I have left the bright lights of Sao Paulo City for the beautiful beaches of Rio, more specifically I am currently residing just off Copacabana Beach... Probably the most famous beach in the world...!?
The past few days have been rife with Favella parties, Beach parties, Hostel parties and almost but not quite a boat party... have to wait to see what becomes of that.
I have also been trying to do the touristy thing, hiking, seeing the sights and have at least managed to go and see the big guy himself... Christ The Redeemer.
Rio is beautiful, everything about it is beautiful... even the graffiti here is beautiful... Unfortunately it isn´t always safe to carry a camera around so I have had to invest in a classic wind up for and have been taking most of my photos in Brazil with that... That means ALL of my photos from Sao Paulo too... guess you´ll have to wait for those ones.
Anyway not quite sure what my plans are for the rest of the week... causing mischief (which I seem to have picked up a reputation for doing...???... me...??? ;o)... never!!!) and generally trying to relax... maybe catch a footy match and I hear there is a street party in Rio somewhere this weekend so should be hittin´ that.
Will update you with all the details later...
Oi Oi Oi from Rio
x
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Bueneeeeesiomo Buenos Aires
Have spent the past 4 days wondering around this vast city trying to get to know it as well as I can in the short amount of time that I have... No easy feat I can tell you! It´s bloody huge... It´s been made easier though by the fact that Dani, Rocio and Lucy have been here to help me out. I´ve had soooo much fun hanging out with the girls from Central America. We have been having a ´few´Argentinian drinks together and loads of great food... honestly the food here is amazing!!!
Apart from that not much else to report... great hostel, wicked weather, brilliant company, fantastic shopping... what more could a girl ask for apart from a slight cold all´s well in Sity´s world
Chio for now
xx
Apart from that not much else to report... great hostel, wicked weather, brilliant company, fantastic shopping... what more could a girl ask for apart from a slight cold all´s well in Sity´s world
Chio for now
xx
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Inca`d Out
It`s official...
I am hardcore...
Got back to Cusco from the 4 day Inca hike yesterday and have pretty much been awake for about 28hrs, well, The Trek Team had to celebrate it`s victory.
I have been told that I am pretty tough by other people that have done the trek because I carried my own pack instead of paying a porter to carry it for me... well, I just didn`t feel right getting someone else to carry my stuff for me. I have to admit though that the hike was probably the single most hardest thing that I have ever done, what with the altitude sickness and the hours of uphill steps, I wasnt`t sure if I was going to make it, I would never have given up thiough, even if it killed me... It was oh so worth it... Machu Picchu was breath taking.
I`ve managed to get some photos up now, so you can take a look if you like.
I`m off to Argentina today to celebrate St Patrics day in style and hang out with the girls in Buenos Aires
Guess I`ll catch you from there
xx
I am hardcore...
Got back to Cusco from the 4 day Inca hike yesterday and have pretty much been awake for about 28hrs, well, The Trek Team had to celebrate it`s victory.
I have been told that I am pretty tough by other people that have done the trek because I carried my own pack instead of paying a porter to carry it for me... well, I just didn`t feel right getting someone else to carry my stuff for me. I have to admit though that the hike was probably the single most hardest thing that I have ever done, what with the altitude sickness and the hours of uphill steps, I wasnt`t sure if I was going to make it, I would never have given up thiough, even if it killed me... It was oh so worth it... Machu Picchu was breath taking.
I`ve managed to get some photos up now, so you can take a look if you like.
I`m off to Argentina today to celebrate St Patrics day in style and hang out with the girls in Buenos Aires
Guess I`ll catch you from there
xx
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Lake Titi… What?
Peru is beautiful… a mixture of snow capped mountains, rivers, lakes, rolling hills and flat nothingness… What I love most about it is that it seems to have escaped much of the westernization that I have seen in many parts of rural Central America, and ´yes´ even though some places do put on ´The Show´ for the tourists, many people still live as they used to before Westernization took over
I took an overnight trip to Lake Titicaca… Although the lake itself was nothing to write home about the journey there and the lakes inhabitants made the 6 hr trip completely worth while.
It’s amazing to see how the indigenous people actually live out on the lake on floating islands made from reeds. Words can’t really begin to describe this unique colony.
I’ll try and get some photos up as soon as possible… Won’t be fore a while as I am embarking upon the 4 day hike also known as ´The Inca Trail´ to Machu Picchu tomorrow morning at 6am… Wish me luck I hear that it is grueling.
Guess I’ll chat to you again after the hike… if I make it back??!!
From Cuzco
xx
I took an overnight trip to Lake Titicaca… Although the lake itself was nothing to write home about the journey there and the lakes inhabitants made the 6 hr trip completely worth while.
It’s amazing to see how the indigenous people actually live out on the lake on floating islands made from reeds. Words can’t really begin to describe this unique colony.
I’ll try and get some photos up as soon as possible… Won’t be fore a while as I am embarking upon the 4 day hike also known as ´The Inca Trail´ to Machu Picchu tomorrow morning at 6am… Wish me luck I hear that it is grueling.
Guess I’ll chat to you again after the hike… if I make it back??!!
From Cuzco
xx
Miami Vice
I knew I was in trouble the moment I set foot in my hostel dorm room.
I was greeted by 2 English lads that were getting ready for another wild night out on the town.
Call me naive, but I didn’t realize that it was Spring Break… I haven’t experienced anything like that for quite a while… If you like getting completely ´dispatched´ as Luke (English lad no. 1) would say, watching people strip and hanging out on the beach all day nursing a hangover, Miami during ´Spring Break´ is just the place for you!!!
3 days was enough… Me, Luck and Ollie (English lad no. 2) spent our time… well drinking mainly to be honest, but also recruiting any possible victims to the cause. We made a lot of friends and even managed to get ourselves invited to a Victory Secret party… which I hasten to add we never made it to.
Anyway after hitch hiking to Miami International and a grueling 30 hr journey, I made it safe and sound to Cuzco, Peru.
See Ya Later Miami
xx
I was greeted by 2 English lads that were getting ready for another wild night out on the town.
Call me naive, but I didn’t realize that it was Spring Break… I haven’t experienced anything like that for quite a while… If you like getting completely ´dispatched´ as Luke (English lad no. 1) would say, watching people strip and hanging out on the beach all day nursing a hangover, Miami during ´Spring Break´ is just the place for you!!!
3 days was enough… Me, Luck and Ollie (English lad no. 2) spent our time… well drinking mainly to be honest, but also recruiting any possible victims to the cause. We made a lot of friends and even managed to get ourselves invited to a Victory Secret party… which I hasten to add we never made it to.
Anyway after hitch hiking to Miami International and a grueling 30 hr journey, I made it safe and sound to Cuzco, Peru.
See Ya Later Miami
xx
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Farewell Friend
As I prepare to leave Panama City (did the touristy thing in Panama City... Canal, City tour... you know how it is) and Central America for that matter to head to Florida, Miami, I reflect back on the past 8 weeks with nothing but fond memories. Through the good and bad times (and believe me its had its ups and downs) I have been accompanied by some fantastic people. From Mike in Mexico to Hok in El Salvador to The Boyz the rest of the way.
I wish I could mention all the great times (but there have been too many) and all the people that I have had the pleasure to encounter.. you know how you are, and all the people that have helped me through the good and bad times. I will miss you dearly. I hope that we will meet again in the future.
I am going to miss Central America, for the people the culture and the diversity, but am really looking forward to the next and final leg of my journey... Florida for a quick break and then on to South America.
Guess I'll catch up with you guys in Florida
From Central America Over and Out
xx
I wish I could mention all the great times (but there have been too many) and all the people that I have had the pleasure to encounter.. you know how you are, and all the people that have helped me through the good and bad times. I will miss you dearly. I hope that we will meet again in the future.
I am going to miss Central America, for the people the culture and the diversity, but am really looking forward to the next and final leg of my journey... Florida for a quick break and then on to South America.
Guess I'll catch up with you guys in Florida
From Central America Over and Out
xx
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Picturesque Panama
From what I have seen of Panama so far, it is stunning. Unlike the mountainous beauty of Honduras the waters surrounding Panama´s Caribbean Islands of Bocas Del Toro are pristine.
13 of us set out from Puerto and after many hurdles and our final hairy Central American boarder crossing and a very ´cozy´ colectivo we made it to Bocas. From the 13, 7 were left standing, and what an amazing 7. Rocio, Danni, Andy, Dave, The Boyz )if you don´t know who they are by now, shame on you... Jesse and Sean aka José and Jean)and me.
We have spent the past few day hanging out on the Island of Bastimentos where we drank rum, got better acquainted and I actually managed to cook a meal for us all using only what I could get from the local supermarket... ´Yes, I actually cooked´. It was interesting and I´m not quite sure what to call it, but it hasn´t killed anyone... yet, and it was edible... Not bad for me.
We also took a boat tour around the islands where we spotted some dolphins and budgies... :o) We also snorkeled and I saw some of the most amazing coral that I have ever seen in my life... the water was crystal clear, vis was around 30 meters!!!
We saw some great marine life too, and even managed to get a fish for our dinner.
We hung out on the beach and swam in the sea and played baseball... or rounders... whatever you wanna call it. All in all we had a great time.
Back on the mainland killin´ time before we head to David tomorrow where I will say a very teary farewell to The Boyz... I don´t know what I am going to do without them... Guess we will have to wait and see
Next update should be from Panama City
Over and Out
xx
13 of us set out from Puerto and after many hurdles and our final hairy Central American boarder crossing and a very ´cozy´ colectivo we made it to Bocas. From the 13, 7 were left standing, and what an amazing 7. Rocio, Danni, Andy, Dave, The Boyz )if you don´t know who they are by now, shame on you... Jesse and Sean aka José and Jean)and me.
We have spent the past few day hanging out on the Island of Bastimentos where we drank rum, got better acquainted and I actually managed to cook a meal for us all using only what I could get from the local supermarket... ´Yes, I actually cooked´. It was interesting and I´m not quite sure what to call it, but it hasn´t killed anyone... yet, and it was edible... Not bad for me.
We also took a boat tour around the islands where we spotted some dolphins and budgies... :o) We also snorkeled and I saw some of the most amazing coral that I have ever seen in my life... the water was crystal clear, vis was around 30 meters!!!
We saw some great marine life too, and even managed to get a fish for our dinner.
We hung out on the beach and swam in the sea and played baseball... or rounders... whatever you wanna call it. All in all we had a great time.
Back on the mainland killin´ time before we head to David tomorrow where I will say a very teary farewell to The Boyz... I don´t know what I am going to do without them... Guess we will have to wait and see
Next update should be from Panama City
Over and Out
xx
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Pura Vida
Puerto Viejo has got to be my most favorite place in Costa Rica... I don't know why it is, but I just love the Caribbean Coast.
Everything is really chilled out here, although a little expensive. Me and the boyz are camping at Rocking J's a really cool hostel right o the beach.
We have managed to hook up with Geoff (Sean's friend from San José) again which is really nice, and the four of us have been hangin' out here for the past few days.
Heading to Panama tomorrow, which means another boarder crossing but also the last of my Central American countries, and farewell to the lads.
Guess the next update will be from Panama, somewhere.
Take it easy and Pura Vida from Costa Rica
xx
p.s. Happy Birthday Akshay
Everything is really chilled out here, although a little expensive. Me and the boyz are camping at Rocking J's a really cool hostel right o the beach.
We have managed to hook up with Geoff (Sean's friend from San José) again which is really nice, and the four of us have been hangin' out here for the past few days.
Heading to Panama tomorrow, which means another boarder crossing but also the last of my Central American countries, and farewell to the lads.
Guess the next update will be from Panama, somewhere.
Take it easy and Pura Vida from Costa Rica
xx
p.s. Happy Birthday Akshay
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Costa Rican Compadres
After a long week of hanging out on the beach, fishing, swimming and eating the most awesome food, not to mention laughing our asses off, me and the boyz have ended up in Montezuma (on the Pacific Coast). We had the most amazing week hanging out with Uncle Charlie. Cycling around MalPias gathering and eating coconuts, making rum punch, staying in a cool cabanas right on the beach, exploring, star gazing and generally acting like big kidz... well you know what they say... 'When in Rome'.
We had a big send off last night at a reggae bar with a great live band, and of course a few beers followed by a farewell as Uncle Charlie left us to head back home. (It was a welcome break from techno I can tell you).
We like it here in Montezuma so we have decided to hang here for another night before we hit the Caribbean Coast.
Internet here sucks so I appologise for the recent lack of photos... They are on the way I promise!
From Costa Rica
x
We had a big send off last night at a reggae bar with a great live band, and of course a few beers followed by a farewell as Uncle Charlie left us to head back home. (It was a welcome break from techno I can tell you).
We like it here in Montezuma so we have decided to hang here for another night before we hit the Caribbean Coast.
Internet here sucks so I appologise for the recent lack of photos... They are on the way I promise!
From Costa Rica
x
Monday, February 19, 2007
Not so great Nica
Ok so it wasn´t that bad but after spending the past week in paradise, we all had to admit that Nicaragua was slightly disappointing.
After a hop skip and a jump across the boarder, involving a squirrel, the most interesting but not so romantic St Valentines day (thanx Sean... and Jesse, you´re the best) and yet another chicken bus, the boyz and I arrived at the Bearded Monkey... That would be our hostel in Granada.
We spent a couple of days in Granada taking in the sights, climbing the bell tower (where I hit my head on a bell!!!), running into Trevor (The Ozzy from Copan)and having a play in the park before hitting the road again.
Granada reminded us a lot of Antigua, except on a much smaller scale and not so much fun... There was only one bar for pete sake and I´m figuring I probably won´t be able to show my face there again considering I spat my drink out all over some lady... (by accident... well Jesse was making me laugh).
Ok so we shot across the boarder pretty quick ´cos we had to be in San José (Costa Rica) in time to pick up Uncle Charlie (Jesse´s uncle from The States.
We spent a crazy night in San José dancing our asses off with Geoff (Sean´s mate from school whom lives in the city) and a lot of drunk but friendly locals. It was great, it´s been ages since we hung out with locals and it was a great night.
We left the next day to rendezvous with Uncle Charlie and headed straight for the Pacific Coast. We´re basically chillin´ out which is cool ´cos I need to straighten out my back... I use the phrase ´chillin out´ in the loosest possible term. Aside from hittin the beach, we have been to a Rodeo Carnival (where we danced some more) and explored the National Park in Mal Pais on our newly rented bikes... (we saw some Howlers).
Anyway the plan for the next week is just to chill here with Uncle Charlie and then maybe head into Panama together.
I guess I´ll update you when needed, but rest assured that the guys are watching out for me and I´m in good hands.
Adios for now
xx
After a hop skip and a jump across the boarder, involving a squirrel, the most interesting but not so romantic St Valentines day (thanx Sean... and Jesse, you´re the best) and yet another chicken bus, the boyz and I arrived at the Bearded Monkey... That would be our hostel in Granada.
We spent a couple of days in Granada taking in the sights, climbing the bell tower (where I hit my head on a bell!!!), running into Trevor (The Ozzy from Copan)and having a play in the park before hitting the road again.
Granada reminded us a lot of Antigua, except on a much smaller scale and not so much fun... There was only one bar for pete sake and I´m figuring I probably won´t be able to show my face there again considering I spat my drink out all over some lady... (by accident... well Jesse was making me laugh).
Ok so we shot across the boarder pretty quick ´cos we had to be in San José (Costa Rica) in time to pick up Uncle Charlie (Jesse´s uncle from The States.
We spent a crazy night in San José dancing our asses off with Geoff (Sean´s mate from school whom lives in the city) and a lot of drunk but friendly locals. It was great, it´s been ages since we hung out with locals and it was a great night.
We left the next day to rendezvous with Uncle Charlie and headed straight for the Pacific Coast. We´re basically chillin´ out which is cool ´cos I need to straighten out my back... I use the phrase ´chillin out´ in the loosest possible term. Aside from hittin the beach, we have been to a Rodeo Carnival (where we danced some more) and explored the National Park in Mal Pais on our newly rented bikes... (we saw some Howlers).
Anyway the plan for the next week is just to chill here with Uncle Charlie and then maybe head into Panama together.
I guess I´ll update you when needed, but rest assured that the guys are watching out for me and I´m in good hands.
Adios for now
xx
Thursday, February 15, 2007
The Three Amigos
Call them what you will...
Laurel n Hardy, Tweedle Dumb n Tweedle Dee, Jekylle n Hyde or simply ´Yanks´... Jesse n Sean are awesome!!!
There is no other way of putting it. They are shining examples of what humans and Americans :o) should be like. For this reason I have decided to dedicate an entire blogg entry to them, and because I need to patent ´The Shoulder Groove´.
Now you may ask yourself... "What exactaly is the shoulder groove"? Well I wish I could explain with words, but unfortunaly I do not have the words to be able to explain, so you will just have to trust me when I say that its mesmorising and if you are ever trying to pick up... its a sure thing. I was skeptical at first, but I have witnessed Sean, ´The Shoulder Groove´ Master at work, and it truly is a wondrous sight to see. The guy is a genius. I have some video footage and as soon as I can work out how to upload to flickr, you can take a look for yourself!
On a more serious note... I have to personally say a MASSIVE THANX to both the guys for EVERYTHING that they have done for me. In my moment of need they were there to take me to the hospital, changed their plans so that they could hang around for me while I was fixed up and have been carrying my bags around for the past 3 days (and most importantly have been making me laugh when all I have wanted to do is cry...) just so that I wouldn't give up on my trip and so I can carry on!!!
I´m going to be spending the next couple of weeks with ´The boyz´ as they have kindly invited me to join them in their travels. I´m sure we will continue out wrath of mischief throughout the rest of Central America, I just hope that they are ready for us!
from Nicaragua
A recovering Sity
xx
Oh forgot to tell you... we are in Nicaragua now and my hotmail is back online... yippee!!!
Laurel n Hardy, Tweedle Dumb n Tweedle Dee, Jekylle n Hyde or simply ´Yanks´... Jesse n Sean are awesome!!!
There is no other way of putting it. They are shining examples of what humans and Americans :o) should be like. For this reason I have decided to dedicate an entire blogg entry to them, and because I need to patent ´The Shoulder Groove´.
Now you may ask yourself... "What exactaly is the shoulder groove"? Well I wish I could explain with words, but unfortunaly I do not have the words to be able to explain, so you will just have to trust me when I say that its mesmorising and if you are ever trying to pick up... its a sure thing. I was skeptical at first, but I have witnessed Sean, ´The Shoulder Groove´ Master at work, and it truly is a wondrous sight to see. The guy is a genius. I have some video footage and as soon as I can work out how to upload to flickr, you can take a look for yourself!
On a more serious note... I have to personally say a MASSIVE THANX to both the guys for EVERYTHING that they have done for me. In my moment of need they were there to take me to the hospital, changed their plans so that they could hang around for me while I was fixed up and have been carrying my bags around for the past 3 days (and most importantly have been making me laugh when all I have wanted to do is cry...) just so that I wouldn't give up on my trip and so I can carry on!!!
I´m going to be spending the next couple of weeks with ´The boyz´ as they have kindly invited me to join them in their travels. I´m sure we will continue out wrath of mischief throughout the rest of Central America, I just hope that they are ready for us!
from Nicaragua
A recovering Sity
xx
Oh forgot to tell you... we are in Nicaragua now and my hotmail is back online... yippee!!!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Hondurez Highlands
Its been go, go, go since Salvador...
Sucesfully managed to make it into my next country... but couldnt get as far as I needed to, resulting in a not so pleasent pit stop in La Entrada... Not recomended. The chicken bus journey the next morning was eventful, cramped, but breath taking. Hondurez has got to be the most beautiful country in Central America yet.
Its tropical and humid, but the scenary more than makes up for that.
Visited Copan Ruines, a beautiful town and the jump off point for some more Mayan Ruins.
Got a new team tohether and the 4 of us set off for the Bay Islands where we planned to dive and I was hoping to catch up with Sean and Jessy.
Took 10 long hours to get to Utila, but at least it gave me a chance to bond with my new buddies... May and Daniel, we settled in for the long haul, finding the island to be extreally chilled and welcoming... once again being too too easy to get stuck on!
Much to my amazment Jessy and Sean were camping out under our dorm room!!! so the 3 amigos were reunited.
The last 4 days have been debortorous and me and the gang have been working had on leaving our stamp on the island... Im sure we wont be forgotten in a hurry.
Sean, Jessy and I are heading to Nicuragua now... We have had to make a bit of a detour to the hospital as yours truly has damaged her back again... waiting on results... will let you know what happens. (May have to cut my trip short... yeah I know it must be pretty bad).
Anyway the reason I havent written for a while is because, well, basically there was no useable internet on the island... Im back online, but I still cant access my hotmail... hopefully they will sort it soon.
OK Kiddies... take it easy
xx
Sucesfully managed to make it into my next country... but couldnt get as far as I needed to, resulting in a not so pleasent pit stop in La Entrada... Not recomended. The chicken bus journey the next morning was eventful, cramped, but breath taking. Hondurez has got to be the most beautiful country in Central America yet.
Its tropical and humid, but the scenary more than makes up for that.
Visited Copan Ruines, a beautiful town and the jump off point for some more Mayan Ruins.
Got a new team tohether and the 4 of us set off for the Bay Islands where we planned to dive and I was hoping to catch up with Sean and Jessy.
Took 10 long hours to get to Utila, but at least it gave me a chance to bond with my new buddies... May and Daniel, we settled in for the long haul, finding the island to be extreally chilled and welcoming... once again being too too easy to get stuck on!
Much to my amazment Jessy and Sean were camping out under our dorm room!!! so the 3 amigos were reunited.
The last 4 days have been debortorous and me and the gang have been working had on leaving our stamp on the island... Im sure we wont be forgotten in a hurry.
Sean, Jessy and I are heading to Nicuragua now... We have had to make a bit of a detour to the hospital as yours truly has damaged her back again... waiting on results... will let you know what happens. (May have to cut my trip short... yeah I know it must be pretty bad).
Anyway the reason I havent written for a while is because, well, basically there was no useable internet on the island... Im back online, but I still cant access my hotmail... hopefully they will sort it soon.
OK Kiddies... take it easy
xx
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Gastronomic Guatemala
The last 3 days have been awesome.
I managed to get myself stuck at Lake Attilan after running into a friend (Claudio) from Antigua. Claudio has a beautiful house in San Marcos on the lake and kindly invited me to stay with him. I also met Dave and Lil there who I had a great time hanging out with... The lake is stunning.
Arrived back in Antigua just in time for my hike up Volcano Pacuya, much to my (pleasant) surprise I found Jessy & Sean were on the same hike (2 hilarios yanks from my hostel). I haven´t laughed so much in ages... all the way to and up the volcano to the stumble in the dark down and the fun packed journey back to Antigua where we had to stop to carry out some road side assistenace.
Also managed to catch a show with the ´real´ Bueno Vista Social CLub... bloody fantastic.
All in all I have some fantastic memories from Antigua, and the fun continues...
I met Hok... My first ever Lithuanian encounter! We hung out in Antigua for a couple of days and have now decided to travel together for a while.
After leaving GUatemala we arrived in sunny El Salvador passing through Santa Ana and into San Salvador. We are not quite sure what exactaly we are doing here, but we are having some laughs and probably gonna hit the beach.
Hok is an interesting character, a famous, fantasic, musician, journalist and relife worker... the list is endless and if I could find the right words to describe him, I would. Maybe you should check out his myspace and see for yourself...
www.myspace.com/hokshila
Anyway for some reason I cannot access my email account? Does anyone know what is up with hotmail? Or is it just me? (relplys posted on my site would be appreciated or to sitypatel@gmail.com)
ok amigos... adios from El Salvador
xx
I managed to get myself stuck at Lake Attilan after running into a friend (Claudio) from Antigua. Claudio has a beautiful house in San Marcos on the lake and kindly invited me to stay with him. I also met Dave and Lil there who I had a great time hanging out with... The lake is stunning.
Arrived back in Antigua just in time for my hike up Volcano Pacuya, much to my (pleasant) surprise I found Jessy & Sean were on the same hike (2 hilarios yanks from my hostel). I haven´t laughed so much in ages... all the way to and up the volcano to the stumble in the dark down and the fun packed journey back to Antigua where we had to stop to carry out some road side assistenace.
Also managed to catch a show with the ´real´ Bueno Vista Social CLub... bloody fantastic.
All in all I have some fantastic memories from Antigua, and the fun continues...
I met Hok... My first ever Lithuanian encounter! We hung out in Antigua for a couple of days and have now decided to travel together for a while.
After leaving GUatemala we arrived in sunny El Salvador passing through Santa Ana and into San Salvador. We are not quite sure what exactaly we are doing here, but we are having some laughs and probably gonna hit the beach.
Hok is an interesting character, a famous, fantasic, musician, journalist and relife worker... the list is endless and if I could find the right words to describe him, I would. Maybe you should check out his myspace and see for yourself...
www.myspace.com/hokshila
Anyway for some reason I cannot access my email account? Does anyone know what is up with hotmail? Or is it just me? (relplys posted on my site would be appreciated or to sitypatel@gmail.com)
ok amigos... adios from El Salvador
xx
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Awesome Antigua
I think I’m going to be stuck here for a bit.
Its absolutely beautiful, besides which I have enrolled in Spanish class ‘cos, I fell like a social reject and I wouldn’t mind getting to know this place and the people a bit better.
There’s loads to do around the city too... Have been to Coban and am heading to Lake Attilan tomorrow which is supposed to have stunning view of 3 awesome volcanoes and then I’m off to climb Guatemala’s very own active volcano on Friday, so fingers crossed. Have to have an armed guard with us for security?!
Have met some cool people here and the hostel is really chilled out... one of the nicest places I have stayed yet... Feels like home already, which ironically is making me feel a little home sick. Oh well, I guess I will get over that as soon as I am faced with molten lava... :o/
From Sunny Antigua... (one of my favorite places top date)
a Very chilled out Sity ;o)
xx
Its absolutely beautiful, besides which I have enrolled in Spanish class ‘cos, I fell like a social reject and I wouldn’t mind getting to know this place and the people a bit better.
There’s loads to do around the city too... Have been to Coban and am heading to Lake Attilan tomorrow which is supposed to have stunning view of 3 awesome volcanoes and then I’m off to climb Guatemala’s very own active volcano on Friday, so fingers crossed. Have to have an armed guard with us for security?!
Have met some cool people here and the hostel is really chilled out... one of the nicest places I have stayed yet... Feels like home already, which ironically is making me feel a little home sick. Oh well, I guess I will get over that as soon as I am faced with molten lava... :o/
From Sunny Antigua... (one of my favorite places top date)
a Very chilled out Sity ;o)
xx
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Gangsta Guatemala
I can tell you that crossing the boarder from Belize Cayo to Guatemala was a ´special´ experience indeed.
I fought corruption and refused to pay the ´entrance fee´ into Guatemala. I can tell you that the boarder guards were not impresses with my behavior, but the rest of the tourists were, after a lousy threat and the safe return of my passport, I was sent on my way 10 quetzales better off.
I did however have my camera stolen later on in the day, but hay ho, what´s a girl to do.
Never the less, I really like Guatemala. It´s beautiful, the people that I have met are kind and they seem to have a good sense of humor. I´m staying in Flores which is beautiful and I visited the Tikal ruins today which were breath taking.
Heading to Antigua tomorrow to take some Spanish lessons and check out some volcanoes... not quite sure how that is gonna work out, but I guess I´ll let you know when I do.
Catch ya lata crazy kidz...
p.s. Have to say a big thanx to Bob for lending m,e his camera today... cheers mate
p.p.s. I was right about the Lamanai Ruins in Belize, there were a lot of Mozzies, but worst still bees. I got stung for the first time EVER!!!
I fought corruption and refused to pay the ´entrance fee´ into Guatemala. I can tell you that the boarder guards were not impresses with my behavior, but the rest of the tourists were, after a lousy threat and the safe return of my passport, I was sent on my way 10 quetzales better off.
I did however have my camera stolen later on in the day, but hay ho, what´s a girl to do.
Never the less, I really like Guatemala. It´s beautiful, the people that I have met are kind and they seem to have a good sense of humor. I´m staying in Flores which is beautiful and I visited the Tikal ruins today which were breath taking.
Heading to Antigua tomorrow to take some Spanish lessons and check out some volcanoes... not quite sure how that is gonna work out, but I guess I´ll let you know when I do.
Catch ya lata crazy kidz...
p.s. Have to say a big thanx to Bob for lending m,e his camera today... cheers mate
p.p.s. I was right about the Lamanai Ruins in Belize, there were a lot of Mozzies, but worst still bees. I got stung for the first time EVER!!!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Caribbean Caye Caulker
After the strangest bus journey yet, I arrived in Belize City.
Coincidence of coincidences, Tim the Ozzy lad I met in Playa Del Carmen, just so happened to get on the same bus as me, accompanied by 2 additional Ozzys, Paul and Steve, so the four of us decided to combine forces and travel together for a while.
We ended up in Caye Caulker, a small island off the east coast of Belize. More than anything I loved the people and the life style there. Everyone was super friendly and chilled out, and it was easy to get caught up in the 'sitting around doing nothing rut'. Aside from doing just that me and the boys did manage to organise a party at out shack and after a hard days fishing the guys came back with the grub and set up a mean BBQ... all in all a success... If I remember correctly?!
I did also however manage to get some more diving under my belt... Dive the Cenote at the world famous Blue Hole where I had my deepest dive yet... 40 meters... I have to admit that I felt a little narced not necessarily a bad thing. Anyway it was some of the best diving I have done to date!
One thing that strikes me most about Belize is their modes of transportation here... from strobe lit buses in the dark, to crazy ass boats not to mention the cars, aka Gold Buggies... anything seems to go.
Ok so at the moment I'm in Orange Walk, heading to The Lamanai Ruins tomorrow via the jungle river, should be mosquito infested, just the way I like... mmmmm?! :o/
Anyway watch this space..
will upload photos next chance I get
From Belize
XX
Coincidence of coincidences, Tim the Ozzy lad I met in Playa Del Carmen, just so happened to get on the same bus as me, accompanied by 2 additional Ozzys, Paul and Steve, so the four of us decided to combine forces and travel together for a while.
We ended up in Caye Caulker, a small island off the east coast of Belize. More than anything I loved the people and the life style there. Everyone was super friendly and chilled out, and it was easy to get caught up in the 'sitting around doing nothing rut'. Aside from doing just that me and the boys did manage to organise a party at out shack and after a hard days fishing the guys came back with the grub and set up a mean BBQ... all in all a success... If I remember correctly?!
I did also however manage to get some more diving under my belt... Dive the Cenote at the world famous Blue Hole where I had my deepest dive yet... 40 meters... I have to admit that I felt a little narced not necessarily a bad thing. Anyway it was some of the best diving I have done to date!
One thing that strikes me most about Belize is their modes of transportation here... from strobe lit buses in the dark, to crazy ass boats not to mention the cars, aka Gold Buggies... anything seems to go.
Ok so at the moment I'm in Orange Walk, heading to The Lamanai Ruins tomorrow via the jungle river, should be mosquito infested, just the way I like... mmmmm?! :o/
Anyway watch this space..
will upload photos next chance I get
From Belize
XX
Friday, January 19, 2007
Cosmic Cozumel Diving
Ok so have spent the last couple of days diving, hanging out on the beach, drinking margaritas, and making punch... life couldn't´t get much better except for the fact that I am also nursing some hideous mosquito bites...
Yes once again I forgot how much I suffered them, and the fact that they come hand in hand with the beach existence that I worship sooo much.
Anyway this is just a quick note to say that the diving has been amazing... world class, and that I´ve met some great people that have been watching out for me... a few that are going my way eventually, so who knows...?
and that...
I´m heading to Belize tomorrow (via Chetumal). I have heard some mixed stories about how dangerous it is, so I´ll keep my fingers crossed that it all works out..
Watch this space..
From Mexico...
Adios
xx
Yes once again I forgot how much I suffered them, and the fact that they come hand in hand with the beach existence that I worship sooo much.
Anyway this is just a quick note to say that the diving has been amazing... world class, and that I´ve met some great people that have been watching out for me... a few that are going my way eventually, so who knows...?
and that...
I´m heading to Belize tomorrow (via Chetumal). I have heard some mixed stories about how dangerous it is, so I´ll keep my fingers crossed that it all works out..
Watch this space..
From Mexico...
Adios
xx
Monday, January 15, 2007
Peaceful Puerto
Ok so I have a little more time now, but a doggy Spanish keyboard, so excuse the lack of puntuation.
So....
Mexico was cool.. soaked up the Spanish and Myan culture and tried to become syncronised with the pace of life although citys and towns varey greatly. Getting on the Metro has got to be one of the scariest and funniest tings I had ever done... I pretty much had to launch myself into the crowd of poeple bulging out of the train doors. I swear the locals looked at me and thought that there was no way that I was going to try and squeeze on like them, and that I would just stand back and watch as train after train passed me by without any space to breath... sod that... I was gettin on. Im sure that some people were impressed so much so that I had an old dude grab my arse, several times... can you belive it... I wont go into gory details, but I can tell you that I am emotionally scared by the experience.
And Michael wasnt much help... he just lauged... Thanx Mike
I have to admit though that it was kindda nice to have someone that spoke Spanish around for my first few days in Mexico, I was a bit shell shocked and it really helped, so thatx anyway Micheal.
Took in some Aztec ruiens before heading to Oaxaca were spent the day strolling around the beautiful city and some awesome art museums before hitting the beach at Puerto Escondido... it was absolutly beautiful and exactally what I needed after being in the cold of Chicago... They are having ice storms at them momeent, sounds like I left at just the right time... its 28 degrees in Mexico now... perfect weather for the beach.
Im in San Cristobal a laid back arty town in Central Northern Mexico... Heading up towards Cancun and Playa del Carmen next... itching to dive again and I hear that it is up there on the MUST dive list, so guess the next time you hear from me will be from the East Coast, where I am also hoping to enroll in a Spanish class. Watch this space...
Till then
xx
p.s. Bye Michael.. had a fantastic time hangin out with you, thanx for everything, and nothin... missin you already
xx
So....
Mexico was cool.. soaked up the Spanish and Myan culture and tried to become syncronised with the pace of life although citys and towns varey greatly. Getting on the Metro has got to be one of the scariest and funniest tings I had ever done... I pretty much had to launch myself into the crowd of poeple bulging out of the train doors. I swear the locals looked at me and thought that there was no way that I was going to try and squeeze on like them, and that I would just stand back and watch as train after train passed me by without any space to breath... sod that... I was gettin on. Im sure that some people were impressed so much so that I had an old dude grab my arse, several times... can you belive it... I wont go into gory details, but I can tell you that I am emotionally scared by the experience.
And Michael wasnt much help... he just lauged... Thanx Mike
I have to admit though that it was kindda nice to have someone that spoke Spanish around for my first few days in Mexico, I was a bit shell shocked and it really helped, so thatx anyway Micheal.
Took in some Aztec ruiens before heading to Oaxaca were spent the day strolling around the beautiful city and some awesome art museums before hitting the beach at Puerto Escondido... it was absolutly beautiful and exactally what I needed after being in the cold of Chicago... They are having ice storms at them momeent, sounds like I left at just the right time... its 28 degrees in Mexico now... perfect weather for the beach.
Im in San Cristobal a laid back arty town in Central Northern Mexico... Heading up towards Cancun and Playa del Carmen next... itching to dive again and I hear that it is up there on the MUST dive list, so guess the next time you hear from me will be from the East Coast, where I am also hoping to enroll in a Spanish class. Watch this space...
Till then
xx
p.s. Bye Michael.. had a fantastic time hangin out with you, thanx for everything, and nothin... missin you already
xx
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Manic Mexico
So I don´t really have that long, but just wanted to let you guiys know that I am safe and sound...
In Mexico at the moment. Escaped the hectic city 2 days ago to hit the beach. Don´t get me wrong the city is beautiful and packed with history and culture, but mostly with people. Two days was enough!
Will update you more on my going´s on when I have more time...
Adios Amigos
xx
p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKEY
In Mexico at the moment. Escaped the hectic city 2 days ago to hit the beach. Don´t get me wrong the city is beautiful and packed with history and culture, but mostly with people. Two days was enough!
Will update you more on my going´s on when I have more time...
Adios Amigos
xx
p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKEY
Monday, January 08, 2007
Eeeating is Cheeeating
I've had loads of fun hangin' out with J....
We've been partying hard as usual and reminiscing about the good old days.
Went to 'Toast Masters', which I have to admit was a seriously 'interesting' experience... Met the most awesome people there though... (Michael and Angelica). Adam also got hold of some (foreign) 'Jaffa Cakes' which I was missing so that was pretty cool :o)
Had dinner with J's folks and caught a Bull's game as well as wondering aimlessly around the City and taking in the sights...
Chicago has got to be my favorite city by night... it's soooo beautiful when it's all lit up.
I'm gonna miss it... The people, the place, the food.
Guess I'll have to come back, especially now that I have made some new friends too.
Anyway I'm off to Mexico tomorrow :o/
Guess I'll catch up with you guys from there.
Have to give J a shout out for being his usual FANTASTIC self... Thanx once again for everything.
xx
We've been partying hard as usual and reminiscing about the good old days.
Went to 'Toast Masters', which I have to admit was a seriously 'interesting' experience... Met the most awesome people there though... (Michael and Angelica). Adam also got hold of some (foreign) 'Jaffa Cakes' which I was missing so that was pretty cool :o)
Had dinner with J's folks and caught a Bull's game as well as wondering aimlessly around the City and taking in the sights...
Chicago has got to be my favorite city by night... it's soooo beautiful when it's all lit up.
I'm gonna miss it... The people, the place, the food.
Guess I'll have to come back, especially now that I have made some new friends too.
Anyway I'm off to Mexico tomorrow :o/
Guess I'll catch up with you guys from there.
Have to give J a shout out for being his usual FANTASTIC self... Thanx once again for everything.
xx
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