Destination - the world

Just the beginning

marcia — Wed, 7 Nov 2007 18:07:00 GMT

Well, I'm back home in the UK but it's just the beginning of many more travelling adventures. Thanks for all your comments and for reading my blogs y'all. It was great to 'hear your voices' while I have been away.

New York City was New York City...so much hussle and bustle, bright lights, people everywhere, noise, noise and more noise. A few words to describe NYC highlights

Times Square - bright!

Broadway Show, the Colour Purple - wonderful song, beautiful adaptation, moving performances with humour, grace and brilliance.

Empire State Building - great views

Helicopter ride over Manhatten - even better views (I got to sit right at teh front with the pilot..yeah)

Breakfast at Pershing Square (Grand Central Station) - great atmosphere

Blue Note Jazz Club - mellow and sweet. Jimmy Sommers and his band were excellent..must get his CD.

Well, that's New York...fasinating city...must go back to do more (includng more of Greenwich Village)

So as I said, this trip South America 2007 was only the beginning of "destination the world' for me. I've most definitely got the travel bug, perhaps it had been lying dormant...it is howver, very much awake now. Where next wonder? thinking, perhaps Borneo as I loved the jungle; or back to Peru to do the Inca trail with Martin (the ANdes...wow!) or perhaps it will be safari in Tanzania...??

Well, I'll let you know where next, perhaps you'll like to join me...

This experience of travel taught me more about myself, my likes dislikes etc etc. I discovered that I loved the jungle - the feel of being outside...from the sounds of the animals, the rain, the trees to the animals 'hiding' from you or those paying you a visit in the middle of the night...I even loved the feel of the heat adn humidity, even if I had to have a cold shower 3 times a day.

I found that I am so...a people person. I loved meeting people, adn finding out a little about them, to the point where some of teh friends I made joked with me that I was on some kind of mission to meet the world. Perhaps I am. I can quite easily list the people I met, and tell you about them...why? becaus, people are so very interesting, some more interesting than others, some a little strange and many very nice people.

A big hug goes to Sandy and Wendy...who were fab...love you guys.

Anyway, I could go on and bore about the benefits and excitment of travelling...but I'll put some anecdotes with my photos instead. I will upload them (now I have easy means) and direct you to them.

Thanks again for travelling with me.

Love

Marcie

xxx

Interesting boat trip in Buzios

marcia — Thu, 1 Nov 2007 11:15:00 GMT

You'd think ...nothing of real interest or excitment could happen on boat trip hopping over to different coves and beaches enjoying the sunshine and the ciaprinhas. Well, as it turns out I became the excitement folloing our last beach stop. Beach good, water good, sunshine good...but on boat back I was not so good. I passed out, bikini clad and ended up being laid down on the deck with feet up on a bench, coming round to see two Argentinian guys, and a Margaret (of Stuart and Margaret from Toulouse, originally from Kent) staring down at me, askingme if I was OK. I was OK, but one of teh Arginitian chaps was a Dr on vacation with his family,insisted I stayed down with legs elevated..not the most elegant of poses I must say.

Managed to get to port, then onto a bus to the restaurant, but I didn't make it there, instead I ended up fainting a couple more times on road and being taken to the hospital. The hospital being kind of concrete prota cabin. I was eventually seen, my Spanish guided (who spoke no English) explained something (not quite sure what) and I was not exactly processed or triaged. Anyway sawa Dr who spoke some English who explained tat I had had some kind of reaction to a virus...as I was sweating and feverish...but also dehydrated. Anyway I was put on a drip sitting in a small corridor area with the other 5 dehydrated women that day... I good with needle, giving blood etc, but even I conceded the needle was big..The drip was secured witha huge piece of plaster tape and I was left to get on with my bag of glucose for an hour...felt fine afterwards.

Got back to hotel in cab had a nap...and I was right as rain. bit weird the whole reaction, not sure waht I had eaten or drank.. Thank you to Margarent and Stuar for the care and support..really very nice people.!!

ANyway..I'm now off to Times Square, as you may have realised I am now in the big apple with the love of my life...Mr. Buxton.

I'll tell you about my culture shock..when I next right.

Have a nice day

Marcie

Seductive Rio

marcia — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 01:37:00 GMT

Rio is indeed a seductive and compelling city. I arrived on a wet cloudy day...unusla for this time of year...but still warm.

I was there for a few short days but captivated by the culture...life is a beach for some...life is the favelas for others. There is such a diversity within that culture...the wealthy on Ipanema beach, the mass of tourists with pickpockets abounding on Copacabana beach enjoying volleyball, the warm waters and Agua do Coco (coconut water). Then there are the street children...canny, beautiful, happy, sad, poor.

The areas of Santa Theresa and Lapa captures the Boho spirit and the mucis and dance (Bova Nossa).

What did I do? Did the touristy thing...Christ redeemer stautue, Sugar Loaf, and a Samba show.

Spectacular views over the city on the mountain but I had been to the Andes which was had taken my breath away.

The highlight for me was dancing Samba with one of the performers of the show. Fabulous. Next time, when I´m back...I´m off to Lapa for the Samba schools, anyone interested?

More on Rio another time. Now in Buzios a captivating, beautiful town on the coast..its hot hot hot...and I now will enjoy lazing about on the beach for a few days...lovely. Breakfast for me up to now has been between 5am and 7.00am...today, didn´t have brekkie until 9.30am in this luxurious hotel. Off to the beach now and back for my massage in the Spa aren´t I the lucky one.

BUT I confess, I miss, really miss the Jungle...how about that!!

Chow

Marcie

Of parrots and caimans

marcia — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:06:00 GMT

So...I´m back from the jungle, writing this journal in the VIP lounge ( a very nice one too) in Lima - Lucky me.

My apolgies for no communication over the last three days - there was no electicity or reception for molbiles...we were in the jungle after all.

This part of my trip will have to be the absolute highlight of Peru.

The lodge was set in the dense forest 2 -3 hours up river Tampabota in the Peruvian Amazon basin and large structure of 35 rooms all without windows or walls for that mattter open to the actual jungle. I have some photos and a mini movie of teh sunds of the jungle to post for you to get a little glimpse of what is was like. The rooms were lit by candles and there was only cold water for showers...but who needs a hot shower, it was very hot and humid, meaning that on a single day you could shower 4 or 5 times.

I was initially witha group of very lovely people ...Indian born, but living in La for the last 30 years...but they took ´high maintenance to a whole new level. They were in shock, complained and exclaimed the following (often)..

a) the bugs..¨why are there so many bugs, I would enjoy it more if there were no bugs´

b) the amenities...´What no electiticty, I expected a 5 star lodge with at leastbteh basic amenties...whereever you go in the world you have electricty´

c)the activites...Óh no, 5am is too early to get up and see the parrot clay lick, especially if it means a 3 hour boat ride! Slept all day most days..we just want to rest. (basically

d) The wildlife....´we expected the animals and birds right around us here..like on the discovery channel. I didn´t expect to wait hours to see anything´.

e) the room...´what ! no hot water, hoe can I wash my hair´´

f) wildlife again...Áre there snakes in the jungle?...do these bugs sting?... AAHHH is that a jumping frog? Is it poisonous?

Ahhh you hear my cry...save me please someone take me away! You had to be there to see and hear the comments...´Hello, will someone please tell them it´s jungle as in wildlife, flora and bugs¨! even poisonous snakes!

Although I got on with them...I was crying out to have my adventure experience...fortunately my guide had it all susssed and arranged for

a) me to join their football game..guides v the stff (0-8 the score). So I got to meet staff and workers.. a little off the tourist plane. Another guest even thought I had worked at the lodge... so I really settled in.

B) to join another group with friends I had previously made for activities such as hiking, night walk, etc

So despite managing ´lovely, high maintenance Amercians without going crazy (thank you Jesus)...here are some highlights...the wildlife I saw and what I got up to

Toucan

cormorant

parraots

Red Macraw

Otehr birds...I can´t remember all their names.

A large black caiman (crocdile family) whilst out pirahna fishing!

small balck poisonous frogs

tree frog

lizards

Bats in my room..most irriatting as they wake you up in the middle of teh night when flying in and out of rooms.

A 500 yr tree - iron wood, I think is the English name

medicinal planst

A fruit farm...I tried fruits I hadn´t evne heard of.

...and other amazing creatures and flora I either cannmot remembe or pronounce.

The best highlight was lat night on a night hike and boat trip looking for caiman. We found at least 4 or 5...of both black caiman and white caimen. The guide with us treated us and caught a small caiman..for us to pet..absolutly amazing. (he was not supposed to do that really..but it was quite a thrill)

I´m now awaiting my flight to Buenos Aires..then onto Rio. I´ll check in over next few days. There is so much more to tell...

Adios...until Rio

Love Marcie

So onto the Jungle

marcia — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:36:00 GMT

HI all,

I´m at the airport Pueto Malelonda..on my way to the Peruvian Amazon basin...bit tired and would you belive it there is less baggage allowance and so I had to pay excess...$9...pooh.

Well yesterday was another fabulous day travelling around the Machhu Picchu area...I awoke to to the wonderful smells of tropical gardens outside my hotel room, had a massage in the Spa and then jumped on the bus up to Machhu Pichhu. Poor old me!!

Anyway..It seems I do enjoy meeting new people its ben very interesting, exciting to meet so many different people from across the globe. There is only on concensus...not many nations really like Americans, including some Americans themselves!.

Enjoyed a trek acorss Machuu Picchu, again..not as vertigo inducing as my trek to the inca trail..but good just the same. I didn´´t get to go up to Wayna Picchu..because it had rained the night before and it was too wet to go when I had the time.

I have met a great number of people an become friends with many...

Yesterday´s social network included...

Andreas..a German working for a cig company in Mexico City taking a wekkend break in Machhu Picchu

Mr no-name America...at on a day trip to Macchu Picchu...What´s that about!!

Wendy and Sandy...who I may have mentioned before..grat companions. I will meet up with them again in the jungle.

Annete & John from Melbourne, who attempted the see the inka bridge...but too nervous.

Two great Irish guys..the tall chap (i didn´t get his name) was having Hallucinations from too much coca tea!!

Penny & Rod, who I climed to the inka bridge with

and others...one rather grumpy American chap...didn´t appreciat me saying hi, how y´doing?

ooops that´s the call for my flight.

Adios

Marci

So much to tell!!

marcia — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 11:04:00 GMT

I need to tell all about my adventures at of Machhu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

Some detail is required but will fill in the blanks over the next few days.

So today..I´m in fantastic hotel...must recommned it The Inkaterra in Agua Calenties, the nearsest village to Macchu Picchu...I got an upgrad on my room..hurrah!...I have a graden and an open fire...lovely.

I have just crossed the railway line to use the internet terminals...nothing to worry about.trains come about every hour and its only a few paces across.

So to be breif...did a set tour this morning around the ruins at Macchu picchu, which is one of the newest 7 wonders of the world....very informative guide who has written 5 books.

Then I trekked up to the ínka bridge´...great trek, hiked with a couple from Adelaide...Penny & Rob. What a glorous view. I have taken so many pictures they simply won´t fit on my USB memory stick.

I have yet to decide which was the best view. At the end of a tiring day..I simply sat on top of one of thee many teraaces and took in the views..not taking photos, not talking to others, not moving..just being still and amazed by God´s creation and his glory.

There is more to tell...but I´m off to dinner with a couple of Aus girls..Wendy and Sandy.

Oh tomorrow..more hiling, perhaps a sauna and then the orchid sanctuary before I leave for Cusco on root to the jungle..yeahh!

Adios

Marcie

Praise God

marcia — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 10:55:00 GMT

Today I arrived at Macchu Picchu on a wonderful train journey - although may not be on time Peru train through the Andes is a good experience. With panaramic windows ..the journey makes for good photography.

BUT..I had my breath taken away by the spectacular awesome beauty of forest covered mountains as I took the bus up the mountain to the Macchu Picchu ruins.

Praise God, the creator.

Today has been the most rewarding experience.

So... I simply conclude this story with

Praise the awesome God, praise his majesty, praise His beauty nand wonder, God my Lord. God the mighty creator!!!

Rain in Cusco

marcia — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:11:00 GMT

Hi, I´m now adding this story again..as the connection was lost. I´m in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in a quiet, peaceful and charming lodge...

So to update you, yesterday was spent in Cusco, the navel of the world according to the incas. It was definitely the start of the raainy season...rain, rainand more rain. But despite the rain I heard the call of the markets and cafes and used my free mroning to change money, buy gifts and to relax and enjoy the Peruvians of Cusco. Cusco is a fairly large city with 40000 inhabitants but with probably another 40000 tourists.

The afternoon found me with a a tourist group of 15 people but diminshed throughout the day. The first three were lost due to altitdue sickness, rain and information overload...in truth they ran away. This tour included the Cathedral, inca ruins and pre-inca ruins...all fascinating stuff. I must read up on National geographic. The guide was very knowlegeable...but I nicknamed him ´principally´as he principally described everything relating to the Incas as ´principally....´Anyway he was quite funny with this phrase.

later I spent the evening with Tom and Deirdra, a great South African couple who I became friends with. We had a meal overlooking Cusco´s centre...Plaza del Armas. I had ´cuy´. Viv you could ask your kids to find out what this is..would they have chosen it? I thought it was delicious!.

More on the Sacred Vally and Macchu Picchu tomorrow.

Marcie

Lake Titcaca

marcia — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:19:00 GMT

Now Lake Titicaca is a sight to see guys.

First apologies for no update or blog over the last day or so...why because the altitude got me and triggered one of my migraines...most frusttring. I was OK in the mornings but by late afternoon I curled up in bed. BUT I am very well indeed today...although feeling slightly embarrased when the bell boy keeps asking me if I would like some oxygen. ´´Oxygen -you like?´ Not funny either.

Any way Lake titcaca...amazing place, absolutly vast and is both Peru and Bolivia. Visted Uros -floating islands made of reeds, weird feeling walking on these platforms which are home to 1 or 2 families. photos will give you some idea. See flikr...I will upload them in the morning.

My guie then took me off the beaten tourist track to a small hamlet on one of the fixed islands on the lake (Tequille, 3 hours by boat)...to a lovely little restaurant catering just for me and my guide...fantastic. Able to experience more of the real life of some of teh Peruvian people. From how tehy communicate with reeds and how you can tell is someone is married by the colour of the hats they wear.

Check out the photos. There is one of a shy 3 year girl who I shared a laugh with..she was lovely and very cute.

Until tomorrow or Wed..perhaps. Adios. I´m off to Cusco tomorrow. More trekking but will be easier as not as high up.

Thanks for your comments..I will respond to you guys.

Marcie

Colca Canyon

marcia — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 11:07:00 GMT

Hi ya everyone.. I´m doing good. This is is a short blog..as I need to eat (greta food) and then to bed for an early morning drive - 6 hours to Puno and then onto Cusco. I'm in the COlca cnayaon..in a lovely hotel at the bottom surrounded by INca terracing and amazing mountain views.

Was privilged enogh to experince the flight of the condor..magnificent birds. Hopefully you´'ll get a sense by the photos.

Not met anmore diplomats and the last one was maried, for those interested, mentioning no names. Met an america girl living in Ecuador, but had got a night bus to see the condor..arriving at 6am, to see a 30 mintues show of tehir flight at 9am. I watched the amazing display away from the official tourist spot, where teh condor had decided to hunt instead.

Anyway be back intouch over the next couple of days..Janis you are so right about finding internet access.

Love you

Marcie

Arequipa

marcia — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 11:41:00 GMT

Dear All..

Lovely day today...woke early at 5.00am this morning to bright sunshine streaming through my windo. Hot day..for touring but what fabulous views of mountains and in particular El Misti the volcano overlooking Arequipa. El Misti named by the Incas meaning 'Lord'. I'm off to the surrnounding rehions of Arequipa tomorrow, a 6 hour drive through mountains to teh Colca Canyon for hiking and an expected spectacular view of the condor. Will be at a higher altitude, so will be interesting.

Having trouble uploading my photos...but will have anotehr go using flikr..thansk for the heads up on that Janis.

Grat food here...but not tried cuy as yet...for those of you who don't know that's guinea pig. Antoinette describe one dish where every part of the guinea pig is eaten ...brain, skin, eyes...mmm.

Looking forward to meeting so new people tomorrow...and experiencing more of culture of the incas..the agricultural terraces are something else.

Adios...til tomorrow

Marcie

Time to acclimatize

marcia — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 07:04:00 GMT

DAY ONE

Hi everyone.

I am doing well even with the jet lag tiredness.

Already met some lovely people. Janet a Peruvian, married to a German chap, lving in Atlanta, with a sister in LIma, who I can go an visit.

Met an american diplomat with lots of tips for going out and about in Peru, where to go and what to see. Met these guys on flight from Miami to Lima.

The American securtity guys are strict ' no smiles from them. One chap really takes his job seriously. With a strong hint of {me man, you woman in his voice said {WE HAVE A PROBLEM HERE, looking at my immigration form. I had not filled in the section of US address as I was not staying in the US. He firmly explained I had to write {in transit{ on the form, proceeded to do so for me and let me pass through, without a {have a nice day{. I responded by with a bright smile ' now I know what to do...

But now I am at last in Arequipa. You can{t see actually where I am on the map... Arequipa is an hour flight from Lima. I{m about to go for a stroll to find a coffee shop. You will have to escape any typos, this key board is spanish! To the relief of some of you, I didnt bring my laptop. Would have been too heavy, but the jury is out as most hotel rooms have free wireless. I{m in the hotel business room' which is pretty private. If its liek this at all hotels, I'll be sorted. Texts are great by the way and I will probably using that mode of comms in the jungle in a few weeks.

Did you know that 46% of Peruvians are considered poor, yet Peru is one the worlds top exporters of gold, silver, asparagus and white onions. Check out your produce labels in Tescos. By courtesty of one of my guides ' Pablo. Journey latin America is grat by the way...they think of everything and guides are great. In Arequipa I am in the capable hands of Antoinette.

Going for a stroll into Arequipa now and then early dinner at hotel... apparently a baked chilli pepper stuffed with meat and cheese is very good...then early to bed before a tour of the city. I'll be able to tell you a little bit more about life here tomorrow. I'm 5 hrs behind you guys by the way.

Uploading photos may be a challenge ' but I will do my best...until next time.

Love.

Marcie