There She Goes…

Today I successfully rode the bus from Santiago to Valparaiso (aka Valpo by those in the know). It was about an hour and a half ride and on a comfortable bus. This time, bus adventures were alright. In Valparaiso they don’t even want me to practice Spanish. I’ll ask something in my form of Spanish…… Continue reading It’s “chao, chaaao” per the Valpo tour guide.

First off, I really like Chile. Santiago has a nice feel to it most of the time and there’s a lot to see here for the first time visitor. The Spanish is a bit hard to understand for a myriad of reasons: locals use slang or different words than what I’ve learned. They also seem…… Continue reading Ciao-ciao Santiago (or is it chow-chow)?

Let me just start off by saying New Zealand is a beautiful country filled with very nice people. I loved all my stops there but I think either the country never wanted me to leave or it never wants me to come back. I’m gonna go with “never wanting me to leave.” I arrive at…… Continue reading I’m definitely cursed…anyone know how to “cure” me?!

Auckland will have special memories for me as my friend Esky lives here and showed me around on Saturday. I met Esky on my first solo international adventure in Thailand (she had to remind me because I honestly can’t place where I was in the world when I met her). Guess that’s what happens when…… Continue reading Grateful for my friends around the world!

Some pre-warning: I’ve been drinking since 12pm today. It’s now 8pm, so judge where you must. I will not take offense. Small shout out to yesterday’s physical activity: I hiked up Mt. Eden to the top where I was rewarded with views of the harbor and a 50 meter deep crater. So there’s that. Today…… Continue reading Never say “yes” when a leprechaun approaches you at a bar

Sometimes when you ask the Universe for something…you will receive it. Yesterday I ran out of body wash and pulled the old, throw some more water in the little bit I had to make it last longer. I’m not in hotels (free toiletries) until South America which is in 5 days. However, I have refused…… Continue reading “At least we got the House back” and I have free body wash!

Ok, ok. I know, enough of my posts. But if I don’t document it here, I may forget when/where I was and what I have done. I won’t bore you with too much of a recap but allow your mind to rest and “ooh and aah” over these pictures I took at the active geothermal…… Continue reading Day tour: Wai-O-Tapu (“Sacred waters”)

Flying into and out of my favorite New Zealand city has proven “interesting” for lack of a better word. You guys remember my flight into Wellington (I made the New Zealand Herald but who’s bragging)? Well leaving Wellington was just as “interesting.” First, it was extremely windy. The kind of wind that blows a person…… Continue reading I might be cursed…but hello Rotorua!

Yesterday (Friday) was my last full day in Wellington and the weather was going to be above 65 degrees. 67 in fact! I couldn’t believe my luck. I decided to walk over a mile to Mt. Victoria lookout point for some different views of Wellington. The hike wasn’t too strenuous (although it got my heart…… Continue reading I love science!

Now that I’ve had a few days to explore, wander, and get a feel for the city, I can conclude that Wellington is my favorite city in New Zealand (so far). I have 2 more cities to visit over the next 11 days before I head to County #28 on November 12th. Even with that…… Continue reading Windy [and wet] Wellington!