Photo: Peruvian House with Moche Designs
Photo: Trujillo, Peru
This is a house of a handcrafter in the area around/in Trujillo (Peru). The design and art is from the Moche culture.
Photo: Off the Road into the Wild
Photo: Somewhere in Time, Perú
This is one of my favorite photos I took in Perú. The right “click” at the right moment. If you shoot more you increase your chances, like with so many other things in life. Listen for feedback though, since doing something ineffective doesn’t create more value even after a myriads of repetition…
Posted 2 years, 10 months ago at 3:15 am. Add a comment
From Tafi del Valle to Salta (Guestpost by Ximena)
One way. One road to the most diversity of view from Argentina. Once away from San Miguel Tucumán, the capital of the province of Tucuman you take road 55 to Tafí Viejo. You may be surrounded by a dense green forest completely far away from crowd. You may be ecstatic with this green panorama till the next way around from the mountain that you find yourself in a desert. Few moments later, you realize that you’re not longer in road 55, you’re in national road 9. At first the sight, you won’t notice anything but then everything changes, from a desert to a valley of red mountains. It’s amazing the different color of this mountain range. You may stop in the “Garganta del Diablo” (Devils Throat) - the heart of the mountain. Just silence and fresh air, it’s really worth to see! Then, arriving to Salta, there is a change in the color of the mountain, they are more modest but not less stunning. Once in Salta, you may find be surrounded by vegetation again.
Posted 2 years, 10 months ago at 11:48 pm. 1 comment
7 Things every Backpacker should have in his Backpack
These are the 7 things you should have with you on a backpacking trip:
Rain-wear for you and your backpack
In case it gets rainy or you have to put your backpack somewhere that you don’t consider “dry enough”.
Additional money in a hard currency
I always have some USD and EURos hidden somewhere in my backpack and/or clothes, which I don’t use for “daily payment”. This is for several reasons. First, it can be considered a hard currency, thus (nearly) everyone takes it. Second, in case of emergency you have something left in order to get out of harms way (fast transport, secure place, good doctor, etc.). Third, peace of mind, I never ever used it, so far.
Additional small backpack/rucksack/handbag
I use this for several things. When travelling on the bus, the backpack is stored in the “cargo bay”, thus I put my food, books, etc. in my small rucksack. While exploring a city, I use it to put in my camera, food and a map. Also it is great for shopping. There are many more situations, where you don’t want to run around with your big backpack or where it is inaccessible.
Some padlocks
For safety, security and peace of mind. One of the first thing I do in a hostel is: I get a locker, put all valuable stuff in it and lock it. I recommend having a small, medium and a big padlock. Since every hostel has different lockers. Also you can lock your backpack or other equipment too, if you like, I don’t. They are cheap, small and extremely practical.
First aid kit
A first aid kit while travelling can save your day. Its mostly to treat inconveniences and slight “injuries” fast and effective. Some patches, some stuff for your digestion and an anti-infective agent. Check my package list for safety and convenience for hints about other things you should put in.
Extra food and some water
Especially on long trips you should always have some extra food and water with you. The bus could break down, a road block could force a delay, etc. Also you can share it with fellow backpackers and/or natives.
Something to entertain you
This could be anything a live-journal, a book, a MacBook, a mp3player etc. While travelling you will wait for transport, being in transit or sometimes you just want to have a “break” from all the adventures and cultures. Then you want something familiar from “home” or just something that helps you to relax. I stick to books and mp3s. In case, it is something expensive: be aware that you can use it appropriately - I would not get out a MacBook in a Bolivian bus, cause it could be the value of all other passengers yearly salary summed up…
If you are looking for good book suggestions check out Books to Read while Traveling from The Art of Backpacking.
Posted 2 years, 10 months ago at 1:50 am. 6 comments
Photo: Cusco (Peru) - Curch at the Main Square (Plaza de Armas)
Photo: Cusco, Peru
One of the beautiful churches in Cusco, right at the Plaza de Armas (=main square; literally it means “place of weapons”). Cusco is the city from where all people head to Machu Picchu. Thus, it is very touristic. Be careful, in the first day in Cusco I was approached by more drug dealers during the day than during the whole three months in total! Despite that fact the town is pretty safe.
