Touring out of Bolivia

After seven days, fifty mosquito bites, and a couple hospital visits in Trinidad we had seen enough and hopped on the bus to Rurrenabaque, a town that is as difficult to access as it is to pronounce. The rusted old bus with intermittently functioning headlights and hefty offroading tires bumped and splashed towards 'Rurre' for 12 hours, dropping us off at 1 AM in the small riveside town known for its proximity to the Madidi jungle and the Yunguyo Pampas. We had decided to try and visit both areas in a week, and fill in the spaces with a little hammock time. In all of the protected areas around Rurre it is prohibited to set out independently (it is also nearly impossible due to the remoteness of everything), so we signed up with a tour and headed out towards the Pampas, a wetlands area teeming with wildlife that swims, swings, and swoops alongside the motor driven canoes of the tour company. The first day the weather took an unfortunate turn from the typical balmy tropical heat to a frigid and cloudy drizzle. Although the weather slowed my unprepared and unprotected body to a crawl, it did not stop the myriad of creatures that lined the banks from showing their faces. On the way out to the rustic lodge we saw caiman, alligators, squirrel monkeys, anteaters, capybara, and birds of paradise to name a few. Upon arriving the weather improved for the duration of our stay, and I passed the night drinking cheap whiskey and happily pulling catfish out of the murky brown river with my hand-line. The next day we set out into the open pampa with rubber boots and sticks to find the infamous anaconda. We had been told that it was rare to find the snakes, and what we had read from other tourists prepared us for disappointment. However, after arriving at a lake filled with more caimans than seemed possible, someone from the group gave out a shriek of success and we came running over to see the creature. The 10 ft long snake was coiled up in the bushes and fortunately is rather incapable of attacking unless it is in the water. After a few hundred photos we headed back to the boat, passing a number of other amazing birds such as the giant Yapebu. That evening we did another wildlife watching trip and found some howler monkeys and sloths among the branches, as well as some pink river dolphins alongside the boat. Our final act of business for the day was to fish for some piranhas using raw beef. Viviana quickly upstaged me as she deftly yanked one into the boat, and I was left tossing back sardines and wasting a sirloin worth of bait. At sunset we stopped by a little shack/bar and played volleyball and sipped more cheap whisky until the night fell. The last day only contained one activity really worth mentioning. We cruised out on the canoe until we located a group of river dolphins, which we were told would scare away the piranhas. Apparently the caimans and alligators were braver, but despite there being five or six of the beasts in the water nearby (oh and don't dare pee in the water either...) a few of us jumped in for a dip. The alligators maintained their positions and after a few unnerving minutes in the water we hopped out and headed back to town, ready for the next adventure.



Madidi National Park begins a few kilometers down the river from Rurre and stretches on for 19000 square kilometers of dense, lush jungle. Our trip brought us to another small shack, this time without running water, located on the bank of the Tuichi river. Even though this reserve is part of the Amazon rainforest and is completely packed with wildlife, it is so dense that seeing them can prove to be very difficult. The majority of our three days in the jungle was spent tromping through the understory following footprints and sounds searching for creatures. We found a few monkeys hanging around, namely the howler monkeys and another group of squirrel monkeys, but there were two real highlights, one on the first night and the other on the second day. After a few treks into the jungle and a nice dinner we retired to the dormitory style shack with beds and mosquito nets we were to sleep in. Before turning in we were all hanging out on the small porch out front chatting when the guide suddenly instructed us to be silent and turn off the headlamps and candles. We obeyed without protest and sat there for a good hour listening to a strange sound coming from the trees. Eventually we were told to very quietly go inside the cabin and continue being silent. The guide and his family followed us in and at this point we asked to know exactly why we were acting so odd. He explained that there was a pack of monkeys with a history of attacking and even killing humans waiting outside in the trees. Of course my skepticism kicked in immediately, but the fact that he waited in the cabin for over an hour after we had all gotten into the beds made me a little unsure, and an internet search turned up little information other than the fact that 'there are hundreds of species of monkeys in the Amazon, and many yet to be discovered.' Nevertheless, we all slept well avoiding any harm from the Cujo-monkeys, and the next day we resumed the wildlife search. At some point the guide had ventured off listening to a call in the distance and left us a short distance behind when we started to hear an odd groaning sound getting louder. The groan was intensified by the noise of the insects, which followed the crescendo. Soon the guide heard as well and came creeping back, passing us and instructing us to follow. The noise was close now and we could hear grunts and snorts as well as what sounded like the clashing of horns. The herd of animals was just on the other side of the bush, but as we crept closer they heard us and fled, allowing me only the faintest look at some brown object retreating into the distance. The guide explained to us that they were a pack of wild boars, battling and foraging for food. Eventually I accepted the loss and we continued the hike. Another few hours later we approached what we knew would be our best chance to see wildlife. In the middle of the jungle there is a small opening with some mud pits that are said to have a very high salt content, drawing all types of animals in for the nutrients. As we came close we went into stealth mode, and tiptoeing towards the pits we soon heard a familiar snorting noise. Sure enough there was a herd of around 40 wild boars congregating around the mud pit and taking in the precious mineral. We hid for a good five minutes watching them play before they finally noticed us and took off, leaving us all very content with the experience. Upon returning to the hut I began preparing for bed with my flashlight under the mosquito net. As I did so I noticed a familiar small dot on my skin and quickly recognized it as a tick. Then I saw another. Then another. And another. Soon I called Viviana over to make sure she wasn't infested as well. That night I pulled six ticks of of my own body and twelve off of Viviana, leaving a nice pattern of horribly itchy dots on both of us. The rest of the time in the jungle was spent scratching wounds and learning about the various medicinal and otherwise useful plants, which included a vine that filtered water, a fruit that makes henna tattoos, and a bark that can clear up bloodshot eyes (a sure money maker in Oregon). After only three days in the jungle I hopped back on the boat and headed to Rurre, ready to continue the journey south.

A painful 22 hour dirt road led us to the next stop in Potosi, one of the most important contributors to the rapid spanish colonization of South America. Although the city now boasts a collection of impressive colonial architecture and a lot of other fancy crap, we decided to go for the true heart of the city and enter the centuries old silver mines where it all started. There are a number of agencies that will lead you up to the still functioning mines, but they all depend on the cooperation of the miners. To appease the miners, and their devil ´El Tio,´ all visitors must bring gifts to give to the miners they encounter in the shafts along the way. The list of acceptable offerings is: alcohol, coca leaves, cigarrettes, dynamite, and soda. Clearly the miners have given up on a healthy diet. So we loaded up and went deep into the mine, ducking out of the way every few minutes as groups of miners pushed 1.5 ton mine carts by. The coca leaves proved to be absolutely necessary, as the already thin oxygen at 12000 ft becomes even more scarce deep inside the mine. At one point we stopped by and paid homage to ´El Tio,´ an ancient clay effigy that the miners worship for safety and success. This consisted of sticking a couple of burning cigarrettes in his tar covered mouth, taking a swig of horrific 96% alcohol, and then pouring a little out for the Pachamama. With my lungs burning as much as my mouth, we retreated to the outside world and headed back down to Potosi, where we caught another bus over to the desert town of Uyuni.

Uyuni is basically just a jumping off point for the massive Salar de Uyuni, the worlds largest salt flat. Again the only way to access this remote region is by tour, so we signed up and hopped in a 4x4 with a few other French and Italitan tourists. After a few stops for photos in the middle of the giant salt flat we drove way out to the Isla del Pez, a cacti covered island that really makes you feel like you are in the middle of a giant white sea. Back in the jeep we drove for a few hours in a perfectly straight line to the edge of the salt flat, where we spent the night in a hotel made completely out of salt. The next morning we got up, stretched our legs and necks and drove up to an altiplano lake absolutely packed with 3 different species of flamingos. Adding another accent to the spectacular scenery was a pack of wild vicuñas (a relative of the llama) grazing along the lakeshore. We passed three more similar lakes before coming to the Laguna Colorada, a slightly larger lake with blood-red water, and of course it´s own little flamingo colony. This was on the 25th, so our christmas celebration was slightly unusual. We had a bottle of champagne and some of the most amazing stargazing of my life, but no tree and unfortunately no family either. The next day was my birthday, and it proved to be equally unusual and uniquely incredible. The day started with a trip to some steaming geysers on the top of a ridge at sunrise, after which we descended to a mere 13000 ft for a dip in some hot springs, also with the requisite flock of flamingos. Then we passed by the ´Salvador Dali Desert´ and headed on into Chile, where we finished the trip in the town of San Pedro de Atacama. Since then we have made a 22 hours bus journey into Santiago, and are awaiting the arrival of my parents who will travel with us for 3 weeks. It has suddenly hit me that my trip to the third world is over, and the rest of the trip will be a little more expensive. However this also brings some serious benefits, such as healthy food, comfortable rooms, and even good beer. Now I will put to the test all of my acquired cost saving armaments to survive in the modern world, and some new weapons as well. Tomorrow we will be trying out couchsurfing for the first time, and of course I will keep you informed on how it goes.

Klayar Beach Pacitan Earth Java

Beach klayar in Donorojo District, District Pacitan.Pantai It is about 35 km to the west of Pacitan. Beach klayar might be obtained in about 60 minutes from the city of Pacitan. on the fringe of beach dune klayar many that have characteristics of other beaches which are in Pacitan.

This white sandy beach has a privilege in the crevice between rocks and waves that can be waved like a flute sound of the sea. It has a white sand and blue water that is fun to be visited and enjoyed. In addition there is also a natural fountain. The fountain is due to air pressure at sea wave which hit rock rock hollow. fountain height can reach about 10 meters and can produce drizzle and dew sea water by surrounding communities is believed to have special qualities as an ageless medicine.
Indonesia Tourist Paradise

BANTEN , TANJUNG LESUNG

Pulau Umang the District of Wells, Pandeglang, Banten away. This place is to escape from the noise of the city and enjoy the beautiful moments honeymoon.

On this island there is a resort that add an artistic touch of nature, beauty of the sea, surrounded by mountains on the atmosphere is more romantic set during their honeymoon.

Searching for Peace

We left Copacabana looking for a little quiet time. It turned out to be much harder to find than we had hoped. Our first stop was in La Paz, a giant cloud of smog and traffic with every street as packed as the busses that clog them. The only thing tidy and clean in this city was my chin after the barber cut my beard off against my orders. After a couple of days we had had enough and continued on to Cochabamba to search for greener pastures. This turned out to be a bad choice.



Our intention was to work at an NGO that made and promoted solar ovens in an effort to help delay deforestation. In the first day we had stopped by the site and arranged things with the owner, and although the city was rather depressing, we even managed to find a nice little apartment right downtown. It was going well so far, perhaps too well. The landlord at the apartment was a little old Bolivian lady, probably in her late 40´s, with huge fangs and twisted horns protruding from the side of her head. Despite her slightly terrifying demeanor and penetrating stench, we signed the rental contract for the month and moved all our stuff into the apartment. I awoke the next morning to the unfortunate sight of Viviana battling another sickness, and while I tried to reassure her I heard the loud clopping of hooves on the staircase and immediately knew our happy little apartment wasn´t going to last. I could see the landlord was upset by the smoke protruding from her nostrils. She explained to us that she had added a few rules to the contract and wanted us to sign a new one. This time it included such clauses as ´no guests ever in the house´ and ´no alcoholic beverages allowed in the apartment.´ Clearly this wasn´t going to work, so less than 12 short hours after our arrival we were packing up again.

A glance at the calendar made me aware that we only had about 3 weeks left to volunteer, and the solar place had asked for a 1 month minimum commitment. After checking the place out we didn´t feel like we could help much in so short a time, so we went to investigate our backup plan, a school in the poor suburbs of Cochabamba where we could help with classes and activities. Again we spoke with the director and got things arranged. Our spirits lifted with the sight of all the adorable little children bouncing around the playground and we felt renewed. That is until we got back to the depressing concrete prison of Cochabamba and realized we still had nowhere to stay. This time we were just looking for a hostel we could live at for a few weeks. It needed a kitchen, a common area, and a decent price. After a thorough 3 day search of the city we were still completely empty handed, and now I was starting to feel a similar sickness as Viviana had been feeling the last couple days. Depressed and defeated, we decided to take evasive action and hop the next bus out of town. A claustrophobically awkward ride with our backpacks on a public city bus, a hectic terminal with rude employees, and a retarded kid pacing up and down the bus screeching out of key religious songs put us on the edge of a nervous breakdown until we finally saw the city lights fade away behind the bus. We had spent a horrifically stressful week trying to volunteer, and as those in search of peace often do, we followed the road to the East.

An overnight bus to Santa Cruz followed by a collectivo along the Amborò Jungle Reserve brought us to the chilled out hamlet of Samaipata. We checked into a hostel with a nice balcony and an open kitchen and let out a big sigh of relief. Now it was just a question of sleeping in and enjoying the nearby attractions at our leisure. We managed to visit the Fuerte de Samaipata, an ancient pre-incan ruin carved into a humongous rock, and the waterfalls of Las Cuevas, which included some nice quick-sand beaches you could sink deep into. The next night brought a little hannukah celebration, which included donuts, potato pancakes, and a pissed off hostel owner that kicked all of our new Israeli friends out of the hostel the next day. After another lazy day of rest we headed out to the remote La Pajcha waterfall for some camping and playing in the sand. Finally we were starting to feel the stress leaving the body, and after 5 nights in Samaipata we decided to leave the fresh mountain air and head down into the steamy jungle.

Trinidad is the capital of the Beni province in northern Bolivia. It´s hot and sticky, and just a stones throw from the Rio Ibara and the Rio Mamorè, two large Amazonian rivers full of life. While Viviana has been battling yet another bout of stomach problems (Bolivian hospitals make Peruvian hospitals look like palaces of cleanliness and security), we have managed to enjoy the splendors of the jungle a bit so far. This time we rented a motorcycle... ok it was a scooter... and cruised off to the river where we saw pink river dolphins swimming amongst the lillipads. We paid a local $2 to use his canoe for the day and paddled down the river a little ways, sighting a large family of capybaras on the bank, as well as numerous species of birds and a lot of jumping fish. Now we are waiting out the last fading signs of Vivianas stomach illness, at which point we will probably move on to the more touristy town of Rurrenabaque to continue exploring the Bolivian Amazon. We´ve made a point to slow down a bit in Bolivia and it has definitely been a nice break from the constant travelling. Hopefully the rivers of western Beni will continue to wash away the stress and channel in the relaxation...

BELITUNG ISLAND

Belitung Island is dominated coast with beautiful views, crystal clear water and white sand along the coast. Number of bays with calm water makes this place suitable for honeymooners who enjoy water sports. Beautiful landscape of the island of Belitung, perhaps can not be found on other islands, it is the privilege of the island, attracting a place for a romantic honeymoon nan.

Kampung Sampireun, Garut, Jawa Barat

As a tourist attraction that recently put Kampung name Sampireun often. This is not report freely from various electronic and print media, the beauty and form of satisfaction as the expressed purpose of this tour.

The village is situated in the village Sampireun Sukakarya, Samarang can be a place to let go of saturation is different from other resorts.

Garut After about half an hour's drive from Bandung direction, point the way to Kampung Sampireun began to see. After turning off the main road, asphalt road narrows. On the left-right-way alternating fields with houses, and one of the two properties to begin color the views of the tobacco plant.

Although the streets are crowded not only by one or two public transport and trucks, speeding cars can not, because a lot of bumps. Perhaps because of the way to Kampung Sampireun direction of the steam power plant and Kamojang Kamojang Park on the slopes of Mount Guntur.

When you arrive, is the first court, the natural can be enjoyed a look at a lake with an area of 1.4 hectares with a bamboo-walled houses overlooking the lake immediately welcome as you arrive in the lobby. Bamboo and wood was the dominant element within and outside the cabin is often Sebuat cabana and lanai.

Every weekend at the resort where guests can relax area of about four hectares of fully charged. However, on normal days only a few guests who stop by here.

A variety of unique beauty of the place can either be enjoyed at different times of day or night. The atmosphere of the night you can feel as described Kompas, Sunday 30 July, 2000. At nightfall in his own views for those who were there, overwritten as the waves of the lake water surface sparkling moonlight. At the right end of the weak bamboo leaves, to protect the spring water as a source of lake water.

BALI

village of Ubud

 Ubud is a village municipality, oversees the 13 (thirteen) train service consisting of 6 (six), traditional villages, including the district of Ubud, Gianyar regency with a distance of 20 km from the city of Denpasar, Ubud can be reached in 30 minutes or 15 minutes from the town of Gianyar .

With a height of about 300 meters above sea level, Ubud has a cooler air from the plains region south of the original Balinese. Ubud Village has a population of about 9800 inhabitants. With an unspoiled environment, this area is an area source of inspiration for artists, including artists overseas, mainly European artists.
Ubud besides having beautiful nature, this area is also a village with a rich cultural heritage of the great artists, especially the famous painter, for example, I Gusti Nyoman Lempad (1862-1978), Anak Agung Gde Sobrat (1919-1992), I Gusti Made Deblog (1910-1986), later followed by others like, I Gusti Ketut Kobot, Ida Bagus Made, Dewa Putu Bedil, Ida Bagus Rai and others. The fame of the painters mentioned above participate inspire Western artists to reside in the village of Ubud.

Around the 1920s, two European painters from the Netherlands Rudolf Bonnet, Walter Spies of Germany and carve a new history of development of painting in Ubud area. Both the European painters introduced the technique of European aesthetics, especially in the fields of lighting, shading, perspective and anatomy. The local painters to absorb the new techniques in accordance with the basic values and local mind while taking the traditional themes so as to give a separate identity with a name or style Ubud Ubud style.

Ubud Village became famous as the birth of the artist thanks to the cooperation between Tjokordo Gde Agung Sukawati with Rudolf Bonnet to form an association of artists with the name of Pita Maha, who also gave birth to the birth of the Pita Maha is Gde Raka Sukawati Tjokordo, I Nyoman Gisti Lempad on 1936. Pita Maha is a gathering and a place to discuss issues and development of painting, as well as to exchange ideas and introduce the results of their art.

In its development and then, on the initiative of Ida Tjokordo Gde Agung Sukawati, supported by Rudolf Bonnet, a painter born in the Netherlands as well as local artists plan to establish a museum. Yayasan Ratna Wartha previously established given the task to carry out the development and management of the museum. In 1945 began the construction of the museum which is laying the first stone by Prime Minister Ali Sustroamidjoyo. In the past two years, precisely in 1956 the museum was opened by the Minister of Education and Culture Mr.Moh.Yamin
As a tourist destination, Ubud has many objects that appeal to tourists, both domestic and foreign. Some of these objects is the Puri Saren, which is located in Puri Ubud, the traditional art market, Monkey Forest (Wenara Wana) and museums.

NUSA TENGGARA BARAT

Moyo Island

Although small, quiet island but has a tremendous natural wealth of this, some people managed to attract "large" caliber Lady Diana and Mick Jagger for a vacation. Moyo Island, a small island located in the northern island of Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara Province. Seeing the beauty of the beach, sea and nature, it offers tranquility for connoisseurs of the beauty of the outdoors and underwater.

When visiting this island, we can see unspoiled natural beauty. Forests are beautiful and almost untouched, waterfalls and rivers experience, as well as the beauty beneath the endless sea. In addition to hiking in the woods, along rivers and waterfalls, several caves that can be reached by foot, can be an alternative activity. One of them is Cave Sweet Ai that must be achieved with a little rock climbing. This cave where hundreds of bats nest. In addition, other activities you can do is trekking for two hours that can be started from Labuan Haji, Waterfalls toward Brang Rea (Big River) located in the middle of the island.

 Moyo Island also offers natural beauty under the sea. Almost the entire island surrounded by reefs that are still in good condition and not damaged. Sharks with a length of approximately two meters, anemones, pelagic, eels, groupers and even mantas, all there. If you want to dive, you can do around the Island Medang, located in northwestern island of Moyo. You can contact Blue Lagoon Resort is located on the outskirts of the town of Sumbawa Besar. Cruises from Bali, Lombok or even abroad often do a stopover on the island. Pcrjalanan usually stop in the island of Moyo and Satonda Island, a tiny island in the northeast of the island of Moyo who has a salt water lake in the middle of the island.

LOMBOK

Senggigi Beach

Senggigi Beach is a famous tourist spot in Lombok. Located on the west coast of Lombok Island. Senggigi Beach is not at Kuta Beach in Bali, but once we were here will feel like staying in Kuta Beach, Bali. Coastal beaches are still beautiful, although it is still littered with garbage foliage because rarely cleaned. Very beautiful underwater scenery, and tourists can do as much snorkeling as the waves are not too big. Coral reefs towering ketengah cause large waves breaking in the middle.

About half an hour by foot, the tourists can find Batu Bolong in this beach. This is a temple built on the reef which is located on the waterfront. According to local legend of yore often held sacrifice a virgin to fed to the sharks in this place. Another legend says early days, many women who deploy away from this place into the sea because of a broken heart. From this place also seen Mount Agung in Bali.

KALIURANG-YOGYAKARTA

Kaliurang gives the feeling of coolness and the beauty of nature. There are some in Kaliurang the beauty of various shows. Kaliurang itself is shaped like a complex right and left is still surrounded by vast forests and beautiful. There is a place where we can look at the beauty Kaliurang, namely watching post.

Yet there are other places around Kaliurang are quite beautiful and deserve to be visited times yellow. There you can walk along the creek is clear and clean. Sometimes we will not tire when we walk away in a place like that. Or if you want to see the ex larva 2007, you can stop at Kaliadem. You will be treated to views of a former keperkasaaan trim a large river is covered with sand (former erosion trim).

Kaliadem area was once a tourist area that beautiful rivers and natural beauty of the mountains promises with the river water flows clear and cold. Kaliadem tourist area has now changed its name to Lava tourist area TOUR former Kaliadem. Following the eruption of Mount Merapi at the time, this area is buried by Mount Merapi Lava material.

Many houses were buried under lava material, and this area was like a lost Kaliadem drowned Lava buried. Yet we still be able to track a visit from Merapi lava flow with the background of the Merapi find that seems so exotic. The situation had remained untouched since the event was the eruption of Mount Merapi.

To access the area Lava Tour, we are required to pay Rp. 5000 per person. Furthermore, even here there are not many tourist facilities in general, all of nature really. Sightseeing Kaliurang slope area has been flattened, so this is a tourist attraction is a highland area that cold weather and cool. Ground could be said was a "peak" of his city of Yogyakarta, with a location close enough, only about 40-60 minutes drive from the city of Yogyakarta.

BINTAN ISLAND

E-collar Bintan Island in Riau Islands province, the atmosphere on the island is truly enchanting natural beauty of one of them. Gleaming white sand, blue water, and thick pepohonaan is the combination that makes this island so beautiful.

Lagoi area is landscaped very nicely with the maximum safety, to ensure safety for tourists. Structuring these Lagoi like Nusa Dua in Bali, with several 5 star hotels, golf courses and a spa. Dihotel imposed currency-star hotel Singapore or U.S. dollars. Although Bintan island has no airport, but the access, both kepulau Batam and Singapore is very good.

Trikora beach on the eastern island of Bintan. The origin of the name seemed Trikora two versions: the first is connected with the words "three bead" allegedly uttered by the first foreign settlers on the island is a few decades ago. Other versions are more common for many, Trikora name is linked to the Tri Komando Rakyat a "euphoria nasionalistic" is echoed in the late first president Soekarno, in connection with a campaign of confrontation "Crush Malaysia" a few years ago.

 Unlike Lagoi, this beach, with the name of one of the selected version, provided that the local tourism which certainly did not get treated like a beach Lagoi. This can be seen along the way, the people and fishing villages are found also in the form of hotels and other infrastructure infrastructure such as restaurants and so on.

MP and Sailing the ´High´ Seas

Eight months on the road. I can see holes in my hands where numerous splinters have been dug out with a sewing needle, along with a number of other unidentified cuts and scratches. The latest layer of skin on my nose has almost completely peeled off, leaving behind bright pink splotches. As I scratch my beard and reflect on the excitement of the last couple weeks I am reminded that it has been over a month since I last shaved. I seem to be letting my chiseled image fall to the wayside, but for what...?

My last post left off right as we were about to head out to the famous Incan complex of Machu Picchu, but before I headed out I had to try the infamous Peruvian delicacy known as Cuy. In the states we call them guinea pigs, and here they´ve been on the dinner table for millenia. While many tourists fork out a hefty penny to have a nice guinea pig fillet from a proper restaurant, I decided to try the endemic version at the local market. While I had been mentally prepared for the sight of the little creature on my plate, I have to say that the topping of uncooked seawead and fish eggs caught me a little by surprise. At this point I had already struck up a convesation with some locals at the same table, so to save face I had to force down a bit of everything. I was pleasantly surprised by the taste of the cuy, and at the risk of breaking the cliché, I would relate the flavor much more to that of pork than of chicken.



With my belly full of giant hamster meat Viviana and I hopped on the 8pm bus to sart our alternative approach to Macchu Piccu. As I mentioned before, the typical route is far too expensive for our stretched out travel budget, so our new plan was to take the overnight bus from Cusco to Santa Maria, arriving at 2AM. From there we hop in a collectivo (shared van) to the small town of Santa Theresa, arriving at 3AM. At this point we lay out the sleeping mats in the middle of the main plaza and take a nap until 5AM, when we catch a ride with some workers out to the hydroelectric plant. From the hydroelectric plant we walk along railroad tracks for 3 hours until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes, the typical starting point for the final climb to Machu Picchu. Despite our haphazardly planning and a few horrifying cliff-side bus rides, our plan worked flawlessly and only set us back about $12 each. However, arriving at Aguas Calientes was only part of the battle, and the next hurdle would be getting to the gate early enough to be able to climb Wayna Picchu, the photogenic mountain in the background of every Machu Picchu photo worth bragging about. The lucratively popular ruins receive an average of 2500 people per day and only the first 400 are allowed to climb Wayna Piccu. In order to make it in this group without staying at the $600/night hotel or taking an equally overpriced tour, you have to line up at the main gate at 5AM and then hike up 1600 odd-shaped stone steps to an office where you get your ticket stamped. Of course this was our plan, and when we arrived at the gate we were surprised to see that not only were there about 40 other people waiting, but a number of them were decked out in shiny new jogging shoes and spandex pants, ready to race to the top. At 4:50 the gate opened and we all started the ascent. After a couple flights I realized I was in the lead, and the people behind me were starting to pant heavily. Then suddenly I heard Viviana yell out from a half flight of stairs below ´Go Alex Go!´ At this point my competitive spirit kicked in and I decided to try and go for the gold. Employing my disgruntled teenager hiking style (jacket dangling from wrists, arms flopping around randomly) I quickly beat everyone to the top, only to find another 20 people from the hotel already waiting. Viviana came up soon after with a respectable 6th place and after another 30 minutes in line we started into the much anticipated Incan metropolis. At this point it was difficult to believe that anything could live up to the hype that precedes Machu Picchu, but as soon as the city unfolded before us we were completely astonished. The complexity of the buildings and sheer area it consumes is impressive, but what really sets it apart is the location. The ancient university, temples, houses, terraces, and other stone structures are just perfectly perched on the top of a mountain that drops steeply away on all sides. Upon our arrival there was a mist floating through the area that added a touch of mysticism to the experience. Soon after walking through the main gate we flashed our stamps and started climbing Wayna Picchu. An hour more of steep stone steps and we found ourselves on the top of the mountain, which is also covered in ruins and feels like a fortress in the sky, looking down onto the main ruins below. We passed the day exploring the various temples, astronomical observatories, and ceremonial fountains before finally returning to the real world below in Aguas Calientes. A short dip in the local hotsprings followed by a good nights sleep prepared us for the return journey along the railroad tracks, back to Cuzco and the Sacred Valley.

Macchu Piccu is by far the most famous leftover city in Peru, but there is a plethora of other astonishing ruins all around Cuzco known as the Sacred Valley. Unfortunately to see these ruins you also have to pay a hefty sum of around $50 for
a tourist pass. Thanks to a tip from our Spanish traveling companions, we found a way to drop this price in half, and hopefully save a bundle more on other sights down the road. All we had to do was make a few ´modified´ academic transcripts to show that we are still students, slap on Michael Jackson´s signature in place of the school registrar, and apply for a local ID card at the Cuzco office. With the new golden ID card in hand we swept through the valley, stopping at the ancient city of Ollantaytambo, the massive walls of Saqsaywaman, the intricate caverns of Q´enqo, and the royal tombs of Pisaq. Soon our heads were packed full of Incan history, and we felt ready to slip over toward our next destination on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Before heading into Bolivia, we stopped briefly at the town of Puno to see the floating islands of the Uros people. This tribe has lived for centuries on the
waters of Lake Titicaca, constructing their own islands out of the totora reed, a fast growing plant found in abundance near the lake shores. In addition to the land istself, they also build their boats, houses, furniture, and just about everything else out of this reed. Despite the immense impact that tourism has had on their culture, it was incredible to see such a perfect use of renewable, locally available resources. A short visit to the lake got my mind moving in new directions, and on our way to Bolivia I started formulating plans for a little free-style island hopping.

Upon arriving in Copacabana I quickly set out researching a way to row out to the nearby Isla del Sol. I spoke with a local about renting a canoe, but he quickly convinced me that the proper way to get around on the ´highest navegable lake in the world´ was with a sail. He showed me his boat, which was tiny and had a mast and other crucial elements made out of logs and used horseshoes. Although I was a bit nervous about the quality of the craft, and the fact that I had no previous sailing experience, Bolivians can be very convincing, and after a half hour sailing lesson we were hashing out the details of the ship rental. That night we stocked up on provisions and the next day Viviana and I headed out for our three day sailing trip. We started off at 6AM, and the first hour the wind was at our backs and we were cruising along. Another hour later and we were sitting in one spot in the middle of the lake, catching a sunburn and praying for wind. I tried the oars for a bit to help us along, but this quickly filled my palms with tons of little splinters as only a couple inches of each handmade oar had been sanded down. Eventually the wind did pick up, but this time it came right at our faces. Using the zig-zag pattern we slowly made our way toward the island, arriving at 5PM, only 7 hours later than the locals had promised us. The next day we lowered our aim and decided to sail around to the other side of the island, instead of all the way to the north. In just a few hours fighting the wind we arrived. With the help of 5 locals we pulled the boat on shore and hauled our gear up to a small hostal with a humongous view. We cooked our rice and had a couple beers at sunset, then passed out to rest for another long day returning to the mainland. The next morning we recruited a few locals and one other tourist to help push the boat back in. The tourist turned out to be from Washington state, and liked fishing, so we offered him a ride back to Copacabana. This time we made it back in a swift 4 hours. The sailboat trip was truly an adventure, and when we got back all we wanted to do was relax and play it safe.



So now we are here in La Paz, the dense Bolivian capital built in a steep valley. Our arrival was hectic, but now we are starting to unwind, passing the day eating delicious local salteñas and touring the many plazas. My hands have begun the healing process and today I may even search out a barber. Of course no matter what temporary improvements are made the trip goes on, and the real rest won´t come until sometime next spring when we finally get back to our native land.

BUNAKEN ISLAND

  Bunaken is an area of 8.08 km ² island in the Bay of Manado, located in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The island is part of the city of Manado, the provincial capital of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Bunaken Island can be reached by speed boat (speed boat) or a rented boat with about 30 minutes travel from the port city of Manado. Around the island there is Bunaken Bunaken marine park which is part of the Bunaken National Park. This marine park is one of the highest marine biodiversity in the world. Diving attracts many visitors to the island. Overall Bunaken marine park covers an area of 75,265 ha within five islands, namely the island of Manado Tua, Bunaken Island, Island Siladen, Mantehage Island several children watch his island, and island Naen. Although an area of 75,265 hectares, is the location of diving (diving) is limited in each of the five beaches around the island.

Bunaken Marine Park has a 20 point dive (diving site) with varying depth of 1344 meters. Of the 20 diving points, 12 points below their diving around Bunaken Island. Twelve point diving is the most visited by many lovers and the beauty of the underwater landscape.

Most of the 12 point dive in Bunaken Island lined up from the southeast to the northwest of the island. In this region there is a large underwater walls, which also cover the walls, or of a huge rock walls that stand vertically and curved upward.

Hot Sand Merapi 100 Degrees Celsius

Radius beware Merapi in Sleman reduced from 20 km to 10 km to the west of the Kali Boyong and 15 km east of Kali Boyong. Residents and visitors are also not advisable to do any activity, especially in areas covered with volcanic material (debris) because it is still hot.

According to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), at a depth of 20 centimeters from the surface of the debris, hot volcanic material reached more than one hundred degrees Celsius.

BANGKOK

PATTAYA

As is well known party town of Pattaya, located on the beach crowded with tourists, even in the one place during a trip to visit the town Thailand

Pattaya party, in addition to the beach there are some places you can enjoy with the family.

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BOROBUDUR

Borobudur is the name of a Buddhist temple at Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java. The location of the temple is about 100 km southwest of Hyderabad and 40 km northwest of Yogyakarta. This temple was founded by the followers of Mahayana Buddhism around the year 800 AD during the reign of the dynasty dynasty. The ethnic Chinese, this temple called (Hanyu Pinyin: PO Luo Fu tu) in Mandarin.

Origin of the name Borobudur

 Many theories try to explain the name of this temple. One of them states that the name is probably from the word Sambharabhudhara, the "mountain" means derived (bhudara), where are the hanging terraces. And there are some other folk etymology. Suppose that the word comes from the greeting Borobudur "Buddha" due to a shift in the sound Borobudur. Another explanation is that the name of two words "coal" and "beduhur" comes from. The word bara its supposed origin of the word monastery, while other statements, where the coal comes from Sanskrit, the temple or monastery and beduhur phrase means "high" or to remind the Balinese language means "above". So the point is a monastery or hostel located on a hill.

The historian J.G. the Casparis in his thesis for a doctorate in 1950, claims that Borobudur is a place of worship. Based on the inscriptions and Karangtengah Kahulunan, Casparis estimate Borobudur founder of the dynasty was the king of Mataram dynasty Samaratungga called to the building to do around the year 824 AD The giant new building was at the time of her daughter, Queen Pramudawardhani be completed. Borobudur Development estimated a half-century. In Karangtengah inscriptions also granting land Sima (tax-free country) of CRI Kahulunan mentioned (Pramudawardhani) to maintain specified kamulan Bhūmisambhāra. [1] The term itself comes from the word kamulan first place of origin means that the ancestral shrine is likely to glorify the ancestors of the dynasty Sailendra. Casparis estimates that Bhumi Sambhāra Bhudhāra in Sanskrit and means "mountain of the set of ten levels of Bodhisattva virtue," was the original name of the Borobudur.

MALANG

BATU CITY

 Batu town is a city in East Java province, Indonesia. The city is located 15 km west of Malang, was on track and Malang Malang, Kediri, Jombang. Batu directly adjacent to the Regency of Mojokerto and Pasuruan in the north and the District of Malang to the east, south, and west. Areas of this city located at an altitude of 680-1200 meters above sea level with average air temperature of 15-19 degrees Celsius.
  Batu once dubbed Little Switzerland on the island of Java and the cool mountain tourist areas. In tourism there Songgoriti Songgoroto Temple and Ganesha statues and relics of the kingdom Singosari retreat built since the Dutch era


Tourist cave:

Cave tour is available at Cangar and Tlekung

Waterfall:

    * Coban Rondo
    * Coban Rais
    * Coban Talun

Bathing place:

    * Songgoriti (cold and hot water baths)
    * Selecta (cold water bath)
    * Cangar (bath of hot water containing sulfur)

Agrotourism:

    * Kusuma Agro (plantation of apples, strawberries, guava, and citrus, as well as place outbound

Camp:

    * Forest Park People's R. Soerjo (Cangar)
    * Mount Panderman
    * Coban Rondo

There is also a new tourist attraction in the town of Batu in the form of air tour paragliding. Every Sunday, at the square batu Travel Market held Sunday selling typical food and various kinds of batu crafts.
 Java Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in East Java, and most recently from a tourist attraction in batu Town is the Museum of Wildlife. In this city there are many villas and a five-star hotel.

Batu is also known as agropolitan region, earning it the nickname City of Agropolitan. As with any area and surrounding Malang, Batu generate a lot of apples, vegetables, and garlic. batu is also known as a city of artists. There are a lot of studio painting and art galleries in the city. The newest Spectaculer Stone Night, an amusement park with some rides like a teenager at the World Fantasy Ancol Jakarta. No less interesting than BNS / Batu Night Spectaculer, there is also a student of Tourism and Wildlife Family of Museums. Museum of International Standard and this is a Greek-style museum where a replica of the World's Creatures that have not already extinct and extinct here. We can also see replicas of ancient animal bones.

BROMO

Mount Bromo

Tourist attraction of Mount Bromo is one of the very well known by foreign tourists and domestic. Seeing the sunrise and watch the crater is not the only option, because Mount Bromo is the center of the Tengger National Park Area, which means there are many more objects that can be witnessed in the complex.

  Semeru is the only conservation area in Indonesia, which has a unique form of sand sea covering an area of 5250 hectares, is located at an altitude of 2392 m above sea level. Bromo-Semeru Mountains, a mountain that is still active and most famous as a tourist attraction in East Java.

Area Tourism is promising a beauty that can not be found elsewhere. From the top of the volcano is still active, you can enjoy the expanse of ocean pasri area of 10 square kilometers, and witnessed the splendor of Mount Semeru, a towering through the clouds. You also can look beautiful sun went Tengger Sand Sea and Mount Bromo. Equestrian and climbed Mount Bromo via stairs and see the sunrise.