Celebrating LIFE on the road, living in the moment

Photos: Amazon

teresa421 — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 10:15:00 GMT

Kichwa village visit

The Ecuadorian amazon

teresa421 — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 23:05:00 GMT

This morning we are prepping for a visit to the kichiwan villages where we will be welcomed with ceremonial tea and the chikdren of the community. We woke this morning to the sound of a variety of birds singing and calling none of which with i am familiar. The lodge is very comfortable and we are in a room that is perched much like a tree house in the midst of the amazonian jungle. Our place hakuna matada is owned by a german. He hires local kichwan people to manage the lodge. The guides are also kichwan and know a great deal about he lowland areas.

Our visit to the local village required an early start, a drive on many travel roads and a trip down the river via canoe, motorized. We were welcomed by a couple of young children, members of the Santa Barbara village we visited. Once there the village women shared a bit about village life and all 7 of the women shared their names, number of children, and ages. The men were working In the jungles. After our welcoming te ceremony we were treated to a wonderfully prepared breakfast of local fresh caught fish, fruits, sauces and barbecued larvae, a delicacy. Only a few of us were brave enough to try the larvae. The women also create many crafts which we were invited to purchase. The children dressed in traditional dress and invited us to dance to their welcomi g song, we all had a wonderful time.

Galapagos and the saddleback tortoises

teresa421 — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 08:48:00 GMT

Galapagos, what an amazingly diverse and gorgeous place! We chose to explore the islands via live aboard on a small brigantine sailboat called the Beagle. The ship holds 14 maximum guests plus 6 staff and one naturalist. For us we ended up being the only guests on the boat. Meaning we had a custom tour for the 9 of us! Our guide accompanied us on every excursion whether it was on land or in the sea. Our trip started out on Santa Cruz and our journey would cover the southeastern section of he archipelago for the next 7 days. Our schedule included stops at 7 different islands and included land excursions and daily snorkeling dives most everyday. While this can be and was an expensive trip it is indeed, the trip of a lifetime. Each island has it's own collection of wildlife and distinctive place in supporting the flora and fauna there.
Our first stop, Santa Cruz island is one of the most populated islands and is home to the Darwin research station. There we learned of the many efforts to rebuild and or support the unique populations of tortoises and other wildlife found on each island. The research exhibits tell the story of failed efforts to move turtle eggs from one location to another and all the lessons learned. For example, there are ongoing efforts to rebuild the population of the largest tortoise, the Saddleback, in the islands where they were known to originate. Once the DNA was determined for the large tortoises found on Española efforts were made to focus efforts on supporting the production and location of viable eggs and support hatchlings until they are ready to fend for themselves.
We learned the story of lonesome George and Diego. Lonesome George was found in the 70's on Pinta island, he was the lone saddleback tortoise found to be on the island. Years of humans preying on the saddleback resulted in the decimation of the population. It is believed he saddleback was slower and easier to catch by ships crew members. Often times in the early days ships would stop at the islands and collect scores of turtles to eat while continuing their sailing journey. Tortoise were a perfect food sources, as they could be kept below deck, didn’t need food or water for as much as a month at a time and made for tasty food for the crew. Unfortunately, no one considered that this would lead to extinction for this species of turtle. While lonesome George spent his last year’s in captivity all efforts at supporting reproduction were fruitless.
Fortunately, a subspecies of the saddleback Tortoise was identified to exist on another island through DNA studies. A tortoise named Diego who lived in a zoo in San Diego was found to have the same genetic makeup. He is credited with helping to save the species. He was sent back to the Galapagos research station where they found him to be very prolific. There were only 14 tortoise left at this time sometime in the late 70's. He is responsible for about 40 percent of offspring now found on Española. The program is working to raise the baby tortoises before relocating them to a larger enclosure on their home island of Española where they will stay until they can become resilient enough to survive on their own in the wild. Since we visited we learned that Diego has now been retired and will be relocated to Espinola island in the Galapagos islands.

Machachi Sunday market

teresa421 — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 09:58:00 GMT

We left the Hacienda La Alegria early today so we could attend the weekly Sunday market in Machachi. It was a great place to see how people in this area and in the surrounding mountains live. There were so many people walking around in town, stores were open and he markets were bustling. Mind you this was at 8:a.m. ok Sunday ,morning. There are two markets within walking distance of one Nother. The 1xt we attended was the Nimal market, the people all bring their animals in nylon bags and stand in a line hoping someone will our base what they have brouvht. We saw lots of fighting rosters, miniature chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other farm animals, including maggots or giant larvae. There was great activity and excitement in the air as people were hopeful to mzke a sale oc eigher their prized rabbits or guinea pigs.

We didn't buy and animals or maggots, but some of us did buy some salve from the maggots that is said to use any and every ailment known to man or woman. We headed to he vegetable market and tried all types of fruits, saw a hundred differ t types of grains, lots of potatoes and other vegetables. We tried several local fruits that were very tasty yet none of us had eaten them before. Here was lots of hustle and bustle and hundreds of people. Our guides Gabriel and Patricia were great at helping us safely navigate the roads and they steered us to vendors they knew could prov ide a variety of tasting opportunities that were guaranteed to be trustworthy and food safe. Following our visits to the market we returned to the ha ie .ca but not before stopping for he traditional market to pick up gin!upon returning to the Hacienda we were treated to a lovely breakfast that included fresh milk, fresh eggs and fresh fruit from the market. Fresh really hanged the taste of everything!

Photos: Cotapaxti volcano and Machachi Sunday Market

teresa421 — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 13:33:00 GMT

Ecuador, Cotapaxti, volcano, biking, market, Ecuadorian culture

Quito to Machachi Ecuador

teresa421 — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 13:04:00 GMT

Why Machachi? Our group of nine includes individuals with many interests, many of which we felt could best be satisfied by journeying to the area of Machachi. This small town is close to the Hacienda La Alegria both of which are nestled at the base of the Andes. We were drawn to the Hacienda because of the information we read on their website. Several of us wanted to spend time horseback riding and this, as it turns out,k is one of the best places in the Andes to ride, to explore the local culture, to hike, and to see stunning views. Cotapaxti Volcano, the highest active volcano in the world is but an hours drive from the Hacienda. Our stay thus far has been wonderful. The owners and staff at this hacienda are very accommodating, and care deeply about the land the people and the culture. Most importantly they are a local family run business that are highly respected in the community. To top it off, all food served is authentic Ecuadorian. This beautiful hacienda is about 1 hour from Quito, yet we feel as if we are very removed from the world here.

Yesterday we drove the hour up to the Cotapaxti national park, the wind was strong, the scenery stunning, and there were very few people who were there. Many bicycles, but only a few braved the wind and rocky road to make their descent. They start near he visitor center and ride down the mountain from approximately 14, 500 feet. For us, the wind was so strong it made it very dangerous to walk he path to the visitors center. Winds were clocked at over 60 miles an hour, at the top. We decided, with the help of our guide to go lower, to about 12,000 ft and hike around the lagoon. He 3 mile hike, was gorgeous with scenes of the majestic cotapaxti going I and out off the clouds but beautiful from every viewpoint. More about this beautiful volcano and the park later.

Today we attended the local barrel races in Machachi, young and old competed in barrel racing while wearing typical Chagra dress. Essential parts of the traditional dress include the chagra hat, the chaps, both of which area made of natural products. pictures to know more about our day.

Photos: Quito

teresa421 — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 12:41:00 GMT

Culture, traditional Ecuadorian, horses

Photos: Hacienda La Alegria

teresa421 — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 06:31:00 GMT

Horseback riding, hiking, local culture

First stop Quito

teresa421 — Sun, 5 Jan 2020 12:24:00 GMT

Quito, a 6 hour flight from home, elevation 9300. Center of Ecuador. We are a group of long time friends who have had many adventures just not together. We share alot, but most importantly we share a desire to explore. Explore a new place, a different culture, and a different environment. We all especially want to experience life in Ecuador paying respect and appreciating all she is to earth. Ecuador is diverse culturally, geographically, and biologically. We hope to visit the Andes, the Amazon, the cloud forest and the Galapagos archipelago.

Our first stop on the 7th is Quito, where we will stay at the Posada del Maple. www.posadadelmaple.com

From there we will travel south for a four day stay at a small hacienda cradled in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Here we will bask in the shadows of the mountains as we explore life on this small ranch. Horseback riding, good Ecuadorian cooking and learning about life on this small horse ranch will not only be interesting but also should fill our bellies and our minds with great food, and great insight!

Our first week observations and experiences

teresa421 — Fri, 5 Jan 2018 12:34:00 GMT

Hello all wanting to know about our adventures in America del Sur. First i must say my Spanish skills are still very limited but in Buenos Aeries that did not prove to be a problem. After several plane changes and airport security checks we finally arrive in BA on Saturday morning. Maryanne and I met up with Pat and Mark in Miami and continued on to BA. Just in time to avoid the artic blast and winter snows that were bearing down on the south. We made our way to the lovely Brick Hotel and met our gregarious and wonderfully energetic guide Alejondro. He goes by Ale and he truly is a great help with any and all questions. He of course is following the tour guide and managing all of us a small group of folks ranging in age and all *except one couple* from various states in the US. We met on new years eve with the entire group of 22 to review our itenerary and plan the day for the 1st. That night we had Tango lessons! I must say it is much easier than i anticipated and the dance itself is rather basic. I do believe it is much more elegant with the dips and legs up than i was able to master! The next day was busy with a trip to the roman catholic church and the cemetary where there is a memorial to Evita Peron. The cemetaries remind me of those in New orleans however, they are much more elegant, steeped in generations and each plot is owned by the family. There are many variations on the grave crypts and many hold several coffins. Many of the crypts actually have ornate gardens planted on top and are characterized by stained glass windows, wrought iron doors and hand made lace inside.

We checked out the sunday market and then planned to go to the antique market the next day and to the famous balcomy where Eva Peron gave her farewell speech to all of those who loved her. The country loves Eva Peron today and are especially enthralled with the attention and priority she gave to the working class. Unfortunaly she died at an early age of uterian cancer. There is much more to this story but for now i must head to bed as tomorrow we continue our journey south into the area near cape horn. stay tuned for pics and more stories.

Photos: Argentina

teresa421 — Tue, 2 Jan 2018 05:09:00 GMT

Buenos Aires

Don't cry for me I am headed to Argentina!

teresa421 — Mon, 25 Dec 2017 13:10:00 GMT

Time to break the grip of winter heading to Argentina with 3 other traveling collaborators in celebration of shared birthdays. WE are here now in chile in the Plaines de Torres area.

Photos: aukland

teresa421 — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 18:06:00 GMT

Abel tasman

teresa421 — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 19:08:00 GMT

Keep the sea on your right yelled the captain when he dropped our small mixed group off on shore as he sped off. I will meet you at half past 12 at barker bay...our group of 8 trudged through the ankle deep water to shore where we put on our walking shoes. We were excited to be at abel tasman track yet there was a little trepidation for us as none o f us had been there before. Our group included 4 Brita one kiwi and the 3 of us. As we walked down the trail the forest enveloped us with sounds of the track. First it's your breath as you walk up the steady incline, coupled with the sound boots make on a sandy gritty trail. These sounds are quickly overtaken by the clicking and buzz of cicadas and the call of the tui and lovely melodious bell birds.the forest was alive!

Ack

kiwis are cool, the land is awe inspiring

teresa421 — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 16:45:00 GMT

We have been here now about 4 days the journey starting in christchurch through Arthur's pass to the west coast down to fox glacier. Yesterday we traveled north retracing our steps to hokitiki and traveling on up the coast to Westport. The weather has been glorious, the people so tolerant and kind and our accommodations top notch. I find myself now at the west port library listening to a kiwi who wrote her story of living on the west coast since 1957. She has quite a life story. We really only popped in to use the internet (it has been difficult to get a proper signal) and we were delighted to find this older lady regaling the audience with stories of life in NZ. Our trip through Arthur's Pass to the glaciers and now up the coast has been described mostly with the words of "Oh my!....how gorgeous"!.

Some impressions: the southern alps are amazing, the flora is somewhat tropical looking, and the mountains climb steeply to meet blue sky

Climate change is real, tell your friends the glaciers are receding abot 500 meters in depth and two hundred meyers on length each week. The change is shocking especially when i rwmember the glacier in 1988 when i was here last reached the road. Yesterday we hiked about 1 half mile to be able to see the terminus. The only way to reach the glacier is via helicopter because it has receded so much. So do what you can to conserve and to eat and live locally.

Hostel life is variable, great way to meet people, learn about different parts of the world, practice flexibility and patience and to view the country. The hostel in westport it's totally off the grid and the folks that run it are the most considerate of hosts. Tomorrow we leave for abel tasman and hopefully some treking along the beach as well as a little kayaking. Health is holding up but the inevitable cold has set in, not to worry i have learned to share. Kristin and larry now also have the sniffles :). Until we have connectivity again. Cheers

Photos: south islands new Zealand gorgeous

teresa421 — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 11:21:00 GMT

Franz josef, fox glacier and west coast

Photos: Australia Port Douglas & Daintree

teresa421 — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 22:37:00 GMT

Feb 10-14 2015

19 hours later

teresa421 — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 13:19:00 GMT

Yes it was a long grueling flight and i am still in an airport. Brisbane, about the size of Nashville airport and alot friendlier. I am so sleepy but afraid t hat if i close my eyes i will spend the next 4 days in the airport. It is hot and maggot here with puffy storm clouds on the horizon. I love the friendly Aussie way and finds the lilting accent charming to say the least. I hope to see sunset from port douglas and maybe do some water aerobics in our pool at the yacht club.td

Trip Planning

teresa421 — Mon, 2 Feb 2015 04:05:00 GMT

It's cold today and the winds blowing from the North bring threats of more winter weather coupled with snow, ice or cold wet rain this supper bowl Sunday. I think the best remedy for this type of winter forecast is a trip to a warmer clime. I travel soon to the land down under where temps are holding at 95 plus and the land promises lots of hot summer weather with loads of sun. I will meet up with traveling collaborators Kristin and Larry in Port Douglas for adventures in the Daintree area, Mossman Gorge and of course the Great Barrirer reef. K and L are already there and today will enjoy the great ocean drive and Melbourne area. The trip promises lots of adventure with friends, lots of new sites and sounds and most of all nice hot weather! After Australia, we go on to New Zealand, some know it as Middle Earth. THere we hope to see the sights, take a few treks, and hike on a couple of Glaciers. I look forward to learning more about the Maori culture and the land. Until then, Good aye Mate, teresa

Market time

teresa421 — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:13:00 GMT

Going to the market whether it be in Thailand, in the country, in the city or in Cambodia, is quite an experience and certainly a time for learning about the people, way of life and the wide variety of eating opportunities. The market experience in Chiang Mai included, lots of vegetables, meat all very fresh, some odds and ends, like what you would find in a hardware store in the US,clothing & shoes and of course lots of live fish. Those selling the food are very proud to offer you their produce or meat and always offer a bow of thanks when accepting money for the purchase. Most people when cooking their thai meals go to market everyday. The Market in THong for example starts in the morning about 2 a.m. and the best foods and freshest meat can be found early on. By midday, the heat is building, the sun is strong and most shoppers have purchased the freshest and best available for the day.In Thong I was amazed to watch our host Nuna shopping for the evening meal for her guests. Her technique is quick, efficient and yes effective. She tours through the various rows of produce, visiting briefly with those she knows, yet all the while looking for the freshest or best fruits and vegetables. I am thinking that she creates her menu during this first walk through. On the second walk through it is clear she has an agenda and a menu is formulated in her head. As I walk with her she picks up some nice potatotes and says with a great grin we will have sweet potatoes with my homemade yogurt sauce for an appetizer. We go by the fish and she says oh yes tomorrow we can have fish and chips with fresh catfish. She quickly picks out the finest looking catfish which are swimming in a small tub. The fish literally are hopping into the bag (and in the bag too). We go to the next aisle and nuna chooses an assortment of vegetables, noodles and spices for her main soup dish for the night. Nuna is quickly assessing the quanitity available and determining how much of each item will be needed for the meal we will share that night. All during this 2nd walk through Nuna is exchanging pleasantries with the vendors and saying things like this lady she has the best dandelions you can have, or other similar comments about the offerings in the market. This market experience was a true look at how the thai cook approaches the daily chore of shopping as an opportunity to build a creative work of art that culminates in a delightful mixture of flavors and smells that we call dinner.

The Cambodian market on the other hand is very very different. We went this morning with our treking guide, Savuth to the major market in Siem Reap. This market is huge yet full of all types of stalls ranging from food, to soft drinks, vegetables and lots of meat. THe market here is full of throngs of people both walking and on motorcycles all vying to use the same narrow walkway. Going through this market causes me to think that maybe I should be a vegetarian. We see lots of flies covering meat that is for sale, lots of dust and dirt is in the air and people are all handling the foods they wish to purchase selecting some and leaVING some for others to purchase (after they have handled everything it makes you wonder where have those hands been).

The third market experience was the market we went to with Nuna and Tony near the Laotian border it was quite a different experience from those mentioned above. People come from all over the country and have come to sell their hand crafted goods, handmade and woven cloth, of course fruits and vegetaBLES AND THEN OTHER household goods and materials. The person shopping here may be shopping for multiple needs ranging from choosing clothing for a special event, underware, rope, dinner, or even fighting cocks. The day we were there it was clear this is a great opportunity for those in the surrounding villages to share their wares, visit with one another and then cross the border to return home. While visiting this market it is apparent that this is the time that villagers use to connect with one another and to do a little commerce as well. At this market we were the only white people there and quite something for these villagers to see. We were approached by some asking that we take pictures or that they have a chance to practice limited english. Fortuntately there are no wall marts, or targets where we were, and there is no place for that here. In fact, our stores and shopping opportunities are very limited when considering all of the social connections these local folks make and maintain while completing the simple chore of shopping for dinner. Maybe there is a lesson for us all here.