Over the weekend, the buzz over Eat, Pray, Love exploded all over the travel world. Anticipation for the movie based on the true life story of solo female traveler Liz Gilbert has led to one big conversation over the now released film. For now, it seems as if you either love it or you hate it. Personally, the story resonates moments in my life that puts a smile on my face. Whether you’re a world traveler or astonished by this newfound idea, the film will get to you in one way or another.
South America
Though far in time, there’s no better time to recall a grand celebration during the summer time. The fesitivies associated with Carnaval usually remind people of the colorful parades in Brazil. Scandalous outfits, huge crowds and uproar of madness throughout the city. Little do most people know that the 2nd biggest Carnaval celebration resides in Oruro, Bolivia. It is also part of Mankind’s Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO foundation. I was lucky enough to participate during my South American summer in Winter during one fabulous weekend in February.
After nearly a month traveling around Bolivia, I cannot tell you how relieved I was to be in La Paz with more options of food than the usual chicken and rice that seemed so prevalent throughout Bolivia. The Star of India restaurant was recommended by a few hostel mates, listed in Lonely Planet, and popular for the worlds most dangerous Vindaloo.
Well, I tried to be creative. Besides the few things they missed to tell us about the Salar de Uyuni tour, it was definitely one of the most fascinating places I have ever been to. I wish I was more prepared for what I was about to see. A search on Flickr shows that some people were a bit too prepared but were very creative.
Being my first backpacking experience; My South American Journey of 2010 was anticipated to be filled with great memories. Besides looking forward to Argentine steak, Bolivian salt flats and the glory of Machu Picchu in Peru; there would be more surprises along the way. When you meet other backpackers on the off beaten path; often do you get great recommendations about places you’ve never heard of. Suddenly, you find yourself extending your trip and spending an extra month in Peru.
“One shop in particular, I’m told, is a clearinghouse for drugs. Armed with the proper introduction, in I went. In lieu of a traditional greeting, the owner simply asks me what I’m looking for, and how much of it I’ll need. “And, yes, we have cocaine,” he adds as an afterthought…”
One of my favorite guilty pleasures besides traveling is a travel reality show called “The Amazing Race.” If you haven’t heard of it, its a somewhat glamorized version of reality backpacking. Adventure seekers travel around the globe in a race to win a million dollars. Most of our journeys end in life goals being accomplished; which is just as rewarding as a million bucks.
I love attending music events in different parts of the world. Buenos Aires was no different for me and once I discovered La Bomba De Tiempo, I started to attend this event nearly every Monday. The tribal rhythm is an addictive sound that somehow controls you to move automatically. The conductor may even control you and tell you when to clap, jump, or sing. There’s nothing like it anywhere else and it takes place every Monday in the wonderful city of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
I do in fact have a second stomach for dessert. Well not exactly but it does seem that way that no matter how full I may be, I always have enough room for dessert. My limits were tested in Buenos Aires, Argentina though. A simple walk down the city of Buenos Aires will get you passing down countless ice cream parlors. It’s extremely difficult to resist and normally I don’t want to resist anyway.
