.000-07:002013-12-30T10:14:06.536-08:00D125-126 Bolivia lagoons & volcanos<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1CjED9B-GY0/UrsWZzuXppI/AAAAAAAACyM/iHHFnEvkTC8/s1600/Tour_Uyuni_San_Pedro_de_Atacama.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1CjED9B-GY0/UrsWZzuXppI/AAAAAAAACyM/iHHFnEvkTC8/s200/Tour_Uyuni_San_Pedro_de_Atacama.gif" width="129" /></a>Wake-up call at 5:30am, departure 6am from the salt hotel South of the Salt-Flats… a bit rude, no shower but given it's -5°C and very unlikely to have hot water… not really important ;)<br />
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The 2 days will be a heavy travel days in our 4x4 jeep, driving from the South of the Uyuni flats down to the South tip of Bolivia, probably doing 600 km on dirt and rock roads (or no road at all), at 40-50 Km/h max… so spending 12-15 hours in the jeep.<br />
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However, for a second day in a row, sceneries seen will be unforgettable: blue & red lagoons surrounded by high mountains, flamingos, colorful volcanos, geothermic geysers at 5,000m high… this is a big "Nature" show-off!<br />
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<b>DRIVE ACROSS THE ANDES</b><br />
Rocks, dirt and 6,000m high volcanos, with white snowed-peaks in the background were the amazing environment to cross down this South Bolivia altiplano region. Riding on endless plateaux, or going through tough dirty paths, the adventure was just awesome, despite the hours in the jeep. And with Miguel, our driver, who was putting some various music, going from kitschy techno music of the 90s to very local Bolivian latino music… it was at the end very entertaining :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1SS_ST5wEI/UrsZZxE_g-I/AAAAAAAACyY/LYPPkdnmbZo/s1600/DSC00818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1SS_ST5wEI/UrsZZxE_g-I/AAAAAAAACyY/LYPPkdnmbZo/s640/DSC00818.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The view for many hours… endless Andean plateaus and dirt</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GD5Y_4QxoRc/UrsZfr0k6LI/AAAAAAAACyo/wf4eelh_5Ds/s1600/DSC00833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GD5Y_4QxoRc/UrsZfr0k6LI/AAAAAAAACyo/wf4eelh_5Ds/s640/DSC00833.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of a high snowy volcano peak, at the border of Boliva & North Chile</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DY3hILr9wUI/UrsZdZPWU_I/AAAAAAAACyg/zv3pARjsIwQ/s1600/DSC00835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DY3hILr9wUI/UrsZdZPWU_I/AAAAAAAACyg/zv3pARjsIwQ/s640/DSC00835.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bolivian Andes plateaux and mountains overview</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_Ns3Nbz2xg/UrsZkhIkZeI/AAAAAAAACyw/m0_Ftmp92FY/s1600/DSC00841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_Ns3Nbz2xg/UrsZkhIkZeI/AAAAAAAACyw/m0_Ftmp92FY/s640/DSC00841.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It looks like a solid rock, but this is a plant! </i></td></tr>
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<b>AMAZING LAGOONS</b><br />
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Many lagoons exists at those high altitudes, filled by rain water, mixing special mineral elements which can give them a specific color pending the time of day, wind, heat… I had no idea these kind of landscapes existed there, and this was awesome to discover.<br />
There are birds and flamingos living on those lagoons, adding a great animal life touch, ambling in their intact, natural environment, where you could spend hours to stare at the surrounding and the slow life happening there. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmtjE8P7bmw/UrsZocC9z3I/AAAAAAAACzA/hWg21jZgnuU/s1600/DSC00854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmtjE8P7bmw/UrsZocC9z3I/AAAAAAAACzA/hWg21jZgnuU/s640/DSC00854.jpg" title="Key image" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cañapa lagoon</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSus5vRzY2M/UrsZsW33OoI/AAAAAAAACzI/IZjXnIhQJyM/s1600/DSC00860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSus5vRzY2M/UrsZsW33OoI/AAAAAAAACzI/IZjXnIhQJyM/s640/DSC00860.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cañapa lagoon and flamingos</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcK58AJOApI/UrsZs9AUvTI/AAAAAAAACzM/c-n2ce1iOqY/s1600/DSC00862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcK58AJOApI/UrsZs9AUvTI/AAAAAAAACzM/c-n2ce1iOqY/s640/DSC00862.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cañapa lagoon and flamingos… and perfect still water</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rY7T3CO1-oE/UrsZxvcP_KI/AAAAAAAACzY/sgYCvlyAOo4/s1600/DSC00866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rY7T3CO1-oE/UrsZxvcP_KI/AAAAAAAACzY/sgYCvlyAOo4/s640/DSC00866.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me and the lagoon</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tuM6QKSvyXw/UrsZ1oGT0cI/AAAAAAAACzo/yv5_-QN9Tfw/s1600/DSC00887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tuM6QKSvyXw/UrsZ1oGT0cI/AAAAAAAACzo/yv5_-QN9Tfw/s640/DSC00887.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>White lagoon with some other flamingos</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BZfMaqUiy0A/UrsZ48OfE8I/AAAAAAAACz0/6SMC5RvaHdc/s1600/DSC00896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BZfMaqUiy0A/UrsZ48OfE8I/AAAAAAAACz0/6SMC5RvaHdc/s640/DSC00896.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>White lagoons and its many flamingos!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-umDcDoBCAJ4/UrsZ4wNBPhI/AAAAAAAACzw/xKBMGyUr800/s1600/DSC00902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-umDcDoBCAJ4/UrsZ4wNBPhI/AAAAAAAACzw/xKBMGyUr800/s640/DSC00902.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>White lagoon overview</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vAmChHWgOkc/UrsaJVYHHWI/AAAAAAAAC0s/S0FUiFQxoVg/s1600/DSC00947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vAmChHWgOkc/UrsaJVYHHWI/AAAAAAAAC0s/S0FUiFQxoVg/s640/DSC00947.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lagoon colorada, or the red lagoon: I also see a reverse white eagle in the lake, do you see it?</i><br />
<i>+… altitude is 4,300m here, sleeping just on the side!</i></td></tr>
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<b>HIGH PLATEAUX & THE STONE-TREE / ARBÓL DE PIEDRA</b><br />
We were already "high" ;) since few weeks, but those 2 days, we kept crossing plateaux and lagoons at 4,000m high or more, where vegetations is almost non-existent. Very impressive to see a vast area without ANY plant… only rocks and dirt exist at 5,000m high.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FP0UrYYrMjA/UrsZ_eHSCbI/AAAAAAAAC0A/5oAfBHmskIs/s1600/DSC00908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FP0UrYYrMjA/UrsZ_eHSCbI/AAAAAAAAC0A/5oAfBHmskIs/s640/DSC00908.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>4x4 riding through the rocks and mountains</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AaFO1nt7gv8/UrsaBKcL2SI/AAAAAAAAC0I/0ixS4MP5ks0/s1600/DSC00929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AaFO1nt7gv8/UrsaBKcL2SI/AAAAAAAAC0I/0ixS4MP5ks0/s640/DSC00929.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beautiful view of the "5 colors" mountains, from a 5,000m high desert plateau</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f0oCPusRmw8/UrsaBrBvIkI/AAAAAAAAC0M/kUUULMNJkmI/s1600/DSC00937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f0oCPusRmw8/UrsaBrBvIkI/AAAAAAAAC0M/kUUULMNJkmI/s640/DSC00937.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Stone-Tree, standing at 4,500m high or more, lost in the middle of nothing</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7e-DcQ38okU/Urto2d3s6bI/AAAAAAAAC28/mJbDSUDLBsY/s1600/D124+Bolivia+lagoons+-+82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7e-DcQ38okU/Urto2d3s6bI/AAAAAAAAC28/mJbDSUDLBsY/s640/D124+Bolivia+lagoons+-+82.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Stone-Tree rocks formations overview</i></td></tr>
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<b>GEYSERS AND THERMIC BATHS</b><br />
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At the beginning of day 3, we are reaching Sol de Maniana region, which is a volcanic zone with geysers. Afterwards we traveled towards Polques hot springs where few of us can take a relaxing bath in a small pool of natural thermal water… awesome again. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-71kL_mlCiJg/UrsaMUPm03I/AAAAAAAAC04/AZW9a4ooJ40/s1600/DSC00964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-71kL_mlCiJg/UrsaMUPm03I/AAAAAAAAC04/AZW9a4ooJ40/s640/DSC00964.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Geothermic myst at a mountain top :)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nB2RQOdPRjA/UrsaOr9UBNI/AAAAAAAAC1A/q7zAxoVWdjM/s1600/DSC00966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nB2RQOdPRjA/UrsaOr9UBNI/AAAAAAAAC1A/q7zAxoVWdjM/s640/DSC00966.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A geyser</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKV587dhdYM/UrsaQxti9lI/AAAAAAAAC1I/Vxp8KsKGfh0/s1600/DSC00967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKV587dhdYM/UrsaQxti9lI/AAAAAAAAC1I/Vxp8KsKGfh0/s640/DSC00967.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Geothermic activity at 5,000m high: impressive</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJ0S3rDboVM/UrsaRO6Lk8I/AAAAAAAAC1M/v58d4ebKVlA/s1600/DSC00974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJ0S3rDboVM/UrsaRO6Lk8I/AAAAAAAAC1M/v58d4ebKVlA/s640/DSC00974.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Polques thermic baths</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omtmy5_IL3w/UrsaUYsj-oI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/ni92Lw33F0c/s1600/DSC00985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omtmy5_IL3w/UrsaUYsj-oI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/ni92Lw33F0c/s640/DSC00985.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Well, me in the baths… 7am, around 0°C outside at 4,700m high… it wakes up!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OlOqSKmf0Uk/UrsaaIwr7aI/AAAAAAAAC1s/-qGHkUMInNI/s1600/DSC00992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OlOqSKmf0Uk/UrsaaIwr7aI/AAAAAAAAC1s/-qGHkUMInNI/s640/DSC00992.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of the thermic baths area and surrounding</i></td></tr>
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<b>BOLIVIA BORDER AND CROSSING TO CHILE</b><br />
After all this great time in Bolivia, time to reach the end of this Andean tour. Reaching the border at 10am… we got stuck waiting for an hour, before the guards do a kind of celebration and speech for the Bolivian national day.<br />
Well, for sure interesting to see and listen too (not really friendly comment on their Chilean neighbors, but I can understand given the sea-access land conflict), but as travelers kept arriving, it just created another hour of queuing mess… fun ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNBSXFvZxIQ/UrsacDpJxaI/AAAAAAAAC14/yHA-6USqiXU/s1600/DSC00999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNBSXFvZxIQ/UrsacDpJxaI/AAAAAAAAC14/yHA-6USqiXU/s640/DSC00999.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The border-crossing building, with Bolivian officers celebrating Bolivia's national day (August 6th)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2PXA44ejCk/UrsaaDKBl3I/AAAAAAAAC1o/hpbJxxsX3ZY/s1600/DSC01001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2PXA44ejCk/UrsaaDKBl3I/AAAAAAAAC1o/hpbJxxsX3ZY/s640/DSC01001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The official border line...</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ktsY8iBEMC4/UrsaeGTHi6I/AAAAAAAAC2A/Dj2EwLxx4pI/s1600/DSC01008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ktsY8iBEMC4/UrsaeGTHi6I/AAAAAAAAC2A/Dj2EwLxx4pI/s640/DSC01008.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The sudden line when officers stopped talking… of course, it could only be very messy… :P</i></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Laguna Colorada, Bolivia-22.2082719 -67.773520599999983-22.3258799 -67.934882099999982 -22.0906639 -67.612159099999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-35408093338996870612013-08-04T22:00:00.000-07:002013-12-25T11:06:49.829-08:00D124: Incredible day in the Salt Flats / salar de Uyuni<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwfM5l-4Bf8/UrsRvYQl0OI/AAAAAAAACyA/3blccZPcedg/s1600/Uyuni+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwfM5l-4Bf8/UrsRvYQl0OI/AAAAAAAACyA/3blccZPcedg/s200/Uyuni+map.jpg" width="200" /></a>WOW. Remembering about this day in the Salt Flats makes me having a big smile :-)<br />
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This day has been so good, I barely realized while living it… for sure it deservers a good blog post! Starting with a tough & early run, the day rolled on with a wander through rusted, abandonned, trains wagons, then the famous endless salt-flats, followed by a hike on an improbable cactus-island before to end with a sunset on the t flats… Great memories! :-)<br />
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<b>UYUNI TOWN</b><br />
We arrive in Uyuni from the Potosi town at the end of the afternoon, Saturday August 3rd, just after the sun dropped. Dawn was not helping the town to look nicer, it's clearly a tiny "1-night before or after the Uyuni trip tourists trap" town. Streets are dirty, with many dogs running & barking around.<br />
Still, after a disgusting dinner, we succeeded to find a fun bar and get some nice pisco sours and some dancing, surprising here and at 3,800m high… plus another good proof you can have fun anywhere ;) !<br />
<br />
Sunday August 4th is the big day! I am starting with the group a 3 days trip across Uyuni then South Bolivia volcanos and lagoons, with 4x4 jeeps, to reach San Pedro de Atacama in Chile on Tuesday noon.<br />
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Departure 10am, but I decide to test my body limits with a run in the early morning… Wow, that was tough! -2°C with a low oxygen level at 3,800m, I only lasted 25mn running on 4km… interesting experience (& I didn't got bitten by a dog, big plus).<br />
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<b>TRAIN CEMETERY</b><br />
After loading the jeeps and a quick briefing, we finally hit the road at 11am. It barely takes 20mn to reach this abandoned train cemetery, which has become a classic attraction there, but is really nice to see a bit. The surrounding of the high Andes and the dry flats create a great set-up to wander between those rusted train wagons and take shots.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCObfIXnkzQ/Unjo5fvUlPI/AAAAAAAACtk/b56Jfom8joQ/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCObfIXnkzQ/Unjo5fvUlPI/AAAAAAAACtk/b56Jfom8joQ/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+005.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Train cemetery: a rusted, broken wagon</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LMGMsp73rgA/UnjpARjg0AI/AAAAAAAACvE/Ht97y8aYlto/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LMGMsp73rgA/UnjpARjg0AI/AAAAAAAACvE/Ht97y8aYlto/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+009.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Locomotive closeup shot</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rpSHVnWMhs/Unjo6OEq6gI/AAAAAAAACtw/VgPBKVLHqo4/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rpSHVnWMhs/Unjo6OEq6gI/AAAAAAAACtw/VgPBKVLHqo4/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Can start training on "posing pics" before Uyuni ;)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Jrd5fFgiXE/Unjo6XmaCTI/AAAAAAAACt4/M4inq1Fpuxc/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Jrd5fFgiXE/Unjo6XmaCTI/AAAAAAAACt4/M4inq1Fpuxc/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+014.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Train cemetery overview, with the Andes in the background (remember, standing 3,800m high here!)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLWV7Oq4q6s/Unjo7GPzzvI/AAAAAAAACt8/9CxAyLPWIfw/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLWV7Oq4q6s/Unjo7GPzzvI/AAAAAAAACt8/9CxAyLPWIfw/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+019.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Train cemetery weird rusted thing</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIi08TZAZ1o/Unjo7ShgftI/AAAAAAAACuI/uLPZ4LFnMP0/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIi08TZAZ1o/Unjo7ShgftI/AAAAAAAACuI/uLPZ4LFnMP0/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Train cemetery detail</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zRnBJdoULl4/Unjo77SYRyI/AAAAAAAACuM/cVXLRUdt3-E/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zRnBJdoULl4/Unjo77SYRyI/AAAAAAAACuM/cVXLRUdt3-E/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+027.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A classic locomotive shot with the Andes and Uyuni salt flats start in the background</i></td></tr>
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<b>SALT "FACTORY" @COLCHANI</b><br />
Another 20mn drive brings us to the real border of the Uyuni salt flats, where few locals still work to collect, store and produce salt at the salt cooperative:<br />
Use as an entry point to go in the salt flats, our guides takes here to also see how salt bags are being made from the salt collected in the salt. Let's say it's still a very artisanal technic here! This is as well, an opportunity to see a bit how Bolivian live (survive) in this desertic area of the country… poorly and basically.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWq9OPbvu3Q/Unjo88JpwJI/AAAAAAAACug/tRrST0-lqJY/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWq9OPbvu3Q/Unjo88JpwJI/AAAAAAAACug/tRrST0-lqJY/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+033.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A view on the village</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-klpiDJN4btc/Unjo85XpX2I/AAAAAAAACuc/nqIAWPMqcn8/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-klpiDJN4btc/Unjo85XpX2I/AAAAAAAACuc/nqIAWPMqcn8/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+038.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A salt collection point</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Er365kdFek/Unjo9mbzPkI/AAAAAAAACuw/wjPS7AlpDko/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Er365kdFek/Unjo9mbzPkI/AAAAAAAACuw/wjPS7AlpDko/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+040.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The "process" of drying the salt to pack it into a bag</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl4JUXWshjs/Unjo-OkKrJI/AAAAAAAACus/2m_UbrfKVJ0/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl4JUXWshjs/Unjo-OkKrJI/AAAAAAAACus/2m_UbrfKVJ0/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+043.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Local houses</i></td></tr>
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<b>THE SALT FLATS</b><br />
Leaving the village, we finally arrive in the Uyuni salt flats by 1pm, discovering 1st the salt piles area, where the salt-cooperative workers come to pile-up salt to dry it before to bring it to the village. This view is quite special, and the feel of entering the Salt Flats is even more special: this is a really a unique place and scenery on Earth!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WuJE67pnrqQ/Unjo_ihUWlI/AAAAAAAACu8/WrOst-7MmJU/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WuJE67pnrqQ/Unjo_ihUWlI/AAAAAAAACu8/WrOst-7MmJU/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+048.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Uyuni salt piles</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTN54bsegCU/Unjo_yhDhZI/AAAAAAAACvA/F1-9G57Zu0M/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTN54bsegCU/Unjo_yhDhZI/AAAAAAAACvA/F1-9G57Zu0M/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+052.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My G-Adventure group posing on salt piles :)</i></td></tr>
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30mn drive within the Salt Flats and you feel like on a different planet: this is really damn flat, gigantic (about the size of Lebanon or Jamaica), and in this dry season period, the ground is organized in pretty polygonal shapes of salts (mostly hexagons!), which is due to a drying process after the rainy season. Completely amazing to see and enjoy. When I look again at the pictures, I just want to teleport myself there and see this scenery again.<br />
We had lunch right there beside the jeeps, whatever food it was, this lunch was fabulous.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0j2N6a__m0/UnjpBr7ypEI/AAAAAAAACvY/O4-o3pJkehQ/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0j2N6a__m0/UnjpBr7ypEI/AAAAAAAACvY/O4-o3pJkehQ/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+054.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Uyuni Salt Flats: spectacular</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iL0L9dvwVo8/UnjpCwgpkqI/AAAAAAAACv8/lqb8iunRabU/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iL0L9dvwVo8/UnjpCwgpkqI/AAAAAAAACv8/lqb8iunRabU/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+056.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Uyuni Salt-Flats : you can drive at 100 km/h and close your eyes for a mn ;)!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U0rK1LGD_SE/UnjpBl91qWI/AAAAAAAACvU/yE2JZ-R6MJE/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U0rK1LGD_SE/UnjpBl91qWI/AAAAAAAACvU/yE2JZ-R6MJE/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+061.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Closeup shot of the salt hexagons</i></td></tr>
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In the Salt Flats, a famous game is… fun picture poses. Given the endless perspective and white ground, it is very easy to make fun pictures… just a few below to show:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--eAGyclG_vU/UnjpC7izyII/AAAAAAAACvg/3aa7aEWDDgA/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--eAGyclG_vU/UnjpC7izyII/AAAAAAAACvg/3aa7aEWDDgA/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+064.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A crane digging up Stevie</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jx5QUGehd3Y/UnjpDOKWkaI/AAAAAAAACvk/KLPUdQiHb5g/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jx5QUGehd3Y/UnjpDOKWkaI/AAAAAAAACvk/KLPUdQiHb5g/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+066.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Making of the pic: Andrew in a special posing ;)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9sWK8vEMIiU/UnjpDueVmrI/AAAAAAAACvs/QeZfZ8dzO30/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9sWK8vEMIiU/UnjpDueVmrI/AAAAAAAACvs/QeZfZ8dzO30/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+067.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>George throwing me up</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9GtImAt9if4/UnjpDwRUaJI/AAAAAAAACv0/wmevJZEN4lM/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9GtImAt9if4/UnjpDwRUaJI/AAAAAAAACv0/wmevJZEN4lM/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+069.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me, "carrying" Daisy, Stevie and Nina: easy</i></td></tr>
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<b>INCAHUASI ISLAND… or the Cactus Island!</b><br />
I could not really believe it when we arrive there. I had just no clue I would ever see this in the middle of the salt-flats: an island of cactus, standing on rocky hills up to 80m above the flats. What a scenery!<br />
As the Salt-Flats were previously a vast inland-lake of trapped salty water, it dried up to create the Salt Flats… and the few islands in the lake stayed.<br />
This one had a sacred meaning for the Incas, and ceremony to Pachamama are still practiced regularly at the top of it. After hiking up through the cactus and lamas, we played one thanks to our guide, this was fun. As is was an undersea area at some point, we could also observe some old, dead corals… weird at 3,800m high!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-anZpWqZC8f0/UnjpExJESWI/AAAAAAAACwI/o7tTXLmP898/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-anZpWqZC8f0/UnjpExJESWI/AAAAAAAACwI/o7tTXLmP898/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+075.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Incahuasi island: cactus and rocks in the middle of the Salt-Flats</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_yIBUPjbNcs/UnjpFYl3jPI/AAAAAAAACwg/SZ77PSstwY4/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_yIBUPjbNcs/UnjpFYl3jPI/AAAAAAAACwg/SZ77PSstwY4/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+079.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lamas walking around</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NYLOwrkw4M/UnjpFfpojhI/AAAAAAAACwM/g5xBSemjIBw/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NYLOwrkw4M/UnjpFfpojhI/AAAAAAAACwM/g5xBSemjIBw/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+081.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>1 side of the island with the Salt-Flats background</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W8egfQilvjY/UnjpFlSxpkI/AAAAAAAACwY/NrgdaR6Grl0/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W8egfQilvjY/UnjpFlSxpkI/AAAAAAAACwY/NrgdaR6Grl0/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+087.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cactus are centuries old, and tallest are up to 9m!</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1J-TfEfhbjc/UnjpGEJ0fII/AAAAAAAACwk/zh_0mA_RX5U/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1J-TfEfhbjc/UnjpGEJ0fII/AAAAAAAACwk/zh_0mA_RX5U/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+094.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The coral rocks… yes, this is natural ;-)</i></td></tr>
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<b>SUNSET IN THE FLATS</b><br />
We finished the day driving toward the night-camp at the South of the salts, enjoying amazing sunset views and feeling in this special location, of course doing a bit more posing ;-)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8t_bAHBhyFc/UnjpGvvjq1I/AAAAAAAACws/NJMZmXE5kxU/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8t_bAHBhyFc/UnjpGvvjq1I/AAAAAAAACws/NJMZmXE5kxU/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+108.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jumping over the sun: easy</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04NhgY_Q73Y/UnjpG8hT3hI/AAAAAAAACxA/JvBOXdOZjKQ/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04NhgY_Q73Y/UnjpG8hT3hI/AAAAAAAACxA/JvBOXdOZjKQ/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+111.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Being kicked by a British: aie!</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFOxiNptoQo/UnjpHHKtyGI/AAAAAAAACw4/EicUg02JNm0/s1600/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFOxiNptoQo/UnjpHHKtyGI/AAAAAAAACw4/EicUg02JNm0/s640/D123+Uyuni+salt+flats+-+116.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sunset on the flats</i></td></tr>
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<b>SALT HOTEL</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8P7-IKgXqE/UrsOUFoLAeI/AAAAAAAACxw/K8waeIKP0DQ/s1600/1149701_10151733253402225_278073747_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8P7-IKgXqE/UrsOUFoLAeI/AAAAAAAACxw/K8waeIKP0DQ/s200/1149701_10151733253402225_278073747_o.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The evening and night will be tougher… rustic salt-hostel, i.e. with walls, beds, tables and chairs done with salt bricks, without any heaters and only basic amenities… well, I still thought it was pretty good for this lost location and high altitude.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqW40qT9IMA/UrsOS64boVI/AAAAAAAACxc/qcVDwJwgl6Y/s1600/1146273_10151733253542225_388329252_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqW40qT9IMA/UrsOS64boVI/AAAAAAAACxc/qcVDwJwgl6Y/s200/1146273_10151733253542225_388329252_o.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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In the evening, I am having a lot of fun with the group, gathering around the electric plugs and our hardware loading for the next day, listening to some good music while drinking the cheap Bolivian (but good!) wines we bought the day before.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DcJAaF80Plo/UrsOS3ESgQI/AAAAAAAACxY/9PHRyyrmTec/s1600/1119918_10151733253902225_594699191_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DcJAaF80Plo/UrsOS3ESgQI/AAAAAAAACxY/9PHRyyrmTec/s640/1119918_10151733253902225_594699191_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Great atmosphere after a great day… but before 10pm, as electricity & lights will shut-down!</i></td></tr>
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It's freezing cold in and out (-5°C or less… not really geared up for this), but looking at the night sky is astonishing: it's almost like we could see space through the Milky Way!<br />
(thanks Andrew for the pics ;)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XgcrqG9gTiQ/UrssoELGyPI/AAAAAAAAC2s/7tSktFOpPJk/s1600/1077219_10151733252877225_182100914_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XgcrqG9gTiQ/UrssoELGyPI/AAAAAAAAC2s/7tSktFOpPJk/s640/1077219_10151733252877225_182100914_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Amazing night sky view! ©Andrew Leung</i></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Uyuni, Bolivia-20.4603499 -66.824966000000018-20.5198574 -66.905647000000016 -20.400842400000002 -66.744285000000019tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-32678639303423020832013-08-03T20:31:00.000-07:002013-10-17T09:45:18.403-07:00D123: Potosí city and drive to Uyuni :)After such a difficult previous day visiting the mines, I have 1/2 day to "relax" and visit Potosi, before to drive few hours to another famous spot, this time pleasant: Uyuni at the border of the salt flats.<br />
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<b>POTOSI CITY</b><br />
Potosí is one of the highest city in the world, standing at about 4,100m and with about 200,000 inhabitants. As explained in the Potosi mines post, it was founded to manage the extraction and shipment of silver from the Cerro Rico mine, and quickly became a very wealthy city, and one of the largest in South America at the time. Some of this wealth was used to build magnificent baroque churches and monasteries.<br />
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The wealthy history of Potosí is still reflected in the narrow streets, colonial mansions and the many churches, which makes the city a very pleasant place to walk around. Except that at that altitude, and despite being "high" since 10 days, you can feel you are weaker!<br />
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There are few museums to see, but I just walked for few hours around, and went up the "Torre de la Compania de Jesus", or mirador, to have a view around and above the city. The atmosphere in the streets was very nice, as everyone seemed to prepare buildings and streets to welcome the Bolivia national day the next day.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcQ5917jB1g/UmABdSIYF5I/AAAAAAAACrU/TUU8cvNhub4/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcQ5917jB1g/UmABdSIYF5I/AAAAAAAACrU/TUU8cvNhub4/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+52.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Main central square</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ho6G59H1zvg/UmABmOqTEFI/AAAAAAAACrk/VNMGnIEw7NY/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ho6G59H1zvg/UmABmOqTEFI/AAAAAAAACrk/VNMGnIEw7NY/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The nice city hall on the main square</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tFEAAXcdFCA/UmAB0S-bYqI/AAAAAAAACrs/-ocxhoJYoOg/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tFEAAXcdFCA/UmAB0S-bYqI/AAAAAAAACrs/-ocxhoJYoOg/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+54.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside a nice bulding & museum... i forgot the name and cannot find it!</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4LB6kfcTSG4/UmAB9_Pp62I/AAAAAAAACr8/38gjhhsBR3U/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4LB6kfcTSG4/UmAB9_Pp62I/AAAAAAAACr8/38gjhhsBR3U/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+57.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A nice monastery</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jThlBvMXlqY/UmAB2NwtIMI/AAAAAAAACr0/HGAviOsKUqA/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jThlBvMXlqY/UmAB2NwtIMI/AAAAAAAACr0/HGAviOsKUqA/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+61.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Main square with the view on Cerro Rico</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1acc8UTxzx4/UmACCe1nIMI/AAAAAAAACsE/erfWJUtVdZ4/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1acc8UTxzx4/UmACCe1nIMI/AAAAAAAACsE/erfWJUtVdZ4/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+66.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A nice ornamented building</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tR9i56H8qk/UmACRbmRk5I/AAAAAAAACsM/-ILxT2mLr3Y/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tR9i56H8qk/UmACRbmRk5I/AAAAAAAACsM/-ILxT2mLr3Y/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+68.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another church</i> </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiwzFkpbMVI/UmACR7_JrBI/AAAAAAAACsQ/Oa0rHGZyhM0/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiwzFkpbMVI/UmACR7_JrBI/AAAAAAAACsQ/Oa0rHGZyhM0/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+72.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another nice building</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43Iuu6PeAl8/UmACfDsHORI/AAAAAAAACss/Bi-mNvywqFU/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43Iuu6PeAl8/UmACfDsHORI/AAAAAAAACss/Bi-mNvywqFU/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+75.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entrance of the mirador, or "Torre de la compania de Jesus"</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkyRtkbIJFQ/UmACYHXWBCI/AAAAAAAACsk/iYc3wyxZ9bE/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkyRtkbIJFQ/UmACYHXWBCI/AAAAAAAACsk/iYc3wyxZ9bE/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+81.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the mirador / tower, with Nina - Marten - Stevie - George - me</td></tr>
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<b>DRIVE TO UYUNI</b> Early afternoon we leave Potosi to drive to Uyuni, and enjoy a very scenic drive, through very arid landscapes.<br />
We arrive at Uyuni just when the sun is setting down, very nice views on this enormous flat area, the day after sounds promising :-)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwcY95iK-XU/UmAQs0wlS3I/AAAAAAAACtU/vczyObj5NxE/s1600/D122+Way+to+Uyuni+-+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwcY95iK-XU/UmAQs0wlS3I/AAAAAAAACtU/vczyObj5NxE/s640/D122+Way+to+Uyuni+-+02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dry valley view</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qA1sKCgIjLQ/UmAQkdb1DaI/AAAAAAAACs8/_AD4WGAZ0kI/s1600/D122+Way+to+Uyuni+-+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qA1sKCgIjLQ/UmAQkdb1DaI/AAAAAAAACs8/_AD4WGAZ0kI/s640/D122+Way+to+Uyuni+-+07.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dry valley view</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--lxUa6Oki9o/UmAQoqzPShI/AAAAAAAACtE/sMmUNQmlvoc/s1600/D122+Way+to+Uyuni+-+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--lxUa6Oki9o/UmAQoqzPShI/AAAAAAAACtE/sMmUNQmlvoc/s640/D122+Way+to+Uyuni+-+10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Watch-Out, lamas risk on the road ;-)</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dIeHY4UmgWY/UmAQpd_UCoI/AAAAAAAACtI/Y2XR_JWy1p0/s1600/D122+Way+to+Uyuni+-+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dIeHY4UmgWY/UmAQpd_UCoI/AAAAAAAACtI/Y2XR_JWy1p0/s640/D122+Way+to+Uyuni+-+15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sunset on Uyuni and the salt flats start</i></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-91184292002024456522013-08-02T18:00:00.000-07:002013-10-16T20:47:14.301-07:00D122: The terrible "mountain that eats men alive", or "Cerro Rico"<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WRih5LeLpuA/Ul8Plc-VT8I/AAAAAAAACpM/GBsz-kqYpxw/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WRih5LeLpuA/Ul8Plc-VT8I/AAAAAAAACpM/GBsz-kqYpxw/s320/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Entrance of the mine area, with the Cerro Rico dominating</i></td></tr>
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Another 5h bus drive through the Andes make us reach Potosi, infamously known for its silver mines in the <i>Cerro Rico</i>, which means "rich mountain".<br />
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Why infamous? Why "terrible"?<br />
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To start, it also has a nickname of "mountain that eats men alive", and, well, history and present here can only justify the words and nickname, unfortunately.<br />
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<b>HISTORY</b></div>
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Early in the 16th century, few decades after the Spanish started to invade the Incas, they heard about a mountain where silver was extracted... and of course went there to take over the place. </div>
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The mining town of Potosi was founded in 1545, and it soon produced a fabulous amount of wealth, as most of the silver of the Spanish Crown came from there, and helped Spain and Europe to finance colonial empire control, wars around the world... and further control of the Inca territories. </div>
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Officially, more than 40,000 tons of silver were extracted from mid-16th to end 18th century, with 2 majors impacts:</div>
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1. due to such extensive mining, the mountain itself has diminished in height, reducing by an estimated few hundred meters!</div>
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2. about 8 millions "workers" were "killed", mostly Indian labor and some African slaves who were later "imported" (I really hate using this word for persons!) to help carrying. Yes, we are talking 8 millions people here, or almost 35,000/year...<br />
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Another dark point of European history, on top coupled with the use of religion to make Indians work: as explained in an earlier post, indigenous Andean culture was centered around Pachamama (Mother Earth). The Spanish conquerors understood her importance and she became synonymous with the Virgin Mary, helping to convert the indigenous to Catholicism... and also to threaten miners they would go to hell if they don't work in the mines. Nice, very nice :-((. </div>
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Ironically (I would say), although silver made the fortune of Spain, it also created inflation and was partially responsible for its economic decline in the 18th century. And after 1800, the mines were depleted, making tin as main products instead of silver... and somehow this "massacre" stopped. It was time, though it does not mean it is completely finished really. </div>
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<b>PRESENT</b></div>
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Despite the lower silver amounts to extract, the mountain continues to be mined for silver to this day, as well as other minerals. Working conditions are terrible: the dust is supposed to contain silicon that leads to silicosis; water dropping from the walls and ceiling is said to contain arsenic and cyanide; fragile tunnels / walls lead to collapses; lack of oxygen combined with heat & humidity weakens lungs... With all this, miners have a short life expectancy (about 40 years old), and a good part of them start working in the mines at 16.<br />
Unfortunately, many people do not have another choice than to work here, and there is about ! to 10,000 miners in activity. It can change pending the stock market prices of minerals, which impacts greatly families here. From internet search, it sounds like about 2 miners die every week from silicosis or others... so about 8% of the workforce, this is insane. </div>
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<b>VISIT OF THE MINE</b></div>
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With all the above context, and all the warnings from guide-books on how it is dangerous and not easy "mentally" to visit the mines (clearly, you cannot be claustrophobic, nor too sensitive on safety and people's working conditions), I felt of course "balanced" to go. However, I wanted to grab this opportunity, however tough it would be, as understanding better the world I live in can only help me to better live it, at least it's what I believe.<br />
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It's a shocking experience, but it is really a good way to get a sense of the social price paid for the mineral wealth of the few.<br />
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<b><i>A tough environment</i></b></div>
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I haven't said it yet but Potosi stands at 4,100m high, and the mines openings probably at 4,2 - 4,300 m high... You already miss oxygen and feel weak by being outside the mine, so going in will only keep reducing the available oxygen and increase the weakness feeling. To this, you need to add the dust, the heat / cold, humidity, small corridors going everywhere, left / right / up / down...</div>
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<b><i>Briefing</i></b></div>
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Our local guide start with a briefing at the miners market, to explain us the above, and also show us what they use and come here to shop: </div>
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- coca leaves, of course, to stay alert and up 12 hours in the mines. Mixed with some minerals to increase or smoothen the impact and taste.<br />
- cigarettes, but like really the basics ones.</div>
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- "potable" alcohol... with a 95% degree... to drink, yes. Very harsh to swallow!</div>
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- dynamite and explosives, to build the tunnels and extract minerals</div>
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Everyone of us buy some of these, so we can give it to the workers when we see them in the mines. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pSyKM37kR7w/Ul8Po2izZsI/AAAAAAAACpU/l7NR4FgDTPA/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pSyKM37kR7w/Ul8Po2izZsI/AAAAAAAACpU/l7NR4FgDTPA/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Coca leaves and minerals to chew while working</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wId_xkddc0/Ul8PUT-qNiI/AAAAAAAACo0/aJ_2bh4YRA8/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wId_xkddc0/Ul8PUT-qNiI/AAAAAAAACo0/aJ_2bh4YRA8/s400/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+05.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The 95° alcohol... very cheap. </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dtZw_TaCsNY/Ul8PXQ337bI/AAAAAAAACo8/EqD1B-Wp5Jw/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dtZw_TaCsNY/Ul8PXQ337bI/AAAAAAAACo8/EqD1B-Wp5Jw/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+06.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dynamite and explosives</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V24p2FcaO-E/Ul8PgEocy6I/AAAAAAAACpE/pXkaPTBKwVA/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V24p2FcaO-E/Ul8PgEocy6I/AAAAAAAACpE/pXkaPTBKwVA/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The few courageous of the group to go into the mines, all geared up (yes, I am holding dynamite!)<br />me - Dennis - Becca - Daisy - Marten - Dave - Valerie</i></td></tr>
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<b><i>1st part of the mine</i></b></div>
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Getting into the mine is actually a bit exciting, despite all the above... a mix of adrenaline and fear about what I am going to see I guess. Walking the 1st few hundreds meters is not as difficult as thought. </div>
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It is crazy how he tunnels make a real maze, it's actually incredible the mountain still holds up: we follow a main track, but there are openings on the left and right, as well as on the ground and the ceiling. Few wood beams here and there help consolidating the structure, but it doesn't look that safe, clearly. Particularly when you can hear workers drilling rocks far away to insert dynamite and prepare explosions! </div>
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10-15mn after our entrance, we met 2 low-class workers pushing a 1 ton mills over the "rail" tracks... wow, it does look very difficult, and I would want to help but... they keep going, after receiving some of our coca leaves bags. </div>
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We kept going through windy tunnels, sometimes having to crawl down a bit to progress, and can see some veins of silver or other minerals here and there. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uzJqEAMuS78/Ul8PvuQpKnI/AAAAAAAACpc/whFHNiMVfeE/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uzJqEAMuS78/Ul8PvuQpKnI/AAAAAAAACpc/whFHNiMVfeE/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Worker moving ore at the mine entrance, with the Potosi city in the background</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0mzp1bsMuog/Ul8Py55vYiI/AAAAAAAACpk/wdFtKzV4fGY/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0mzp1bsMuog/Ul8Py55vYiI/AAAAAAAACpk/wdFtKzV4fGY/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+18.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beginning of the tunnel into the mines</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LeaGnnW9QY/Ul8P95u-s6I/AAAAAAAACps/q84zcNkTT4g/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LeaGnnW9QY/Ul8P95u-s6I/AAAAAAAACps/q84zcNkTT4g/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Offerings / gifts to Pachamama in the tunnel</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X4Aj6iCIy5A/Ul8QA-vo1eI/AAAAAAAACp8/wn9dwrfJAuQ/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X4Aj6iCIy5A/Ul8QA-vo1eI/AAAAAAAACp8/wn9dwrfJAuQ/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+21.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Low-class workers pushing & pulling a 1 ton trolley...</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G9vWH5WcvnE/Ul8P_LHV7AI/AAAAAAAACpw/NHBsv0nJNRs/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G9vWH5WcvnE/Ul8P_LHV7AI/AAAAAAAACpw/NHBsv0nJNRs/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+24.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Making our way through a think tunnel path</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZ6zC6vEQC8/Ul8QHkxGlTI/AAAAAAAACqE/e1Wit86Y20Y/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZ6zC6vEQC8/Ul8QHkxGlTI/AAAAAAAACqE/e1Wit86Y20Y/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+27.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Walking into a tunnel</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5wwVPxIkgI/Ul8QUuoFc3I/AAAAAAAACqc/zzLk1s1vaL0/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5wwVPxIkgI/Ul8QUuoFc3I/AAAAAAAACqc/zzLk1s1vaL0/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+30.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Crawling into a corridor</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VN3og2O_7o/Ul8QSdbbh2I/AAAAAAAACqM/DFRNinfMoLA/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VN3og2O_7o/Ul8QSdbbh2I/AAAAAAAACqM/DFRNinfMoLA/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+32.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A 3rd class worker, 16 years-old, putting rocks out of the tracks way</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MkrD9tB2xLM/Ul8QT4gpGQI/AAAAAAAACqU/XmKJV3G4MYA/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MkrD9tB2xLM/Ul8QT4gpGQI/AAAAAAAACqU/XmKJV3G4MYA/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+35.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tunnel view of the underground "maze"</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DvGXFFyIF1M/Ul8QeT9wKNI/AAAAAAAACqk/e3KHRc3yJ0E/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DvGXFFyIF1M/Ul8QeT9wKNI/AAAAAAAACqk/e3KHRc3yJ0E/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+37.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A silver vein</i></td></tr>
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<b><i>2nd part: it only gets worst</i></b></div>
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I didn't notice it immediately, as I guess the body can resist 30mn to these conditions without suffering too much. But once we started to walk back, after getting into about 700m of the mines, I started feeling really weak. Shaking legs, low stomach... I have to slow down the walk and help me with the sidewall. I act like nothing is happening, and everyone seems to do the same... but clearly, this is becoming really tough.<br />
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After some more tunnel walk which feels endless, we reach a side chamber near the main corridor, and our guide start explaining us about "El Tio". If is a kind of god, or more a diabolic figure, than the miners started to venerate, and make offerings to after being force to work for Pachamama / Virgin Mary. They said that "God" may rule aboveground, but that El Tio is in charge down below... therefore, it is a very important person, which really gets gifts all year-long, and we can see that going into that chamber.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWP7tIOJscU/Ul8QheoK-bI/AAAAAAAACqs/doK7qskW3Wc/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWP7tIOJscU/Ul8QheoK-bI/AAAAAAAACqs/doK7qskW3Wc/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+42.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Statues of Spaniards & Indians into the side-chambers</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zxu3X2BkZY/Ul8RHLLolsI/AAAAAAAACrE/R6K65RL0s7Y/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zxu3X2BkZY/Ul8RHLLolsI/AAAAAAAACrE/R6K65RL0s7Y/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+44.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The group, into the El Tio chamber - fake smile for me... </i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">In the last part, after 1h15 in the mine, we met the miners who were actually drilling rocks when we entered. Our guide talks with one of them (pictured below), and though I don't remember his name, I do remember that he is 21 years old, and started to work here at 16... It feels so weird to be seeing him here, observing such a tough work and life, while for us, in 15mn it is over. Sad. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg0OncFJqis/Ul8Q1D_jb0I/AAAAAAAACq8/x-YYGm0HFCc/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg0OncFJqis/Ul8Q1D_jb0I/AAAAAAAACq8/x-YYGm0HFCc/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+46.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A 21 year-old, 2nd class worker, in charge of explosives</i></td></tr>
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Despite the difficulties and horrible discoveries than this visit provided (I really feel ashamed to be European sometimes), I was happy about it. Not happy in the sense of glad, but happy to be able to understand a little bit how tough the lives of some can be, and how lucky & spoilt I am. </div>
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There are unfortunately still many places like this in the world, it only makes me admiring how all these people still succeed to live, while things are so easy for me / us. I / we should better realize this everyday, that would remove some whining & complaining.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIOLoV2gA58/Ul8QvSQwy0I/AAAAAAAACq0/4PsI-In7eL8/s1600/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIOLoV2gA58/Ul8QvSQwy0I/AAAAAAAACq0/4PsI-In7eL8/s640/D121-122+Potosi+&+Cerro+Oro+mines+-+77.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Cerro Rico, from a city tower: it looks nice, when far away</i></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-64787607691047436162013-08-01T17:30:00.000-07:002013-10-15T20:01:13.471-07:00D120-121: Sucre, capital of Bolivia1st thing I learn landing in Sucre: this is actually the capital of Bolivia! Oups, sorry for that, always thought La Paz was! Ok, it is more on the paper however, as the government seats in La Paz,so it is more a "symbolic" capital. Located in the south-central part of the country, Sucre lies at an elevation of 2,800 m. This relatively high altitude gives the city a cool temperate climate year-round, and the 2 days there were really nice.<br />
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Arriving mid afternoon, there is some left to do few visits. I start walking with George around the city center, quickly impressed by the city: the central <i>Plaza</i> is nice, as buildings around. The few blocks around also offers nice houses, restaurants, and few churches which really make a good discovery. Building are whitewashed, with red-bricks roofs, well decorated patios and windows, with a colonial / Spanish architecture base... Really pretty! Sucre narrow streets are also organized in a grid, making it very easy and convenient to walk around, very different from the chaotic La Paz.<br />
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End afternoon, we go to visit the "House of Freedom<b>"</b>, built in the XVIIth century, and very important building for Bolivia, as this is where Simon Bolivar wrote the Bolivian Constitution which founded the Republic of Bolivia. The few rooms we cans see there present interesting documents, paintings and various items of this colonial period, with the "Salon de la Independencia", which houses the Bolivian Declaration of Independence, with a huge Simon Bolivar head... interesting overall. <br />
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The next day, I succeed to go running 30mn in the morning with Dennis... through the hilly roads of the city, and at this high altitude of 2,800m... quite happy about that! It felt much better afterwards, it had been a while (since Auckland!). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After, I keep touring the city center with George and Andrew, visiting the cathedral, the San Francisco convent and church on the Recoleta area, overlooking the city, with a "Plaza de Mayo 25" full of table soccer, where kids & people would come play after school / work! </div>
<br />
Mid-afternoon, we meet up with part of the group to just lay down up the rooftop of the hotel, laying down in the sun. Great to relax after the busy last days we had! Sucre was really a pleasant discovery and stay, perfect to recover our energy before the next Bolivian adventures :)<br />
<br />
FUN NOTE: in the afternoon, I bumped into a guy at the hotel reception... and I knew him!! This was Ed, who I had met in New-Zealand 2 months ago!! He was traveling around too, but didn't know he was in Bolivia. Wow, what a coincidence, the world is really small!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ2f0RO_Yg8/UlvwAvk2vHI/AAAAAAAACms/1-_6LuD8QdQ/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ2f0RO_Yg8/UlvwAvk2vHI/AAAAAAAACms/1-_6LuD8QdQ/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+24.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>1st view around Sucre plaza</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w48BHrArf-w/Ulvv-QqKA8I/AAAAAAAACmk/574tveMs20I/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w48BHrArf-w/Ulvv-QqKA8I/AAAAAAAACmk/574tveMs20I/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+09.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Prefectura / regional government building</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HxTlxiiu5VU/Ulvv5QHjQnI/AAAAAAAACmQ/lHCEBzAbw18/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HxTlxiiu5VU/Ulvv5QHjQnI/AAAAAAAACmQ/lHCEBzAbw18/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nice houses & street view</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j7_zcv9eSRo/Ulvv4mdb-tI/AAAAAAAACmM/NGMY58My9hk/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j7_zcv9eSRo/Ulvv4mdb-tI/AAAAAAAACmM/NGMY58My9hk/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nice houses & street view</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BuoYF3nCM9Q/Ulvv8B_B7ZI/AAAAAAAACmc/EbmsQfIQGRE/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BuoYF3nCM9Q/Ulvv8B_B7ZI/AAAAAAAACmc/EbmsQfIQGRE/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A pretty colonial house</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wu03zSJEC-0/UlvwAvrUTgI/AAAAAAAACmw/8TXl9XGLOZw/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wu03zSJEC-0/UlvwAvrUTgI/AAAAAAAACmw/8TXl9XGLOZw/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+21.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nice houses & street view... with electric cables, as always around here</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AH-kPGRMjiw/UlvwERH1vJI/AAAAAAAACnE/nJcP4loXrHo/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AH-kPGRMjiw/UlvwERH1vJI/AAAAAAAACnE/nJcP4loXrHo/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+27.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside the House of Freedom</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yxsM-o4fIpA/UlvwDMU3PeI/AAAAAAAACm8/rhykvHzDTso/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yxsM-o4fIpA/UlvwDMU3PeI/AAAAAAAACm8/rhykvHzDTso/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+35.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Salon de la Independencia</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wb7AO_zM3Y4/UlvwFJuTtuI/AAAAAAAACnI/pkrBJmT1HLY/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wb7AO_zM3Y4/UlvwFJuTtuI/AAAAAAAACnI/pkrBJmT1HLY/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+39.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cathedral</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qh-IOFrSeqM/UlvwGTsoGWI/AAAAAAAACnU/j20-6M51xZ8/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qh-IOFrSeqM/UlvwGTsoGWI/AAAAAAAACnU/j20-6M51xZ8/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+40.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cathedral</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rgiHfZphMPg/UlvwHz1zEII/AAAAAAAACnc/9prH9PBWLk0/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rgiHfZphMPg/UlvwHz1zEII/AAAAAAAACnc/9prH9PBWLk0/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+41.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside the cathedral</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NdFtsXBaOvk/UlvwLNFDoiI/AAAAAAAACns/wfHsVFJE-TI/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NdFtsXBaOvk/UlvwLNFDoiI/AAAAAAAACns/wfHsVFJE-TI/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+45.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A nice street corner, with a famous-name plate</i></td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bk454XbviqY/UlvwJrylQwI/AAAAAAAACnk/_5sfOn4Cckg/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bk454XbviqY/UlvwJrylQwI/AAAAAAAACnk/_5sfOn4Cckg/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+47.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Steep street up to La Recoleta</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ht_pnQV2lI/UlvwPj34djI/AAAAAAAACn4/M9lq5W5oePw/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ht_pnQV2lI/UlvwPj34djI/AAAAAAAACn4/M9lq5W5oePw/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of Sucre and its surrounding from La Recoleta hill</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VPSU4zp7H0c/UlvwPX3-gBI/AAAAAAAACn0/actfb6a2W40/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VPSU4zp7H0c/UlvwPX3-gBI/AAAAAAAACn0/actfb6a2W40/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+55.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Recoleta "Plaza de Mayo 25" square, with the convent chapel behind and empty soccer tables. </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NPu6WCe8v60/UlvwUuOZApI/AAAAAAAACoE/3BSWU18cUzY/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NPu6WCe8v60/UlvwUuOZApI/AAAAAAAACoE/3BSWU18cUzY/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+62.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside the convent</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aRD9j0VvYYY/UlvwV6nNEuI/AAAAAAAACoQ/vY0oS6Bi0Fs/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aRD9j0VvYYY/UlvwV6nNEuI/AAAAAAAACoQ/vY0oS6Bi0Fs/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+66.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Details of nice wood carving </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8jzYMvVulRY/UlvwYeZi-9I/AAAAAAAACoc/D0f6BaNyMLs/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8jzYMvVulRY/UlvwYeZi-9I/AAAAAAAACoc/D0f6BaNyMLs/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+72.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another church</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec99pAi9jt0/UlvwZF4W1pI/AAAAAAAACog/zJyTWEAlHko/s1600/D119-120+Sucre+-+74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec99pAi9jt0/UlvwZF4W1pI/AAAAAAAACog/zJyTWEAlHko/s640/D119-120+Sucre+-+74.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Recoleta where hundreds where playing table soccer!</i></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-2770262054416711412013-07-30T20:00:00.000-07:002013-10-13T06:55:52.710-07:00D119: Death Road biking! :-)Death Road. The name sounds terrific and dangerous, isn't it?<br />
Built in the 1930s, the road connects La Paz with the Amazon rainforest in the North. The section nicknamed Death Road is a 69-kilometre mostly-downhill stretch of harrowing turns with up to 600m drops on the side in some areas. There are no guardrails, the road is made of gravel, pebbles, and stones, and is often the width of one lane.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2TkU6y31HQE/UllldHzs1II/AAAAAAAACkU/GLDYAxoEqjY/s1600/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2TkU6y31HQE/UllldHzs1II/AAAAAAAACkU/GLDYAxoEqjY/s320/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+04.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The van carrying the bikes</i></td></tr>
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We are riding with Altitude, (the day-tour organizers), which sounds to be serious and providing all the right equipment as well as good bikes. We hop in the van carrying the bikes, and drive up to the starting point.<br />
<br />
The drive to the start is actually quite long, a good 1h30mn, as leaving La Paz and its traffic jams is challenging.<br />
<br />
They drove up to La Cumbre, standing at 4,650m, where we will start the paved section of the trip for about an 1h30, descending 1,600m lower at 3,000m, with probably 40 Km to ride I would say / estimate.<br />
<br />
Getting geared is fun: they have amazing mountain-bikes, with front & back absorbers, and we will wear a full protection, with integral helmet, elbow and knee pads, wrist-guards... wow, feel well protected!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>SECTION 1: PAVED ROAD</b><br />
Once all geared up, we test a bit the bikes at the top and check bikes & co... well, at that high altitude, despite we've been high since 10 days, doing just a bit of paddling around is already much more exhausting than it should be, interesting to experience.<br />
The panorama is nice, we are just close to the snow limit, with 6-7,000m peaks surrounding us. The temperature is cold... probably not more than 5°C, and it's windy so feeling is less. We're lucky as the day is gorgeous, with blue sky and sun helping to enjoy the day.<br />
<br />
The 1st section is pretty smooth to ride down. Except the start where indeed altitude adds a challenge, most of the road is well maintained, so it is easy to ride. There are some crazy trucks & cars passing to watch-out, and amazing 180° sharps turns to handle with low-speed, but all is good.<br />
The scenery is nice, with very dry and arid mountains: it contributes adding a special feel going down this lost road somewhere in Bolivia, in the middle of the Andes, I liked it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80xiGP85XaM/UlllY3CeX1I/AAAAAAAACkE/9cSbsvM9SkM/s1600/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80xiGP85XaM/UlllY3CeX1I/AAAAAAAACkE/9cSbsvM9SkM/s640/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+05.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>La Cumbre lake & pass, from where we will start - 4,650m high</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ApeWryBdBY/UllluDUX0yI/AAAAAAAACkw/FqBhdNBr31w/s1600/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ApeWryBdBY/UllluDUX0yI/AAAAAAAACkw/FqBhdNBr31w/s640/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+36.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At the top just before starting, cheering!<br />Marina - Valerie - Nina - Dave - George - Andrew - myself</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5cdhU4UOGfQ/Ulll2R-xx0I/AAAAAAAAClE/XdOlISI0VyQ/s1600/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5cdhU4UOGfQ/Ulll2R-xx0I/AAAAAAAAClE/XdOlISI0VyQ/s640/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+37.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Top view of the paved road to ride the 1st valley</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3f5Q98xx4mY/Ulll3R4SNrI/AAAAAAAAClQ/pj7CgpCx8ck/s1600/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3f5Q98xx4mY/Ulll3R4SNrI/AAAAAAAAClQ/pj7CgpCx8ck/s640/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+39.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Break & briefing</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZxxC73totI/Ulll29b2T6I/AAAAAAAAClI/1HUfsoI3tPg/s1600/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZxxC73totI/Ulll29b2T6I/AAAAAAAAClI/1HUfsoI3tPg/s640/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+41.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Riding as fast as possible, of course ;-)</i></td></tr>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>SECTION 2: THE DIRT, REAL "DEAT ROAD" PART</b><br />
After some time riding down, we do a break and have a snack, then get up in the van another 20mn to reach the 2nd part of the road... which is the one which gave the name to the road, as this is an un-paved, dirt & rocks 1-lane width with no guardrails type of road...<br />
From the start, we can see this tiny dirt road winding through a steep valley, with deep rainforest / jungle all around... we are now close to the Amazon, and around 3,000m, so the vegetation completely changed and is very lush.<br />
<br />
We have another briefing to learn the rules on this dangerous road:<br />
- drive on the left... i.e. where the cliff is!! oh, wow, ok... that means passing by the right, I got it ;)<br />
- slow down / stop when trucks / cars are passing by... as they are not really driving safely<br />
- be careful on the bike and always control the handlebar strongly: sure, makes sense!<br />
<br />
From the start, I loved it. Our 2 guides are taking care of us well, with 1 in the front and the other one in the back, with the 2 vans on top being here to help in case of issue.<br />
The ride on the road is not easy, but not as difficult as I was expecting. There are big rocks and holes to handle, while taking care of not falling in the cliff on the left, or hitting other cyclists, but once you're really into riding down, you do not thing too much anymore of the cliff, and just stay focussed on keeping the bike up and straight.<br />
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The views around are also very nice, with this lush rainforest, waterfalls, the full valley winding in front of us... many breaks are done to check everyone is following and to rest, which allows to enjoy the scenery.<br />
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We went down on the dirt road for a good 2h, where just before the bottom I follow a guide into a real mountain-biking track on 200m of descent... i.e. straight into the rocks, wow, so challenging but so fun and sporty! Not sure I can add another sport to all those practiced already, but I would like it for sure ;-)<br />
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At 3pm we are down, all alive and happy to move to a hostel / restaurant for 2h, where we'll get lunch then some good time in a pool... It's 35°C down here, super sunny, while in La Paz it's probably no more than 12°C... hehehe, this was a good day option choice ;-)<br />
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Overall, amazing experience to ride down this famous road I had heard about for years. I can only advise to do it, if you're not afraid of height and like adventure! And when conditions are ok, with rain and/or clouds/fog it is probably a bad idea doing it, too dangerous. Ride on!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4Qt1odNFAc/UllltQn0bvI/AAAAAAAACks/oXCe04yrDsg/s1600/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4Qt1odNFAc/UllltQn0bvI/AAAAAAAACks/oXCe04yrDsg/s640/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At the beginning of the Death Road :)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5tnj-RjvOk8/UllliRgFpVI/AAAAAAAACkc/Sm7vfZUJmhw/s1600/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5tnj-RjvOk8/UllliRgFpVI/AAAAAAAACkc/Sm7vfZUJmhw/s640/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At the beginning of the Death Road... view of the 1st kms</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W94zxbTyVR0/UlllwSckIzI/AAAAAAAACk8/GmTJgC0kfoE/s1600/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W94zxbTyVR0/UlllwSckIzI/AAAAAAAACk8/GmTJgC0kfoE/s640/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+22.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A sharp turn!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IggqcL2vh6o/UllmF277d0I/AAAAAAAAClc/Nl6MFC2mZxA/s1600/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IggqcL2vh6o/UllmF277d0I/AAAAAAAAClc/Nl6MFC2mZxA/s640/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+56.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me in front of turn with a steep (vertical) cliff on the side... smile! ;-)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaCoEQA_fGE/UllmL0S-6RI/AAAAAAAACls/5ZkbkvRXUlk/s1600/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaCoEQA_fGE/UllmL0S-6RI/AAAAAAAACls/5ZkbkvRXUlk/s640/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+59.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The group taking THE picture on the steepest turn of the road</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WRf_z7PTrMw/UllmGr5rd_I/AAAAAAAAClg/zUm_CY8EWzY/s1600/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WRf_z7PTrMw/UllmGr5rd_I/AAAAAAAAClg/zUm_CY8EWzY/s640/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+66.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The last part of the dirty road... not as steep cliff anymore, and it's very warm!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XVkb5Cl2m0/UllmSktqAFI/AAAAAAAACl0/DCj99uXO_cM/s1600/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XVkb5Cl2m0/UllmSktqAFI/AAAAAAAACl0/DCj99uXO_cM/s640/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+68.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Almost arrived... happy group, now it's 30mn down on a smoother dirt road, in 30°C</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpyxzkYV47w/UllmShZdBBI/AAAAAAAACl4/KglsXyZKlvo/s1600/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpyxzkYV47w/UllmShZdBBI/AAAAAAAACl4/KglsXyZKlvo/s640/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+72.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yes, everyone is alive and happy to have done this ride! :)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sgwHKPY5XlA/UlllkDqPyWI/AAAAAAAACkk/uf-rXDXN2G8/s1600/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sgwHKPY5XlA/UlllkDqPyWI/AAAAAAAACkk/uf-rXDXN2G8/s640/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+32.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sunset on the Andes while riding back to La Paz</i></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-29853231780422893832013-07-29T21:00:00.000-07:002013-10-12T08:43:15.975-07:00D118: Crossing to Bolivia & La Paz<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ih5klwR1M6U/UlldE5sNZiI/AAAAAAAACh8/CvrItmX7wQM/s1600/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ih5klwR1M6U/UlldE5sNZiI/AAAAAAAACh8/CvrItmX7wQM/s640/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+03.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Another early bus ride is bringing us from Puno to the Bolivian border, on the South part of the Iticaca lake, where we reasonably cross the border in about 1h.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5SqAueJBHyY/Ulldn23xY3I/AAAAAAAACic/5NGUYUhUw5I/s1600/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5SqAueJBHyY/Ulldn23xY3I/AAAAAAAACic/5NGUYUhUw5I/s320/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+05.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
We can also quickly see that Bolivians hate Chileans, linked to the history of the Pacific war, which made Bolivia lost its sea access. They for sure sure want to get it again, claiming a corridor access since decades, let's see how history develops here...<br />
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<i>At 1 of the border stops / city around the lake, we can see the following monument / statue, where you can see a Bolivian soldier (in red) killing a Chilean soldier (in blue so). </i><br />
<i>The text says "what was ours one day will be ours again" (Lo que un dia fue nuestro, nuestro otra vez sera)</i><br />
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On the way to La Paz, the landscapes are flatter, it looks like we are driving on a large flat plateau at 3,000m high, of course surrounded by the high Andes peaks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0fugjpmSt0/UlldQT5jPcI/AAAAAAAACiE/iS3i55yWiTE/s1600/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0fugjpmSt0/UlldQT5jPcI/AAAAAAAACiE/iS3i55yWiTE/s640/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+06.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Road view from the border to La Paz</i></td></tr>
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Arriving to La Paz end afternoon (we adjusted our watches by 1h forward passing the border), we can have a feel of how big the city is, and the traffic jams, and the essy strets around. The hotel is in a busy street, quite centra and we can have a walk around to have a small feel about how the city really looks.<br />
I haven't really visited the city except for those 2 hours in the evening, as chose to go biking the day after... It didn't seem to me a very pretty city to visit, but there are still few things to see from what I heard. Also, atmosphere is said to be quite good, this will be for another visit to discover!<br />
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In the morning of the day after, driving to the Death Road, we can have panoramic views of the city, which huge and spread out all over the valley and hills around, packing-up small red-bricks houses & shacks in a very chaotic way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KdDCbBRG25c/UllfNrKsLxI/AAAAAAAACjs/2Gw4b6WzN3Q/s1600/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KdDCbBRG25c/UllfNrKsLxI/AAAAAAAACjs/2Gw4b6WzN3Q/s640/D118+Death+Road+biking+-+02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Panoramic view of La Paz - downtown far away in the left-center</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkMdbyHGl68/UlldhZy1-MI/AAAAAAAACiM/r6tJRl1JaB8/s1600/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkMdbyHGl68/UlldhZy1-MI/AAAAAAAACiM/r6tJRl1JaB8/s640/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+09.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Street view of a village on the surrounding steep hills... Of course electric cables in the way, as everywhere</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qhIKLs3D-0/UlldkXbgwOI/AAAAAAAACiU/7mIk1BI_DcQ/s1600/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qhIKLs3D-0/UlldkXbgwOI/AAAAAAAACiU/7mIk1BI_DcQ/s640/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Strange shop front window... dried alpacas being exposed...</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-woEIkNTbMHU/UlleLYxRN_I/AAAAAAAACis/fXpmlZ8COXw/s1600/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-woEIkNTbMHU/UlleLYxRN_I/AAAAAAAACis/fXpmlZ8COXw/s640/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some other strange local products to help...well, not sure which one I'd chose ;)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pdg4hW7p7kg/UlldwzBIBXI/AAAAAAAACik/rZdIokDwAZQ/s1600/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pdg4hW7p7kg/UlldwzBIBXI/AAAAAAAACik/rZdIokDwAZQ/s640/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>City center pedestrian street view</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtEI8eGx354/UllevJBXRbI/AAAAAAAACjM/YVZIXqTPhJg/s1600/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtEI8eGx354/UllevJBXRbI/AAAAAAAACjM/YVZIXqTPhJg/s640/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Urban art / graph / tag</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aufye6Cm4lQ/UlleL3X1rSI/AAAAAAAACiw/Fh9q693EaUQ/s1600/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aufye6Cm4lQ/UlleL3X1rSI/AAAAAAAACiw/Fh9q693EaUQ/s640/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>City center pedestrian street view</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P8dxgarRtTg/UllfQWFtfiI/AAAAAAAACj0/fajiY0qjWiA/s1600/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P8dxgarRtTg/UllfQWFtfiI/AAAAAAAACj0/fajiY0qjWiA/s640/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>City center pedestrian street view</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sD6UN5UutJQ/UlleSkS5TDI/AAAAAAAACi8/uxHsdOm2mjw/s1600/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sD6UN5UutJQ/UlleSkS5TDI/AAAAAAAACi8/uxHsdOm2mjw/s640/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+22.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A local bus... looks like it rode several 100,000 Km & decades!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DPcYIc_7xk/UlleY4iCIjI/AAAAAAAACjE/-Vv1c9i7_cg/s1600/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DPcYIc_7xk/UlleY4iCIjI/AAAAAAAACjE/-Vv1c9i7_cg/s640/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+24.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>City center view at dawn</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S6fFJ0yf4Lg/Ulle5T_h77I/AAAAAAAACjU/QT7sojOWa_8/s1600/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S6fFJ0yf4Lg/Ulle5T_h77I/AAAAAAAACjU/QT7sojOWa_8/s640/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+25.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cathedral front</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5OH3CBUgLQI/UllfBWi42_I/AAAAAAAACjc/7z9Qf8NoqUw/s1600/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5OH3CBUgLQI/UllfBWi42_I/AAAAAAAACjc/7z9Qf8NoqUw/s640/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+27.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside view of the cathedral</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30geEbFf9tg/UllfL6oaxRI/AAAAAAAACjk/syJwj2TS3EY/s1600/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30geEbFf9tg/UllfL6oaxRI/AAAAAAAACjk/syJwj2TS3EY/s640/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+28.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The streets of La Paz are completely packed of traffic jams</i></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-32508778631659396882013-07-28T19:04:00.000-07:002013-10-14T07:01:47.540-07:00D117: Titicaca lake & islands<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_c5RUbybpOM/UlS6zGLj00I/AAAAAAAACgk/AnzSRl0S65Y/s1600/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+01+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_c5RUbybpOM/UlS6zGLj00I/AAAAAAAACgk/AnzSRl0S65Y/s320/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+01+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Road to Puno view</i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After such great days in the Sacred Valley, we are back to Cusco for 2 nights and 1 day, before to head for the Titicaca lake and the Puno town, getting us just on the other side of the Bolivian border. The bus ride is quite long (7h), but we can enjoy the high Andes scenery, of those dry but colorful mountains, with limited vegetation and life... we are going on roads between 3,500 and 4,000m, we can clearly feel the high altitude!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYV6Zo4-0-8/UlS158k6XkI/AAAAAAAACgA/jTPDOfj1XWQ/s1600/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYV6Zo4-0-8/UlS158k6XkI/AAAAAAAACgA/jTPDOfj1XWQ/s320/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+47.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Puno city center, with the Cathedral</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not much to see in Puno, standing at 3,800m high, though the center is pretty nice, with a center dominated by a big cathedral in a Baroque style. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The key attraction is however the lake, so the next morning we embarking for a boat tour on this massively huge lake, with many islands and few specific tribes living on them (or on the lake!), with special habits we will discover. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--oEl2AwOkdU/UlS0bjis06I/AAAAAAAACeI/cJJtfhgGIXE/s1600/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--oEl2AwOkdU/UlS0bjis06I/AAAAAAAACeI/cJJtfhgGIXE/s640/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>City & port view, lousy-still water and unused boat-toys in the front, with Puno in the background</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZClU4c_ilg/UlS0hBo3doI/AAAAAAAACeQ/A7HdVVQxc3Q/s1600/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZClU4c_ilg/UlS0hBo3doI/AAAAAAAACeQ/A7HdVVQxc3Q/s640/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+08.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Puno city view from the boat: quite big for the altitude</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TITICACA LAKE: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1st feeling: this lake is huge. And I know what I am talking about, as I have been living along the biggest European lake for 7 years! As soon as we leave the Puno bay, the lake horizon is endless, clearly looking more as a sea. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7t5n5zMrZSw/UlS2BEtiYpI/AAAAAAAACgI/0TftFgQgnlo/s1600/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7t5n5zMrZSw/UlS2BEtiYpI/AAAAAAAACgI/0TftFgQgnlo/s640/D117+Crossing+to+La+Paz+-+01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A Titicaca lake view... no end, it looks like a sea!</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Biggest lake in South America by volumes of water (it is large and deep!), it is often called the highest navigable lake in the world, with a surface elevation of 3,812 m... Beside its size, it is also famous for its fishes, as well as the "water frogs" living 60m deep, that Cousteau discovered there in the 60s or 70s, not sure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TAQUILE ISLAND</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a good hour on the lake, we reach the large island of Taquile, where the Taquileans have set-up here when Spanish conquered the area. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The view around are great, with the unmissable white-snowy peaks of the Bolivian Andes rising up in the background. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have a show from the local community, which is quite interesting. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Taquileans have developed a c</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ulture still alive, which can be seen in the traditional clothes everyone wears and their specific patterns. Textiles produced here are among the highest quality handicrafts not only in Peru but in the world. Knitting is exclusively performed by men, starting at age eight, while women exclusively make yarn and weave.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, you read well... MEN ARE THE ONES TO KNIT! It is actually a key skill for a young man to learn about, as it will be necessary to knit his belly-belt, to ask his girlfriend's hand to her father, who will accept pending the quality and aesthetics of the belt... wow!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKQVXbvoZ84/UlS00QQ1NdI/AAAAAAAACes/QLyxtUSkIxc/s1600/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKQVXbvoZ84/UlS00QQ1NdI/AAAAAAAACes/QLyxtUSkIxc/s640/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A rocky bay on Taquille island</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8vntiN9BVs/UlS0o1IhZ8I/AAAAAAAACeY/Fc0UhxA6sdU/s1600/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8vntiN9BVs/UlS0o1IhZ8I/AAAAAAAACeY/Fc0UhxA6sdU/s640/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lake view from an inland hill</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ojoQpyujpw/UlS0zUWExyI/AAAAAAAACeg/wQN93fFR6KY/s1600/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ojoQpyujpw/UlS0zUWExyI/AAAAAAAACeg/wQN93fFR6KY/s640/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some men show us their knitting performances</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2g4LfWQ0zo/UlS1H5gvBEI/AAAAAAAACfI/u9Mr8_CAuMY/s1600/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2g4LfWQ0zo/UlS1H5gvBEI/AAAAAAAACfI/u9Mr8_CAuMY/s640/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Local & traditional dance show - look at the men's belts!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9NjGVwq17k/UlS1G7vCpkI/AAAAAAAACfA/ilozGLz-MzM/s1600/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9NjGVwq17k/UlS1G7vCpkI/AAAAAAAACfA/ilozGLz-MzM/s640/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+22.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Island & lake view</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vhcdqIbvQg/UlS1Fd9a7sI/AAAAAAAACe4/eG9gDVwEpsI/s1600/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vhcdqIbvQg/UlS1Fd9a7sI/AAAAAAAACe4/eG9gDVwEpsI/s640/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+25.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beach on Taquille</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ozHgYhAwePo/UlS1wXTa7uI/AAAAAAAACfw/jeWDUVygILE/s1600/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ozHgYhAwePo/UlS1wXTa7uI/AAAAAAAACfw/jeWDUVygILE/s640/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+28.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beach & mountains view: at 3,800m high, the far-away peaks still look much higher!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWkBjM5se4w/UlS1RbOU_zI/AAAAAAAACfQ/w0jU8POaJCA/s1600/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWkBjM5se4w/UlS1RbOU_zI/AAAAAAAACfQ/w0jU8POaJCA/s640/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+31.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Boats on a Taquille bay</i></td></tr>
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<b>PACHAMAMA LUNCH</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the show, we can enjoy an isolated beach for a while, before to move to another side island where we will have a traditional lunch, done during celebration to Pachamama. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have I talked yet about Pachamama? No, I don't think... the word means "mother Earth" and is a goddess revered by the indigenous people of the Andes</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Many monuments and festivities are decicated to Pachamama, and you can hear about it very often once you start visiting the region. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This lunch is cooked in the Earth, with a specific set-up of rocks & herbs, where potatoes, meats and fishes are cooked under it. Interesting, and quite tasty on top of an amazing view! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ujIq85MtzPc/UlS1lBxtqvI/AAAAAAAACfg/_2Tz8GtXVOk/s1600/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ujIq85MtzPc/UlS1lBxtqvI/AAAAAAAACfg/_2Tz8GtXVOk/s640/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+36.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Prayer to Pachamama before opening the earth pile</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8QX0Hli-2M/UlS1vVfMy-I/AAAAAAAACfo/3FqZsVIchpI/s1600/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8QX0Hli-2M/UlS1vVfMy-I/AAAAAAAACfo/3FqZsVIchpI/s640/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+38.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Opening... still burning inside so very steamy!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_vsvMjzZyZQ/UlS2FexhZXI/AAAAAAAACgQ/J0Ajm6iBV54/s1600/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_vsvMjzZyZQ/UlS2FexhZXI/AAAAAAAACgQ/J0Ajm6iBV54/s640/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+41.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside the pile: hot rocks with the vegetables, potatoes and chicken & fish</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIMsKumOW0U/UlS14xyUbeI/AAAAAAAACf4/8UlxszS0_3Q/s1600/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIMsKumOW0U/UlS14xyUbeI/AAAAAAAACf4/8UlxszS0_3Q/s640/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+44.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lunch outside, @3,800m, with a view on Titicaca & the Andes</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FLOATING ISLANDS & THE UROS</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last stop of the day, the floating islands, where the community of The Uros live directly on floating reeds, kind of ballots of hay attached together to make a floatable-platform... Wow, some people are really living like this? This is just very surprising! The platform is quite stable and soft, though a bit humid and have to be renewed every 3-4 months. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their original purpose was defensive, and they could be moved if a threat arose... when the Spanish invaded the region, they would not chase them until the center of the lake. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They show us another set of textiles and handicrafts done here, then we have a tour of their special "gondola" (forgot the word for this one!). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>(Pictures from my friend Andrew, my camera went out of battery!)</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f41-fOZ7tPQ/UlYf900eDiI/AAAAAAAACg0/94-21ru_JR0/s1600/Floatingisland3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f41-fOZ7tPQ/UlYf900eDiI/AAAAAAAACg0/94-21ru_JR0/s640/Floatingisland3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A floating island view on Titicaca lake</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ4GPpYTtZ0/UlYgUtzy_FI/AAAAAAAAChc/HgQ3tapNi3U/s1600/Floatingisland4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ4GPpYTtZ0/UlYgUtzy_FI/AAAAAAAAChc/HgQ3tapNi3U/s640/Floatingisland4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The "center" of this floating island</span></i><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUX0QG0RDQk/UlYf_jHkEII/AAAAAAAACg8/tLvNpzwgMP4/s1600/Floatingisland2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUX0QG0RDQk/UlYf_jHkEII/AAAAAAAACg8/tLvNpzwgMP4/s640/Floatingisland2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Women selling their handicrafts... on the reeds, with the reeds house behind </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FTiWXktJIc8/UlYgBLY5yWI/AAAAAAAAChE/VNo_vYFxXDg/s1600/Floatingisland1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FTiWXktJIc8/UlYgBLY5yWI/AAAAAAAAChE/VNo_vYFxXDg/s640/Floatingisland1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The traditional boat, made of reeds... but also empty PVC bottles now, lighter and easier ;)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XA5vx76d2XI/UlYgPJWIE7I/AAAAAAAAChU/bZc2tNmiQJY/s1600/Floatingisland5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XA5vx76d2XI/UlYgPJWIE7I/AAAAAAAAChU/bZc2tNmiQJY/s640/Floatingisland5.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Uros woman</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qVeTVC0DXqk/UlYgHS2cr-I/AAAAAAAAChM/f90Z1SkoRH8/s1600/Floatingisland6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qVeTVC0DXqk/UlYgHS2cr-I/AAAAAAAAChM/f90Z1SkoRH8/s640/Floatingisland6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View on the back of the floating island</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4MJHdqTLfQ/UlYgetLVGXI/AAAAAAAAChk/1B_0UQGqwkQ/s1600/Floatingisland7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4MJHdqTLfQ/UlYgetLVGXI/AAAAAAAAChk/1B_0UQGqwkQ/s640/Floatingisland7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside a "house"... that is tough to see</i></td></tr>
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<b>PUNO NIGHT</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last night in Peru delivers another good party, surprisingly, in this small town of Puno, on a Sunday night. Well, it's never a bad time to have fun while in vacations, right? ;-)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqG7zClk4eA/UlS2F9ejYmI/AAAAAAAACgY/igY1zdgGs80/s1600/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqG7zClk4eA/UlS2F9ejYmI/AAAAAAAACgY/igY1zdgGs80/s640/D115-116+Puno+&+Titicaca+-+52.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pisco sours & others at a Puno lively bar</i></td></tr>
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-23163009396127671662013-07-24T21:24:00.000-07:002013-10-07T14:31:30.191-07:00D114: Discovering Machu PichuHave you heard about Machu Pichu? Unless you're living in a cave, you should have seen at least few pictures of this ancient sacred Peruvian city stuck at the top of a steep mountain peak.<br />
Often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas", it is perhaps the most familiar icon of Inca civilization, I was of course looking to see it. And being in Peru immersed into the Inca culture since few days as well as having seen it the day before from Putucusi had clearly excited my curiosity, so waking up at 4:30am was almost easy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq3eTBp5WmU/UlI6CGVsTLI/AAAAAAAACa4/e_gII8kz8VQ/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq3eTBp5WmU/UlI6CGVsTLI/AAAAAAAACa4/e_gII8kz8VQ/s200/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+001.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bus line under the rain... </i></td></tr>
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The beginning of the day is not really promising: while we are rushing out of the hotel, it is pouring down and feels no more than 10°C. This does not prevent us to face a long line to grab the first buses up to the site... Let's see how it's gonna up there!<br />
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<b>PART 1: "MYSTIC" MACHU PICHU </b><br />
<b><i>Or the Machu Pichu with rain, fog, clouds and in the cold!</i></b><br />
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Reaching the site entrance at the opening, there is already a massive crowd around us, and we are a but like sheep to walk up few hundreds meters and discover the 1st buildings & ruins of Machu Pichu.<br />
Despite all tourists around, the rain, the fog and clouds... the site is impressive: there is a special feeling of standing here, and all those organized ruins and buildings resonate the Inca culture.<br />
Visiting the site in these conditions also added, for me at least, a kind of mystic dimension: it feels like we are out of Earth, back into an ancient civilization, with sacred building around which can be only seen when the fog or clouds move away... I liked it!<br />
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After a short walk around by ourselves, we have an 1 hour guide-tour across the site, which will be great to hear more about Incas supposed practices and habits here, as well as about the various theories and debates archeologists have about the uses and meanings the site and its building could really have... I cannot remember all but this was so interesting! A lot of this is out on Internet, key points being:<br />
- Built in the XVth century around 1450, it was abandoned by the Incas a century later at the time of the Spanish Conquest. No sure fact about this abandon, but the best theory is that Incas did not want Spanish / Catholic priests to destroy it as they did with most other sites, so they stopped living there and going there, so it stays hidden.<br />
- Great idea, as it clearly worked! Machu Pichu stayed unknown to the outside world before being brought to international attention in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Various theories have since then built developed on the purpose of the site, from being a domain of female priests (the Virgins of the Sun), to a summer royal retreat of the Inca emperor Pachacuti.<br />
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Whatever the reason was, with about 200 buildings, urban, agricultural and sacred sectors, a lower & upper town, the site is an amazing well-conserved / restored monument showing the Inca civilization.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7etPdWLRvc/UlI6B6fM0eI/AAAAAAAACaw/Ka4oRXq23CA/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7etPdWLRvc/UlI6B6fM0eI/AAAAAAAACaw/Ka4oRXq23CA/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+009.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>1st view of MP and its terraces</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWSDrrslVe0/UlI6CFauuhI/AAAAAAAACa0/Oam4dqHHiNQ/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWSDrrslVe0/UlI6CFauuhI/AAAAAAAACa0/Oam4dqHHiNQ/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>For an hour, we see almost nothing but white clouds!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmN0FI6wD-A/UlI6EyZOaYI/AAAAAAAACbI/M_CfW4W22Js/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmN0FI6wD-A/UlI6EyZOaYI/AAAAAAAACbI/M_CfW4W22Js/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Clouds and fog are giving a mystic dimension to the site</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhNsAfHW3Xg/UlI6GPPcCLI/AAAAAAAACbU/_KAv-zNYTkw/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhNsAfHW3Xg/UlI6GPPcCLI/AAAAAAAACbU/_KAv-zNYTkw/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+035.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Temple of the Sun, with its central window aligned to the sun winter solstice</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_cwCJCwk23c/UlI6FwXbvVI/AAAAAAAACbQ/w8WsxfDNmfU/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_cwCJCwk23c/UlI6FwXbvVI/AAAAAAAACbQ/w8WsxfDNmfU/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+046.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Houses view in the center of the site</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lYMsXtMQi-I/UlI6Hht1LbI/AAAAAAAACbg/BeTI4uSDvJs/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lYMsXtMQi-I/UlI6Hht1LbI/AAAAAAAACbg/BeTI4uSDvJs/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+057.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some of the multiples terraces built all around</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0YBRKRx-o7I/UlI6H2B_NdI/AAAAAAAACbk/Bhz9cuQM81I/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0YBRKRx-o7I/UlI6H2B_NdI/AAAAAAAACbk/Bhz9cuQM81I/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+065.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>An overview of the site from the residential area, toward the agricultural terraces</i></td></tr>
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<b>PART 2: SUN GATE HIKE & GOLDEN MACHU PICHU </b><br />
<b><i>Or the trail to Sun Gate and the Machu Pichu with sun! ;-)</i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1PDMZBEBGxE/UlI6P08qpXI/AAAAAAAACcY/WHONwGFxk98/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1PDMZBEBGxE/UlI6P08qpXI/AAAAAAAACcY/WHONwGFxk98/s200/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+081.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Start of the Sun Gate trail</i></td></tr>
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After few hours in the fog and clouds, the weather starts clearing out a little bit... but really just a little bit! To do something while hoping the sun will finally arrive, Stevie, Nina and I start the hike towards the Sun Gate, located West, 300m higher and probably few km away than Machu Pichu.<br />
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How lucky were we! After 30mn walking up, clouds look to magically move away, and we can start seeing the site under a bit of sun. Clearly, another big WOW!<br />
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The trail becomes then very scenic, and even if we did not have sun and clear when we actually reached the sun gate, we hopefully took enough pics on the way up ;)<br />
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Later, I spend some time relaxing a bit with other friends on top of a terrace, then go and walk another time the full site, so I can take another set of pictures, this time with sun! :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOy1clr7GRM/UlI6I2C9T1I/AAAAAAAACbw/5_qVytM65I4/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOy1clr7GRM/UlI6I2C9T1I/AAAAAAAACbw/5_qVytM65I4/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+072.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>1st view with sun of Machu Pichu, mid way to the Sun Gate</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mq0tJ1vMp8Q/UlI6KvhHWxI/AAAAAAAACb4/-v_mKsaSZMc/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mq0tJ1vMp8Q/UlI6KvhHWxI/AAAAAAAACb4/-v_mKsaSZMc/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+083.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yes, I can see it well, happy Seb :-)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6bguwwS97g/UlI6MnDFMyI/AAAAAAAACcI/a5c_A-lrOOs/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6bguwwS97g/UlI6MnDFMyI/AAAAAAAACcI/a5c_A-lrOOs/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+085.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beautiful Machu Pichu</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-StVTKU600I8/UlI6PuGkIYI/AAAAAAAACcQ/UYtTSP5Px9M/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-StVTKU600I8/UlI6PuGkIYI/AAAAAAAACcQ/UYtTSP5Px9M/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+105.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Closer shot pic of Machu Pichu: check all the various buildings & terraces!!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsI37j__Tf8/UlI6S163utI/AAAAAAAACcs/kN78rxaGlQ0/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsI37j__Tf8/UlI6S163utI/AAAAAAAACcs/kN78rxaGlQ0/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+106.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View on terraces... and the steep hillside they are built on!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DobdMNytrw4/UlI6S14FIBI/AAAAAAAACcw/pR9cVECnrtI/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DobdMNytrw4/UlI6S14FIBI/AAAAAAAACcw/pR9cVECnrtI/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+109.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Houses ruins with a direct view on the valley and mountain</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b6IRWjHw9UI/UlI6Sk5720I/AAAAAAAACco/ZoZwtH_kd0M/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b6IRWjHw9UI/UlI6Sk5720I/AAAAAAAACco/ZoZwtH_kd0M/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+111.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another view of the site</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qRHKPx5sQNU/UlI6Ujtn5hI/AAAAAAAACdA/syQkeDfxP3s/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qRHKPx5sQNU/UlI6Ujtn5hI/AAAAAAAACdA/syQkeDfxP3s/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+119.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some alpacas are wandering around, not sure really what they do it except for tourists pictures ;-)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iRWcCgjTWQk/UlI6VXD1R-I/AAAAAAAACdI/jbq6UHk9NT0/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iRWcCgjTWQk/UlI6VXD1R-I/AAAAAAAACdI/jbq6UHk9NT0/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+123.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another view </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQLwuaoUkAk/UlI6WxzqznI/AAAAAAAACdQ/liyoXjULziA/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQLwuaoUkAk/UlI6WxzqznI/AAAAAAAACdQ/liyoXjULziA/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+127.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Crazy on-the-edge-of-the-ridge buildings!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NvfjOGrgHww/UlI6ZUPg3VI/AAAAAAAACdg/0cVzY30sxQQ/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NvfjOGrgHww/UlI6ZUPg3VI/AAAAAAAACdg/0cVzY30sxQQ/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+130.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The edge of a steep cliff is just a meter away of the houses!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1RUkwc3Opk/UlI6ZYg_CPI/AAAAAAAACdc/otzeShuO0Qw/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1RUkwc3Opk/UlI6ZYg_CPI/AAAAAAAACdc/otzeShuO0Qw/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+133.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another view of Machu Pichu from the residential area toward the temples section</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6v-oAgszKU/UlI6ZL8WIuI/AAAAAAAACdY/SVf0riaWhTU/s1600/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6v-oAgszKU/UlI6ZL8WIuI/AAAAAAAACdY/SVf0riaWhTU/s640/D113+Machu+Pichu+-+139.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Reconstitution: inside a house as it is thought to have been</i></td></tr>
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Overall, I really loved that day and the fact I could see the Machu Pichu under the 2 weather conditions Incas were probably living it. And despite the number of tourists around which I usually don't like, the site is so big that except early in the morning when everyone arrives, the rest of the day was pretty ok about this. This stays as a clear highlight of this trip, and I will for sure come back here, and will try to learn even more about the Inca culture and its sacred traditions, there is so much to discover.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-57500069018438426842013-07-24T18:00:00.000-07:002013-10-06T12:31:28.722-07:00Hiking Putucusi to look at Machu Pichu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To get closer to Machu Pichu, we grab 1 of the famous Perurail train, to ride through the steep and forestry valleys of the Andes. The train rides directly from Ollantaytambo to Agua Callientes, the village built in the valley just before MP. </div>
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Despite the very early start, the train ride itself is great, as I get good glimpses on the river winding through the steely hillsides of the mountains between few naps :). Arriving in <b>Agua Calientes at 2,000m high</b>, the city is quite ugly (more a stockpile of quickly-built houses along train tracks and a river), but the surrounding are -again- impressive with very steep mountains circling the city all around. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B_mfXWj9pyk/UlGpZU5FQFI/AAAAAAAACYw/zsIuaXtjhLU/s1600/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B_mfXWj9pyk/UlGpZU5FQFI/AAAAAAAACYw/zsIuaXtjhLU/s640/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+06.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Perurail train parked in Agua Calientes</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_uuc_rgs5E/UlGpZlUFWjI/AAAAAAAACYs/92d1Kd91cvM/s1600/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_uuc_rgs5E/UlGpZlUFWjI/AAAAAAAACYs/92d1Kd91cvM/s640/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+05.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Andes mountains & river view from the train</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The kitchy Agua Calientes center!</i></td></tr>
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Freshly arrived at 9ish am, we dropped the bags at the hotel and most of the group is then coming to start a <b>hike on the Putucusi hill/mountain peak</b> separating Agua Calientes with the MP valley, and from where we can have a direct view on it. I am clearly thrilled by the idea of doing some activity, as well as having a wonderful view over the Machu Pichu site, so I can't prevent myself of walking in the front at a correct but active speed, so it is a bit sporty! ;-)<br />
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Clearly, the hike, after an easy 10-15mn through a classic rainforest, half-steep trail, is showing off almost vertical ladders to climb up to... wow, no mistake allowed there! Physically, as we are standing abover 2,000m high, and are at this altitude only since 3 days, our bodies are still weaker than usual and we are looking for our breath often.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jneZORsAVCE/UlGpcqQl0mI/AAAAAAAACZE/4WypA10Cqso/s1600/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jneZORsAVCE/UlGpcqQl0mI/AAAAAAAACZE/4WypA10Cqso/s640/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Surrounding mountain view through the forest at the start: yes it is steep!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YJvDWVNLZp8/UlGpcXFNRdI/AAAAAAAACZA/XraGx4dG9Lg/s1600/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YJvDWVNLZp8/UlGpcXFNRdI/AAAAAAAACZA/XraGx4dG9Lg/s640/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+14.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The impressive 1st ladder to climb: at least 50m!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdzy7fMuJS8/UlGpcl_-40I/AAAAAAAACZI/C30GFMECPY0/s1600/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdzy7fMuJS8/UlGpcl_-40I/AAAAAAAACZI/C30GFMECPY0/s640/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+17.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Andrew and the group climbing.. keep it up! ;)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb7NgQQwoJo/UlGpeSoD7GI/AAAAAAAACZY/tt7u6ZGG198/s1600/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb7NgQQwoJo/UlGpeSoD7GI/AAAAAAAACZY/tt7u6ZGG198/s640/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+20.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another vertical part of the trail, no ladder though here</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fmcw9kedVPU/UlGpfD8fmaI/AAAAAAAACZk/viFRKyfhIG0/s1600/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fmcw9kedVPU/UlGpfD8fmaI/AAAAAAAACZk/viFRKyfhIG0/s640/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+23.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mid-view of the hike, the 2nd part will not be as steep, but still challenging</i></td></tr>
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After a good 2 hours hike, the top can be reached... and WWWOOOWWW, what a reward! Not only it was quite fulfilling to be have complete this hike and arriving up there, but the view... wow, THE view!!<br />
The <b>Machu Pichu is just right in front of us,</b> standing at about the same high (2,500m), and speading its nice ruins from the Sun Gate on the left to the Wayna pichu site on the right. Breathtaking!<br />
Looking around at the incredible mountain scenery, I can also understand why the Spanish did not discover the site... it is indeed very tough to access it! And I would not have believed either that such a city could have been built on steely hillsides as they are. Bravo to the Incas!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FE3M0yDOJTc/UlGpg5ufAHI/AAAAAAAACaE/SzR9ei4ZKyc/s1600/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FE3M0yDOJTc/UlGpg5ufAHI/AAAAAAAACaE/SzR9ei4ZKyc/s640/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+42.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Panorama view of Machu Pichu</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5tZTmX0R_6o/UlGpexOmJxI/AAAAAAAACZc/UFhG6nZSvnw/s1600/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5tZTmX0R_6o/UlGpexOmJxI/AAAAAAAACZc/UFhG6nZSvnw/s640/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+32.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Machu Pichu, with the very windy bus road on the left leading to it</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yihUvPC4qv8/UlGpg5trl2I/AAAAAAAACZ8/tQkEqF-5BPY/s1600/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yihUvPC4qv8/UlGpg5trl2I/AAAAAAAACZ8/tQkEqF-5BPY/s640/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+34.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A close-up shot of this great site</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vEAc8cT3lk/UlGpf4YwiqI/AAAAAAAACZs/NcMMxp0r57c/s1600/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vEAc8cT3lk/UlGpf4YwiqI/AAAAAAAACZs/NcMMxp0r57c/s640/D112+Agua+Calientes+-+Putucosi+-+36.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yes, we did it! George, Nina, Stevie and I, the 1st arrived at the top ;)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RjToe4buke4/UlG4XfrRkBI/AAAAAAAACag/fZFAJkn_rzU/s1600/919424_10151709180502225_1531924701_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RjToe4buke4/UlG4XfrRkBI/AAAAAAAACag/fZFAJkn_rzU/s640/919424_10151709180502225_1531924701_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Almost all the group, happy to have reached the top :)</i></td></tr>
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Spending time up there with the group admiring the views, Stevie, George and I are back down at 2pm to have a well-deserved lunch and few beers to hydrate... alone as the group spent much more time going down, as unfortunately one twisted an ankle on the way down. Nothing serious, but very bothering on this steep trail, watch-out and be prepared before to do it!<br />
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Later, we go to see the Machu Pichu museum... which is giving some history, background and details about how it was discovered and the various analysis and understanding that we have about it. Small but interesting, showing a bit how it could have been built, with tools and "technologies" used, reasons to build the various buildings, and what could have been the meaning of the site.<br />
Not everything is fully understood and scientists / archeologists still work on the site and surroundings to understand more... a bit of mystery can anyhow only add to this fantastic city!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-86187530682407821012013-07-23T19:00:00.000-07:002013-10-04T09:24:49.601-07:00The Sacred Valley of the Incas<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After few days in Cusco, my 3 weeks tour includes of course a plan to go seeing the famous Machu Pichu site. While I didn't sign for the classic 4 days inca trail (let's say I had enough hikes & walks in the previous 4 months!), there are 2 days to reach it, going through the Sacred Valley of the Incas then to Agua Calientes, the village just down Machu Pichu.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <b>Sacred Valley, or Urubamba valley</b>, is between Cusco and Machu Pichu. Without knowing it ahead, it was a perfect day to progressively discover the Andes, home to the Inca cultures, and few Incas sites, before to reach MP. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We started with few stops during the first 2 hours drive to discover the <b>Andes mountains scenery </b>surrounding us. We are around 3,000m high, and valleys & peaks seem to be between 2,000 and 5,000m high, this is impressive. Mountains are steep, with a mix of green and orange-rocky colors, sometimes cut by the old terraces incas had set-up all around to grow their crops.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TwS7rUqi-EE/Uk2j_OdB4VI/AAAAAAAACVA/S1-ncgmb64o/s1600/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TwS7rUqi-EE/Uk2j_OdB4VI/AAAAAAAACVA/S1-ncgmb64o/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+002.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sacred valley view 1</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLBgLyJ_fEc/Uk2kBwNMaGI/AAAAAAAACVw/kbK1FqGovTI/s1600/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLBgLyJ_fEc/Uk2kBwNMaGI/AAAAAAAACVw/kbK1FqGovTI/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+024.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sacred valley view 2</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>PLANETERRA WEAVING PROJECT @TARAY</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a couple of hours, we reach the small village of Taray, where G-Adventure has a partnership to support the local community, which is supposed to show us how they live and weave then knit the Peruvians textiles & clothes you can find everywhere on the markets. I wasn't particularly thrilled to this idea, as I was clearly thinking this as a touristic trap with people half "forced" to behave for tourists but just willing to sell their work and begging for money.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, it proved to be really good, with a lovely group of women with their children, who looked to really worked as best as they could, and were happy to receive visitors, who they knew "support" them via the trip tour we have paid. So even without any purchases, they are already happy that we come. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Net, we spent a really good time discovering how they were taking the alpaca wool to tint them, weave them, then knit them for various clothes & accessories. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could also find an alpaca scarf (at such a cheap price, and I did not really dare negotiating much!) which proved to be super useful for the cold Peruvian & Bolivian weather :-). </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Welcoming in the center of the work place, with raw wool beams</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ujazBv_A_Y/Uk2j_fSsFNI/AAAAAAAACVE/am6c-5NKuuY/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="426" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Children stay with their mother while they work</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fEynkskZMBk/Uk2kAnRZCbI/AAAAAAAACVY/NNwNMYGgNeQ/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Raw alpaca wool</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>(very!) traditional weaving!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S36WfMcITHE/Uk2kA0yz00I/AAAAAAAACVc/eiXp_vkNAuE/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+012.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Traditional knitting</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2uByoPo9WC0/Uk2kCMxVIUI/AAAAAAAACV0/NhR_gQJM0Mc/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+019.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Couldn't resist to a touristic but friendly picture!</i></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">KALLAQASA</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3rd stop of the day around Pissac, Kallaqasa will also be my first "real" inca ruins discovery. Featuring the "classics" incas terraces on steep hillsides, topped up by ruins of houses and temples, the set-up of the site is immediately impressive, and start to make me estimate how the Inca civilization had really been developed and advanced. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hiking up to the village on the terraces side enable to see how various parts of the site were organized, from the agricultural terraces, temples, houses... wow! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This "starter" definitively excites my curiosity for the rest of the day and Machu Pichu!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ry6TGnsN8k/Uk2kD_PUouI/AAAAAAAACWQ/YfqZprZH92g/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+044.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View on the terraces from the top of the village</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_HATv-rLWUk/Uk2kDOt4KUI/AAAAAAAACWE/FualrDIXBxw/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+037.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Valley view from the village top</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtOYqByaLCY/Uk2kEm8h-pI/AAAAAAAACWc/oG6yjzaHEsM/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+050.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Houses & temple on top of the mountain peak</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-acCIeGViU/Uk2kFsumasI/AAAAAAAACWk/x1H_9XFfA3w/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+054.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of the terraces and village from the bottom</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6zkNI_c1kM/Uk2kFjrpVcI/AAAAAAAACWs/VePZUBQ2-40/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+055.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of the valley, terraces and a bit the village</i></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OLLANTAYTAMBO</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Driving a good part of the afternoon to reach our last stop, we arrive there end afternoon and need to rush in order to visit with still some sun!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ollantaytambo is a town and an Inca archaeological site, located at an altitude of 2,800m. After being the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti, the site was used as a retreat after the Spanish took over Cusco. Our guide tells us that the site was still being constructed when it was invaded, so the ruins we will be looking at were not final. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We visited mostly the fortress, temples and houses ruins on top of the terraces, which had a great view on the opposite mountain, where kind of castles / temples had been built on very, very steep hillsides. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The site is really impressive, not only because built on the top of a steep mountain peak, but also from its organization, the views on the mountains around, and just the discovery of this Inca civilization, which our guide tells us a lot about, where intriguing details and stories. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LtOsEYHv6fQ/Uk2kGDXi-mI/AAAAAAAACW0/Hbx1iSS4_Nw/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+064.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Castle / temples ruins on the steep mountain side</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mb9PMWZbIus/Uk2kGrnVX_I/AAAAAAAACW8/tGZWIuS0zsU/s1600/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mb9PMWZbIus/Uk2kGrnVX_I/AAAAAAAACW8/tGZWIuS0zsU/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+071.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Terraces view, with the houses / temples above - unfortunately already in the shadow</i></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0JYT0zCNitU/Uk2kHaf8H-I/AAAAAAAACXQ/Thq-MAf5AMk/s1600/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0JYT0zCNitU/Uk2kHaf8H-I/AAAAAAAACXQ/Thq-MAf5AMk/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+081.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up shot of the castle / temple ruins</td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oduHUTuHLE4/Uk2kH2bl8KI/AAAAAAAACXU/DXvO9VjKFPY/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+083.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A big carved stone, which was suppose to build a building... not completed. <br />They still wonder how the Incas succeeded to get those kind of huge stone up as it is not from the on-site rocks</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inN1XFpluf4/Uk2kICuB8LI/AAAAAAAACXY/r9W6nhjSBhw/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+085.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View on the fortress at the top</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_um1C7iDPY/Uk2kJ-noEBI/AAAAAAAACXw/6xd4assqyZk/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+091.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="426" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Houses ruins</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1cUJVbQs_k/Uk2kJtvjgKI/AAAAAAAACXs/u2DRdnzubO0/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+093.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from the top houses ruins, the terraces and the village down. <br />The mountain with castles / temples ruins in the bright area of the pic... too much contrast. </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhi_A02_NcQ/Uk2kKtdDb7I/AAAAAAAACX8/arqyyNxdRmw/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+099.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A medium high view of the terraces and the houses on top</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AP8TFfyVfpM/Uk2kLrCC3XI/AAAAAAAACYM/168fc3W9iy0/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+103.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The alignment of the terraces is impressive!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Qc3PO15keM/Uk2kL-wlSoI/AAAAAAAACYU/_bIoPHypRvs/s640/D111+Sacred+Valley+tour+-+105.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A view from the bottom of the 2nd terraces side, with houses ruins</i></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A great day touring this Sacred Valley, I can't wait for the next 2 days to come :-). </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-48831063609810989872013-07-22T20:34:00.000-07:002013-10-02T11:16:37.993-07:00Cusco & the South America roadtrip startAfter 3 days in Peru, I start on Sunday 21st a <b>3 weeks roadtrip with G-Adventure </b>to explore the key sites of Peru, Bolivia and North Chile.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3QDqfxsaWQ/UiVXjt8h3TI/AAAAAAAACMo/TsYImRbYdEM/s1600/GA+SMS+trip+map.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3QDqfxsaWQ/UiVXjt8h3TI/AAAAAAAACMo/TsYImRbYdEM/s200/GA+SMS+trip+map.png" width="200" /></a>The route embarks us from Cusco, ex-capital of the Inca civilization, and go through the classic Peru & Bolivia sites, before to reach North of Chile Atacama desert and fly down to Santiago.<br />
<i>Note: the trip is called "Southern Divide", details on: <a href="http://www.gadventures.com/trips/southern-divide/SMS/2013/?ref=asearch">http://www.gadventures.com/trips/southern-divide/SMS/2013/?ref=asearch</a></i><br />
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I am meeting everyone on Sunday 21st early morning at Lima, as we fly from there to Cusco. The group sounds quite fun, with a good balance girls / boys, mostly Europeans: 2 Australians, 1 Canadian, 1 Japanese, 7 British, 1 German, 1 Dannish, 1 Irish, and of course, 1 French ;-)<br />
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We start our tour Sunday afternoon with the <b>city of Cusco</b>, at 3,300m high in the South East side of Peru. From the beginning, I had a good feeling being there, despite the altitude which takes few days to get used to.<br />
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The city, surrounded by mountains, mixes Inca & Christian history, with churches, museums and various monuments all over, introducing the fantastic Peruvian culture in a great way. The atmosphere of the city is also very good: relatively big but not too much (0.4 million inhabitants), touristic but with many locals around too, city center with restaurants and bars... it is easy to walk around, and the nightlife is very good. Net, spending few days there is easy, we had 4 nights and almost 3 full days, it was great.<br />
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<b>The first glimpses & hike over the city</b> immediately offered nice picture shots thanks to its buildings and mountains scenery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pi86d-JqiFA/UkjzbLSVHfI/AAAAAAAACOI/SG4dg4Hd5BE/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pi86d-JqiFA/UkjzbLSVHfI/AAAAAAAACOI/SG4dg4Hd5BE/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A wall paint depicting classics Inca stories</i></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GbRJ2wfAjF0/UkjzbfJ2LkI/AAAAAAAACOQ/bBZ6S4qu6Wo/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GbRJ2wfAjF0/UkjzbfJ2LkI/AAAAAAAACOQ/bBZ6S4qu6Wo/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+005.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Detail of a traffic-light & road-sign pillar: inca signs everywhere!</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhLZH2h4AmY/UkjzbcIlknI/AAAAAAAACOM/c0iNKtqBbyQ/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhLZH2h4AmY/UkjzbcIlknI/AAAAAAAACOM/c0iNKtqBbyQ/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>1st view of the central, and famous, Plaza de Armas</i></td></tr>
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Crossing the city to walk up the hill behind Plaza de Armas, was quite challenging with the altitude, so we took some time and lost some on the way, but it was worth it: great views of the city, which looks bigger than expected, and the surrounding arid mountains around.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTF9kaUh_yI/UkjzcygpA4I/AAAAAAAACOs/S4fS_G0CNjQ/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTF9kaUh_yI/UkjzcygpA4I/AAAAAAAACOs/S4fS_G0CNjQ/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+035.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cusco city view... with a kid playing a kite in the forefront</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V2LoZ2B44e8/UkjzdYcjnVI/AAAAAAAACPE/gVaMH5XzZFY/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V2LoZ2B44e8/UkjzdYcjnVI/AAAAAAAACPE/gVaMH5XzZFY/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+036.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Close-up on the central Plaza de Armas, impressive even from here</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CcYnHVfL2Cs/UkjzdE9W_MI/AAAAAAAACO8/X8EYE5NuVnk/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CcYnHVfL2Cs/UkjzdE9W_MI/AAAAAAAACO8/X8EYE5NuVnk/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+043.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A Christ is standing up above the city here: a must-do pic then</i></td></tr>
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<b>SAN PEDRO MARKET</b><br />
On Monday, our tour-leader Dennis take few of us to the San Pedro market, which is for Peruvians by Peruvians... Clearly, you cannot find tourist handicrafts here, and this is even better to discover this colorful & vibrant place, showing well the way of life locals can have.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bMEXkExQ5dE/Ukjze0t2AFI/AAAAAAAACQI/Nf8fCgoQ3mM/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bMEXkExQ5dE/Ukjze0t2AFI/AAAAAAAACQI/Nf8fCgoQ3mM/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+060.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>San Pedro market entrance</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KcMK8yARgrc/UkjzfE8F1xI/AAAAAAAACP4/lCaxpQg3FTE/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KcMK8yARgrc/UkjzfE8F1xI/AAAAAAAACP4/lCaxpQg3FTE/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+062.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Meat booths: yes, it is 30°C outside, why do you worry about hygiene?</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ze9yCB-sPUs/Ukjzfblbm1I/AAAAAAAACQE/nu_4q1lNM-o/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ze9yCB-sPUs/Ukjzfblbm1I/AAAAAAAACQE/nu_4q1lNM-o/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+063.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fruit booth: cannot name all, so many new I had never seen</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAjSY8kuxOU/Ukjzf_B4b-I/AAAAAAAACQQ/vBUQjHBcZyU/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAjSY8kuxOU/Ukjzf_B4b-I/AAAAAAAACQQ/vBUQjHBcZyU/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+065.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Pan Chuta bread loafs: you can find everywhere with various flavors</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vN3K1_ias9A/UkjzgIotv_I/AAAAAAAACQc/VhGFNwRy-lQ/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vN3K1_ias9A/UkjzgIotv_I/AAAAAAAACQc/VhGFNwRy-lQ/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+067.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spices show-off</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKKoXapKaPQ/UkjzgdGhjxI/AAAAAAAACQk/092KKRPH3-o/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKKoXapKaPQ/UkjzgdGhjxI/AAAAAAAACQk/092KKRPH3-o/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+071.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Flowers paradise</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4VxC32yzxNk/Ukjzgfoc0cI/AAAAAAAACQg/3TDY0lVOG6Q/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4VxC32yzxNk/Ukjzgfoc0cI/AAAAAAAACQg/3TDY0lVOG6Q/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+074.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Potatoes: so many varieties!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r95VOnQv21s/Ukjzg-nAJyI/AAAAAAAACQs/UfzLOcqmWgw/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r95VOnQv21s/Ukjzg-nAJyI/AAAAAAAACQs/UfzLOcqmWgw/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+075.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yes, when I say there are many Peruvian potatoes varieties, there are: more than 3,000!!</i></td></tr>
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<u>Side-note of potatoes</u> (and as I have good friends growing some in Europe!)<br />
<i>I could not believe there were so many varieties over here, but it is true! Out of 5,000 worldwide, more than 3,000 can be found in Peru and the surrounding Andes, growing up to 4,000m high and more. This is why Lima holds the IPC, "International Potatoes Center"! Haven't visited it, but it might be worth to entertain discussions with my farmers friends :-)</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddRpyEgPtpA/Ukjzg8QfV4I/AAAAAAAACQ0/zSPzypCggxI/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddRpyEgPtpA/Ukjzg8QfV4I/AAAAAAAACQ0/zSPzypCggxI/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+076.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Weird veggies & fruits juices tasting</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TLfGTHAyFZ4/UkjzhHD1ntI/AAAAAAAACRY/H74Zw1tfw9w/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TLfGTHAyFZ4/UkjzhHD1ntI/AAAAAAAACRY/H74Zw1tfw9w/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+077.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Outside views from the market hall sides</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKCAhBKo1iE/Ukjzhe8WoII/AAAAAAAACQ8/Nyh2KIS9rlY/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKCAhBKo1iE/Ukjzhe8WoII/AAAAAAAACQ8/Nyh2KIS9rlY/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+085.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The entrails isle... do that end up in the restaurants around the corner? oops </i></td></tr>
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<b>PLAZA DE ARMAS</b><br />
A visit to Cusco cannot avoid this famous <i>plaza</i>. Spending more time around it on Monday & Friday, I discover the great treasures it offers, as well as the good people-watching! Clearly, the ancient & actual city center is super lively, with church, cathedral, buildings and park.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZjE_TCSdf0/UkjzneqT4mI/AAAAAAAACT8/fygWk7fhjXc/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZjE_TCSdf0/UkjzneqT4mI/AAAAAAAACT8/fygWk7fhjXc/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+178.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>An overview look of Plaza de Armas: on the left, the Cathedral; on the right the church</i></td></tr>
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From visits of those key sites to just people-watching, you could spend a full day just here: shoe-cleaners, processions, various vendors of paintings or cheap souvenirs, restaurants, tourists taking pictures, drug dealers... well, there is always something to distract!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SAlxtRtxwu4/UkxMVtKGFjI/AAAAAAAACUg/lyFeUJ2Xet8/s1600/BLOG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SAlxtRtxwu4/UkxMVtKGFjI/AAAAAAAACUg/lyFeUJ2Xet8/s400/BLOG.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Cathedral front, from the center of the plaza</i></td></tr>
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<b>The Cathedral of Santo Domingo </b>is majestic, though as most of the Cusco (and Peruvian) christian sites, it was built over a inca temple / palace. Built over 400 years from the XVIth century, it is a very impressive site, with an amazing inside architecture, stunning paintings and gold altarpieces. No pictures allowed inside unfortunately.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJykGBxZwV4/UkjzjtVXKNI/AAAAAAAACSY/Vq3N-EQuQv8/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJykGBxZwV4/UkjzjtVXKNI/AAAAAAAACSY/Vq3N-EQuQv8/s200/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+125.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A side-chapel front of the Cathedral</i></td></tr>
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End of July holds Peru national-day, and Cusco is one of the main center to celebrate this. While not there during the exact day, I get lucky to see some processions to train for it. I cannot really explain... but great to watch, and it had something to do with celebrating saints, Mary & Inca dance! ;</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VCCSjH0Zx9E/Ukjzc2Kb2ZI/AAAAAAAACPI/GdvSaIGVHp4/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VCCSjH0Zx9E/Ukjzc2Kb2ZI/AAAAAAAACPI/GdvSaIGVHp4/s200/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+029.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="133" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rnwnpqJpVB4/UkjzcWWZTeI/AAAAAAAACOo/ORmBKelarOw/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rnwnpqJpVB4/UkjzcWWZTeI/AAAAAAAACOo/ORmBKelarOw/s320/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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On the side on the plaza, the other unmissable site to see is <b>the Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesus</b>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CcowjkM46rE/UkjzjIo2XQI/AAAAAAAACSA/29B-lSQLjHo/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CcowjkM46rE/UkjzjIo2XQI/AAAAAAAACSA/29B-lSQLjHo/s320/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+114.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Front of the church, with dome and side-chapel /temple view</i></td></tr>
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Said to be one of the best colonial religious architecture, the church is shaped like a cross, has 2 towers, a big central dome and an amazing decoration inside. No pictures allowed either... you have to go ;)<br />
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Just around the plaza, buildings are nice to see as well, and add to the pleasant experience and feeling of walking around here:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0rT8xvXX_J8/UkjznobtcLI/AAAAAAAACUI/FT8HhNCBedU/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0rT8xvXX_J8/UkjznobtcLI/AAAAAAAACUI/FT8HhNCBedU/s200/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+179.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Covent on the side of the church</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhmUb3ZMiK4/UkjzjwphAmI/AAAAAAAACSU/wyaWW4cb4_M/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhmUb3ZMiK4/UkjzjwphAmI/AAAAAAAACSU/wyaWW4cb4_M/s200/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+127.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Central inca statue</i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSwgE2mFE7k/UkjziYZHEMI/AAAAAAAACRs/fsqVs0jVFhs/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSwgE2mFE7k/UkjziYZHEMI/AAAAAAAACRs/fsqVs0jVFhs/s200/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+096.jpg" width="200" /></a>Not far from the Plaza de Armas, the<b> Choco Museo</b> was another delight, particularly for lunch after the San Pedro market!<br />
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Hidden on the 1st floor of a nice building over San Francisco plaza, the museum is more a shop offering multiple products based on chocolate, but also tells the history of it and links to the Inca & Aztec cultures.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfcKAyQAZjo/UkjzitINWdI/AAAAAAAACRg/p-PFqp7kxbk/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfcKAyQAZjo/UkjzitINWdI/AAAAAAAACRg/p-PFqp7kxbk/s200/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+097.jpg" width="200" /></a>They offer a great, free, chocolate based tea, very tasty and not heavy to drink at all, surprisingly.<br />
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The lunch we had was one of the heaviest I ever had: though I am a big fan of chocolate and eat a lot, I really reached a high limit eating a crepe filled with banana and chocolate and a brownie, while drinking a hot-chocolate milk, to which you could add paprika & honey as the inca were drinking it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKehgs6W9PE/Ukjzi1kgpeI/AAAAAAAACRw/YRb92X8N8Ps/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKehgs6W9PE/Ukjzi1kgpeI/AAAAAAAACRw/YRb92X8N8Ps/s320/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+112.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A pure choco-only lunch!</i></td></tr>
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<b>MUSEUMS</b><br />
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With a British friend, George, we were brave enough to visit part of the multiples museums that Cusco has, on top of the cathedral & church. </div>
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The <b><i>Inca Museum</i></b>, while a bit dusty with a very poor lay-out and little explanation, was still interesting for novice like us (on South America history!) to discover the different periods of the Inca and Spanish history in Peru / Andes. There is much more that I need to learn. </div>
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The <b>textiles museum</b>, or Centro de textiles tradicionales, was free and just around the corner of a walk, so we entered. Nothing big, and this is more a small shop and exhibition dedicated to the art of weaving from the Cusco region. In nicer way than what you see on touristic booths outside, so it was worth the 15mn view ;). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Front of the church</i></td></tr>
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<b>Qoricancha</b>, or the Sun Temple, is another temple / fortress / church transformed now in museum to show how Spanish conquerors devastated then build their church on top of an inca temple. Also called Church and Convento de Santo Domingo, it contains both catholic and inca heritage, with paintings or part of the temple that can still be looked at.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwIWs1trc6I/UkjzlBzEHkI/AAAAAAAACS8/a_pjCYSY-MI/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwIWs1trc6I/UkjzlBzEHkI/AAAAAAAACS8/a_pjCYSY-MI/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+140.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside view of the convent</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7ZMNFA8FyA/UkjzlYSScLI/AAAAAAAACTA/01BXczgQ4OA/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7ZMNFA8FyA/UkjzlYSScLI/AAAAAAAACTA/01BXczgQ4OA/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+142.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ceiling paintings close-up</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou1xNZ3mE8A/UkjzlraHb3I/AAAAAAAACTM/XK1gGZQGuGs/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou1xNZ3mE8A/UkjzlraHb3I/AAAAAAAACTM/XK1gGZQGuGs/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+145.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Part of the inca temple wall</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpQqZJ7io1s/UkjzliKqdtI/AAAAAAAACTI/lJNSfLKg7t4/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpQqZJ7io1s/UkjzliKqdtI/AAAAAAAACTI/lJNSfLKg7t4/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+149.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Outside view, with the Catholic buildings using the Inca terraces as foundations</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef3vfA837ts/UkjzlzrawqI/AAAAAAAACT4/9rXeMvQLcjY/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef3vfA837ts/UkjzlzrawqI/AAAAAAAACT4/9rXeMvQLcjY/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+154.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Church museum artifacts</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLa5A2kdFE0/UkjzmNbKntI/AAAAAAAACTg/VbmKlfCqMRE/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLa5A2kdFE0/UkjzmNbKntI/AAAAAAAACTg/VbmKlfCqMRE/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+156.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A milky way representation as per the Incas were seeing it: with sacred animals in the middle!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
We ended up by chance into the <b style="font-style: italic;">Contemporary art museum, </b>where we could see some modern Peruvian art, which I quite liked. 1 painting to illustrate:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--0kM2ta2w18/UkjzmXCDW9I/AAAAAAAACTw/sniz4JKk75U/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--0kM2ta2w18/UkjzmXCDW9I/AAAAAAAACTw/sniz4JKk75U/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+159.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Great expectations" from Fidel<br />"tomo para no enamorarme" = I drink to not fall in love</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Congratulations if you read this post down to here (unless you're my mom, who I expect to read everything of course ;)! I've been quite exhaustive, and it took me quite some time, but I wanted to write down as much as possible, so I will remember all these various things done!</div>
<br />
<b>CUSCO BY NIGHT</b><br />
The streets are as pleasant as there are by day, and I always felt safe overall, though of course some caution is required. Lights illuminate well buildings, and despite the cold (at 3,300m high!), there are quite some people in the streets from 10pm and up to 2-3am.<br />
Of course, the restaurants and bars are active, which was true every night I went out, whether it was Monday, Thursday or Friday: there is really a good nightlife here! Stevie, Nina, Dennis, George and Marten will for sure support that thought ;-)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3HxfBmCCOWo/UkjzejCCjWI/AAAAAAAACPg/GN76bpnE_lU/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3HxfBmCCOWo/UkjzejCCjWI/AAAAAAAACPg/GN76bpnE_lU/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+055.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Qoricancha bottom view by night</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_VDt1CMra7g/UkjzeC78ITI/AAAAAAAACPQ/w56Vk-jokvE/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_VDt1CMra7g/UkjzeC78ITI/AAAAAAAACPQ/w56Vk-jokvE/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+053.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>City street view</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjDg1iDhbBE/Ukxg9ovlxoI/AAAAAAAACUw/WRU9JBB8Tws/s1600/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjDg1iDhbBE/Ukxg9ovlxoI/AAAAAAAACUw/WRU9JBB8Tws/s640/D109-110++114+Cusco+-+171.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The famous Mythology bar/cub: so many Pisco Sour drunk there! ;-)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-35450925886807259952013-07-20T21:59:00.000-07:002013-09-01T16:40:51.992-07:00Lima chill-out timeWell… while I had 3 nights at Renzo’s place, I have spent only 1 full day in Lima, and basically… I have seen nothing of the city, except from car in the many traffic jams we had all around ;-)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CkRjAd9rDA4/UiF3DzWMYLI/AAAAAAAACLo/yXcf05EPEHI/s1600/556965_10152671194735190_697020753_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CkRjAd9rDA4/UiF3DzWMYLI/AAAAAAAACLo/yXcf05EPEHI/s200/556965_10152671194735190_697020753_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A quite non-Peruvian haircut ;)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Why? Well, after a needed haircut (quite good, amazingly, I wasn’t expecting much…) I enjoyed the time to be with my friends, eating fantastic ceviches during all Saturday afternoon, with great wines! of course dinner/drinks at night.<br />
<br />
My only comment: walking and going around at night within the Miraflores district, which is the nice area of this huge 10 millions inhabitants city, it was very lively, busy and safe.<br />
<br />
I will have to come back to at least see a bit more of the old town and few museums around, and of course see again Renzo & Michele, and may be Margaux if she is around ;).<br />
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eTZVk33stKs/UiF3EeBR9JI/AAAAAAAACLw/X4C_emKfyGo/s1600/D107-108+Lima+-+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eTZVk33stKs/UiF3EeBR9JI/AAAAAAAACLw/X4C_emKfyGo/s640/D107-108+Lima+-+02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Geneva friends in Lima :)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRJJVLtN9Hk/UiF3ETL1fWI/AAAAAAAACL0/lXT9Ab6DS0c/s1600/D107-108+Lima+-+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRJJVLtN9Hk/UiF3ETL1fWI/AAAAAAAACL0/lXT9Ab6DS0c/s640/D107-108+Lima+-+18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The team: Michele, Margarita, me, Renzo</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cIuDdmBPHrc/UiF3FIRU_HI/AAAAAAAACMA/AIlDogFe2DI/s1600/D107-108+Lima+-+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cIuDdmBPHrc/UiF3FIRU_HI/AAAAAAAACMA/AIlDogFe2DI/s640/D107-108+Lima+-+21.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>1 of the ceviche</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHM8mKUWIn0/UiF3GeluKKI/AAAAAAAACMY/6SMEr45sL7Q/s1600/D107-108+Lima+-+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHM8mKUWIn0/UiF3GeluKKI/AAAAAAAACMY/6SMEr45sL7Q/s640/D107-108+Lima+-+28.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bar deco... Oh yeah, so true!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Lima, Peru-12.0478158 -77.062202800000023-12.1099298 -77.142883800000021 -11.985701800000001 -76.981521800000024tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-3172697749705503102013-07-19T17:15:00.000-07:002013-08-30T21:33:55.424-07:00Flight over the Nazca lines<br />
2nd day in Peru is a long day… I had decided the day before to discover the Nazca culture, by going further South to the Nazca city, surrounded by the famous Nazca lines.<br />
While should have been a 2h drive to allow me visiting a museum & cemetery to get good background on the culture before to see the lines, got transformed into a 3h drive and 2h useless wait, so I end up "just" seeing the lines before to head back to Ica in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
Anyhow... Aside this logistic issue, back to Nazca: <b>what are the Nazca lines? </b><br />
<u>Wiki intro (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazca_Lines)</u><br />
<br />
<i>The Nazca lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs, (...) designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 (...). Although some local geoglyphs resemble Paracas motifs, scholars believe the Nazca Lines were created by the Nazca culture between 400 and 650 AD. The hundreds of individual figures range in complexity from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, fish, sharks, orcas, and lizards.</i><br />
<i>The lines are shallow designs made in the ground by removing the reddish pebbles and uncovering the whitish/grayish ground beneath. Hundreds are simple lines or geometric shapes; more than seventy are zoomorphic designs of animals such as birds, fish, llamas, jaguar, monkey, or human figures. Other designs include phytomorphic shapes such as trees and flowers. </i><br />
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<br />
So yes, basically lines drawn on the ground... so what the hell would you tell making this a touristic attraction? Well, while the <i>what & when </i>are known, the <i>why</i> is still quite unclear, so they are various theories on the topic. I would summarized them as follow:<br />
- welcoming "airport" landing signs to aliens spaceships - euh... ok, why not!? ;-)<br />
- astronomy & cosmology tools to study the sky - well, not sure then why there are animal shapes!<br />
- representations of constellations / stars - the drug to see the shapes still have to be identified ;)<br />
- sacred paths linked to religious practices of deities involving water & crops - the figures would be symbols representing animals and objects meant to invoke the gods' aid in supplying water, why not, but still not 100% clear.<br />
<br />
Net, this is a human-made art / monument, and this is interesting! To discover all this, I am jumping into a small <b>plane to have a 45mn ride above the area</b>, and watch from the sky. It is said that the Nazca could contemplate part of the lines by hiking the surrounding mountains... some would say that it was to be seen from the aliens' spaceships - choose your side!.<br />
<br />
There are about 15 drawings to be seen, but I am just posting few pics of the best icons:<br />
-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>the alien (really wonder how they could imagine this!)<br />
-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>the monkey<br />
-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>the dog<br />
-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>the spider<br />
-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>the condor<br />
-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>geometric lines<br />
<br />
Despite a constrained logistic day, I enjoyed seeing this special @ ancient cultural "tracks", this is so different of anything we have in Europe! I wish I had more time to discover also the cemetery with its toms and mommies, as well as the ceramics museum, where more background on the Nazca culture and its cultural habits would have been explained… next time!<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6TrCt3Ew8V8/UiE11uM0nwI/AAAAAAAACJ8/Kd4bOhvylwM/s1600/D107+Nazca+lines+-+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6TrCt3Ew8V8/UiE11uM0nwI/AAAAAAAACJ8/Kd4bOhvylwM/s640/D107+Nazca+lines+-+04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Nazca valley and the Andes</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_WO72bDjSOU/UiE11vppXUI/AAAAAAAACKA/quMs6cKBAtY/s1600/D107+Nazca+lines+-+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_WO72bDjSOU/UiE11vppXUI/AAAAAAAACKA/quMs6cKBAtY/s640/D107+Nazca+lines+-+06.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A summary of the various drawings to be seen from the flight</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hli_p7e8GAU/UiE11VJINjI/AAAAAAAACJ4/e0edpzK9zcQ/s1600/D107+Nazca+lines+-+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hli_p7e8GAU/UiE11VJINjI/AAAAAAAACJ4/e0edpzK9zcQ/s640/D107+Nazca+lines+-+11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The plane to fly over the lines. Where is the business class? ;-)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eyW5Xnm00t0/UiE12RdqcQI/AAAAAAAACKQ/ZxxOUfeeI_8/s1600/D107+Nazca+lines+-+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eyW5Xnm00t0/UiE12RdqcQI/AAAAAAAACKQ/ZxxOUfeeI_8/s640/D107+Nazca+lines+-+15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nazca valley from above</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CpHoIwEjkX0/UiE13IX91GI/AAAAAAAACKs/ti_eqSzW7UA/s1600/D107+Nazca+lines+-+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CpHoIwEjkX0/UiE13IX91GI/AAAAAAAACKs/ti_eqSzW7UA/s640/D107+Nazca+lines+-+24.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Around the valley, it is dry. Really dry!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LddoiRMz3E0/UiE12wsfgDI/AAAAAAAACKY/37OQvw0nfR0/s1600/D107+Nazca+lines+-+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LddoiRMz3E0/UiE12wsfgDI/AAAAAAAACKY/37OQvw0nfR0/s640/D107+Nazca+lines+-+26.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The alien. A copy-cat of the gods visiting the Nazca? ;)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VBVrlwOlBOo/UiE13ExcknI/AAAAAAAACKc/TQc7PWjNGVg/s1600/D107+Nazca+lines+-+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VBVrlwOlBOo/UiE13ExcknI/AAAAAAAACKc/TQc7PWjNGVg/s640/D107+Nazca+lines+-+29.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The monkey</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWVnDiCvOBE/UiE13d8tYiI/AAAAAAAACKk/pTatG-lxYbE/s1600/D107+Nazca+lines+-+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWVnDiCvOBE/UiE13d8tYiI/AAAAAAAACKk/pTatG-lxYbE/s640/D107+Nazca+lines+-+30.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The dog</i> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pTXoz-Whms/UiE14FLQxnI/AAAAAAAACK4/UtaqIe8yn9o/s1600/D107+Nazca+lines+-+37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pTXoz-Whms/UiE14FLQxnI/AAAAAAAACK4/UtaqIe8yn9o/s640/D107+Nazca+lines+-+37.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The spider</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z7_0KyrnxmA/UiE14Y-WqcI/AAAAAAAACLA/hCOTkw_fT14/s1600/D107+Nazca+lines+-+38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z7_0KyrnxmA/UiE14Y-WqcI/AAAAAAAACLA/hCOTkw_fT14/s640/D107+Nazca+lines+-+38.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The condor</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31aOrXUrb-c/UiE147TM8sI/AAAAAAAACLQ/YZHgS83UoQw/s1600/D107+Nazca+lines+-+41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31aOrXUrb-c/UiE147TM8sI/AAAAAAAACLQ/YZHgS83UoQw/s640/D107+Nazca+lines+-+41.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Geometric lines... spaceship landing platforms? ;-))</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-27392982185738940262013-07-18T17:00:00.000-07:002013-08-30T17:14:08.475-07:00The surprising Huacachina Oasis as 1st Peru day<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpA5iaLTRNg/Ug4H665LXrI/AAAAAAAACG0/Sp8Lh0H_GhA/s1600/D105+Flight+to+Peru+-+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpA5iaLTRNg/Ug4H665LXrI/AAAAAAAACG0/Sp8Lh0H_GhA/s200/D105+Flight+to+Peru+-+5.jpg" width="200" /></a>Finally, i am flying to Peru. It clearly was a country i wanted to see for a couple of years, for its reputed sceneries & culture, but also beacause i have Geneva friends who moved to Lima. So a good opportunity to mix few good things ;-).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XiH7dPPIgDA/Ug4H685nYTI/AAAAAAAACGs/En8ZZXLNxVk/s1600/D105+Flight+to+Peru+-+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XiH7dPPIgDA/Ug4H685nYTI/AAAAAAAACGs/En8ZZXLNxVk/s200/D105+Flight+to+Peru+-+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Plane view North of Lima</i></td></tr>
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A surprise from the plane: the coast North of Lima looks very dry, rocky and desert-like! Not sure why, always thought Peru would be very green… may be the images of Machu Pichu seen over the years. Well, now I know… most of the coast is like this, up to 100km inside the country.<br />
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Welcomed by my friend Renzo, we spend a good evening catching up before to leave the day after, for Ica. I had never heard about it, but he had a business trip there… and it sounds there is some things to see around, let’s check them!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a2NZPbgV8W8/Ug4H6sCFczI/AAAAAAAACGo/mjQVesczFYQ/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a2NZPbgV8W8/Ug4H6sCFczI/AAAAAAAACGo/mjQVesczFYQ/s200/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+01.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Driving out of Lima rain...</i></td></tr>
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Exiting Lima and its crappy weather (which took a good hour in this 10 millions inhabitants city!), we drive South through the desert, to reach Ica after a good 3h.<br />
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Then going through the city, we arrive at <b>Huacachina</b>, and discover this surprising oasis, hidden just behind the corner of the city (5mn away!), where yellow dunes meet green water and palm trees.<br />
The village is charming, with few houses and restaurant, and the views around the oasis are great.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SXkKcVe6Mg/Ug4H7yi2TkI/AAAAAAAACHA/FbkUcJIpxGo/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SXkKcVe6Mg/Ug4H7yi2TkI/AAAAAAAACHA/FbkUcJIpxGo/s640/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from the highway... the coast desert</i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CXSJ9ri0SLg/Ug4H7x_dCYI/AAAAAAAACHE/j-viELf8Fms/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CXSJ9ri0SLg/Ug4H7x_dCYI/AAAAAAAACHE/j-viELf8Fms/s640/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8eG1CN1od-Q/Ug4H8z7TcyI/AAAAAAAACHQ/4liCUNxqy5A/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8eG1CN1od-Q/Ug4H8z7TcyI/AAAAAAAACHQ/4liCUNxqy5A/s640/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+05.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Huacachina 1st streets, with the dunes behind</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DsYHgUns870/Ug4H-p70t_I/AAAAAAAACHc/02huFLvkBIM/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DsYHgUns870/Ug4H-p70t_I/AAAAAAAACHc/02huFLvkBIM/s640/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+08.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Huacachina 1st street, with the dunes behind</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKfZoNiqvGE/Ug4H-QKvwYI/AAAAAAAACHY/VI1tJBkyPd0/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKfZoNiqvGE/Ug4H-QKvwYI/AAAAAAAACHY/VI1tJBkyPd0/s640/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Renzo & me in front of the Huacachina oasis</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tuyWpBW38Yg/Ug4IAAW2TKI/AAAAAAAACHw/n-lynfNVN0g/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tuyWpBW38Yg/Ug4IAAW2TKI/AAAAAAAACHw/n-lynfNVN0g/s640/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Huacachina oasis lake</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIbbdoFV0Nc/Ug4IEK0EusI/AAAAAAAACII/SytN77ReJPs/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIbbdoFV0Nc/Ug4IEK0EusI/AAAAAAAACII/SytN77ReJPs/s640/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Huacachina oasis lake</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ffoiSnwZcCo/Ug4IDXKohAI/AAAAAAAACH4/B1Gr-RLbn4U/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ffoiSnwZcCo/Ug4IDXKohAI/AAAAAAAACH4/B1Gr-RLbn4U/s640/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+22.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Huacachina oasis lake</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mX59oqt1rkU/Ug4ID9VsyFI/AAAAAAAACIA/J7g3nGL6_pE/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mX59oqt1rkU/Ug4ID9VsyFI/AAAAAAAACIA/J7g3nGL6_pE/s640/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+25.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Huacachina oasis lake</i></td></tr>
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After a good lunch surrounded by this great scenery, I find a hostel, then decide to have 2 afternoon activities: wine tasting and dunes-buggy riding with a bit of sand-boarding! I will be busy ;)<br />
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The <b>visit of the winery</b> is nice, and though the wines weren’t the best ever tasted (ahhh those French!), seeing how they make the pisco and tasting it was quite good ;).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tW1PowBt2Vw/Ug4ILtvb03I/AAAAAAAACJA/MCJQmOAAxis/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tW1PowBt2Vw/Ug4ILtvb03I/AAAAAAAACJA/MCJQmOAAxis/s640/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+36.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The bodegas Vista Alegre</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5iczVn3U0B4/Ug4IIobpK_I/AAAAAAAACIY/nEw-eSpr2k8/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5iczVn3U0B4/Ug4IIobpK_I/AAAAAAAACIY/nEw-eSpr2k8/s640/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+37.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View on the dunes from the winery garden</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTnPrOYnD2E/Ug4IHQL6LgI/AAAAAAAACIQ/IwvsDlK0UmE/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTnPrOYnD2E/Ug4IHQL6LgI/AAAAAAAACIQ/IwvsDlK0UmE/s640/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+41.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pisco distillation cuves ;-)</i></td></tr>
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Later, back to the oasis, and start of the <b>buggy-ride</b>, going fast and jumping on the dunes… super fun! Mixed with great views on the desert again (after Namibia some months ago) that I am enjoying so much, and a bit of basic sandboarding, the day goes fast until the sun set in another amazing set of colors.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d2_jaP7E5Lw/Ug4II1zr0tI/AAAAAAAACIc/9LFlR8KNzSk/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d2_jaP7E5Lw/Ug4II1zr0tI/AAAAAAAACIc/9LFlR8KNzSk/s640/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+50.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Riding dunes in buggy</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_F4sFPN7yo/Ug4IKfWFJfI/AAAAAAAACIo/z-heUD_6PfY/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_F4sFPN7yo/Ug4IKfWFJfI/AAAAAAAACIo/z-heUD_6PfY/s640/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+56.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dunes view</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mAx0Q9vk-AE/Ug4ILU-BkkI/AAAAAAAACI0/BEgve03wiF4/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mAx0Q9vk-AE/Ug4ILU-BkkI/AAAAAAAACI0/BEgve03wiF4/s640/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+60.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It feels good being here! :)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8bOR2ttGHF0/Ug4IM_gOAxI/AAAAAAAACJM/5U-7mnbvT3c/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8bOR2ttGHF0/Ug4IM_gOAxI/AAAAAAAACJM/5U-7mnbvT3c/s640/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+65.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of the dunes, with behind the Ica valley the Andes</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHMUT8AcsXQ/Ug4INRM2xVI/AAAAAAAACJg/3GzBJIwTNaE/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHMUT8AcsXQ/Ug4INRM2xVI/AAAAAAAACJg/3GzBJIwTNaE/s640/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+74.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another desert sunset</i></td></tr>
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Dinning with Renzo, I get to have my 1st “<b>lomo saltado” dinner</b> (a Peruvian classic dish, consisting of strips of sirloin-beef marinated in vinegar, soy sauce and spices, then stir fried with red onions, parsley and tomatoes then served over white rice and French fries... light, I know!)<br />
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Followed by few Pisco-sauers and some fun time in the local club, this was definitely a great 1st day in Peru!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I2go8A2cOFY/Ug4IOafoXdI/AAAAAAAACJo/2jx8HiEuLLg/s1600/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I2go8A2cOFY/Ug4IOafoXdI/AAAAAAAACJo/2jx8HiEuLLg/s320/D106+Huacachina+oasis+-+76.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lomo saltado dinner</i></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-59299208813386955712013-07-15T21:02:00.000-07:002013-09-01T16:40:15.649-07:00Manuel Antonio Park & areaWith only few days remaining to discover a bit of Costa Rica, I picked the Manuel Antonio park for its relative proximity to Panama / Boquete, as well as its self-named Natural park, its beaches and some surfing.<br />
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<b>Manuel Antonio park visit</b><br />
This park has one of the most impressive landscapes of the world and has several coves with many white sand beaches and lush foliage amidst great mountains and forests that reach the beaches. I went there on Sunday July 14th afternoon, and could not only enjoy again (after the ziplining the previous day) some great rainforest views, but also relax almost alone on the beach, perfect :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_NIhf9eh78/UfyCVSoKQmI/AAAAAAAACEU/zgXKSznexQ0/s1600/D102+Manuel+Antonio+park+-+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_NIhf9eh78/UfyCVSoKQmI/AAAAAAAACEU/zgXKSznexQ0/s640/D102+Manuel+Antonio+park+-+01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Park map</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JtiGHTjGplg/UfyCXCAGAZI/AAAAAAAACEk/NT1sgBNU4A0/s1600/D102+Manuel+Antonio+park+-+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JtiGHTjGplg/UfyCXCAGAZI/AAAAAAAACEk/NT1sgBNU4A0/s640/D102+Manuel+Antonio+park+-+07.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rainforest caption: can i dive inside?</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOPKHvYD0ZY/UfyCZFkNNXI/AAAAAAAACEs/GWUWKMvcxlA/s1600/D102+Manuel+Antonio+park+-+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOPKHvYD0ZY/UfyCZFkNNXI/AAAAAAAACEs/GWUWKMvcxlA/s640/D102+Manuel+Antonio+park+-+12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Colorful mushrooms</i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5U1M6DvpzE/UfyCc48T3rI/AAAAAAAACE8/3Q17GsJr4aU/s1600/D102+Manuel+Antonio+park+-+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5U1M6DvpzE/UfyCc48T3rI/AAAAAAAACE8/3Q17GsJr4aU/s640/D102+Manuel+Antonio+park+-+15.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnnUCcO58YU/UfyCZv3tPoI/AAAAAAAACE0/o2wi1W_WYeI/s1600/D102+Manuel+Antonio+park+-+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnnUCcO58YU/UfyCZv3tPoI/AAAAAAAACE0/o2wi1W_WYeI/s640/D102+Manuel+Antonio+park+-+14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-um0xE6zE2BQ/UfyCgQEOVYI/AAAAAAAACFI/9L6Zpij5QJo/s1600/D102+Manuel+Antonio+park+-+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-um0xE6zE2BQ/UfyCgQEOVYI/AAAAAAAACFI/9L6Zpij5QJo/s640/D102+Manuel+Antonio+park+-+21.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Puerto Escondido beach</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FV_e8Zabacg/UfyCiNhzC5I/AAAAAAAACFc/pHMKs0VatmM/s1600/D102+Manuel+Antonio+park+-+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FV_e8Zabacg/UfyCiNhzC5I/AAAAAAAACFc/pHMKs0VatmM/s640/D102+Manuel+Antonio+park+-+27.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Well, me on a secluded nice beach :)</i></td></tr>
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Just outside of the park, there are other beaches, this time with black-sand, not sure how we can have white & black sand so close. Relax & surfing atmosphere, quite busy during the week-end, as it sounds many Costa Ricans also come there in vacations or long week-ends from San Jose.<br />
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From this beach, it is possible to see the park's forest diving into the sea, with few island away cutting the horizon line.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-72301861221894769342013-07-13T16:00:00.000-07:002013-08-02T21:01:13.691-07:00Ziplining on Costa Rica canopyI had heard this area in Costa Rica had the longest zipline of Americas, and that doing a canopy tree in the incredible rainforest of this Central America area was amazing, so I booked 1/2 day with Santuario tours, and I clearly wasn't disappointed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>On the top of a platform with the group</i></td></tr>
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<b>Ziplining</b><br />
They have an amazing zipline park, few kms North of Manuel Antonio, made of 11 zip lines including 1 of 1.6 km long!!!<br />
So big I wasn't believing it until I did it... it lasted 1mn30s, impressive ;-) Another shorter (600m) but steeper line makes you go at 70-80 km/h... wow too!<br />
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With all the platforms and bridges between the lines, this was really a great way to discover the jungle and canopy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Well, me ziplining..</i></td></tr>
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The platforms and bridges are well organized into the forest, and are really the best way to discover the canopy. Clearly, you should not have heights / vertigo to do them!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The highest platform, standing at<br />
60+m high!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Afraid to go? Never ;)</i></td></tr>
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<b>Fauna & flora</b><br />
So, beside the fun of ziplining, this activity offers great inside views on Costa Rica rainforest, with so many various trees, plants, flowers, insects and animals. I cannot name them all, nor could post all the pics, but it is clearly very diverse and abundant!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54tZdAmyHM4/UfkcawSyAmI/AAAAAAAACCg/R00BmNVo4Ro/s1600/D101+Ziplining+-+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54tZdAmyHM4/UfkcawSyAmI/AAAAAAAACCg/R00BmNVo4Ro/s320/D101+Ziplining+-+23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from a platform onto the rainforest</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A sloth, or perezoso in Spanish<br />Lazy mammal moving so slowly... interesting</i></td></tr>
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Few macros of flowers... no clue of the names, sorry!<br />
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From the high platforms, it is also possible to see the Pacific Ocean away:</div>
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There are some very strange palm trees, which are called "walking trees"! They do not have a fixed trunk, but a multitude of roots standing above the floor, which our guide explained us enable them to move few dozen cm per year pending the canopy light... Well, I was amused by this fact, but quickly looking on the web, this is a myth for tourists... ok, ok... still, this tree base is quite special!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHTIYYCHQ64/Ufkce12gsqI/AAAAAAAACD4/Cmh-2pA4bLg/s1600/D101+Ziplining+-+57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHTIYYCHQ64/Ufkce12gsqI/AAAAAAAACD4/Cmh-2pA4bLg/s320/D101+Ziplining+-+57.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The "walking palm trees"</i></td></tr>
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Last but not least... the insects, particularly spiders: walking in the forest, you can see many, with even more spiderwebs. And let me tell you, the spiders are huge, you would not want to be bitten!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A huge spider. The body is, no kidding...<br />4-5cm!!!</i></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-75836797782723917962013-07-12T06:44:00.000-07:002013-07-31T07:04:55.343-07:00Boquete and rafting in Panama<b>Boquete</b><br />
After 2.5 weeks in Bocas, I moved to the green and hilly Boquete town, located in the center of Panama. While it is supposed to be lovely and very enjoyable, as greener and cooler than the humid & hot coasts, I was welcomed by rain the 1st afternoon there, and the atmosphere was very, very quiet.<br />
So I just went to do some rafting the day after I arrived, and left the day after to Costa Rica.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>my boat</i></td></tr>
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<b>Rafting el Rio Chiriqui</b><br />
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Another good busy day, rafting at the border of Panama & Costa Rica, famous for their abundant watersheds rivers providing a great environment for white river rafting.<br />
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The day was fun and sporty, as with all the rain of the previous days, we were rafting on class 3+ runs, which I had not done before. Just a pity the group wasn't as fun as expected... 1 Dutch family and 2 40+ ladies... everyone was friendly but it could have been more fun!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>still quiet... not for long!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>the fun is starting! :)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wn3xZ3QvlKQ/UfkX9aDKFgI/AAAAAAAACBE/o9zktKX2Lsk/s1600/D98-99+Boquete+&+rafting+-+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wn3xZ3QvlKQ/UfkX9aDKFgI/AAAAAAAACBE/o9zktKX2Lsk/s400/D98-99+Boquete+&+rafting+-+12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>paddle harder he was saying</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"in your face"... ;)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Let's fly?</i></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-53004700965726035352013-07-09T12:00:00.000-07:002013-07-28T16:55:11.881-07:00Partying @ Bocas<br />
Well, what’s really special in Bocas beside the islands, beaches, jungles and surfing, is this cool, low-key and partying atmosphere made by the people passing by. Surprisingly, and in a good way, I had the feeling that most of the people I met would spend few weeks here… to learn Spanish, surf, or just relax, in a quite cheap and easy way to live by.<br />
So that brings a big advantage… after few days, I just start bumping anywhere into people you’d have met earlier, and given the town is small and the bars & restaurants offers limited, it is easy to make friends and go out.<br />
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<b>Baracuda</b><br />
1st place I went to, on my Sunday arrival, bupping into Americans at the hostels… Local “arty” exhibition coupled with a party… There was an electricity shutdown for 30mn, so we ended up in the dark and without music, but the party was still fun & late for a Sunday night!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qN_R_mbj2T0/UfLF812zZHI/AAAAAAAACAE/ej6MmQZQjcQ/s1600/b+D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qN_R_mbj2T0/UfLF812zZHI/AAAAAAAACAE/ej6MmQZQjcQ/s200/b+D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+010.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Barco Hundido</b><br />
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Ohlala… another infamous place of Bocas… a classic set-up with a wood deck over the sea, with a pool beside the bar, a boat wreck 2-3m down (thus the Spanish name ;) and very loud music.<br />
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A mix of latin & international music, and I have to say that while I had some great time there, the mix isn’t so great, and the DJ crying loudly in his microphone almost made me death few times.<br />
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<b>Aqualounge</b><br />
What amazingly good parties I spent there! As you have to take a boat to go there, and this is around pools… always went there at night without the iPhone, as the risk (or chance?) to go in the water was very high (and it always happened). Being a day-bar / beach-club too, the dance-floor is open-air, and the 1st party there we had a big storm. I had never danced like this under the rain, and it was so fun. After 2mn dancing you would just be completely soaked, could jumped in the sea, get rinced by the rain, then keep dancing and drinking… this doesn’t happen often, and clearly the 29°C water and air temperatures help to do this!<br />
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<b>Iguana</b><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vWCGBvkJ10s/UfLF0cNHvfI/AAAAAAAAB_U/xti0poSSHnM/s1600/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vWCGBvkJ10s/UfLF0cNHvfI/AAAAAAAAB_U/xti0poSSHnM/s320/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+015.jpg" width="320" /></a>Last bar on the main street (at least when you come from the Tungara base!), this is another good place over the waterfront to party.<br />
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It is quite famous for its regular ladies night, as well as for its on-going “iPhone robbed or falt in the sea”. We’re in Panama, let’ts not forget about it, so of course some locals are around and will try to benefit of all the wealth tourists / foreigners are carrying, even if you’re just a young backpacker.<br />
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The music mix there is great, it’s easy and very tempting to swim, and waitresses are very nice ☺.<br />
Many good parties of this Bocas time happened there, definitely missing it here now!<br />
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<b>The Bocas time</b><br />
So staying 2.5 weeks in a place I didn’t even know 3 weeks before to go there was not in the world-tour plan, but this combination of nice location, atmosphere, activities, and parties with friends made all the difference.<br />
Sleeping 2 weeks in the same bed has been such a relief that starting to be on the road again hasn’t been that easy… and that’s why I kind of wasted 3 days before to move to Boquete / Costa-Rica. I’ll for sure remember this great time, thanks to all the good friends or just 1h/1 evening / 1 day friendly persons met during this time<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-58682553411428607872013-07-07T17:23:00.000-07:002013-07-25T15:55:01.972-07:00Life's a beach @ BocasBocas being an archipelago of 9 islands and many tiny ones, although there is no direct beach in town, it is quite easy to reach one!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Local house... separate hut being the restrooms...</i></td></tr>
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<b><br />Houses on the coast and mangroves</b><br />
So as I had said in the 1st Bocas post, all the town waterfront is built up, and when you trip around the other islands, it's quite striking that most of the local houses are also built on the shores.<br />
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The houses look quite basic… but at the same time, it’s probably quite nice to live in those! At least you can quickly “shower” and have quite a view waking up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BD-akPFzPF4/Ue3OGASMSmI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/nNGhhxFUF98/s1600/D94+Red+Frog+beach+-+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BD-akPFzPF4/Ue3OGASMSmI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/nNGhhxFUF98/s320/D94+Red+Frog+beach+-+06.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Piers on the coast</i></td></tr>
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There are also boat piers all over, to access houses and island land.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aqualounge hostel over the water</i></td></tr>
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Then between the houses, or on the rest of the hundreds of coast, except the beaches, the forest is actually a mangrove directly dipping into the sea. </div>
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This provides great & original views, and is very enjoyable if you like nature. I am posting few pics below before to talk about the beaches ;)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Island & forest view from Carenero beach</td></tr>
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<b>Aqualounge beachclub</b></div>
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This is a place you hear about even before to set feet on Bocas… famous for its night parties, this hostels is right on the water, opposing the Bocas town, and has a deck with pools, swings and a tranpoline to enjoy the sun during the day… and have fun with the bar inside too ☺. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The deck & pools over the water</i></td></tr>
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Spent few afternoons there, as an easy getaway place after the Spanish lessons, accessible with just a 2mn / $1 boat ride… and even worked a bit my Spanish, amazingly!</div>
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<b>Carenero beach</b></div>
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Located 5mn from Bocas, and just in front of the “black rock” surfing spot, this small beach has nice views and is really a small sand patch along the mangrove coast. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Taxi boat waiting between Carenero beach & black rock surf spot</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A house on a pier</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Drinks at BB's after a tough beach afternoon</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pier to grab the boat to Red Frog</i></td></tr>
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<b>Red Frog beach</b><br />
With a 15mn boat-ride, you can get to the Bastimentos island, which host the Red Frog beach, where a real big white-sand beach welcomes you.<br />
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I went there Saturday July 6th.with a dozen of Bocas friends, relaxing under the sun, having fun in the big waves, and enjoying a non-pretentious but good lunch oveviewing the beach. Cannot complain, great afternoon! ;-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2yTTIJqwWs/Ue3OEUVbqFI/AAAAAAAAB8M/XuZBnU8g_xY/s1600/D94+Red+Frog+beach+-+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2yTTIJqwWs/Ue3OEUVbqFI/AAAAAAAAB8M/XuZBnU8g_xY/s320/D94+Red+Frog+beach+-+09.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Boat ride with the girls ;)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-48Kbr41cD4Q/Ue3OLkU_qRI/AAAAAAAAB80/OCWcXHD7wLo/s1600/D94+Red+Frog+beach+-+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-48Kbr41cD4Q/Ue3OLkU_qRI/AAAAAAAAB80/OCWcXHD7wLo/s320/D94+Red+Frog+beach+-+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fishermen in the middle of the bay</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i6sPYJPuWCU/Ue3OJfo16dI/AAAAAAAAB8k/Ct7WO8jFMGg/s1600/D94+Red+Frog+beach+-+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i6sPYJPuWCU/Ue3OJfo16dI/AAAAAAAAB8k/Ct7WO8jFMGg/s320/D94+Red+Frog+beach+-+21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Red Frog beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y_r38V9XIdw/Ue3OJmcG9YI/AAAAAAAAB8o/hMx_uI7cTwA/s1600/D94+Red+Frog+beach+-+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y_r38V9XIdw/Ue3OJmcG9YI/AAAAAAAAB8o/hMx_uI7cTwA/s320/D94+Red+Frog+beach+-+22.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Waves</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ijpUWV7Nm4/Ue3ONo38W1I/AAAAAAAAB88/Tb-bPYnjbTA/s1600/D94+Red+Frog+beach+-+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ijpUWV7Nm4/Ue3ONo38W1I/AAAAAAAAB88/Tb-bPYnjbTA/s320/D94+Red+Frog+beach+-+25.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Discussions under the shadow</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QPcZr3v7YHU/Ue3OVPlgeGI/AAAAAAAAB9U/Kg1JksPsfYA/s1600/D94+Red+Frog+beach+-+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QPcZr3v7YHU/Ue3OVPlgeGI/AAAAAAAAB9U/Kg1JksPsfYA/s320/D94+Red+Frog+beach+-+27.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Good chicken wraps with Marten</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-19YWY8qw41Y/Ue3OXucp9pI/AAAAAAAAB9c/XfVSGu8k3QE/s1600/D94+Red+Frog+beach+-+34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-19YWY8qw41Y/Ue3OXucp9pI/AAAAAAAAB9c/XfVSGu8k3QE/s320/D94+Red+Frog+beach+-+34.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sunset on Red Frog</i></td></tr>
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<b><i>Zapatilla beach<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acE0AkxlvIw/UfGp_aMtqnI/AAAAAAAAB-E/aVtu0U6bgXE/s1600/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acE0AkxlvIw/UfGp_aMtqnI/AAAAAAAAB-E/aVtu0U6bgXE/s320/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Zapatilla beach view</i></td></tr>
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Just as it wasn’t enough, the
archipelago also features 2 virgins islands, Zapatilla, where there is only
jungle, white-sand beach and turquoise water. Tough! This is located about 1h
away from town, so not an every day escapade, but the trip there through the
islands and the final location is worth the effort. </div>
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We’ve been there to escape a rainy Sunday (July 7<sup>th)</sup> in Bocas town, and
while it wasn’t a great blue-sky, being in a beautiful place like this with friends
just makes a great day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwRqCPZT9vc/UfGp-RaQ26I/AAAAAAAAB94/29hvzRVMRXk/s1600/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwRqCPZT9vc/UfGp-RaQ26I/AAAAAAAAB94/29hvzRVMRXk/s320/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Off the boat</i></td></tr>
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Arriving there, we hop off the boat then cross the jungle to
reach the bigger sand beach tip of the island.<br />
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I was barefoot, quite fun to
walk there like this… just don’t think to much about the spiders, snakes and
other stuffs probably crawling and creeping all around… ;-) Oh, and mosquito
are so crazy, barely entered they attack you like we were fresh meat (well, we
are actually), despite the repellent. </div>
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Then, we just lied down and enjoyed the beach, sun when it
popped up, and having fun doing pictures. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SI-j7EbKi6U/UfGqCvPYkTI/AAAAAAAAB-M/n__LSV5dujI/s1600/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SI-j7EbKi6U/UfGqCvPYkTI/AAAAAAAAB-M/n__LSV5dujI/s640/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+010.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The group & 2 strangers on the right ;)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T0K-hBigflA/UfGqHQugiyI/AAAAAAAAB-U/2aJrHyuiNr0/s1600/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T0K-hBigflA/UfGqHQugiyI/AAAAAAAAB-U/2aJrHyuiNr0/s640/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Amazing beach view</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DE0amvCOkI0/UfGqIEe8oJI/AAAAAAAAB-c/sdqlbHeFWRU/s1600/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DE0amvCOkI0/UfGqIEe8oJI/AAAAAAAAB-c/sdqlbHeFWRU/s640/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+014.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Walking in the jungle barefoot in boardshot</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjWiUMklMm0/UfGqLWJMsXI/AAAAAAAAB-o/lQqZ6y4hd0E/s1600/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjWiUMklMm0/UfGqLWJMsXI/AAAAAAAAB-o/lQqZ6y4hd0E/s640/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Girls in the forest</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TH39za8edDI/UfGqLC7rqjI/AAAAAAAAB-w/NrRVmaK9cAY/s1600/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TH39za8edDI/UfGqLC7rqjI/AAAAAAAAB-w/NrRVmaK9cAY/s640/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pelican and the sea</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B_WV6jivtuw/UfGqLFgHp4I/AAAAAAAAB-k/A_IpNEbMuio/s1600/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B_WV6jivtuw/UfGqLFgHp4I/AAAAAAAAB-k/A_IpNEbMuio/s640/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Alone on the beach tip...</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5ga91qrT14/UfGqPsnebBI/AAAAAAAAB_E/DNYfYly3ZLU/s1600/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5ga91qrT14/UfGqPsnebBI/AAAAAAAAB_E/DNYfYly3ZLU/s640/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+126.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me & the girls ;)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAsQQpJj5qU/UfGqOXwRAgI/AAAAAAAAB-8/tekgwVRrW14/s1600/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAsQQpJj5qU/UfGqOXwRAgI/AAAAAAAAB-8/tekgwVRrW14/s640/D95+Zapatilla+trip+-+186.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Trying to jump together... almost!</i></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-25059521530698853822013-07-03T08:32:00.000-07:002013-07-20T09:03:37.447-07:00Bocas del Toro: surfing & divingLife in Bocas is tough! Aside the daily Spanish studying, and every-night partying offer, you can also pack your days / afternoons with various activities, more or less relaxing. I have done 5 afternoons of surfing and 2 dives :-)<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--z_FppCqeU4/Ueqww82zcEI/AAAAAAAAB5U/mPnbiRZHbLM/s1600/a+D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--z_FppCqeU4/Ueqww82zcEI/AAAAAAAAB5U/mPnbiRZHbLM/s320/a+D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+127.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mono Loco surf school in Bocas</i></td></tr>
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<b>Surfing the Caribbean's</b><br />
Surprisingly (to me up to 1 month ago), there are good waves to surf here! A regular swell is created in the Caribbean sea, and then head on the Panama & Costa Rica shores creating good waves on various spots.<br />
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So after the short New-Zealand surfing experience, I decided to take few lessons here. With Mono Loco Surf, I go on the "black rock" spot which has reef waves, i.e. waves breaking few hundreds meters from the shore, with a rip tide on the sides, perfect to easily paddle up to the waves start and try again!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EwUJq2nFiVQ/UeqwmuBAy5I/AAAAAAAAB40/mMNnX_pDL40/s1600/a+D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EwUJq2nFiVQ/UeqwmuBAy5I/AAAAAAAAB40/mMNnX_pDL40/s320/a+D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+027.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The "black-rock" reef spot, between 2 islands</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdkWTcAEOZE/Ueqwv12lYMI/AAAAAAAAB5M/zZhPoe3o-IU/s1600/a+D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdkWTcAEOZE/Ueqwv12lYMI/AAAAAAAAB5M/zZhPoe3o-IU/s320/a+D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+134.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me & Luis, my instructor</i></td></tr>
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Great place to learn in a 29C warm water, I am happy to have improve over 2 weeks my beginner skills, as I can now better paddle, but mostly succeed (sometimes!) to pick waves before they break, which enables a much better surf than once they have broken and you "just" surf on the white-water pushing you forward.<br />
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Could also reduced the board size from 8.2ft down to 7.7ft, still big but already more feelings. A lot more to learn and practice, the art of reading the waves/swell is really important, in order to chose the right ones to spend efforts on, otherwise you get exhausted very quickly! And clearly, I don't have this art yet ;-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UpX4I1QhHbw/UeqwrLWQVgI/AAAAAAAAB5E/o445c076WEM/s1600/a+D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UpX4I1QhHbw/UeqwrLWQVgI/AAAAAAAAB5E/o445c076WEM/s320/a+D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+077.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Paki point waves & surfers</i></td></tr>
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Around Bocas, you can spot surfers on various spots, as here at Paki point, and of course you see many in town around the surf shops or just walking around with boards. I like this atmosphere.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHUNU5rfOMM/UeqwqKAyU5I/AAAAAAAAB48/IyaSmwLe6e4/s1600/a+D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHUNU5rfOMM/UeqwqKAyU5I/AAAAAAAAB48/IyaSmwLe6e4/s200/a+D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+079.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Surfer at paki point</i></td></tr>
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Bocas is a good spot to know, particularly if you want to begin with this sport. The reef waves are more gentles as you can use rip tides to help paddling up the waves on their sides. Very big advantage vs. beach waves, as I verified it a bit later in Costa Rica!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVBarForw3Q/UeqwjgGoHPI/AAAAAAAAB4c/FOjOHnrkN34/s1600/D85+Diving+@+Bocas+-+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVBarForw3Q/UeqwjgGoHPI/AAAAAAAAB4c/FOjOHnrkN34/s200/D85+Diving+@+Bocas+-+04.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>a big starfish</i></td></tr>
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<b>Diving in Bocas</b></div>
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Here it's the reverse... I was clearly expecting great diving as being in the Caribbean's, and finally, while it has just been good, I thought it could be more amazing. Ok, just did 2 dives during a cloudy afternoon, so cannot really speak for truth... and I was in Thailand or the Great Barrier Reef few weeks before, being spoilt as a RTW-traveler may increase my expectations! </div>
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The 1st dive happened around a wreck, and although we could not enter this sunk-boat, it was nice seeing how the corals and all the fish invaded the space in few dozen years. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkUzXeYgSEg/UeqwgnlaVOI/AAAAAAAAB4E/GIdCwINcRVI/s1600/D85+Diving+@+Bocas+-+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkUzXeYgSEg/UeqwgnlaVOI/AAAAAAAAB4E/GIdCwINcRVI/s320/D85+Diving+@+Bocas+-+10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me in front of the wreck</i></td></tr>
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All around, the corals were quite developed I found, with quite some colors. Also saw few nice fishes, as those 3 lion-fishes together... I completely failed the picture so I cannot show them, but was great to observe them.<br />
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I've heard later than there few other great spots to dive around, with much more fishes and colorful corals to do, so if you are here, check well the diving school and daily destinations before you go! (Red Frog is said to be much nicer)<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-24767868215272507452013-06-28T23:58:00.000-07:002013-07-17T15:09:21.372-07:00Bocas del Toro: Spanish under the sun :)How to talk about Bocas del Toro? That is something I am thinking about since 1-2 weeks, and can't get to finish this blog post. I decided I will do 3 posts about this 2.5 weeks time there: on my Spanish lessons and the village/surroundings; on the sports/island beaches time; and of course, on the friends & party time :)<br />
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3 weeks before to head to the archipelagos of Bocas del Toro (West Caribbean side of Panama), I didn't even know it was existing! Originally, I was planning to spend about 2-3 weeks in Costa Rica to learn Spanish and tour the country, before to spend 10 days in Panama then head to Peru. Finally, I spent almost 4 weeks in Panama, out of which 2.5 in Bocas del Toro!<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cf_5Ap23oBc/UeZOENPUhQI/AAAAAAAABz8/xkP_dhEIi9U/s1600/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cf_5Ap23oBc/UeZOENPUhQI/AAAAAAAABz8/xkP_dhEIi9U/s320/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+001.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<b>So what's special to Bocas del Toro?</b> Well, nothing really and at the same time... this little, laid-back village with a very relaxed atmosphere has been a great place to cool down after 3 months of intense travel, never sleeping more than 4 nights in the same place.<br />
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<i>Note: about traveling, I've started to draft a post about some travel thoughts and tips, got some questions about those, and would anyhow like to lie down my thoughts and feelings ;-)</i><br />
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They key reason I choose Bocas: I was looking for a Spanish school, where I could also have a beach around and be able to learn surf. The conditions here were gathered, so here I come.<br />
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<i>PS: as an "secondary" point, it was also said to be a party/backpackers place...</i><br />
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<b>Habla Ya! Spanish school. </b><br />
Arriving Sunday June 23rd end afternoon, I got school starting at 8am on Monday! Wow, knowing I'll have a "fix schedule" for 2 weeks is quite a strange feeling, had forgot about this! ;-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQCvMdrKimA/UeZODi8VX6I/AAAAAAAABzs/atTdgGmT7RQ/s1600/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQCvMdrKimA/UeZODi8VX6I/AAAAAAAABzs/atTdgGmT7RQ/s320/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Habla Ya! school's front with my 1st teacher, Gilberto</i></td></tr>
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The school is really nice, the atmosphere serious but relaxed and welcoming. Teachers are locals who barely speak a word of English... very good!<br />
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Other students are mostly a mix of Americans/Canadians/Europeans, from 18 to 35 years old, perfect to quickly make friends!<br />
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After 2 days of 4 hours morning group lessons, I feel my Spanish basics are coming back a little bit, and I am really happy to improve them and getting a 3rd language back into my mind.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FqTAccLop8/UeZODjvIT1I/AAAAAAAABzw/1gsQ5B694Dg/s1600/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FqTAccLop8/UeZODjvIT1I/AAAAAAAABzw/1gsQ5B694Dg/s320/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+003.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2 books I've been reading a lot these last weeks...</i></td></tr>
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After 4 months without work... it feels good to use the brain again! I know, as you're probably working as crazy everyday, you may not be able to imagine, but really, it was great starting a new challenge to learn Spanish, and I am still working actively on it!<br />
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On the beach or around a pool, true, but I'll keep studying by my own in the next weeks, for sure!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzuSoT_x67Y/UeZOVThDxII/AAAAAAAAB3U/jqxZrPxzwnM/s1600/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzuSoT_x67Y/UeZOVThDxII/AAAAAAAAB3U/jqxZrPxzwnM/s320/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+104.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me, studying on the beach :-)</i></td></tr>
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<b>Bocas del Toro village</b><br />
Strangely, as I quickly notice the 1st day, there is no beach in Bocas town, while we are on a Caribbean island in the middle of an archipelago.They have built houses / hotels all over the waterfront, with boat piers everywhere.<br />
What the f*** would you tell me? Yes, it's what I thought too, and after all nice places visited, it was somehow disappointing... but the reasons are cultural and historic (I've been said): this part of the Caribbean being protected from storms and floodings, locals built their houses above the water on waterfronts. Ok, fine then, and it's anyhow very easy and quick to reach nice beaches 5-10mn away :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tChgoWMtbc4/UeZOI9kYhaI/AAAAAAAAB08/XtaZYNWcnZ0/s1600/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tChgoWMtbc4/UeZOI9kYhaI/AAAAAAAAB08/XtaZYNWcnZ0/s320/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+056.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Tungara hostel base :-)</i></td></tr>
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The village itself is quite nice, with many Caribeean style colorful houses. Although it has the classic "developing country" destroyed roads, dirty sidewalks and trashes everywhere, it is charming!<br />
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You can walk across the village in about 10mn, so very convenient. There are many restaurants & bars, as well as hotels & hostels spread over the main street, where there is always some atmosphere and people walking by day & night.<br />
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So while it doesn't strike out as a "paradise on earth" type of place at 1st view, the combination of easy life, cool people, vibrant nightlife, and a Caribbean's environment have definitely been making Bocas a great place for me :-). To learn Spanish, surf, making good friends or party, I can only recommend you stay there a bit!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TPDZSJUsPRQ/UeZOL6ugGOI/AAAAAAAAB1c/i95cCwbGtqA/s1600/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TPDZSJUsPRQ/UeZOL6ugGOI/AAAAAAAAB1c/i95cCwbGtqA/s640/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+058.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Parc</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xx4DtUb1pFo/UeZOKdbWLKI/AAAAAAAAB1M/4orzmmE-KZU/s1600/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xx4DtUb1pFo/UeZOKdbWLKI/AAAAAAAAB1M/4orzmmE-KZU/s640/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+061.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Main street</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2psBg7VsgVg/UeZOLSjQcYI/AAAAAAAAB1U/yKa-1WdwXH0/s1600/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2psBg7VsgVg/UeZOLSjQcYI/AAAAAAAAB1U/yKa-1WdwXH0/s640/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+063.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Secondary street</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5cI3h0uuBw/UeZONZHvKsI/AAAAAAAAB1w/VxqMmyzTM_M/s1600/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5cI3h0uuBw/UeZONZHvKsI/AAAAAAAAB1w/VxqMmyzTM_M/s640/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+065.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My hotel street</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN93uwLDucU/UeZONHOavJI/AAAAAAAAB1k/fY6qoTfADDE/s1600/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN93uwLDucU/UeZONHOavJI/AAAAAAAAB1k/fY6qoTfADDE/s640/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+066.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The street to the infamous Barco Hundido</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXF60wbjt0w/UeZONLtRk5I/AAAAAAAAB1o/nzb-3cP7NY4/s1600/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXF60wbjt0w/UeZONLtRk5I/AAAAAAAAB1o/nzb-3cP7NY4/s640/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+068.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Other island view... with the Aqualounge bar/club</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zcptII2m3hY/UeZOYOqEXfI/AAAAAAAAB3k/EgGnybyKikk/s1600/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zcptII2m3hY/UeZOYOqEXfI/AAAAAAAAB3k/EgGnybyKikk/s640/D82-97+Bocas+del+Toro+-+130.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My base for 2 weeks, same room & bed, wow!!!</i></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Bocas del Toro District, Panama9.3409050866576546 -82.2408843040466319.338946586657654 -82.243405804046631 9.3428635866576553 -82.238362804046631tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-29320810264295699142013-06-21T22:40:00.000-07:002013-07-14T21:02:02.781-07:00Linking Pacific & Atlantic oceans: the Panama Canal<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWx06Ge52yQ/UeNpMklMcwI/AAAAAAAAByc/tISmpMmD-w8/s1600/D77+Panama+Canal+-+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWx06Ge52yQ/UeNpMklMcwI/AAAAAAAAByc/tISmpMmD-w8/s200/D77+Panama+Canal+-+01.jpg" width="200" /></a>Who hasn't heard about the Panama canal? From what I remember, even at elementary school we are taught about this engineering monster finished early XXth century, which enabled economic growth of the US and Americas.<br />
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As I learnt afterwards, it is possible to cross the canal with a small boat, and if you have time, you could even do it for free, pending you have few days/weeks to wait a sailing boat is looking for someone to pass by with.<br />
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I have done the simple visit though, i.e. going to the<b> Miraflores locks</b>, located 15 km from Panama city, and so the Pacific entrance of the canal. That day, again, the sun wasn't really of the party, at least when I was looking at the gates... so my pics miss light, but ok, they should still give fair views.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ADGqYIknVTo/UeNo2QffoGI/AAAAAAAABxs/91Z_YO2NZ64/s1600/D77+Panama+Canal+-+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ADGqYIknVTo/UeNo2QffoGI/AAAAAAAABxs/91Z_YO2NZ64/s320/D77+Panama+Canal+-+04.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>1st view of the Miraflors lock</i></td></tr>
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Strangely, the 1st impression when I arrived was "oh, that is <i>just</i> that?".<br />
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Basically, I was looking at gates with 2 chambers, enabling the boats to go down or up, pending the direction, by 16.5m.<br />
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These are the 1st or last step to cross the 77 km isthmus of Panama, which usually takes 24h. Cost is said to be $100,000 for a loaded large vessel, wow!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHvZ1y2OLac/UeNo-UvaPHI/AAAAAAAABx8/IlwhWTvZuCw/s1600/D77+Panama+Canal+-+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHvZ1y2OLac/UeNo-UvaPHI/AAAAAAAABx8/IlwhWTvZuCw/s320/D77+Panama+Canal+-+09.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Russian ship just after the gates, going to Pacific</i></td></tr>
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A Russian ship had just passed, and it was not that full and big.<br />
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Still, the view of the vessel's back trapped on the edges of the canal edges, started to be impressive. They really use the max of this 33.5m width!<br />
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Specific captains from the Canal's company do "drive" the boats crossing, I can understand why.<br />
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<b>But then the big shit came.</b> I mean, sorry, another vessel, fully loaded and really big. the CMA GGN King Fish". Oh My God.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQ8iyzQNLnw/UeNpDPn7jaI/AAAAAAAAByE/05UA4HLmvIA/s1600/D77+Panama+Canal+-+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQ8iyzQNLnw/UeNpDPn7jaI/AAAAAAAAByE/05UA4HLmvIA/s320/D77+Panama+Canal+-+15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vessel arriving from the Gatun lake to</i></td></tr>
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Yes, when you see this vessel, 294m long and 32m, loaded with almost 1,000 containers, weighting close to 54,000 tons... being moved down in the pre-chamber before to cross the gates, and maneuvrated in this very thin water corridor... That is<i> f%&§*</i> impressive!!<br />
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Or may be that is the engineer part of me expressing itself, but after almost turning my feet back to the taxi after 10mn, I finally stayed there 2h looking at those Miraflores gates, and looking at a 3rd vessel passing through.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMyQXzjCR5Y/UeNpGxYYCzI/AAAAAAAAByM/hS5eWkBgzCc/s1600/D77+Panama+Canal+-+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMyQXzjCR5Y/UeNpGxYYCzI/AAAAAAAAByM/hS5eWkBgzCc/s320/D77+Panama+Canal+-+16.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gates view with vessel arriving<br />Check the water flow created from the boat in the chamber!</i></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4JdMkx7CgA/UeNpMD3-8MI/AAAAAAAAByU/G6QRSy1RVp8/s1600/D77+Panama+Canal+-+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4JdMkx7CgA/UeNpMD3-8MI/AAAAAAAAByU/G6QRSy1RVp8/s320/D77+Panama+Canal+-+22.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Slowly, the boat is lowered in the chamber</i></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dWYVo1VmbnY/UeNpSHbIfqI/AAAAAAAABys/scokwxfVnJU/s1600/D77+Panama+Canal+-+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dWYVo1VmbnY/UeNpSHbIfqI/AAAAAAAABys/scokwxfVnJU/s320/D77+Panama+Canal+-+25.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Then cross the gates. Smile! ;)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyeQKWQNpxE/UeNpa3-xsQI/AAAAAAAABzM/ce14VgBVpAI/s1600/D77+Panama+Canal+-+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyeQKWQNpxE/UeNpa3-xsQI/AAAAAAAABzM/ce14VgBVpAI/s320/D77+Panama+Canal+-+26.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Train locomotives help to guide the boath through the gates</i></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4-X9qG2v6c/UeNpUHALdqI/AAAAAAAABy0/MDy7ksELna0/s1600/D77+Panama+Canal+-+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4-X9qG2v6c/UeNpUHALdqI/AAAAAAAABy0/MDy7ksELna0/s320/D77+Panama+Canal+-+29.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The impressive vessel... so huge, about 80 containers per row,<br />and I counted 12 rows!!</i></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After this time along the canal, a small museum gives insights on the construction and the role of the Canal. Interesting, as indeed a good part of what we consume everyday or electronics/clothes/food we buy has somehow probably transited by the canal, or at least some parts. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3DAwLPGe8U8/UeNpV9Z3p2I/AAAAAAAABy8/0433w7kZ2wE/s1600/D77+Panama+Canal+-+31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3DAwLPGe8U8/UeNpV9Z3p2I/AAAAAAAABy8/0433w7kZ2wE/s320/D77+Panama+Canal+-+31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNju8wEerv0/UeNpZbrP1FI/AAAAAAAABzE/j2AxTvT_1yQ/s1600/D77+Panama+Canal+-+34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNju8wEerv0/UeNpZbrP1FI/AAAAAAAABzE/j2AxTvT_1yQ/s320/D77+Panama+Canal+-+34.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A pic of a frame showing well how the canal works</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYxh7xWg2l8/UeNpmQWWHNI/AAAAAAAABzU/eYY1NA6CJIk/s1600/D77+Panama+Canal+-+36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYxh7xWg2l8/UeNpmQWWHNI/AAAAAAAABzU/eYY1NA6CJIk/s320/D77+Panama+Canal+-+36.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Video view from a vessel's cabin</i> </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ38q5vRAH8/UeNpomdCS-I/AAAAAAAABzc/rAdOPaCuy-A/s1600/D77+Panama+Canal+-+37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ38q5vRAH8/UeNpomdCS-I/AAAAAAAABzc/rAdOPaCuy-A/s320/D77+Panama+Canal+-+37.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Canal's business and routes around the world</i></td></tr>
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<b><i>How the Canal works? (wiki)</i></b><br />
If you are interested, check the following link!<br />
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama_Canal<br />
<i>The Panama Canal (Spanish: Canal de Panamá) is a 48-mile (77.1 km) ship canal in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean (via the Caribbean Sea) to the Pacific Ocean. The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a key conduit for international maritime trade. There are locks at each end to lift ships up to Gatun Lake (85 feet (26 m) above sea-level). Gatun Lake was created to reduce the amount of work required for the canal. The current locks are 110 feet (33.5 m) wide. A third, wider lane of locks is being built.</i><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188049474226798759.post-62224516713320492602013-06-20T20:30:00.000-07:002013-07-12T22:38:05.806-07:00The center of Americas: Panama City<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j4EW8u-IVoc/UeDgh4NidjI/AAAAAAAABvU/p_clyMfTME0/s1600/D76-79+Panama+City+-+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j4EW8u-IVoc/UeDgh4NidjI/AAAAAAAABvU/p_clyMfTME0/s320/D76-79+Panama+City+-+01.jpg" width="320" /></a>What a surprise after 46h of travel! It looks like I am back in Dubai!!<br />
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Haha, yes, really the first views of Panama City from the plane are made of tall, white with glass-facades skyscrapers, aligned along the waterfront, just behind the Canal entrance. I was clearly not expecting this, and this is not just few towers, there are many.<br />
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I will spend about 5 days here with some P&G friends (Ana & Tania), to relax and discover a bit this city in the middle of the Americas.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_FYMZXI44nQ/UeDgiecYu5I/AAAAAAAABvg/P7OcRYZll_M/s1600/D76-79+Panama+City+-+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_FYMZXI44nQ/UeDgiecYu5I/AAAAAAAABvg/P7OcRYZll_M/s320/D76-79+Panama+City+-+07.jpg" width="320" /></a>I slept most of Tuesday, to catch up from this long travel across the Pacific, and was delighted to enjoy at night few Ceviches (raw seafood dishes with various sauces & spices) with Ana and her friends, in a great peruvian restaurant. This will be a pick for the next months to come, clearly!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HFafc2qooqM/UeDgiGTMkRI/AAAAAAAABvY/6Rtonbwfbb4/s1600/D76-79+Panama+City+-+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HFafc2qooqM/UeDgiGTMkRI/AAAAAAAABvY/6Rtonbwfbb4/s320/D76-79+Panama+City+-+08.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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On Wednesday 19th of June morning, time to move and discover the area. From Ana's flat on the 38th floor, the city's views are as expected from the plane, like Dubai or Singapore: tall towers all around laid along the waterfront.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIGYS13GflQ/UeDglkPOQ4I/AAAAAAAABwA/ylyBocF2ueI/s1600/D76-79+Panama+City+-+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIGYS13GflQ/UeDglkPOQ4I/AAAAAAAABwA/ylyBocF2ueI/s320/D76-79+Panama+City+-+09.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Ok, though very different from Europeans cities, nothing special for "new emerging cities" I would say, it unfortunately looks like now a recurring theme around the world... architects should stop designing standardized buildings!<br />
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So the key city area to discover, is the <b>Casco Viejo, or Old Town</b>. Indeed, located on 1 of Panama's bay tips, Panama's old quarter features many architectural styles, from Spanish colonial buildings to French and Antillean townhouses built during the construction of the Panama Canal. I was visiting while the tropical weather decided to be wet and stormy, so not much light for pictures...<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcSY108B-Cg/UeDgjZZn_4I/AAAAAAAABvs/Rd1zeen5hUg/s1600/D76-79+Panama+City+-+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcSY108B-Cg/UeDgjZZn_4I/AAAAAAAABvs/Rd1zeen5hUg/s320/D76-79+Panama+City+-+12.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Plaza Francia & the France consulate ;-)</i></td></tr>
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The area is nice, and will be even more in about 1 year, as actually almost every street and buildings are in renovation.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RePO0-fRVFw/UeDglhvvfGI/AAAAAAAABv0/BZtNwHx053k/s1600/D76-79+Panama+City+-+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RePO0-fRVFw/UeDglhvvfGI/AAAAAAAABv0/BZtNwHx053k/s320/D76-79+Panama+City+-+14.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Walking across the small streets of this quarter feels like you are in Spain, with a mix of Carribean influences. And because we are on the tip of the bay, on the opposite, the modern city of Panama rises up, showing its glorious buildings and skyline.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xXBQ7mS1A3U/UeDgl3SUJLI/AAAAAAAABv4/_HmwKuzPSRE/s1600/D76-79+Panama+City+-+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xXBQ7mS1A3U/UeDgl3SUJLI/AAAAAAAABv4/_HmwKuzPSRE/s320/D76-79+Panama+City+-+15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Panama skyline... with a big storm coming!</i></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--AH75TWDr60/UeDgotQ5VXI/AAAAAAAABwU/r6QHw1tCFrc/s1600/D76-79+Panama+City+-+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--AH75TWDr60/UeDgotQ5VXI/AAAAAAAABwU/r6QHw1tCFrc/s320/D76-79+Panama+City+-+17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ruins & skyline behind</i></td></tr>
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Some ancient building ruins remain, emerging here and there... they are trying to preserve and restore them, it should really be great in few years.<br />
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I'll have to come back with more sun and once all constructions / renovations work are done, this will be much better and easier to frame! But so far, posting few pics of the area:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fkeNTp1ecWY/UeDguFX1hVI/AAAAAAAABxA/UU4ufciQsh4/s1600/D76-79+Panama+City+-+37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fkeNTp1ecWY/UeDguFX1hVI/AAAAAAAABxA/UU4ufciQsh4/s320/D76-79+Panama+City+-+37.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>An old church ruins</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uOf_3B9vkHM/UeDgnxu7dDI/AAAAAAAABwM/rvhXhqa6Ovw/s1600/D76-79+Panama+City+-+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uOf_3B9vkHM/UeDgnxu7dDI/AAAAAAAABwM/rvhXhqa6Ovw/s320/D76-79+Panama+City+-+20.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Street view</i></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CgWIWk_99wU/UeDgpBOutqI/AAAAAAAABwY/e6FLzPiRLu4/s1600/D76-79+Panama+City+-+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CgWIWk_99wU/UeDgpBOutqI/AAAAAAAABwY/e6FLzPiRLu4/s320/D76-79+Panama+City+-+24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zia5XAP6UMQ/UeDgqkvkl0I/AAAAAAAABwk/gjsuHhQ_Qyk/s1600/D76-79+Panama+City+-+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zia5XAP6UMQ/UeDgqkvkl0I/AAAAAAAABwk/gjsuHhQ_Qyk/s320/D76-79+Panama+City+-+26.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Palacio Bolivar</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbPwvFp6lac/UeDgtrtF8DI/AAAAAAAABw0/CazijBZVJTg/s1600/D76-79+Panama+City+-+32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbPwvFp6lac/UeDgtrtF8DI/AAAAAAAABw0/CazijBZVJTg/s320/D76-79+Panama+City+-+32.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Iglesia Catedral (that is the name!)</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3A4EZoT_VFQ/UeDgq3ryhQI/AAAAAAAABwo/jZhFmEgwmj8/s1600/D76-79+Panama+City+-+35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3A4EZoT_VFQ/UeDgq3ryhQI/AAAAAAAABwo/jZhFmEgwmj8/s320/D76-79+Panama+City+-+35.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Street paintings</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8eTQ_vOC_rw/UeDgt1FKrbI/AAAAAAAABw4/9uW86qvrRNY/s1600/D76-79+Panama+City+-+39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8eTQ_vOC_rw/UeDgt1FKrbI/AAAAAAAABw4/9uW86qvrRNY/s320/D76-79+Panama+City+-+39.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Colorful colonial house</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BI97f0aOaIo/UeDgwdv5LAI/AAAAAAAABxM/N1JjfM1oit0/s1600/D76-79+Panama+City+-+47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BI97f0aOaIo/UeDgwdv5LAI/AAAAAAAABxM/N1JjfM1oit0/s320/D76-79+Panama+City+-+47.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Colorful colonial houses</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LtJLeH5WIpE/UeDgwX65T5I/AAAAAAAABxQ/Ua7FgX4UILM/s1600/D76-79+Panama+City+-+49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LtJLeH5WIpE/UeDgwX65T5I/AAAAAAAABxQ/Ua7FgX4UILM/s320/D76-79+Panama+City+-+49.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>City skyline view</i></td></tr>
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From Tania's place, North of the city at Costa del Este, we can see the other side of the skyline... and also the mangrove type shores Panama has been built on, and which still makes most of the country's shores. <br />
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