Bon Voyage

Well, Here it is, January 28th. We've got all of our stuff in storage (well, mostly) and it is time to go to Dallas (tommorow), from where we will be flying out to Santiago. Not nervous yet, but I am sure a bit of the nerves will strike when making final approach. Thanks to all who have given encouragement and special thanks to all who have given us help! This blog thing has been kind of slow, but if you're still checking, thanks and I expect to update it more often while travelling.

Note - I am going to clear out the map and start putting our route so it doesn't become too cluttered.

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?

We Bought 'em

Well, it's official now - we got our tickets. Departing DFW to Santiago, Chile, on 30 January 2006. Coming back from Lima to DFW, 29 June 2006. Woo-Hoo!

Was He Married?

Well, this place doesn't have much to do with South America (except that I hear the continent is desert-like for a beer-lover . . . bloody hell, what am I going to do?). A house made out of beer cans . . . do-it-yourselfers around the world salivate at the thought of accomplishing something like this. Maybe he drank all that beer to make living in Houston more bearable.

The most commonly asked question heard at this place: did he drink all of that himself?

The second most commonly heard question: was he married?

 
 

Stay Healthy!

Take some shots, keep yourself healthy! Of course, these aren't going to keep you healthy . . . but they'll help. And let me get to the first task at hand when we get there - getting the turistas out of the way so I can eat my fill of cuy, capybara, y ceviche without hesitation. (Maternal disclaimer - I'll leave the furry little succulent guinea pigs to the natives, Mom).

Brazil - TAM Airlines Deals

TAM Airlines has a South American travel deal where you can travel to different countries - I am a bit confused by the details of how it works, but from what I've heard from South American travellers, it is a good deal to buy airline tickets from outside of the country (or continent) you are travelling in.

TAM also has an internal deal that looks pretty good, too.

Brazil - Tips from Jeff

Some tips on Brazil from Jeff :

Great places I've never been but heard about:
-The Pantanal region (use Corumbá as your base)
-Olinda and Recife (very african and very interesting music and food)
-Salvador, Bahia (also very african and very spicy)

Great places I've been:
-Belem - go visit the largest fluvial island in the world near there,
but get yellow fever shots 10 days before
-Natal - beautiful beaches and dunes
-São Luis and especially the Lenções Maranaheses - blends amazonia and northeast cultures with french twist
-Florianopolis - surfer island in the south - most laid back capitol in Brazil
-Ouro Preto - like a little europe in central brasil - does have tourists because it is getting popular, but you can avoid them
-Some of the old pizza parlours in São Paulo that the locals go to

Some nice suggestions from a gringo with a Brazillian wife (ie. this shouldn't let down).

Hola

Well, here it is, November. We (Melane and I) are planning on going to South America for six months (too bad about the round-the-world trip, but you gotta do what you gotta do, eh?). Hopefully, we will be able to share our experiences, both planning for and actually going on this trip, with friends, family, and the gp. Something that has been a long time coming, for me at least, and a lot of pennies saved in the bank. I'm ready to go now. Anyone want a dog for six months?