After a very fast six hour flight we arrived at Heathrow airport at 8:00 pm. Having decided that it must be our maturity that made the flight seem so much faster than it would have as a child we got immediately grumpy since the underground ride seemed too take twice as long as the entire flight.
Clearly in desperate need of reserve replenishments we did a quick survey and had a satisfactory tasting and quickly served meal of indian. It did the job.
Despite a troubled, where-am-I and in-what-timezone sleep we took off on an "adventure" to meet up with the Dixon family. Three trains, a bus and a walk and much confusion we arrived in Woolwich Arsenal (pronounced 'wool-itch' not 'wool-witch' ahem-cough Paul) with just enough time to eat a fast but delicious dish of mussels and we were off back into London. Took the ferry back which was much more preferable to the sweltering hot bus (much hotter than bda). Short of taking a submarine I think we have established ourselves as public transport veterans.
The next day (only our second but feels like a week has passed) was spent wandering through Harrods looking at things we could not afford. So to feel better we went for an affordable lunch...at Bar Boloud. Ok...maybe not affordable but worth every penny. See Paul's blog for food details (greedygastronomer.tumblr.com).
Then we were off to see the sheriff...of Nottingham that is. Lots of laughs, some beer and wine, a castle and the oldest pub in England!
Next up: some arsenic sons (Mumford and sons and arcade fire...but you got that right?)
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, November 15, 2010
Hasta Luego, Baby!!
Valpairaso was a beautiful city on the coast of Chile which reminded me a bit of Rio de Janeiro with is vibrancy and beauty. An hour and a half out of Santiago, Gibby, Shandy, Matt, James and I headed there from Mendoza for a few days of relaxing before Santiago and flights out. The city has a bohemian feel, with spray paint murals everywhere. It seemed as though everyone made an effort to get into the spirit of the city with elaborate doors, glass and mirror murals, spray paint art on walls and every other surface possible. Every building had some type of art. On a hill with some workouts to get up(reminding me much of Rio in that aspect) with narrow roads and tiny alleys. On our way to food from our hostel one day, which was located in one such tiny alley, we passed some local artists with walkie talkies communicating and keeping watch so they could complete their art in peace. Not that anyone should stop them. Its beautiful. Many photos to come of that.
While there we visited Vina del Mar, the beach (cold even for them, with iron sand....completely new for me), had a candy apple (or a toffee apple as it was argued over and over again by the english), and took a scenic and typical elevator ride up the hill (Valpairaso is known for them). On our last day we had a beautiful fish stew called "Paila Marina" with a massive amount of fresh shrimp, clams, mussels and fish for approximately $6 US. Beautiful.
One easy and painless bus ride to Santiago the five of us set out for our hostel La Chimba which will be my last hostel before I head home in two days. I cant believe its coming to an end but will be happy to get home (yes Mummy I missed the family...as well as your cooking). Will probably have some difficulties adjusting back to our keyboards as here I have lost all sense of where symbols are....for example, the @ sign is produced by pressing Alt+6+4. The ? moves form the top right to the bottom left...I have NO idea of where its usual position is. May not be my usual speedy typer when I return.
On our last few days of South America we will be exploring Santiago, we climbed (and by climb I mean we took the trolley) to San Cristobal hill, saw the Virgin Mary statue on top and a beautiful layout of Santiago. Still havent parted with the English crew (Gibby, Shandy and Matt) and will definitely be sad to see them go....however after many many delays they need to head up to Bolivia.
Probably the last post as I fly out day after tomorrow. So...until the next trip....bye and thanks for reading!
While there we visited Vina del Mar, the beach (cold even for them, with iron sand....completely new for me), had a candy apple (or a toffee apple as it was argued over and over again by the english), and took a scenic and typical elevator ride up the hill (Valpairaso is known for them). On our last day we had a beautiful fish stew called "Paila Marina" with a massive amount of fresh shrimp, clams, mussels and fish for approximately $6 US. Beautiful.
One easy and painless bus ride to Santiago the five of us set out for our hostel La Chimba which will be my last hostel before I head home in two days. I cant believe its coming to an end but will be happy to get home (yes Mummy I missed the family...as well as your cooking). Will probably have some difficulties adjusting back to our keyboards as here I have lost all sense of where symbols are....for example, the @ sign is produced by pressing Alt+6+4. The ? moves form the top right to the bottom left...I have NO idea of where its usual position is. May not be my usual speedy typer when I return.
On our last few days of South America we will be exploring Santiago, we climbed (and by climb I mean we took the trolley) to San Cristobal hill, saw the Virgin Mary statue on top and a beautiful layout of Santiago. Still havent parted with the English crew (Gibby, Shandy and Matt) and will definitely be sad to see them go....however after many many delays they need to head up to Bolivia.
Probably the last post as I fly out day after tomorrow. So...until the next trip....bye and thanks for reading!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Catena Zapata
On our next day in Mendoza we took an afternoon bus to Maipu pronounced...ahem ¨my-poo¨(pause for jokes...there were three days worth of jokes made here so I have pretty much heard them all). Once in Maipu (stop laughing) we tried to find a taxi but to no avail. Standing in the middle of an emptry street, with 15 minutes left before we were supposed to be at Catena Zapata winery, we were five extremely lost and sorry looking tourists. Finally a police officer took pity on us, stopped, and called us a taxi. One sketchy taxi ride later with us having to stop (meter running) so he could fill up on gas(!), and stops along a dirt road with our driver insisting we were going the wrong way (the map does not lie!!), we arrived to a beautiful winery with the signature Catena Zapata Mayan temple style building before us. It was like arriving to a palace.
Every inch of the walls, floor and ceiling were made of a magnificent cream coloured marble/limestone. 12 foot long tables made out of one piece of wood from a tree from the Iguacu Falls. Premium french oak barrels (used for no longer than 3 years...a year shorter than the other wineries we visited) were lined up in rows in a large pristine and perfectly cared for ampitheatre shaped room...actually shown on their website. We got an extensive tour from top to bottom of the winery, including rooms with every inch of space taken by wines aging in the bottle.
The wine itself was indescribable. We were provided with two wines to taste, a 2008 Chardonnay and a premium bottle of their 2005 Malbec. Heaven.
The next day in a group of 9 we headed to MR. HUGO! A bicycle rent shop where we got bikes for the day and went from winery to winery, tasting and generally having fun. After the amazing day before, however, and because I was feeling slightly feverish I did not sample much wine and mainly concentrated on staying awake.
Did not think it was possible but am definitely sick of wine for now so Matt, Shandy, Gibby, James and I (the last remaining from the Navimag boat trip) headed to Valparaiso, Chile.
Santiago in a day or two and then flying back home.
Every inch of the walls, floor and ceiling were made of a magnificent cream coloured marble/limestone. 12 foot long tables made out of one piece of wood from a tree from the Iguacu Falls. Premium french oak barrels (used for no longer than 3 years...a year shorter than the other wineries we visited) were lined up in rows in a large pristine and perfectly cared for ampitheatre shaped room...actually shown on their website. We got an extensive tour from top to bottom of the winery, including rooms with every inch of space taken by wines aging in the bottle.
The wine itself was indescribable. We were provided with two wines to taste, a 2008 Chardonnay and a premium bottle of their 2005 Malbec. Heaven.
The next day in a group of 9 we headed to MR. HUGO! A bicycle rent shop where we got bikes for the day and went from winery to winery, tasting and generally having fun. After the amazing day before, however, and because I was feeling slightly feverish I did not sample much wine and mainly concentrated on staying awake.
Did not think it was possible but am definitely sick of wine for now so Matt, Shandy, Gibby, James and I (the last remaining from the Navimag boat trip) headed to Valparaiso, Chile.
Santiago in a day or two and then flying back home.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Land of the Vino Tinto
After our white water rafting trip we had a great full asado lunch with tons of perfectly cooked beef, all types of cuts, steaming on a metal platter, topped up every few minutes whether we had finished it or not. All in all it was a wonderful day complete with an encounter with a real life gaucho who patrols the Chile-Argentina border.
The next day Matt, Shandy, Gibby and I went on a zip lining tour through the forest. Beautiful, fast, exhilirating and, of course, SAFE (love you mummy). Also had many mini spanish lessons from our guide who kept insisting I learn how to say ready to go, ¨estas listas!¨
That night we went for mexican food in Bariloche, followed by ONE tequila shot, and a few very interesting games of beer pong. I will go no further.
With a slight hangover we left the following day for Mendoza where I am currently. The first day in Mendoza, a desert in the middle of mountains, and there was a sand storm. Tree branches had fallen off into the road, the sand and debris was flying everywhere it felt and looked like a city of apocolyptic remains. I returned to the hostel with much lighter (in colour) dusty hair, and the outline of my clothes on my body. The temperature, however, was the real surprise. After being in the cold for the last few weeks I was rudely surprised by the intense dry heat. Followed by dust it was not the ideal introduction.
Today was the exact opposite of yesterday. No wind, but very very cold. I dressed to accomodate the heat in a tank and shorts and immediately after exiting my room had to switch back into the cold clothes I had been wearing the last few weeks in Patagonia. This is apparantly the normal weather occurence after a sand storm.
After our friends Anna and Joe were sent back to the hostel because of a shut down of the Chile-Argentina border we ended up going as a group on a winery and olive oil factory tour. The first winery we went to was clearly an industrial mass produced factory with ladies topping up fizzing bottles of white wine with a squeegy bottle....something was wrong with that production line.
The second winery tour at Cavas de Don Arturas was fantastic. We were able to get a tour in english (thank goodness!!!) with a woman born and raised in Florida but who moved to Mendoza to work on her family´s winery. Very snappy woman, starting most of her sentences with ¨of course!¨ but full of really interesting information. Bought a couple bottles, tried a few glasses, and headed back with some of the best olive oil, wine, bottled olive paste, cheese, and lots of other goodies perfect for an antipasto dinner. Even picked up some fresh jamon crudo from a nearby queso and carne shop.
The next day Matt, Shandy, Gibby and I went on a zip lining tour through the forest. Beautiful, fast, exhilirating and, of course, SAFE (love you mummy). Also had many mini spanish lessons from our guide who kept insisting I learn how to say ready to go, ¨estas listas!¨
That night we went for mexican food in Bariloche, followed by ONE tequila shot, and a few very interesting games of beer pong. I will go no further.
With a slight hangover we left the following day for Mendoza where I am currently. The first day in Mendoza, a desert in the middle of mountains, and there was a sand storm. Tree branches had fallen off into the road, the sand and debris was flying everywhere it felt and looked like a city of apocolyptic remains. I returned to the hostel with much lighter (in colour) dusty hair, and the outline of my clothes on my body. The temperature, however, was the real surprise. After being in the cold for the last few weeks I was rudely surprised by the intense dry heat. Followed by dust it was not the ideal introduction.
Today was the exact opposite of yesterday. No wind, but very very cold. I dressed to accomodate the heat in a tank and shorts and immediately after exiting my room had to switch back into the cold clothes I had been wearing the last few weeks in Patagonia. This is apparantly the normal weather occurence after a sand storm.
After our friends Anna and Joe were sent back to the hostel because of a shut down of the Chile-Argentina border we ended up going as a group on a winery and olive oil factory tour. The first winery we went to was clearly an industrial mass produced factory with ladies topping up fizzing bottles of white wine with a squeegy bottle....something was wrong with that production line.
The second winery tour at Cavas de Don Arturas was fantastic. We were able to get a tour in english (thank goodness!!!) with a woman born and raised in Florida but who moved to Mendoza to work on her family´s winery. Very snappy woman, starting most of her sentences with ¨of course!¨ but full of really interesting information. Bought a couple bottles, tried a few glasses, and headed back with some of the best olive oil, wine, bottled olive paste, cheese, and lots of other goodies perfect for an antipasto dinner. Even picked up some fresh jamon crudo from a nearby queso and carne shop.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Villarrica to Manso
Our first morning after a brutal wake up at 6am (6;45 if your alarm is stupidly set to pm instead of am) we found out that the weather was not good enough to climb the mountain so we put it off for another day. Instead, we went back to sleep for another few hours and then headed off to the hot springs.
Naturally made jacuzzis ranging from slightly warmer than a pool to scalding hot temperature alongside a freeezing cold river. Beautiful. Absolute bliss. On our ride back we had a beautiful clear view of the volcano we were supposed to be climbing the next day. More than a little dubious. In fact, terrified of the steep mountain before us.
The next day we woke up to clear sunny skies and headed off to Volcan Villarrica. Minor delay when our van skidded out on the snow covered roads and had to put on chain links to our tires. Minor problem fixed we continued on our way. At the base, with gear all strapped on, clingons in bag, ice picks strapped outside, lots of layers on, this is the moment our guide Carlos and Jason decided to inform us that the ski lift was not working today. Major let down. Full panic mode now. I know how unfit I am, flashbacks of biking up the "hill" are coming back to me. After an hour or so of walking we reach the end of the ski lift. I am practically crying....I am not made for physical exercise like this! It is boiling up there, despite the fact that we are walking in snow, the sun is roasting us, and worst of all, I know we are not even half way, for goodness sake we havent even STARTED!!
After being downgraded to the "slow" group, I like to call it the "normal" group, we continued on four of us with our guide Jason. Every once in a while we would take a break for breath or some water or chocolate and be astounded at the view around us. Between gasps and whimpers I would occasionally mention that I would have more spirit if someone would just lie to me and tell me that we were half way. This would always be followed by someone telling me that we were and me cussing them off because I knew it wasnt the truth. Not until Jason our guide finally told me that we were a little more than half way through did I think there was an actual chance that I would make it. Fast forward 5 more hours, lots of chocolate and sugar, and a 60 degree steep gradient (in places) and we made it. We reached the top of the volcano/mountain and was greeted by a lungful of sulfuric smoke (healthy right?). Out of the cloud of smoke the view was amazing. 2,830m high up, no clouds in the sky. Just the scene of Pucon and Patagonia before us.
The ride down, despite my inital fear of the height and steepness, was the best part. With only our ice picks to slow us down (while trying not to stab ourselves, which I managed to do once) we slid down the side of the mountain one after another on our behinds. 7 hours up, 1 hour down. Incredible.
Every muscle in my body hurt that night, but it was completely worth it. The next day we left at 10am and moved to Bariloche, Argentina, sadly leaving two of the group behind.
Bariloche is known for a few things. Chocolate for one, which we have had a bit of. As well as its amazing location in the mountains and lake. We decided to go white water rafting the day after arriving. Out of a 5 class system (5 being the highest) we went on rapids graded 3 and 4 down Manso river (Manso ironically means ´calm´). First rapid and all but 2 of us went in the water. Freezing water. I was definitely more afraid of getting wet and cold than I was on the rapids....ok perhaps I was equally scared. With your guide saying things like "guys, we need to pay attention on the right when we go over the big wave we dont want to go right, avoid the whirlpool on the right, and the rocks on the left" or "DONT fall out here guys!" Like we can help it! On the whole the guides were amazing, full of jokes (all of which I fell for), very attentive, and they knew that river like the back of their hand...or better.
Perhaps some zip lining in the canopy tomorrow and then off to Mendoza.
Naturally made jacuzzis ranging from slightly warmer than a pool to scalding hot temperature alongside a freeezing cold river. Beautiful. Absolute bliss. On our ride back we had a beautiful clear view of the volcano we were supposed to be climbing the next day. More than a little dubious. In fact, terrified of the steep mountain before us.
The next day we woke up to clear sunny skies and headed off to Volcan Villarrica. Minor delay when our van skidded out on the snow covered roads and had to put on chain links to our tires. Minor problem fixed we continued on our way. At the base, with gear all strapped on, clingons in bag, ice picks strapped outside, lots of layers on, this is the moment our guide Carlos and Jason decided to inform us that the ski lift was not working today. Major let down. Full panic mode now. I know how unfit I am, flashbacks of biking up the "hill" are coming back to me. After an hour or so of walking we reach the end of the ski lift. I am practically crying....I am not made for physical exercise like this! It is boiling up there, despite the fact that we are walking in snow, the sun is roasting us, and worst of all, I know we are not even half way, for goodness sake we havent even STARTED!!
After being downgraded to the "slow" group, I like to call it the "normal" group, we continued on four of us with our guide Jason. Every once in a while we would take a break for breath or some water or chocolate and be astounded at the view around us. Between gasps and whimpers I would occasionally mention that I would have more spirit if someone would just lie to me and tell me that we were half way. This would always be followed by someone telling me that we were and me cussing them off because I knew it wasnt the truth. Not until Jason our guide finally told me that we were a little more than half way through did I think there was an actual chance that I would make it. Fast forward 5 more hours, lots of chocolate and sugar, and a 60 degree steep gradient (in places) and we made it. We reached the top of the volcano/mountain and was greeted by a lungful of sulfuric smoke (healthy right?). Out of the cloud of smoke the view was amazing. 2,830m high up, no clouds in the sky. Just the scene of Pucon and Patagonia before us.
The ride down, despite my inital fear of the height and steepness, was the best part. With only our ice picks to slow us down (while trying not to stab ourselves, which I managed to do once) we slid down the side of the mountain one after another on our behinds. 7 hours up, 1 hour down. Incredible.
Every muscle in my body hurt that night, but it was completely worth it. The next day we left at 10am and moved to Bariloche, Argentina, sadly leaving two of the group behind.
Bariloche is known for a few things. Chocolate for one, which we have had a bit of. As well as its amazing location in the mountains and lake. We decided to go white water rafting the day after arriving. Out of a 5 class system (5 being the highest) we went on rapids graded 3 and 4 down Manso river (Manso ironically means ´calm´). First rapid and all but 2 of us went in the water. Freezing water. I was definitely more afraid of getting wet and cold than I was on the rapids....ok perhaps I was equally scared. With your guide saying things like "guys, we need to pay attention on the right when we go over the big wave we dont want to go right, avoid the whirlpool on the right, and the rocks on the left" or "DONT fall out here guys!" Like we can help it! On the whole the guides were amazing, full of jokes (all of which I fell for), very attentive, and they knew that river like the back of their hand...or better.
Perhaps some zip lining in the canopy tomorrow and then off to Mendoza.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Lets move on to Pucon!
Our four day four night trip aboard the Navimag was lots of fun and very interesting. Aboard we met 7 other backpackers from various parts of the UK and ended up having a fabulous time together. From late night card games to ´gay raves´ (the 6 guys get drunk, run outside into the freezing rainy night and strip to their boxers, and hat if you are james, and jump around like idiots to the magical techno inside their heads while us girls laugh and cry and film as much as we can) it was trully an experience I wont forget...the entire boat trip, not just the rave. Saw some seals following the back of the boat one day. Another entire day was spent with us all, slightly hungover, very sea sick lying and reading while the boat rocked and swayed in all directions over the very choppy pacific ocean. First experience in the Pacific and it wasnt all that great. Nobody got ill but we definitely all felt it.
After a 3 hour sleep on our last night the boat company very rudely kicked us off at 7:30 am and dropped us in the middle of no where in Puerto Montt where we immediately got on a 6 hour bus ride to Pucon. There, we all got a hostel together which we basically (other than two other people which we never see) have the run of. Lots of ´family´ meals and games. As a result of much confusion between me and another Anna I have been designated the nickname of ´triangle´ (Bermuda triangle, obviously).
Tomorrow, counting the weather is good we are all going to climb a volcano (6 hours up if you dont take the ski lift, 4 if you do....clearly I will be taking the lift). Once we get to the top the ride down takes 1 hour down....on slides! Should be a lot of fun, if I make it. Then to relax we are going to the hot springs!
Hope for good weather!
After a 3 hour sleep on our last night the boat company very rudely kicked us off at 7:30 am and dropped us in the middle of no where in Puerto Montt where we immediately got on a 6 hour bus ride to Pucon. There, we all got a hostel together which we basically (other than two other people which we never see) have the run of. Lots of ´family´ meals and games. As a result of much confusion between me and another Anna I have been designated the nickname of ´triangle´ (Bermuda triangle, obviously).
Tomorrow, counting the weather is good we are all going to climb a volcano (6 hours up if you dont take the ski lift, 4 if you do....clearly I will be taking the lift). Once we get to the top the ride down takes 1 hour down....on slides! Should be a lot of fun, if I make it. Then to relax we are going to the hot springs!
Hope for good weather!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Flamingos and Pizza from Arg to Chile
After arriving back in El Calafate we decided to stay at a place with a little more going on than Grandmas house and moved into our luxurious dorm rooms at Che Legarto. Luxurious, that is, if you mean teeny tiny with no room to breathe. Regardless, we had some really helpful staff, a hot shower, a sloping pool table and beer. What more could you ask for!
Had an early wakeup for our trip to Glaciar Moreno. Indredible glaciar with boardwalks at every height and every angle. Every few minutes (usually when we were walking between view point) you would hear a gunshot or the sound of a car backfiring,and then thunder as huge chunks of the ice fell away into the ice cold lake below. Amazing site to experience, despite the lack of Baileys on ice.
While the trip was supposed to be for 6 hours we finished taking our hundreds of similar photos from slightly different viewpoints and had 3 hours to spare before our friendly fellow bus tourists (from india) knocked on the window to inform us that the bus was here. Pretty funny to suddenly hear the indian accent in the middle of Argentina, ¨we go Ushaia tomorrow. Is end of world!¨
After Moreno we had a free hot chocolate at a very cute little shop and then ran into the tour group we had met in El Chalten for dinner. Had a very large, juicy, red, argentinian steak (about 1lb for 45 pesos). After a few beers with the group it was an early night and an early rise for our bus ride from El Calafate to Puerto Natales, CHILE! We started off with a very confused bus boarding with us getting completey settled and ready to go before we were told we would suddenly have to switch buses.... even though they were both going to the same place. Nice little trip through past a few towns and lots of country side. Passed the odd site of flamingos in a dirty black pond across from a coal mine.
Another day another country. Chile is beautiful. Great first impression with our first meal being in a small Pizza spot with an amazing pale ale from a local microbrewery, a delicious pizza, and the best fettucini pasta (homemade and cut to order) that I have ever had. After such an amazing meal I decided to splurge and have dessert. Apple cobbler with fresh cream and some gooseberry ice cream. Delicious. Total: CH$18,000... about USD$37.
Boarding our Puerto Eden ferry tonight at 9pm with a 6am departure tomorrow for our trip around the fijords up to Puerto Montt and then across the border back into Argentina to Bariloche (chocolate capital!!)
Incidentally I am having the same problem as before in India with nobody (even other travellers) knowing where Bermuda is so I have taken to carrying around a small map of the world to show. Came in handy today when the border control had no record of a ´Bermuda´existing on her list of countries. Ingles! Ingles!
Had an early wakeup for our trip to Glaciar Moreno. Indredible glaciar with boardwalks at every height and every angle. Every few minutes (usually when we were walking between view point) you would hear a gunshot or the sound of a car backfiring,and then thunder as huge chunks of the ice fell away into the ice cold lake below. Amazing site to experience, despite the lack of Baileys on ice.
While the trip was supposed to be for 6 hours we finished taking our hundreds of similar photos from slightly different viewpoints and had 3 hours to spare before our friendly fellow bus tourists (from india) knocked on the window to inform us that the bus was here. Pretty funny to suddenly hear the indian accent in the middle of Argentina, ¨we go Ushaia tomorrow. Is end of world!¨
After Moreno we had a free hot chocolate at a very cute little shop and then ran into the tour group we had met in El Chalten for dinner. Had a very large, juicy, red, argentinian steak (about 1lb for 45 pesos). After a few beers with the group it was an early night and an early rise for our bus ride from El Calafate to Puerto Natales, CHILE! We started off with a very confused bus boarding with us getting completey settled and ready to go before we were told we would suddenly have to switch buses.... even though they were both going to the same place. Nice little trip through past a few towns and lots of country side. Passed the odd site of flamingos in a dirty black pond across from a coal mine.
Another day another country. Chile is beautiful. Great first impression with our first meal being in a small Pizza spot with an amazing pale ale from a local microbrewery, a delicious pizza, and the best fettucini pasta (homemade and cut to order) that I have ever had. After such an amazing meal I decided to splurge and have dessert. Apple cobbler with fresh cream and some gooseberry ice cream. Delicious. Total: CH$18,000... about USD$37.
Boarding our Puerto Eden ferry tonight at 9pm with a 6am departure tomorrow for our trip around the fijords up to Puerto Montt and then across the border back into Argentina to Bariloche (chocolate capital!!)
Incidentally I am having the same problem as before in India with nobody (even other travellers) knowing where Bermuda is so I have taken to carrying around a small map of the world to show. Came in handy today when the border control had no record of a ´Bermuda´existing on her list of countries. Ingles! Ingles!
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