Dave--o's Goals

What do I want to get out of this trip? I'll tell you, but first I should say that most of what you get out of a trip comes out of the blue - something you never expect to see, realize, eat, drink, feel, . . .

- Naturally, a feel for the landscapes of South America - the mighty Andes, the oceans, the jungle that may not be around for too much longer, and landscapes that I don't expect to see. (From the geologist/geographer side of Dave--o)

- A better understanding of the people an how their being and ways of life are effected by the history of their repsective regions and also how current events (especially with respect to my home country) effect their ways of life. (From the cultural geographer side of Dave--o)

- "Out of the book" experiences. Too many times it seems like you just go from one "recommended" place or restaurant or site to the next and rely on the backpacker bibles too much to see beyond the next "must-see". (From the cynical, non-conformist (though small) side of Dave--o)

- Living in my isolated life in America, not too much happens that really shakes me to the core. I feel as if I need to experience some things that scare the shit out of me so that I will realize how good I have it. (From the ??? side of Dave--o)

- Some great food, some great wine, some great people . . . what more do you need?