Friday, February 20, 2009
I haven't posted on here for awhile... I haven’t posted anything from my February 2007 trip to Argentina, Antarctica, and Chile..so here it is..notes from my journal..finally typed..maybe it can help someone plan their own future trip..fulfill that personal legend waiting for you to complete:
2/2 Met a cool gal from Boston and her mom on the flight to Argentina. My luggage got lost so Continental gave me a $50 voucher to buy whatever I needed. Luckily I still remembered a bit of Spanish from high school but they say calle like caje. So basically the double ll is pronounced as a hard j. But if I say one thing in Spanish well then they start speaking with me and I don’t understand half the things they are saying with my high school knowledge yet amazingly I can answer whatever question they are asking so I guess it’s all good- they think they are getting a sympathetic ear and I get to practice my Spanish. I took the Manuel Tienda Leon bus into town from the airport. The weather was hot and humid which I totally didn’t plan for so I bought a skirt and tank top. Argentinean women dress well! For lunch I had some empanadas but they were baked unlike the Cuban ones that I have had in the States that are fried. Most natives here assume I am Indian (like they always do whenever I go somewhere that is not in the States) so I just let them think that. I am happy I didn’t stay at the Milhouse Youth Hostel definitely a party hostel unlike the pretty quiet Casa Jardin hostel which I prefer. The only thing was Casa Jardin was a bit hard for me to find initially.
2/3 Met up with Kevin the next day at a coffee shop called Bar Darrego. Then we went to Regotta Cementry, houses on La Boca, and the San Telmo area. We also walked along the Palermo Park. I had a cazuela (Argentinian stew) at Cumaria and also had Italian at Bellla Italian which were both good. When I went home I was so tired and couldn’t go out. Apparently Opera Bay in Puerto Maderdo is the bar to hang out and most were out till wee hours in the morn (4 AM). Could you imagine a US bar open that late? Well I guess some places in NYC are.
2/4 I had breakfast with the girl form the plane and her mom at Perrisapo. Pretty neat place you got to check out as the OJ here was the best..fresh squeezed..yum. Then I went into Centro to get tango shoes at Darco on Suipacha. Later that night I met up with the girl and her mother for tango, milonga, and rock (which is apparently swing and 50’s sock hop dancing) dancing at the community center in Palermo. It was fun dancing with people who weren’t tourists but Argentineans just trying to have a good time. And the guys here know how to lead. J
2/6 Went to Ushuaia yesterday and met up with Larry and Kevin. Went to Tierra del Fuego and meet some guys from Seattle. Ate lunch, it was rainy so we didn’t get any great scenic shots. We booked our trip through Polar Cruises and went with the company on the boat called the. The we boarded the Sarpik Ittuk where we had a captain’s reception. And for awhile we had smooth sailing so we did some bird sighting with Santigo.
2/7 Finally on the Drake Passage. Getting a bit nauseous I have the patch and bonine and still am feeling like being in bed all day. Luckily haven’t thrown up yet. The Aft Saloon is the worst part to be on the ship during this time. Had a fenergon pill (apparently used on astronauts for motion sickness) from the doctor’s on deck, felt a little bit more better. But I think I feel better from all 3 drugs pumped into my bloodstream..scary.
2/8 Feel a little better. Coffee helped as well as having all those drugs. Went to a lecture on the birds in Antarctica. First time I felt good enough to shower in a few days…yuck I know. J Smelly Anita. Saw some albatross.
2/9 Zodiac briefing which are these inflating rafts that have a motor engine. Going to Yankee Harbor the gentoos are so cute. They came up to us and as a laid down one put it’s wing on me like it was protecting me or was cuddling with me. J We saw a king penguin which is pretty rare on Yankee Harbor as well. Afternoon landing was the Barriontos Island to see chinstrap penguins and some Adelie. Island covered with green moss and rocks. From the ship we saw dolphins.
2/10 First time officially on Antartica- on the Peninsula. We went to Esperanza Base. We saw how they lived on the base. It was more of a political base than a scientific base. We saw post cards being sent for $2 but it wasn’t worth it. Some peeps played soccer with the Argentineans on the base. 2nd visit was Brown Bluff where we did some glacier walking and saw Adelies. Adelies are like cats but Gentoos are like dogs. At night we played cards.
2/11 Went to another Argentinean base, but ended up taking pictures of the penguins and seals. Then we took an amazing trip through glaciers and icebergs through Petral Cave. We saw glaciers reflecting off the water. Then I had an amazing talk with an older lady at lunch. It’s amazing how much they know about the middle east. It was amazing to see the snow- just soft powder..untouched, well sorta, by human civilization..just penguin poop. J
2/12 Went on a hike today. Saw Cuverville island we saw 3 seals on the ice..what a perfect picture! We also saw chinstraps and gentoos. In evening we hiked and saw human destruction from the whaling industry. A trash can was sitting next to a gentoo..it made an interesting picture..could this also be the future of Antarctica..as well as it’s past? On a glacier we saw a cave formation.
2/13 First in the morning we visited Deception Island. The destruction was quite depressing, but we climbed to a cliff where from it the scenery looked just like the scenery from the cliffs in California. It is amazing how the constrast of beauty to destruction is here..it is a paradox. In the afternoon we went to a place to see chinstrap penguins and macroni. Unfortunately we couldn’t find the macroni ones. L Then we did the Polar Plunge! I went twice as I did not think my first try counted. It wasn’t as cold as I expected..more like a cold shower. J Or a cold bath I should say.
2/14 In bed on valentine’s day..but not for that reason…no one here for that reason…let’s just say there were strong currents..the sea kind…bleh…
2/15 Last night..party time!
2/16 Hung out in Ushiua..there is nothing here really. Wanted to go hiking but it was a rainy day.
2/17 I met some students from the USA studying abroad here. One of guys mention UN Volunteers..gotta check it out! J I am encouraged to do the Peace Corps…a personal legend- if it’s yours the whole world conspires to make it happen..read the Alchemist..you‘ll know what I mean. Came up with a new list of places to see and new books to read..yikes! I got in the airport for my trip to Puntas Arenas. Out of the airport I was worried I wouldn’t get a bus to Puerto Natales since the bus reservations are not done from the airport nor are the reservations from USA valid nor can you make these reservations on the phone..yikes.. And I did not pay the $100 for the visa to Chile..somehow I missed doing this..or they let me go..who knows. But Bus Fernadez to the rescue! Apparently they had a bus at 17:30 at the airport. I got on it for $4000 ($500 = $1 USD). The bus guy was so nice he explained that the $10000 are called uno mil. He also got me a taxi and was worried since I was traveling alone. He told me that the taxi would charge me a certain fare..he was trying to do this so I wouldn’t get cheated..so nice. Thankfully my little knowledge of high school Spanish is coming back enough to get around here in South America. J Casa Cecila is so worth the $10000! It is warm and friendly here and the owners are pretty helpful. The breakfast good homemade bread with jam..yum! J Puerto Natales is your typical tourist town though it is a lot more interesting than Ushusia.
2/18 The day started out with the guy Edward from Casa Cecila helping me with the Jetboil stove..part of the fun will be using my Jetboil on this trip! Everyone is so amazed at this little stove. Though you can’t officially find the Jetboil canisters here you can use the Doite canisters here. Like most SA countries most things are closed on Sunday. I will go to the cambio de exchange and supermercado later today. Then I went to a restaurant called Casa de Pepe..they had vegeterian food that was pesto flavored tamales with a side of salad. The wine here is cheap..cheaper than bottled water..ha! At the hotel I met a mom and her daughter who will be hiking the Torres del Paine just like me. I also met a Chilean family staying here..which is odd since on trips such as these you only meet foreigners from other countries staying at tourist hotels..but I guess Cecila isn’t that touristy. I wish all of us luck on our journeys. The ice climbing in Torres now costs $140 USD..no way will I be doing that anymore. Apparently the tourism business doesn’t make much here..20% to CONAF..20% to taxes..yikes.
2/19 Torres del Paine. I am here the weather was beautiful today but rain clouds are on the horizon. Good thing I took pictures today. As long as it rains only tomorrow and no other days than I am set, but knowing my luck maybe not. Entrance fee was 15000, Catamaran one way 11000 two ways 17000, bus roundtrip is 12000. Refugio stay is $126 total for Grey, Paine, Grande, Cuernos and Chileno. I started the day by taking a bus from Casa Cecila at 7:30 AM. I recommend you stay and book everything through Casa Cecila..no commission unlike some others. Stay on the bus after paying your ticket and get off at Pudeto. The catamaran ride is about 30-45 mins but I didn’t start trekking till 12:45/1 pm. I walked with an American gal but she was going fast because she was there only on a day trip. I thought I was late getting to Grey and thought it was 6 pm but it was only 4:15 pm when I reached there. So I laid down for a few minutes and then I went to check out the mirador and walked to Gudas Amaras for another mirador with two people from Denmark. With no pack it was 2 hours roundtrip. Luckily it doesn’t seem to get dark here till 9 pm so I was ok. At the refugio they were impressed by the jetboil. The peeps were so nice and took me in. And later I talked to a Chilean guide (he was leading US tourists whereas I was there alone..no guide). We talked about philosophy and poverty and travel..he was a cutie.
2/20 I am in Paine Grande, just took a nice hot shower and boy do I feel great. 2 days of trekking and the sweat was washed all in the shower. A hot shower sure does massage aching geet and turn them back to normal. Better than sleep…you can see I get too much time to reflect..too much time alone..not a good thing..just kidding. Lots of people seem to travel the world in their late 20s/early 30s nowadays. I met many people like this on my trip…quitting their job to do it. Maybe after I do PC I will do a 6 month trip to Austrailia, Tibet, Nepal, etc. So anyways getting onto the real stuff. I saw the Chilean guide one more time this morning and said goodbye to him. Somehow the On the radio song by Nelly Furtado is in my head. At Paine Grande I had drinks with English peeps and their guide. I had a nice Pisco Sour that the English peeps got me..so in my silly Pisco Soured state I will tell you about my hike. While hiking I saw a rainbow and saw it dissapear..was it a sign? Ha. J How ironic. We talked about good coming out of bad and I used a rainbow in that example. I saw a rainbow today which is good..but the bad..is the rain..that comes before the rainbow appears. J We also talked to a cute Austrian guy I think he was close to 40.. When I see the beauty here I wish I had someone to share this with. I think we all do when we see nice things…or maybe some of us don’t. But those are the only times that I wish I had someone..most time I am happy to be alone..or don’t even notice it actually as I am busy getting to know the people around me. The Austrian guy told me not to go all the way to Britanico mirador but another guy said to go..so I think I am going to do it.
2/21- I got up early to walk..the sun didn’t rise till 6:48 AM so I started walking out at 7 AM…no one was out but I knew I will get passed eventually along the way..my snail pace with a heavy pack (well heavy for me..I am little). At Italiano I met an Italian couple and hiked with them to the mirador and hiked down myself. At 2:30/3 pm I left Italiano to Cuernos. All this time I was wondering how psychologically it could affect you if you could see the end of your destination. Is it better to be able to see the finish from the start or not see it at all if the distance is long? Well I guess it can have a good effect on you to see it which is not surprising..since I could see the end. On the beach I going towards Cuernos I saw a guy from my Casa Cecilia stay..it is funny that I will automatically assume that all tourists will know Spanish if they don’t know English..I guess it is ‘cause it is the only other language I know in these parts. There are lots of Chileans surprisingly hiking around here…but I guess Chile has a good economy that is why.
2/22 Today I am at Chileno. I had soup and a hot cocoa for 3000 and 1500 respectively and a glass of milk 1000. I saw the English people again. They are staying at the hosteria. It took me 6 hours to get to the hostel including breaks so I was proud of myself for being on book time. I really think I am getting better at walking because I think the days before is harder than the last. It may just be that I am used to the pain of walking. My feet are used to the pounding on rock and gravel. If you really think about this, the hike is not that hard, I have been on worse. But I think the long distances and hours of walking with a big pack for 5 days takes a toll on one. Every second I think why am I doing this but when I see a great view I quickly forget that thought. And the weird thing is I know how much pain this is but I don’t care and I want to tackle better and bigger things. It’s this adventurous drive or whatever..I don’t know what posssess me to do such things..the challenge possibly? The rush at the end when you know you’ve tackled something grand at least for your limits- pushing your body to the max. I saw all the same faces throughout my trek here at the refugio. I hiked with the Spanish man from Casa Cecila..it was funny I had to converse in Spanish because he didn’t know English..I don’t know how I did it..but we talked somehow. I even met a guy from Usushia! Talk about coincidences..it was his first day on the trek..he was starting the other way. The English couple’s tour guide told me that in order for the colors to happen the horizon has to be clear. Hopefully it doesn’t rain tonight and I will be able to see the colors. I am having doubts but I am hopeful..you gotta have hope! I pray for good weather tomorrow as well since the Torres is the highlight of this thing but I will go anyways because I have to. I also need to take the early bus at 2:30 from Laguna Amerga. The trail was uphill and downhill, the worst part was the 2 hours to Chileno. It is getting quite cold and the sun is setting it’s funny how I adapted to the cold. I don’t need a jacket. There is a program to maintain Torres del Paine trails apparently…sponsored by Fantistico Sur. The funny thing is they sell condoms at the refugios as part of the store..as well as the usual camping stuff. At night many people asked me how come most Americans don’t travel independently (like I do). I don’t have a good answer and am tired of answering these questions. I seem to be sort of an ambassador for the US while I am traveling.. I think it is because America itself is big and we don’t get enough vacation time to go abroad. The park is not as crowded as I imagined- nothing like the Inca trail. It’s more like every 30 mins you might see someone…of course it all depends on the time of day you hike and how fast/slow you are. I tend to start early so I am not ending too late in the day. I only saw people occasionally and usually hiking the opposite way from me.
2/23 Today woke up at 4 AM. I saw that the sky wasn’t clear and then at sunrise there was a light rain so I was a disappointed but of course I went forward with the Germans. This Chilean guy along the way commented on my eyes. Then caught the bus. But it was overbooked so ending up standing in the aisle for a few hours..this was an experience. Later on we all got together at a food place in Puntas Arenas..Mermitas- Mesita Grande. Took a flight back to BA and then one from BA back home sometime. I think more older people seem to travel than younger ones. Got back 2/26/2007...life is good. One more continent to go..Austrailia..and a ton more places too!
2/2 Met a cool gal from Boston and her mom on the flight to Argentina. My luggage got lost so Continental gave me a $50 voucher to buy whatever I needed. Luckily I still remembered a bit of Spanish from high school but they say calle like caje. So basically the double ll is pronounced as a hard j. But if I say one thing in Spanish well then they start speaking with me and I don’t understand half the things they are saying with my high school knowledge yet amazingly I can answer whatever question they are asking so I guess it’s all good- they think they are getting a sympathetic ear and I get to practice my Spanish. I took the Manuel Tienda Leon bus into town from the airport. The weather was hot and humid which I totally didn’t plan for so I bought a skirt and tank top. Argentinean women dress well! For lunch I had some empanadas but they were baked unlike the Cuban ones that I have had in the States that are fried. Most natives here assume I am Indian (like they always do whenever I go somewhere that is not in the States) so I just let them think that. I am happy I didn’t stay at the Milhouse Youth Hostel definitely a party hostel unlike the pretty quiet Casa Jardin hostel which I prefer. The only thing was Casa Jardin was a bit hard for me to find initially.
2/3 Met up with Kevin the next day at a coffee shop called Bar Darrego. Then we went to Regotta Cementry, houses on La Boca, and the San Telmo area. We also walked along the Palermo Park. I had a cazuela (Argentinian stew) at Cumaria and also had Italian at Bellla Italian which were both good. When I went home I was so tired and couldn’t go out. Apparently Opera Bay in Puerto Maderdo is the bar to hang out and most were out till wee hours in the morn (4 AM). Could you imagine a US bar open that late? Well I guess some places in NYC are.
2/4 I had breakfast with the girl form the plane and her mom at Perrisapo. Pretty neat place you got to check out as the OJ here was the best..fresh squeezed..yum. Then I went into Centro to get tango shoes at Darco on Suipacha. Later that night I met up with the girl and her mother for tango, milonga, and rock (which is apparently swing and 50’s sock hop dancing) dancing at the community center in Palermo. It was fun dancing with people who weren’t tourists but Argentineans just trying to have a good time. And the guys here know how to lead. J
2/6 Went to Ushuaia yesterday and met up with Larry and Kevin. Went to Tierra del Fuego and meet some guys from Seattle. Ate lunch, it was rainy so we didn’t get any great scenic shots. We booked our trip through Polar Cruises and went with the company on the boat called the. The we boarded the Sarpik Ittuk where we had a captain’s reception. And for awhile we had smooth sailing so we did some bird sighting with Santigo.
2/7 Finally on the Drake Passage. Getting a bit nauseous I have the patch and bonine and still am feeling like being in bed all day. Luckily haven’t thrown up yet. The Aft Saloon is the worst part to be on the ship during this time. Had a fenergon pill (apparently used on astronauts for motion sickness) from the doctor’s on deck, felt a little bit more better. But I think I feel better from all 3 drugs pumped into my bloodstream..scary.
2/8 Feel a little better. Coffee helped as well as having all those drugs. Went to a lecture on the birds in Antarctica. First time I felt good enough to shower in a few days…yuck I know. J Smelly Anita. Saw some albatross.
2/9 Zodiac briefing which are these inflating rafts that have a motor engine. Going to Yankee Harbor the gentoos are so cute. They came up to us and as a laid down one put it’s wing on me like it was protecting me or was cuddling with me. J We saw a king penguin which is pretty rare on Yankee Harbor as well. Afternoon landing was the Barriontos Island to see chinstrap penguins and some Adelie. Island covered with green moss and rocks. From the ship we saw dolphins.
2/10 First time officially on Antartica- on the Peninsula. We went to Esperanza Base. We saw how they lived on the base. It was more of a political base than a scientific base. We saw post cards being sent for $2 but it wasn’t worth it. Some peeps played soccer with the Argentineans on the base. 2nd visit was Brown Bluff where we did some glacier walking and saw Adelies. Adelies are like cats but Gentoos are like dogs. At night we played cards.
2/11 Went to another Argentinean base, but ended up taking pictures of the penguins and seals. Then we took an amazing trip through glaciers and icebergs through Petral Cave. We saw glaciers reflecting off the water. Then I had an amazing talk with an older lady at lunch. It’s amazing how much they know about the middle east. It was amazing to see the snow- just soft powder..untouched, well sorta, by human civilization..just penguin poop. J
2/12 Went on a hike today. Saw Cuverville island we saw 3 seals on the ice..what a perfect picture! We also saw chinstraps and gentoos. In evening we hiked and saw human destruction from the whaling industry. A trash can was sitting next to a gentoo..it made an interesting picture..could this also be the future of Antarctica..as well as it’s past? On a glacier we saw a cave formation.
2/13 First in the morning we visited Deception Island. The destruction was quite depressing, but we climbed to a cliff where from it the scenery looked just like the scenery from the cliffs in California. It is amazing how the constrast of beauty to destruction is here..it is a paradox. In the afternoon we went to a place to see chinstrap penguins and macroni. Unfortunately we couldn’t find the macroni ones. L Then we did the Polar Plunge! I went twice as I did not think my first try counted. It wasn’t as cold as I expected..more like a cold shower. J Or a cold bath I should say.
2/14 In bed on valentine’s day..but not for that reason…no one here for that reason…let’s just say there were strong currents..the sea kind…bleh…
2/15 Last night..party time!
2/16 Hung out in Ushiua..there is nothing here really. Wanted to go hiking but it was a rainy day.
2/17 I met some students from the USA studying abroad here. One of guys mention UN Volunteers..gotta check it out! J I am encouraged to do the Peace Corps…a personal legend- if it’s yours the whole world conspires to make it happen..read the Alchemist..you‘ll know what I mean. Came up with a new list of places to see and new books to read..yikes! I got in the airport for my trip to Puntas Arenas. Out of the airport I was worried I wouldn’t get a bus to Puerto Natales since the bus reservations are not done from the airport nor are the reservations from USA valid nor can you make these reservations on the phone..yikes.. And I did not pay the $100 for the visa to Chile..somehow I missed doing this..or they let me go..who knows. But Bus Fernadez to the rescue! Apparently they had a bus at 17:30 at the airport. I got on it for $4000 ($500 = $1 USD). The bus guy was so nice he explained that the $10000 are called uno mil. He also got me a taxi and was worried since I was traveling alone. He told me that the taxi would charge me a certain fare..he was trying to do this so I wouldn’t get cheated..so nice. Thankfully my little knowledge of high school Spanish is coming back enough to get around here in South America. J Casa Cecila is so worth the $10000! It is warm and friendly here and the owners are pretty helpful. The breakfast good homemade bread with jam..yum! J Puerto Natales is your typical tourist town though it is a lot more interesting than Ushusia.
2/18 The day started out with the guy Edward from Casa Cecila helping me with the Jetboil stove..part of the fun will be using my Jetboil on this trip! Everyone is so amazed at this little stove. Though you can’t officially find the Jetboil canisters here you can use the Doite canisters here. Like most SA countries most things are closed on Sunday. I will go to the cambio de exchange and supermercado later today. Then I went to a restaurant called Casa de Pepe..they had vegeterian food that was pesto flavored tamales with a side of salad. The wine here is cheap..cheaper than bottled water..ha! At the hotel I met a mom and her daughter who will be hiking the Torres del Paine just like me. I also met a Chilean family staying here..which is odd since on trips such as these you only meet foreigners from other countries staying at tourist hotels..but I guess Cecila isn’t that touristy. I wish all of us luck on our journeys. The ice climbing in Torres now costs $140 USD..no way will I be doing that anymore. Apparently the tourism business doesn’t make much here..20% to CONAF..20% to taxes..yikes.
2/19 Torres del Paine. I am here the weather was beautiful today but rain clouds are on the horizon. Good thing I took pictures today. As long as it rains only tomorrow and no other days than I am set, but knowing my luck maybe not. Entrance fee was 15000, Catamaran one way 11000 two ways 17000, bus roundtrip is 12000. Refugio stay is $126 total for Grey, Paine, Grande, Cuernos and Chileno. I started the day by taking a bus from Casa Cecila at 7:30 AM. I recommend you stay and book everything through Casa Cecila..no commission unlike some others. Stay on the bus after paying your ticket and get off at Pudeto. The catamaran ride is about 30-45 mins but I didn’t start trekking till 12:45/1 pm. I walked with an American gal but she was going fast because she was there only on a day trip. I thought I was late getting to Grey and thought it was 6 pm but it was only 4:15 pm when I reached there. So I laid down for a few minutes and then I went to check out the mirador and walked to Gudas Amaras for another mirador with two people from Denmark. With no pack it was 2 hours roundtrip. Luckily it doesn’t seem to get dark here till 9 pm so I was ok. At the refugio they were impressed by the jetboil. The peeps were so nice and took me in. And later I talked to a Chilean guide (he was leading US tourists whereas I was there alone..no guide). We talked about philosophy and poverty and travel..he was a cutie.
2/20 I am in Paine Grande, just took a nice hot shower and boy do I feel great. 2 days of trekking and the sweat was washed all in the shower. A hot shower sure does massage aching geet and turn them back to normal. Better than sleep…you can see I get too much time to reflect..too much time alone..not a good thing..just kidding. Lots of people seem to travel the world in their late 20s/early 30s nowadays. I met many people like this on my trip…quitting their job to do it. Maybe after I do PC I will do a 6 month trip to Austrailia, Tibet, Nepal, etc. So anyways getting onto the real stuff. I saw the Chilean guide one more time this morning and said goodbye to him. Somehow the On the radio song by Nelly Furtado is in my head. At Paine Grande I had drinks with English peeps and their guide. I had a nice Pisco Sour that the English peeps got me..so in my silly Pisco Soured state I will tell you about my hike. While hiking I saw a rainbow and saw it dissapear..was it a sign? Ha. J How ironic. We talked about good coming out of bad and I used a rainbow in that example. I saw a rainbow today which is good..but the bad..is the rain..that comes before the rainbow appears. J We also talked to a cute Austrian guy I think he was close to 40.. When I see the beauty here I wish I had someone to share this with. I think we all do when we see nice things…or maybe some of us don’t. But those are the only times that I wish I had someone..most time I am happy to be alone..or don’t even notice it actually as I am busy getting to know the people around me. The Austrian guy told me not to go all the way to Britanico mirador but another guy said to go..so I think I am going to do it.
2/21- I got up early to walk..the sun didn’t rise till 6:48 AM so I started walking out at 7 AM…no one was out but I knew I will get passed eventually along the way..my snail pace with a heavy pack (well heavy for me..I am little). At Italiano I met an Italian couple and hiked with them to the mirador and hiked down myself. At 2:30/3 pm I left Italiano to Cuernos. All this time I was wondering how psychologically it could affect you if you could see the end of your destination. Is it better to be able to see the finish from the start or not see it at all if the distance is long? Well I guess it can have a good effect on you to see it which is not surprising..since I could see the end. On the beach I going towards Cuernos I saw a guy from my Casa Cecilia stay..it is funny that I will automatically assume that all tourists will know Spanish if they don’t know English..I guess it is ‘cause it is the only other language I know in these parts. There are lots of Chileans surprisingly hiking around here…but I guess Chile has a good economy that is why.
2/22 Today I am at Chileno. I had soup and a hot cocoa for 3000 and 1500 respectively and a glass of milk 1000. I saw the English people again. They are staying at the hosteria. It took me 6 hours to get to the hostel including breaks so I was proud of myself for being on book time. I really think I am getting better at walking because I think the days before is harder than the last. It may just be that I am used to the pain of walking. My feet are used to the pounding on rock and gravel. If you really think about this, the hike is not that hard, I have been on worse. But I think the long distances and hours of walking with a big pack for 5 days takes a toll on one. Every second I think why am I doing this but when I see a great view I quickly forget that thought. And the weird thing is I know how much pain this is but I don’t care and I want to tackle better and bigger things. It’s this adventurous drive or whatever..I don’t know what posssess me to do such things..the challenge possibly? The rush at the end when you know you’ve tackled something grand at least for your limits- pushing your body to the max. I saw all the same faces throughout my trek here at the refugio. I hiked with the Spanish man from Casa Cecila..it was funny I had to converse in Spanish because he didn’t know English..I don’t know how I did it..but we talked somehow. I even met a guy from Usushia! Talk about coincidences..it was his first day on the trek..he was starting the other way. The English couple’s tour guide told me that in order for the colors to happen the horizon has to be clear. Hopefully it doesn’t rain tonight and I will be able to see the colors. I am having doubts but I am hopeful..you gotta have hope! I pray for good weather tomorrow as well since the Torres is the highlight of this thing but I will go anyways because I have to. I also need to take the early bus at 2:30 from Laguna Amerga. The trail was uphill and downhill, the worst part was the 2 hours to Chileno. It is getting quite cold and the sun is setting it’s funny how I adapted to the cold. I don’t need a jacket. There is a program to maintain Torres del Paine trails apparently…sponsored by Fantistico Sur. The funny thing is they sell condoms at the refugios as part of the store..as well as the usual camping stuff. At night many people asked me how come most Americans don’t travel independently (like I do). I don’t have a good answer and am tired of answering these questions. I seem to be sort of an ambassador for the US while I am traveling.. I think it is because America itself is big and we don’t get enough vacation time to go abroad. The park is not as crowded as I imagined- nothing like the Inca trail. It’s more like every 30 mins you might see someone…of course it all depends on the time of day you hike and how fast/slow you are. I tend to start early so I am not ending too late in the day. I only saw people occasionally and usually hiking the opposite way from me.
2/23 Today woke up at 4 AM. I saw that the sky wasn’t clear and then at sunrise there was a light rain so I was a disappointed but of course I went forward with the Germans. This Chilean guy along the way commented on my eyes. Then caught the bus. But it was overbooked so ending up standing in the aisle for a few hours..this was an experience. Later on we all got together at a food place in Puntas Arenas..Mermitas- Mesita Grande. Took a flight back to BA and then one from BA back home sometime. I think more older people seem to travel than younger ones. Got back 2/26/2007...life is good. One more continent to go..Austrailia..and a ton more places too!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
I am learning alot about letting go and moving on these past few weeks. It's hard not to meet new people, but I realize that I won't be able to keep in touch with them for long.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
I am in Michigan and now have unloaded my UPack truck. Seems like a little piece of me is leaving the CT one by one. It is a strange feeling to let go of everything and I am going through a weird emotional time right now. But it's all gone. Even my house which I closed on July 15th. I am slowly losing my CT identity but it's all for the best. I hope to gain something from my new journey..though only time will tell.
Friday, July 04, 2008
The UPack truck finally came to my front door. This is it, the big moment emptying my house has come. It's sort of unreal, but then again when you move on from one chapter of life to another it usually is. I remember how when I first started my job and my move to CT I couldn't believe it was happening- the feeling is similar but on a larger scale. This time is different, it's not like I can visit my parents twice a year or call them on the phone every week. The moment may not hit me till I am there.
I have given away most of my stuff and thrown out the stuff that no one would take. It will be a fresh new start when I come back to the US, a clean slate. It's fearful but in a good way- the word awesome does well to describe it.
I have given away most of my stuff and thrown out the stuff that no one would take. It will be a fresh new start when I come back to the US, a clean slate. It's fearful but in a good way- the word awesome does well to describe it.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
So I finally completed my first marathon. The San Diego Rock N Roll marathon. My splits were as follows:
FName LName City State Country Age Sex ChipTime ClockTime Overall SexPl DivPl Pace Ttldiv Ttlsex 10K Half 21 Mi
Anita Ramamurthy Manchester CT 27 F 4:00:20 4:02:45 2706 690 186 9:10 2107 8425 52:42 1:52:21 3:04:22
FName LName City State Country Age Sex ChipTime ClockTime Overall SexPl DivPl Pace Ttldiv Ttlsex 10K Half 21 Mi
Anita Ramamurthy Manchester CT 27 F 4:00:20 4:02:45 2706 690 186 9:10 2107 8425 52:42 1:52:21 3:04:22
Saturday, April 26, 2008
I am always looking for travel clothes that aren't sold at regular price (those types can be expensive).
Some travel clothes:
Patagonia Vitaliti Vee- very soft, poly/cotton so it should be nice enough for hot weather (cotton) at the same time quick drying for when you need to hand wash/line dry. (poly)
Patagonia Capilene 3 long undies- warm but lightweight for those high mtn treks and for pajamas.
Patagonia Capri Go II- Quick drying pants with a slim fit and security pocket.
Contourwear Convertible Skirt- wear it long for conservative environments or short for more fun. ;P Quick dry but professional looking skirt. Pencil, slim skirt.
Contourwear Zip Long Sleeve Tee- Professional looking. Zip Sleeves so you can wear it short sleeved.
Macabi Skirt- More casual, flowing skirt but also quick drying. Lets you convert to pants and shorts. Neat idea.
Outdoor Research Refuge Down Jacket- Waterproof outerlayer. 650 fill down with hood. Inner waterbottle and media pockets so your stuff doesn't freeze.
REI Taku Jacket- Great waterproof jacket. Made with a stretchy fabric.
MSR Hubba Tent- Nice one person lightweight tent.
Jetboil Stove- Good stove to boil water for freeze dried meals or for hot cocoa.
Marmot Teton 0 degree Down sleeping bag- Perfect for those mountain treks. Down is warm and light to carry.
Osprey Luna Pack- Last year's model but more than 4000 cubic inches! Perfect for around the world travel.
Some travel clothes:
Patagonia Vitaliti Vee- very soft, poly/cotton so it should be nice enough for hot weather (cotton) at the same time quick drying for when you need to hand wash/line dry. (poly)
Patagonia Capilene 3 long undies- warm but lightweight for those high mtn treks and for pajamas.
Patagonia Capri Go II- Quick drying pants with a slim fit and security pocket.
Contourwear Convertible Skirt- wear it long for conservative environments or short for more fun. ;P Quick dry but professional looking skirt. Pencil, slim skirt.
Contourwear Zip Long Sleeve Tee- Professional looking. Zip Sleeves so you can wear it short sleeved.
Macabi Skirt- More casual, flowing skirt but also quick drying. Lets you convert to pants and shorts. Neat idea.
Outdoor Research Refuge Down Jacket- Waterproof outerlayer. 650 fill down with hood. Inner waterbottle and media pockets so your stuff doesn't freeze.
REI Taku Jacket- Great waterproof jacket. Made with a stretchy fabric.
MSR Hubba Tent- Nice one person lightweight tent.
Jetboil Stove- Good stove to boil water for freeze dried meals or for hot cocoa.
Marmot Teton 0 degree Down sleeping bag- Perfect for those mountain treks. Down is warm and light to carry.
Osprey Luna Pack- Last year's model but more than 4000 cubic inches! Perfect for around the world travel.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
I have tried Amaz Padz. It's not bad. Doesn't leak and is comfy. I think the 9 inch ones are good for days and the 11 inch deluxe ones are good for night time use. It's not as thick as I expected but it isn't as thin as an Ultra Thin one..just like a Regular Pad. And it's not itchy and sticky like the plastic. Very comfy. It may be a bit of a hassle to wash them all the time if you only get a few pads, though it's not that bad.
