okay this is all for now

mas mas!

picture pages...

visuals... from Chile to Argentina

This week on Amanda's Walkabout Adventure

And so across the continent I went... it's been too long since my last update! Let's see you last caught up with your adventurina on the way to Santiago? Well Santiago proved to be much more than just a hub from which to visit Valparaiso and surrounding areas from. This city is full of rich culture and young artistic minds on the rise. From the vast array of graffiti on the wall (ranging from works of art to political satire) to portofolio toting art students, Santiago breathes creativity. I love it! And in Santiago its sentry is the Virgin, not good ol' Jesus this time. So what did my adventure consist of? Well, a visit to the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo, at the Universidad de Catholica there was a Chuck Close exhibit strangely enough, of course a visit to the Virgin in all her glory, though my favorite was the barrio Bellavista at the foot of Cerro San Christobal which was full of incredible art galleries and definitely the heart of the bohemian Chilean culture.
From there was an overnight trip to Valparaiso which as my hostel manager Bobbi (from Baltimore!) instructed- I got lost- meaning by exploring the winding back allies and stone staircases that weave throughout the city's 42 cerros (hills) one can just almost feel like a rat in a maze. However, because the cerros grade down to the ocean there are only 3 directions to figure out and from there find your destination. There are also ascensores a cable car elevator of sorts to take you up to the second or third level of the city in case the stairs look too daunting. I had my first taste of freshly caught Congrio which is chilean eel- so delicious especially while watching the full moon rise over the bay and to the tunes of the horns honking in celebration of Chile's maybe first ever victory over Argentina in futbol.
I would have liked to stay longer in Valpo but a ride across the Andes to Mendoza, in a truck! not a bus! Argentina awaited me back in Santiago (thanks again Randi from Tour d'Afrique! -sorry for the shameless plug!)
And this is where the commercial break gets inserted. -Stay tuned!!!

cacti, hot springs and hot dogs!

from ocean to desert... dessert??

After 3 beautiful sun filled days body boarding in the frigid Pacific ocean, warming one's self under the sun and crusing the coast on bikes, our small group of Estatos Unidos vagabonds traded in our bikinis for mittens for the bone-chilling nights in the Atacama desert. San Pedro de Atacama is a bohemian wonderland full of long haired musicians and bonfires to keep a body warm. (not in that order of course!)

There is much to do abeit the fact it is the driest place on the Earth- trekking to geysers, (I have now witnessed 2 of 5 in the world), star-gazing, horse back riding and my favorite, (I did have to break out the bikini again, under the layers of warm clothes)- the very wonderful and very hot thermal springs. Fantastic!

So beautiful and tranquillo San Pedro is, land of cowboys and climbers, even a celebrity- (Frodo was 2 tables down from us one night at dinner, no paparazzi!)

However, after 4 days of blistering hot sun to accompany my chapped and cracked lips I have to say adios and travel 23 hrs by bus to Santiago. (Wait, what trade the serendity of SP for the bustle of city life again!?!) But of course! In Santiago begins the land of vineyards and seaside ports. I fell asleep to browns, reds and purples of the desert plains and awoke this morning to lush green fields, vast blue ocean, and... a grey deary sky. Bummer, perhaps it will burn off as I start my exploration. Ciao!

more pics from MP

The run for the Chilean border

Hi all,

Finally after 2 days waiting in Tacna, Peru during the worker strike, I have successfully made it to CHILE! Yeah! In Arica now with 3 other gringos from the states (2 from NC, who'd a thunk it?) and we're headed to the beach. Well, that and exploring the fisherman's wharf with sea lions and pelican, maybe penguins? There is also a pilgrimage to the Virgin going on this weekend, we may partake in the 8 hr trek as well.

Oh, so its been a while, hasn't it? I spent my birthday in complete awe amongst the ruins of Machu Piccu. It was incredible! Such a mystical and profound place, I can hardly describe in words. I hiked up Wayna Picchu (the mt you see in the back of most MP pics) and sat in silence for a bit to absorb it all. The intensity of the area, of the day, will be unforgettable!