tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55923522435983417582024-02-21T05:21:07.137-08:00Carlito TreksCarlito´s BlogitoUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-88320554670061555202012-03-06T11:41:00.001-08:002012-03-06T11:44:41.475-08:00The Cook IslandsThe Cook Islands are a chain of 15 main islands spread out across a vast expanse of the South Pacific. Geographically the islands are about 1800 miles north-east of New Zealand and were formed by volcanic activity. The islands are self-governed but retain close ties with New Zealand and use the NZD as currency. <br />
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The main island of Rarotonga is a heavily touristed island and an especially popular destination for Kiwis and Australians. The island itself is striking, with high jungle peaks rising from the sea towards the center of the island. The main road on Rarotonga is just 32km long and circumnavigates the coast of the entire island. Off the coast a barrier reef protects the shoreline from the large waves, forming a lagoon that has good snorkeling in places.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WxR1TXB-3WFECm6J2byyZl2JCFiMWPx82ETuBjabVndx3uI0rclEn98lM1pgmahYYAAt9kvZ8so03htyaGiyHB-uMJlAsdekixVZq3eQXUQsntb4ckzitZ8bLviqjqt73TMRfMsH7w1n/s1600/IMG_0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WxR1TXB-3WFECm6J2byyZl2JCFiMWPx82ETuBjabVndx3uI0rclEn98lM1pgmahYYAAt9kvZ8so03htyaGiyHB-uMJlAsdekixVZq3eQXUQsntb4ckzitZ8bLviqjqt73TMRfMsH7w1n/s320/IMG_0775.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking from the beach inland on Rarotonga</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUE0W-Jr1V49HCPLxZO5bwImsEmmlDlpD38M5n5fXdMzInEUBsTJ3P7G1WpYADbnudofAJBy_FrsLDAatpgdLeu5Kv1PfmZeb-vqIHobW8CDdyB2fA2m08OlYm5T5RvhrUImSWN2Ve6yS/s1600/IMG_0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUE0W-Jr1V49HCPLxZO5bwImsEmmlDlpD38M5n5fXdMzInEUBsTJ3P7G1WpYADbnudofAJBy_FrsLDAatpgdLeu5Kv1PfmZeb-vqIHobW8CDdyB2fA2m08OlYm5T5RvhrUImSWN2Ve6yS/s320/IMG_0935.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise in Rarotonga</td></tr>
</tbody></table>While Rarotonga was beautiful, it lacked the remote South Pacific experience that we had envisioned, so we set off for Aitutaki, a small atoll with a breathtaking lagoon and a laid back atmosphere. Aitutaki has about 2000 inhabitants and just a few roads so we biked the entire island in just a few hours. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmh73HItIJUO0SO5ceGcqQMORABnnjlFehZmdtXmFF4s4iYm1z29kf4A1CSxI8Qc5SCQkDUb0fjKpqDfiL26hT8uqbzfAzo0YAdSJAXqxtHqlhZnRPPVdu1A40aRLylVYsrXYbEbwNh8M5/s1600/IMG_0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmh73HItIJUO0SO5ceGcqQMORABnnjlFehZmdtXmFF4s4iYm1z29kf4A1CSxI8Qc5SCQkDUb0fjKpqDfiL26hT8uqbzfAzo0YAdSJAXqxtHqlhZnRPPVdu1A40aRLylVYsrXYbEbwNh8M5/s320/IMG_0785.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying into Aitutaki</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CldpdPlwrefO6vhNHe0G4sEOYIPEJDutyvezxHIrbsbNRB3NkUOpjrKe5wusujUqLl-ExfjP5pFMzZZyGUx6yojBZyZ5yHCYjIoSStqMbQS3ocAmaJRTmr-fZS4TKlWl39VEouHqci-D/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CldpdPlwrefO6vhNHe0G4sEOYIPEJDutyvezxHIrbsbNRB3NkUOpjrKe5wusujUqLl-ExfjP5pFMzZZyGUx6yojBZyZ5yHCYjIoSStqMbQS3ocAmaJRTmr-fZS4TKlWl39VEouHqci-D/s320/IMG_0921.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The vast lagoon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iMyEUe1tA2SqNicHDFpcL3nbXyQayAPyisSc2oz2mBOBFHpc1ligQm5_Zt8QR_WxqAmBVLaPJFYpIoXbl8com7ft1q3A8zcHhODN7aDyPJw5kyvxaujKRV-Se31baP5qSSb6a8Rha_RM/s1600/IMG_0792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iMyEUe1tA2SqNicHDFpcL3nbXyQayAPyisSc2oz2mBOBFHpc1ligQm5_Zt8QR_WxqAmBVLaPJFYpIoXbl8com7ft1q3A8zcHhODN7aDyPJw5kyvxaujKRV-Se31baP5qSSb6a8Rha_RM/s320/IMG_0792.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Aitutaki's lagoon is famous for its expansive size and color. The lagoon is roughly an equilateral triangle with each side measuring about 12km. The average depth in the lagoon is a mere 5ft, but parts go as deep as 60ft. The shallow warm water and abundance of coral means that snorkeling is good. We went on an all day lagoon tour and were able to see some impressive fish and pristine uninhabited islands on the fringe of the reef. It was surreal being 10km from the main island but standing in water only chest deep.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Red-Tailed Tropic Bird nesting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45IZTSxjG0ibDVhVGpGQaC1UysxJL2mZEBhM93OTE5TS2rSHoPr8RxtEoY-ylx6kdf43UI3guYsat_xmP3ebrjTckYLJXRvA3f7_S3kxMOVgiFWazOMvY0LrEykiy360xjh1oSC-3-CvG/s1600/P1040738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45IZTSxjG0ibDVhVGpGQaC1UysxJL2mZEBhM93OTE5TS2rSHoPr8RxtEoY-ylx6kdf43UI3guYsat_xmP3ebrjTckYLJXRvA3f7_S3kxMOVgiFWazOMvY0LrEykiy360xjh1oSC-3-CvG/s320/P1040738.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Giant Clam</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCvZ9ha3iovdFInDIn1htiOztoDvH1iS6pPvnnmkUl_Lx8XKAE1zWsZHlSYmuJ8Xg0uhgWyW-AtL_TN52H-6sPbbRVElm_nR8NpNZv5y5ieagtysSRig5XIygh9a8FHA2Xr3m8vHC7fnS/s1600/P1040797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCvZ9ha3iovdFInDIn1htiOztoDvH1iS6pPvnnmkUl_Lx8XKAE1zWsZHlSYmuJ8Xg0uhgWyW-AtL_TN52H-6sPbbRVElm_nR8NpNZv5y5ieagtysSRig5XIygh9a8FHA2Xr3m8vHC7fnS/s320/P1040797.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An inquisitive Giant Trevally</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Giant Clam with neon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmESyv-tY6Vb-BxequsgZa-cx4hkQIaneCzef_BfTtL5FZD8k_IXP9w8XDKQoU0_bHsJaBFwFHEvBSRLfWNnygfnXGtr7AAXhLo029YNBr4H50dBuFHAXdlUsohsXCWfTvZJqB7fqUrTAK/s1600/IMG_0835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmESyv-tY6Vb-BxequsgZa-cx4hkQIaneCzef_BfTtL5FZD8k_IXP9w8XDKQoU0_bHsJaBFwFHEvBSRLfWNnygfnXGtr7AAXhLo029YNBr4H50dBuFHAXdlUsohsXCWfTvZJqB7fqUrTAK/s320/IMG_0835.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf9Q3ljWEjAX2Gra0gN_9D_PJbPp8VBhbAee1Hy_SW6i6P5vsKNfR3FGbuYeG0baRS9pUyRtYavTVrbe5tbq00gOHsX73_T9vtntG-sas30gyGMZr96HMPBVqfqkwEPKN36hp2ESt238H/s1600/IMG_0846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf9Q3ljWEjAX2Gra0gN_9D_PJbPp8VBhbAee1Hy_SW6i6P5vsKNfR3FGbuYeG0baRS9pUyRtYavTVrbe5tbq00gOHsX73_T9vtntG-sas30gyGMZr96HMPBVqfqkwEPKN36hp2ESt238H/s320/IMG_0846.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermit Crab</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtsmEsg-nlzDqMyur3rgOvHt1RxbAGa7_ZupvvFw-0cuvC9p8eF4vXzvVn7aLYh7_Lt8n_jnNqKXm3IzMd7khBOOamOBGEmov7SBN5wIppRaZWqsD_kIftrLqscN1UqjOMcoj8Iu67-Ut/s1600/IMG_0856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtsmEsg-nlzDqMyur3rgOvHt1RxbAGa7_ZupvvFw-0cuvC9p8eF4vXzvVn7aLYh7_Lt8n_jnNqKXm3IzMd7khBOOamOBGEmov7SBN5wIppRaZWqsD_kIftrLqscN1UqjOMcoj8Iu67-Ut/s320/IMG_0856.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ominous dark clouds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On Aitutaki we stayed in a single floor house that doubled as a hostel. The owners were Cooks Islanders that had lived and raised a family in New Zealand and moved back to Aitutaki to retire. A perk of our lodging was its proximity to good local food. The cuisine in The Cook Islands is based around what is abundant: fish, tropical fruit, and root vegetables. Enormous tuna steaks with island salads and sides featuring fruits and sweet potatoes were a staple. Palm trees, star fruit, avocado, and mango trees lined most properties making otherwise exotic fruit readily available, which locals were happy to share.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WJHAo_RbQwTXM-NQrELkUASD3jUC3lyay6N1Oiy03wFMEDBX4N5r9ffpBwUAH5_uLcflmdMxPWqLkSkoWhB3ZnPbvR9qhPgNCizp4OXOHuI2wXC09cwhEqMNIwW9BW_t8sn9qBawtSkR/s1600/IMG_0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WJHAo_RbQwTXM-NQrELkUASD3jUC3lyay6N1Oiy03wFMEDBX4N5r9ffpBwUAH5_uLcflmdMxPWqLkSkoWhB3ZnPbvR9qhPgNCizp4OXOHuI2wXC09cwhEqMNIwW9BW_t8sn9qBawtSkR/s320/IMG_0916.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at the volleyball field</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Aitutaki was really incredible. The stunning beauty of the lagoon, local hospitality, and delicious food, made the island a most memorable experience.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-70160049631987910172012-02-12T14:00:00.002-08:002012-03-04T17:34:57.402-08:00MarlboroughJust a few hours north of Kaikoura is the town of Blenheim, the gateway to New Zealand's most famous wine regions, Marlborough. We took the opportunity to spend an afternoon going from winery to winery to do tastings. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF02N5EsZg0qanzAisOQKh58SfWm13Panu-HHt7r0u5WFvFto9FKPzY016tS2BOngug2RgA-pTeRCk_IIg2ShasqZxtabLS8rBaW84Q5dOUC4Ij0RuDAC9Oq8Xt4Dwjq9UlWZodOP4dEw1/s1600/P1040571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF02N5EsZg0qanzAisOQKh58SfWm13Panu-HHt7r0u5WFvFto9FKPzY016tS2BOngug2RgA-pTeRCk_IIg2ShasqZxtabLS8rBaW84Q5dOUC4Ij0RuDAC9Oq8Xt4Dwjq9UlWZodOP4dEw1/s320/P1040571.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views from the Cloudy Bay vineyard</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcSiTY7R9F7Tv0a_T-AgWznBz37QL6j-ONLay2Rb3PzozUEUGzl2hXHu4_OkXcTp2Bny1uXUQogCCS4qcHEsSmbKPqn0TanZq0FkYrOpgZ6Gt5iiDD337KuWlqII3Lwx59viTZhB7Jg-F/s1600/IMG_0743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcSiTY7R9F7Tv0a_T-AgWznBz37QL6j-ONLay2Rb3PzozUEUGzl2hXHu4_OkXcTp2Bny1uXUQogCCS4qcHEsSmbKPqn0TanZq0FkYrOpgZ6Gt5iiDD337KuWlqII3Lwx59viTZhB7Jg-F/s320/IMG_0743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-2aqvr3Je9svaO2-kpe9Qx4-EIFGL88vWQTdSDJ2q15etPjI74SrUQMV_2g1NaL_n2oBJ9b9-UGreXUNsPny_y13hgueNS0QnKrUCDEjT-SEtaiJo08I0QmAYivdI6uXEAt75LggnIdA/s1600/IMG_0751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-2aqvr3Je9svaO2-kpe9Qx4-EIFGL88vWQTdSDJ2q15etPjI74SrUQMV_2g1NaL_n2oBJ9b9-UGreXUNsPny_y13hgueNS0QnKrUCDEjT-SEtaiJo08I0QmAYivdI6uXEAt75LggnIdA/s320/IMG_0751.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The vineyards stretch on for miles</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The tastings were delicious and fun. And they lacked the pretentious aire that might be associated with wine tasting in general. The area also produces delicious cheeses and manuka honey which is lauded for its immune boosting qualities.<br />
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The Marlborough region is also the home to the Marlborough sounds. The expansive inlets and bays on the northern tip of the south island. It is in Marlborough sound that the inter island ferry carries passengers from Wellington, New Zealands capital in the north island, to the Picton in the south island. The sounds are also an important aquaculture area where green shelled mussels and salmon are farmed.<br />
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Marlborough sound is also the site of the Queen Charlotte track, a famous multi-day hike with great views of the emerald green sounds. We decided to hike a 26km portion of the track in one day. This required a boat transfer in the morning leading to an all day hike back to our car eventually.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaw3pTNknZo9zv9-jryl6fmdpnSS1eCLWGr6MpWhveu5MiovERLEXX5n5ke-OnoeSvM2Uql6kp_JOtaKrXMF0kxBqVRuqJCdpuGXuqft3yLbZ6D3IqRdexOXvHfEipbOiXALj6i5tN1CY/s1600/IMG_0762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaw3pTNknZo9zv9-jryl6fmdpnSS1eCLWGr6MpWhveu5MiovERLEXX5n5ke-OnoeSvM2Uql6kp_JOtaKrXMF0kxBqVRuqJCdpuGXuqft3yLbZ6D3IqRdexOXvHfEipbOiXALj6i5tN1CY/s320/IMG_0762.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1hTczrdP1hRx4IqU4q48RoLu2Nop_u7X82lsBMiIudUTgVNr2FUnsza38u_ommhV7IGF315ii9Jy9tR5teLsaAQ_3rwpaSxRtJyqiQF8A_OlelD9_UXpkOOS-RoY6QUBFb_F7vXfDiyi/s1600/IMG_0767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1hTczrdP1hRx4IqU4q48RoLu2Nop_u7X82lsBMiIudUTgVNr2FUnsza38u_ommhV7IGF315ii9Jy9tR5teLsaAQ_3rwpaSxRtJyqiQF8A_OlelD9_UXpkOOS-RoY6QUBFb_F7vXfDiyi/s320/IMG_0767.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The hike was very nice, however, the overcast weather was very disappointing as the water color lacked the beautiful hues that make the sounds so stunning.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-13282243890221424522012-02-08T23:09:00.002-08:002012-03-06T10:03:29.459-08:00KaikouraKaikoura is a small pennisula next to a deep water bay on the east coast of New Zealand. The deep waters around Kaikoura are rich with marine life including whales, dolphins, paua (abalone), and crayfish (rock lobster). Until recently the town of Kaikoura inhabited by farmers and fisherman and today hosts weekenders from Christchurch and ecotourists. Claire's parents own a bach (cottage) in Kaikoura so we met them there and spent five days in town. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9nSnw8m2U9Cnt0FXDOVslZtc4LwaUe57tFUzJjz0u0Pa8q9_vIVl1Le-ZFHc8J1fTuTajJKv_UkBoBGK8CdB23TpDvgn3-WEujWtiwVC7X_jSYg-tQAYOnbTa6yQh_fe1Xie0a4jYZXl/s1600/IMG_0676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9nSnw8m2U9Cnt0FXDOVslZtc4LwaUe57tFUzJjz0u0Pa8q9_vIVl1Le-ZFHc8J1fTuTajJKv_UkBoBGK8CdB23TpDvgn3-WEujWtiwVC7X_jSYg-tQAYOnbTa6yQh_fe1Xie0a4jYZXl/s320/IMG_0676.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHH686vcovTGm9Hf42rHrHWsPYE7cTgtB3LtVZDPGYM2hZoFOEAXVWv7Ils3tOAEVC75sUM1m3Tndgsd-DbwSp2tiMDDi7Me_tH0MJ4FmxLXNxPeWpN-_2s-U7snYjRWaw7omeahGT_Zqd/s1600/IMG_0680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHH686vcovTGm9Hf42rHrHWsPYE7cTgtB3LtVZDPGYM2hZoFOEAXVWv7Ils3tOAEVC75sUM1m3Tndgsd-DbwSp2tiMDDi7Me_tH0MJ4FmxLXNxPeWpN-_2s-U7snYjRWaw7omeahGT_Zqd/s320/IMG_0680.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The penninsula was the site of a traditional Maori Pa, a defensive fortification. In more recent times it has been used as farmland and around the coast there is a lovely and well maintained coastal path. During low tide you can walk around the penninsula in a few hours over tide pools and at other times an alternate path with fantastic views can be walked on the cliffs above. The pennisula is also an important breeding ground for seabirds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSlp8JW62yJCZCqYRriESiBvBwwoq6QdGvKaiU3odABlevfWBJkxdPpxB5qj929mJUgiAAgcxTxyllV-38uZ1kunmF8CjgYPvJERsyREUpgaObgZuJ7LedAgVn9EHM6PcUEGTmWcsFXY2/s1600/IMG_0722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSlp8JW62yJCZCqYRriESiBvBwwoq6QdGvKaiU3odABlevfWBJkxdPpxB5qj929mJUgiAAgcxTxyllV-38uZ1kunmF8CjgYPvJERsyREUpgaObgZuJ7LedAgVn9EHM6PcUEGTmWcsFXY2/s320/IMG_0722.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucky cows</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Bn7oIOJez7apnirU4OOqD-8ZLRTLejBip7mc6hWWOA0isVX8aeI-GbWtQ_j0NqAIeIA__GOD8zSaWA0YNpGF5jFl9d9bY8K7uzpd88QOLMkyFmRADR0NAwjgqmuLrldbf9RFoLhDHI8p/s1600/IMG_0728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Bn7oIOJez7apnirU4OOqD-8ZLRTLejBip7mc6hWWOA0isVX8aeI-GbWtQ_j0NqAIeIA__GOD8zSaWA0YNpGF5jFl9d9bY8K7uzpd88QOLMkyFmRADR0NAwjgqmuLrldbf9RFoLhDHI8p/s320/IMG_0728.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Zealand flax on the cliff edge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Life in Kaikoura still revolves around the ocean. Recreational diving and fishing are popular and fruitful for those with a tolerance for frigid waters. I was extremely keen to try my hand at snorkeling for paua and crayfish and fortunately Claire's family had a cache of wetsuits and equipment to pursue such endeavors Our first attempt at seafood self-sufficiency was a snorkel trip just two blocks from the bach at small bay. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWgS8Ugn8hqlLD1v0pFMXfmE_ZvCF1330a8nrHG1zph1wUgIPb5YnktTT4_CaDRghg2_efKaJf4E09IWmxcZFzMULpcHzhokxhjANe9dIz_vd8lcjRZNZ2DmE1gVfDJtjHFYZAgV0Yy7J/s1600/P1040514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWgS8Ugn8hqlLD1v0pFMXfmE_ZvCF1330a8nrHG1zph1wUgIPb5YnktTT4_CaDRghg2_efKaJf4E09IWmxcZFzMULpcHzhokxhjANe9dIz_vd8lcjRZNZ2DmE1gVfDJtjHFYZAgV0Yy7J/s320/P1040514.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>With two wetsuits on and a hood the cold waters were tolerable. However, the bay was covered with seaweed and visibility was general poor making the job very difficult for novices. We ended up going home empty handed.<br />
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We decided to try our hand at setting out an old lobster trap. We used a small rowboat to paddle out a hundred or so meters from the shore and set out the trap on three consecutive days, each day returning with nothing more than a freshly picked over bag of gleamingly white fish bones.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimr2-Ai0o7VSflgVLq_xcunjJeJl_2TK2Oy8hxw4rVfG0HIlAkXbOKc7eZBZZ4FfiBwzd-EmP12RA2papYCXs8HYhOY-zRqwig53WDN8iuoy0f5erlE3jYpOCKum5A3nHRrkDPJvailBHu/s1600/P1040519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimr2-Ai0o7VSflgVLq_xcunjJeJl_2TK2Oy8hxw4rVfG0HIlAkXbOKc7eZBZZ4FfiBwzd-EmP12RA2papYCXs8HYhOY-zRqwig53WDN8iuoy0f5erlE3jYpOCKum5A3nHRrkDPJvailBHu/s320/P1040519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRQ2Feq7RlNFaiRS5wpwQgOn0mcTUgJPOSb6XEZ5z01wz9qhXXf3wm1-8qQtHhcAMv6PlMoXFe8f5m1TcUwZG_1-sMTZHC-mK74gNF0evIXo1FbGeN5JX1x51To4updGlgkRL36Yu-mfx/s1600/P1040486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRQ2Feq7RlNFaiRS5wpwQgOn0mcTUgJPOSb6XEZ5z01wz9qhXXf3wm1-8qQtHhcAMv6PlMoXFe8f5m1TcUwZG_1-sMTZHC-mK74gNF0evIXo1FbGeN5JX1x51To4updGlgkRL36Yu-mfx/s320/P1040486.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A sympathetic neighbor was kind enough to give us a large and delicious crayfish for our efforts. We were able to find paua fritters at a local food truck and we fulfilled the rest of our seafood quota by eating fish and chips on numerous occasions. Kaikoura was absolutely one of the highlights of the trip.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-91021823311861576152012-02-03T16:56:00.000-08:002012-02-26T23:09:19.775-08:00The Southern East CoastThe drive from Fjordland across the island to the east coast is dominated by the sight of vast sheep pastures. Miles and miles of green rolling hills covered with sheep. In this sparsely populated area I was surprised to find that nearly every tiny town, seemingly not much more than a gas station and a fish and chips shop, would also have a golf course. And Once reaching the coastline the view does not differ a great deal except the rolling hills are replaced by steep cliffs. But tucked in between these farms is the Catlins National Park.<br />
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The Catlins, tucked in the south east corner of the south island feels remote at times. But in reality is closely connected to the surrounding community that has been using the access roads and watershed to support agriculture for centuries. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vQ83JwMGE_eNLecRJErqDGJTljxu9fze46zCsAG68PEVptJvqpzHnN4hYCQiExL6LeR80U_PPphnckETlG7-q7pez3x-fCunmSxMVeU_16nKZjOkGri1x7GsF2B7sg6J8Z5g5PVQ0ubD/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vQ83JwMGE_eNLecRJErqDGJTljxu9fze46zCsAG68PEVptJvqpzHnN4hYCQiExL6LeR80U_PPphnckETlG7-q7pez3x-fCunmSxMVeU_16nKZjOkGri1x7GsF2B7sg6J8Z5g5PVQ0ubD/s320/IMG_0619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNxVfNQgCdY1pWgxTJh-Oyy5RNJ_OiPMg79MwJZAmjEaOZr14-S_j6YK_QfNYtx7GRrdbzqM-G2uYRQglHTbk4KZbMaqkUhhHUVIvsot5fXvHDOJgxUAUArhuQ3CGN2UgalgEX2oAriuW/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNxVfNQgCdY1pWgxTJh-Oyy5RNJ_OiPMg79MwJZAmjEaOZr14-S_j6YK_QfNYtx7GRrdbzqM-G2uYRQglHTbk4KZbMaqkUhhHUVIvsot5fXvHDOJgxUAUArhuQ3CGN2UgalgEX2oAriuW/s320/IMG_0624.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farmers use roads to herd sheep</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZXRLoEvM3In53DRE2jvtpk2Q7AkONx463Kd23yUspzDNbEROa_Bz2E_4uH6u-ldX3D5EBAlfXMLC6tJy_OBw4x9NuuaVkXEfG2YKkdfmyHVF0MUL16aM7Xic48EPHtXw0-e8C7dSNgoD/s1600/IMG_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZXRLoEvM3In53DRE2jvtpk2Q7AkONx463Kd23yUspzDNbEROa_Bz2E_4uH6u-ldX3D5EBAlfXMLC6tJy_OBw4x9NuuaVkXEfG2YKkdfmyHVF0MUL16aM7Xic48EPHtXw0-e8C7dSNgoD/s320/IMG_0627.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginning of the Catlins River Walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In addition to the forest tucked inland, the Catlins also encompass a windswept coastal area. Here you can see sea lions sleep the day away on the beaches next to deep sand dunes covered in high grass. The coast also has steep cliffs as exemplified by the often photographed Nugget Point.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYJxmsRM7Bgl42KJtrfn8qHO5a3yfEOhqDQLcOT8UVoMWwkJ9sYXYP4dEZnT4eWoPq_EchfyzhawtRvU4ZFV94U2BqQVuqBk8AEwDPy30sFm4W0nw3P-5FmohzAtiF3SIBplPlmofdrnJ/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYJxmsRM7Bgl42KJtrfn8qHO5a3yfEOhqDQLcOT8UVoMWwkJ9sYXYP4dEZnT4eWoPq_EchfyzhawtRvU4ZFV94U2BqQVuqBk8AEwDPy30sFm4W0nw3P-5FmohzAtiF3SIBplPlmofdrnJ/s320/IMG_0645.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pollen covered bumble bee on a thistle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>At Nugget point in addition to the great views you can see yellow eyed penguins nest and seal frolic in the surf.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtikvTtb8p8zI6C29tNsLVvF1ReWZqf1Yh_4EFfqCkWWTYUTaVvkJjzFeynKX_SAH3qI9bDwR4eYJcwzSmU57R39VxX70ODteblel5kdG79HUx4F9OghzcFBJrU_iBngvja-lN4NwZisKH/s1600/IMG_0646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtikvTtb8p8zI6C29tNsLVvF1ReWZqf1Yh_4EFfqCkWWTYUTaVvkJjzFeynKX_SAH3qI9bDwR4eYJcwzSmU57R39VxX70ODteblel5kdG79HUx4F9OghzcFBJrU_iBngvja-lN4NwZisKH/s320/IMG_0646.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lighthouse at Nugget Point</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE5qPeiavxpo561S8AaLdQWq8VEfpHmMwbBTmSKWBhAJiyMKRZMwyhDQ_Lzi7aOokyvvYs7EvkoqgozUmTv2W5a8MHaCy4b01FX09RHmtOwqgt5yQOeHfsJ0vzyVroWCjj1UFWMUV-Rwu/s1600/IMG_0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE5qPeiavxpo561S8AaLdQWq8VEfpHmMwbBTmSKWBhAJiyMKRZMwyhDQ_Lzi7aOokyvvYs7EvkoqgozUmTv2W5a8MHaCy4b01FX09RHmtOwqgt5yQOeHfsJ0vzyVroWCjj1UFWMUV-Rwu/s320/IMG_0655.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claire at Nugget Point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Driving north from the Catlins leads to Dunedin, home to the Baldwin street, the steepest street in the world! It actually doesn't seem any steeper than many streets in San Francisco though.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oddly spherical boulders<br />
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</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-3620385807834864042012-01-31T13:23:00.002-08:002012-02-26T16:56:05.375-08:00FjordlandFjordland is the isolated and iconic region in the southwest corner of the south island. Dramatic mountain ranges emerge from meadows and cool glacial melt cuts river and waterfalls across the landscape. The drive into Fjordland begins in Te Anau where the road winds through meadow, forest, and mountain to Milford Sound and the Tasman Sea.<br />
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Fjordland is home to some of the most well known and beautiful tracks in New Zealand. During peak season tracks such as the Milford Track and the Routeburn Track sell out of bunk space in the Department of Conservation sites, which are the only places to sleep during the multiday hikes. So Claire and I took the opportunity to do day hikes on some of these tracks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1IJmbWpc26ufbWRVtNQh0Dc5gUWmhuKMKl2SIGmNzFegYLL4YgZwqyYcPhfVkytREhzJ0WOEZdB6w8FwI4jxAfDfPb_ul4dx_mct_VmYaq23CKvh7J6E4zV0EUBfpGFgXiY6F45z_Mg0/s1600/IMG_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1IJmbWpc26ufbWRVtNQh0Dc5gUWmhuKMKl2SIGmNzFegYLL4YgZwqyYcPhfVkytREhzJ0WOEZdB6w8FwI4jxAfDfPb_ul4dx_mct_VmYaq23CKvh7J6E4zV0EUBfpGFgXiY6F45z_Mg0/s320/IMG_0362.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking up to Key Summit during a break in the weather</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRtvGxLDyEEW5h0NXASGz_jA85ytq-rYYXcDxFGBcgCEpzIWcKdOotaujnuz0zTt4vlYYaa2PktmjODGm1X4IPYSxH9IiqR23fha3roHeDhehYKr8iLmqp4OBxSnZehS49BBZW9Kb4Cui/s1600/IMG_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRtvGxLDyEEW5h0NXASGz_jA85ytq-rYYXcDxFGBcgCEpzIWcKdOotaujnuz0zTt4vlYYaa2PktmjODGm1X4IPYSxH9IiqR23fha3roHeDhehYKr8iLmqp4OBxSnZehS49BBZW9Kb4Cui/s320/IMG_0325.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Key Summit on the Routeburn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The weather during a day hike on the Routeburn track highlighted the schizophrenic weather patterns in New Zealand. Once reaching the Key Summit we found ourselves basking in T-shirts in the sun, dodging hail, and seeking shelter from fierce wind and rain. But calm breaks in the weather made the views spectacular and well worth the suffering.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8JfPGoyjh0yiNh1hotSLxWsXAWBfS9vGpdIRbVdaYQ8RdoEsAZ03J12ukPqEIB19A14dyBz8Wc_LtGbUVirNCgiSU7Xerk4nCh1IGnbpPuFbYTqKgTuoodN_4xzrCqK4KJC7drAlJAtT/s1600/IMG_0537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8JfPGoyjh0yiNh1hotSLxWsXAWBfS9vGpdIRbVdaYQ8RdoEsAZ03J12ukPqEIB19A14dyBz8Wc_LtGbUVirNCgiSU7Xerk4nCh1IGnbpPuFbYTqKgTuoodN_4xzrCqK4KJC7drAlJAtT/s320/IMG_0537.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A refreshing swim in Lake Marian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The campsites in Fjordland are numerous and popular. Campsites are placed in gorgeous locations with rivers or lakes nearby to help campers get access to water. And while access to fresh water is essential for camping, it also means that the sites in are swarmed by sandflies, particularly at dusk. The flies made a point of making themselves comfortable in our van, biting during the daylight and sleeping happily next to the windows during the night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYHbR64kXnqjkJ6yPoaKFh9SMbheIVR2RGrDpU3vPPOdCD7-FC-4RI2bhefgPHOszgar0GE7lE-1sGlhrrtSfk1r6klir7MnebwYlA05cvshfmj6JJrXcaQgCjsTOWuGu9sxWFPbV3YHC/s1600/IMG_0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYHbR64kXnqjkJ6yPoaKFh9SMbheIVR2RGrDpU3vPPOdCD7-FC-4RI2bhefgPHOszgar0GE7lE-1sGlhrrtSfk1r6klir7MnebwYlA05cvshfmj6JJrXcaQgCjsTOWuGu9sxWFPbV3YHC/s320/IMG_0584.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our campsite in the Eglington Valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIE7cXSJDdYvrbWE6MSPdaPU-YNGWPVBjmcgWfLO4zwY-tm2693NCPYdHxxWxj46JEH6yE5mYYWY4DLZFYcBF2sS45pVtyTe82XH0wA7ZJhYp97Ndw0MxKbyEDnZPrNyvAw4ZZizgF50L/s1600/IMG_0588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIE7cXSJDdYvrbWE6MSPdaPU-YNGWPVBjmcgWfLO4zwY-tm2693NCPYdHxxWxj46JEH6yE5mYYWY4DLZFYcBF2sS45pVtyTe82XH0wA7ZJhYp97Ndw0MxKbyEDnZPrNyvAw4ZZizgF50L/s320/IMG_0588.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eglington Valley at dusk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6FbksxwYb0n2__Lay2EdkU_syFqLj_FxrFKZeJ6p3rOv9sVPQpt30SzR1skZ8tTHg0cWJme6tdlG90ISc0Po2_u-XpNOPeg7SzUIJFuHd6VEduYRBLMuwBlOBHgtijSDIDon06bYUGgn/s1600/IMG_0573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6FbksxwYb0n2__Lay2EdkU_syFqLj_FxrFKZeJ6p3rOv9sVPQpt30SzR1skZ8tTHg0cWJme6tdlG90ISc0Po2_u-XpNOPeg7SzUIJFuHd6VEduYRBLMuwBlOBHgtijSDIDon06bYUGgn/s320/IMG_0573.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beech Forest near the campsite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One of the most famous and photographed places in New Zealand is Milford Sound. Rising a mile from the waters edge Mitre Peak is an iconic image and the highest coastal cliff in the world. Visitors view the sound by taking a 2 hours cruise to the mouth of the sound and back. The photos don't do justice to the size and scale of the mountains and peaks surrounding the fjord.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ACHm-DmiZGV4g7b5Yo6syd_7p2FGuozf_RfNTQ9oVtlLtnyOiTfSCdMneV9uULVtyYoUnY9CwgDE1GevwpzFlTIaH8_KNjNREOI9J0YllQYM6NR4IvXKfzNPsD52uakSZFLBiRM2MtdK/s1600/IMG_0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ACHm-DmiZGV4g7b5Yo6syd_7p2FGuozf_RfNTQ9oVtlLtnyOiTfSCdMneV9uULVtyYoUnY9CwgDE1GevwpzFlTIaH8_KNjNREOI9J0YllQYM6NR4IvXKfzNPsD52uakSZFLBiRM2MtdK/s320/IMG_0377.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mitre Peak on the left dwarfs the cruise ship</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitf9jJgPlbxuiNN4a1HSULscj7xa-6gOU-R4enKzhGv3keXja_1LTV_Ax-Tl391fhajB3030J_GXjvpt_iueqoaXTUItASsEV61susDBvzFchspMGimQAhw4tdirdut72I4Tf1s3MGNsWc/s1600/IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitf9jJgPlbxuiNN4a1HSULscj7xa-6gOU-R4enKzhGv3keXja_1LTV_Ax-Tl391fhajB3030J_GXjvpt_iueqoaXTUItASsEV61susDBvzFchspMGimQAhw4tdirdut72I4Tf1s3MGNsWc/s320/IMG_0443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The Kepler track was another beautiful day hike. The meandered through trout laden streams, beech forest, bogs, and lakes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQ-R63mzbo8FjtyuWjl30R_75DirrsVcPdNqy-FjZX3oU2GQTlPIbjFIJ7hSWqsW0og4VOCtXMftvU91zHG7JAfnQx_A947kOPnGe_nPaG3kNj-7WVF7_fQV5mL8enHtU_ba9kgoSX6Ci/s1600/IMG_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQ-R63mzbo8FjtyuWjl30R_75DirrsVcPdNqy-FjZX3oU2GQTlPIbjFIJ7hSWqsW0og4VOCtXMftvU91zHG7JAfnQx_A947kOPnGe_nPaG3kNj-7WVF7_fQV5mL8enHtU_ba9kgoSX6Ci/s320/IMG_0595.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYJOtoqMHA9btog40yns-9n4QlIv38ql1gjXkumo_Zua64SkVbQaNaMxjo-DDs4vCgWReeeUocUjY5n4etPj2Hw0GUI6KrHIYQK0LaKcRtUyjrApJKraWPB0Hmr-SvVr4eugGQJafF55X/s1600/IMG_0601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYJOtoqMHA9btog40yns-9n4QlIv38ql1gjXkumo_Zua64SkVbQaNaMxjo-DDs4vCgWReeeUocUjY5n4etPj2Hw0GUI6KrHIYQK0LaKcRtUyjrApJKraWPB0Hmr-SvVr4eugGQJafF55X/s320/IMG_0601.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-12398315698377750962012-01-27T15:58:00.000-08:002012-02-12T18:11:24.543-08:00The West Coast & OtagoWe began our road trip driving down the west coast of the south island. The first stop was Punakaiki, an odd geological formation that has risen from the sea floor. Punakaiki is known as the “pancake rocks” due to the rocks flattened appearance.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on the first night was spent at Punakaiki<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The next stop was the glacier region. We viewed both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier in the same day. Franz Josef is impressive and stretches far up the mountain. Every few minutes a helicopter flys tourists and hikers high up on the glacier. Far below, large groups outfitted in snow gear are led by guides (iceaxes in-hand) to the face where they will hike up the glacier for a few hours. At Fox, the glacier seemed to be less commercialized and required an hour or so long walk to the Fox Glacier viewpoint. The view was great and you could view the glacier from a much higher viewpoint than at Franz Josef.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o-X9_T5kP_20k1si0eXTQpIm29LXymlFB-wjpZjA8wLobtcJI12jLkAV9jTTkI7uirQoN4KmZwKR33g-L8M8J3HdjtRJHnreofZMjx6BUOteQuMKx6Tf8WvvQsylLoP086gAL5A3mlny/s1600/IMG_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o-X9_T5kP_20k1si0eXTQpIm29LXymlFB-wjpZjA8wLobtcJI12jLkAV9jTTkI7uirQoN4KmZwKR33g-L8M8J3HdjtRJHnreofZMjx6BUOteQuMKx6Tf8WvvQsylLoP086gAL5A3mlny/s320/IMG_0114.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Franz Josef Glacier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-ofNHo152J4ndB9Mb7sXmQNJ_EakUN1mW8OG_ztXVNYCUtLqY_bc9SlBCrUiiKeMM0f53ykrUsRa1twl3SaFX5rmuITBRuZsYddMbeQF7zl3MOQPKaPOOu5qz98mHaChxgMfOIWDXz04/s1600/IMG_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-ofNHo152J4ndB9Mb7sXmQNJ_EakUN1mW8OG_ztXVNYCUtLqY_bc9SlBCrUiiKeMM0f53ykrUsRa1twl3SaFX5rmuITBRuZsYddMbeQF7zl3MOQPKaPOOu5qz98mHaChxgMfOIWDXz04/s320/IMG_0129.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fox Glacier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The next stop was Lake Matheson, which is famous for the reflected views of Mt. Cook in the lake's dark waters, unfortunately for us, the mountain was shrouded by clouds the day we visited. The lake circuit takes under 2 hours to complete but provides ample scenic viewpoints.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloud hide Mt Cook in the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V3Ztkeg9lI-4O6KG4RN_dQvnoeVK83FNeGDyE3Dgu_QF7XjAZ-Y5iNhfnuUcXio3FqnqUs4oQcpZaVAWJfpUCODlxp1fdI8sfFNfv0z8VmB_YNmYiCtTpyHBDDWKDH7_rmRevFOEUQvu/s1600/IMG_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V3Ztkeg9lI-4O6KG4RN_dQvnoeVK83FNeGDyE3Dgu_QF7XjAZ-Y5iNhfnuUcXio3FqnqUs4oQcpZaVAWJfpUCODlxp1fdI8sfFNfv0z8VmB_YNmYiCtTpyHBDDWKDH7_rmRevFOEUQvu/s320/IMG_0147.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fern frond unfurling</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After lake Matheson the road began winding into the mountains with a quick roadside stop called the Blue Pools, which I remembered from my last visit. The Blue Pools are a congregation point for large trout during the winter months that swim up from lake Wanaka. The pools are deep, blue, and cold.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMX2iMNup5m9v3nFXKVA6coNJDFhXXwx_QqG3LRATF43sh1s9xFbY-0Pt7OQrijq8bdff45sDhzgioeCsGQSLIgH9SXIaWdMFmvnbkFmccY9onOfvFHC7pbJniNxQUyoLmB8D3H8Mv7goY/s1600/IMG_0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMX2iMNup5m9v3nFXKVA6coNJDFhXXwx_QqG3LRATF43sh1s9xFbY-0Pt7OQrijq8bdff45sDhzgioeCsGQSLIgH9SXIaWdMFmvnbkFmccY9onOfvFHC7pbJniNxQUyoLmB8D3H8Mv7goY/s320/IMG_0160.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Following the highway we wove through the mountains and into the Wanaka area. As pulled into our campsite for the we noticed a problem with our car horn. The horn would inexplicably honk when we hit a pot hole or closed a car door. Later we figured out that it was any vibration that caused the non-stop blaring noise, but we only figured this out after waking up everyone at the campsite in the early morning to their delight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu-c_7pCj7Q04L4XDAv5aJTydsrpZCt3FkrM-oa0u4rU7gNX4G3q-88IeXyUDWSCaf-YMEFUqfhCQRGtbrlUExoNS0iv9RDTu7XgC-hyLmK_p1qoekUXVetU10CVvH90gO1x7Gnyxf0EI/s1600/IMG_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu-c_7pCj7Q04L4XDAv5aJTydsrpZCt3FkrM-oa0u4rU7gNX4G3q-88IeXyUDWSCaf-YMEFUqfhCQRGtbrlUExoNS0iv9RDTu7XgC-hyLmK_p1qoekUXVetU10CVvH90gO1x7Gnyxf0EI/s320/IMG_0154.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A meadow passing into Wanaka</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The first hike we did was in Mt Aspiring National Park to the Rob Roy glacier. The track starts at the end of brutal 25km teeth chattering unpaved road. The track track then weaves through sheep pastures, across a long a windy swing bridge and up above a large meadow bisected by a river. Then climbing rapidly it moves into beech and fern forests and finally to a viewpoint for the Rob Roy Glacier. The viewpoint is a great spot to stop and enjoy your lunch, which is what the Kea's are counting on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YfktJTNtAqxndwH_DnW264FWMReQrpaUnXQMy7WM4-EcImZbWVe3qEZgaPmZlIcac9AftTWZE_5ps-ETVdvoUtBumxM-0REYHq-dzkpjmEasZ-917z333G37aZzoCAQI8wAvVwJbnKf3/s1600/IMG_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YfktJTNtAqxndwH_DnW264FWMReQrpaUnXQMy7WM4-EcImZbWVe3qEZgaPmZlIcac9AftTWZE_5ps-ETVdvoUtBumxM-0REYHq-dzkpjmEasZ-917z333G37aZzoCAQI8wAvVwJbnKf3/s320/IMG_0181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzN1xcJWYNkN91bz-QNmoRbe7qBZCP26lYOYJQg8NybIL6VNsaOLYfk1-Jvh1FqcUdno-TqML1FRf-3CwwuGFI6i1EN2C7KeW74xw8tULuTskK96zBs-PqX6P6PlQl5pUCh8PmdgKZcDa/s1600/IMG_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzN1xcJWYNkN91bz-QNmoRbe7qBZCP26lYOYJQg8NybIL6VNsaOLYfk1-Jvh1FqcUdno-TqML1FRf-3CwwuGFI6i1EN2C7KeW74xw8tULuTskK96zBs-PqX6P6PlQl5pUCh8PmdgKZcDa/s320/IMG_0197.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFAxmrvmAVne53WwNG01mRM2r9FJlfrktdrOGWMoKdA9Ph7YIBirAHosx_oHCfUeZG_bMe-JLRlc0aRQvqjoQ9SEWFW046YrMMvnRiXMPLAHfTMxgW5C1OBX8uk_FZXRDE5YgL9-suZ65/s1600/IMG_0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFAxmrvmAVne53WwNG01mRM2r9FJlfrktdrOGWMoKdA9Ph7YIBirAHosx_oHCfUeZG_bMe-JLRlc0aRQvqjoQ9SEWFW046YrMMvnRiXMPLAHfTMxgW5C1OBX8uk_FZXRDE5YgL9-suZ65/s320/IMG_0239.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close-up of Rob Roy, a hanging glacier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Kea is a large parrot and the only alpine parrot in the world. Kea's have built a reputation as clever and amusing birds that are undaunted by humans and will approach to get a snack. They are also notorious for destroying cars in parking lots by pulling at windshield wipers, mirrors, and anything they can get their beaks at. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5R9TcdwG4KlYKUS9I8NCB0UTN1sqaRVwuW4wxllp90JxMFyyg9PKofbHRAyBc4-zkRpNwdYh3PY_ZVV3FXfX_tUXwa15vr-En4NEt83MEM8sUQn9xbHbWyMxCUt1wvbWJ2-GMiHu9M6L/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5R9TcdwG4KlYKUS9I8NCB0UTN1sqaRVwuW4wxllp90JxMFyyg9PKofbHRAyBc4-zkRpNwdYh3PY_ZVV3FXfX_tUXwa15vr-En4NEt83MEM8sUQn9xbHbWyMxCUt1wvbWJ2-GMiHu9M6L/s320/IMG_0222.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Kea with Rob Roy in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2N5-XPfA5hhxWoXM_Y7HILRyG4GH62fDza8F4ZaxO2y9AJQ25JTftg3lUk5YB68q1J3CDaX2c8s8sdCoYD4AUzW0TiYhL-JmHyYOeKsFUhFjSJN23zQVyKqGVHNiHYMzpz9N2UNkxoIRN/s1600/IMG_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2N5-XPfA5hhxWoXM_Y7HILRyG4GH62fDza8F4ZaxO2y9AJQ25JTftg3lUk5YB68q1J3CDaX2c8s8sdCoYD4AUzW0TiYhL-JmHyYOeKsFUhFjSJN23zQVyKqGVHNiHYMzpz9N2UNkxoIRN/s320/IMG_0212.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-71957117950441225682012-01-22T18:09:00.000-08:002012-02-12T18:10:09.811-08:00NelsonNelson, known as the sunniest place in New Zealand, is a port town on the northern coast of the south island. It really does boast a warm and pleasant climate and is situated on a large bay. Claire's parents live in Nelson so we took a few days to visit, strategize about our impending road trip, eat good food, and search for a suitable campervan to buy.<br />
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Nelson is situated an hour away from Abel Tasman National Park. A stunning coastal track with frigged turquoise waters. We only walked for a day on the track but found it beautiful and enjoyable. The track meanders through coastal forest and lush ferns. One of the most memorable things about the track was the deafening sound of cicadas as you walked.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_i8SyoQbM0z7r1AcI0krfHCwd7UQMdfIGMzG4iFJ3LdTHbLMCsMTzVU7-MXb1axjv_oRwX8ZfSxv7UXOE7J8ELK4MnRqypSRE9oHZki2KXRONNqMxa0juBYjR8Z34CcW3fEhyzKRkhLNK/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_i8SyoQbM0z7r1AcI0krfHCwd7UQMdfIGMzG4iFJ3LdTHbLMCsMTzVU7-MXb1axjv_oRwX8ZfSxv7UXOE7J8ELK4MnRqypSRE9oHZki2KXRONNqMxa0juBYjR8Z34CcW3fEhyzKRkhLNK/s320/IMG_0063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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This whitebait fritter is a New Zealand specialty. Whitebait are juvenile fish caught in nets at the mouth of rivers. They are eaten whole and the entire body of the fish is clear or white besides the black eyes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtFdz8yBCMAkJpvIyC0oDyDZNSh4dokwLvkCnDrrNGKoqW887F0lFNXcXaiqEJOhKkGmVfRVOKPRVfccdnzfW9n8kXtXn3chAhJvC32G6i1x24RXzG5Kt2to7HoqpnU2vMfkEnkEVxhgp/s1600/IMG_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtFdz8yBCMAkJpvIyC0oDyDZNSh4dokwLvkCnDrrNGKoqW887F0lFNXcXaiqEJOhKkGmVfRVOKPRVfccdnzfW9n8kXtXn3chAhJvC32G6i1x24RXzG5Kt2to7HoqpnU2vMfkEnkEVxhgp/s320/IMG_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fish stare back at you as they fry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We ended up buying this 1993 Toyota Estima from a Chilean fellow who was traveling New Zealand on working holiday visa. He was ending his trip after a few months of picking apples and working at a ski resort. The van was comfortable and came with all of the essentials for camping.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCqdDo96WIVCjSyHx88VExME4ZM-YVE2QofK6SKiSOvmNl5S-nDD7njwtOO4s6fbrmNY9zg4hkls9LDd9GiBmZ8nSVTB4lbXm97RhzplJHPMY7YoDo7lFouWNmxZ9ql9BmP-YHopeN8_5/s1600/P1040415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCqdDo96WIVCjSyHx88VExME4ZM-YVE2QofK6SKiSOvmNl5S-nDD7njwtOO4s6fbrmNY9zg4hkls9LDd9GiBmZ8nSVTB4lbXm97RhzplJHPMY7YoDo7lFouWNmxZ9ql9BmP-YHopeN8_5/s320/P1040415.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo of our Estima in Fjordland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-30939193217715258042012-01-17T00:44:00.000-08:002012-01-17T00:44:58.031-08:00AucklandI arrived in Auckland to start off 5 weeks in the south pacific and the flight over was the first highlight. I used frequent flier miles book business class flights from SFO to Auckland aboard Qantas. The Qantas flight took off at midnight for Auckland and started off with a glass of champagne. The first thing I noticed about business class were the enormous seats, which reclined, folded, and expanded to my delight. My legs, when fully extended, did not come close the seat in front of me. Despite the late hour, the flight featured a full meal of sea bass with sauteed eggplant, salad with fresh mozzarella, and a glass of white wine. And afterwards, dessert of course. In the morning breakfast did not disappoint, and I arrived in Auckland a happy traveler. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIziatSy7n8JI0R386lUUWg8uUS9bq3gEWNX8OBFk10dtCTfSwsXVlU1JL-m_alS6K5pBXj72wsEvsb_3zJanVre43LwzXNuBbKR2JdtuY0z4aFloVqPBdJ3fYnVHj82zokTuqJW7j5D0D/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIziatSy7n8JI0R386lUUWg8uUS9bq3gEWNX8OBFk10dtCTfSwsXVlU1JL-m_alS6K5pBXj72wsEvsb_3zJanVre43LwzXNuBbKR2JdtuY0z4aFloVqPBdJ3fYnVHj82zokTuqJW7j5D0D/s320/IMG_0050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>On my first full day I took a 20-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland to Rangitoto island. Rangitoto is a small volcanic island that is believed to be extinct today, but had erupted as recently as 600 years ago. While only 10km outside of central Auckland the island seems worlds away. The island is a covered with a mix of barren volcanic fields and dense forests. Various trails lead through these landscapes and up to the summit, 260m above sea level. The view from the top is stunning and features the entire Auckland region and beyond.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rangitoto </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzgVzDdgWJhh36HBgZs9apYKhl9cDYmmGFR4f016bMX9smEptpkOz4GCRTh0cfO2twqMYdCsvl6IeDD4tI-kTkHpaf7YzoilQLCrO-Li84VGnUwx4hE06nTaQBMdx5XhLgOSAJPIDMD2Z/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzgVzDdgWJhh36HBgZs9apYKhl9cDYmmGFR4f016bMX9smEptpkOz4GCRTh0cfO2twqMYdCsvl6IeDD4tI-kTkHpaf7YzoilQLCrO-Li84VGnUwx4hE06nTaQBMdx5XhLgOSAJPIDMD2Z/s320/IMG_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lava fields, forest, and downtown Auckland from Rangitoto</td></tr>
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The next stop was the Auckland museum. The museum sits high atop a hill in a large park overlooking Auckland and the harbor. The museum has a mixture of Maori culture and history, New Zealand natural history, and wartime history. The museum was the perfect size, interesting, and not overwhelmingly large in size.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Maori storage house in the Auckland Museum</td></tr>
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Another day trip led me across the harbor to the neighborhood of Devonport. The five minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland leads to a charming seaside suburb with victorian architecture and a great view.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auckland from Devonport</td></tr>
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Claire graciously hosted me in her flat in Parnell, a short walk from the CBD and most of the best sights in Auckland.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-32823587535816553352011-07-18T10:02:00.000-07:002011-07-18T10:02:41.303-07:00Signing off for now...For the past 18th months I have travelled from the Buenos Aires, Argentina, up through South America and into Mexico, visiting 18 countries in all. I have visited the Galapagos, trekked in the Andes, swam with sharks, climbed to nearly 20,000ft, rented a private island, worked as a cowboy, and volunteered with jaguars in the jungle. I have been immensely lucky to have had the good fortune to meet interesting, caring, and kind locals in every country as well as other travellers to share these experiences with. The food has been fantastic at times ($4 lobster dinners) and lacklustre (plates of rice, beans, and potatoes) but the adventures never ceased. And now sadly, the trip has come to close, for now...thank you for reading.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-21261669173827027112011-06-08T10:20:00.000-07:002011-06-08T10:20:00.239-07:00Ode to Mexican FoodThe food really is as good as it looks...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sopes & Tostadas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horchata & Mole Enchiladas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paletas (Popsicles)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close-up of a Sope</td></tr>
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The blog with be on a month long hiatus during an upcoming trip to a certain caribbean island nation that the US has less than friendly diplomatic relations with. Hasta luego.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-28108069951835258882011-06-06T15:28:00.000-07:002011-06-06T15:28:40.193-07:00Tulum & CenotesOn the caribbean cost of the Yucatan lies Tulum, a seaside Mayan site. Tulum is relatively barren, there are no towering pyramids or expansive ball courts, but Tulum has the sea. Built above the strikingly blue waters of the caribbean, Tulum must have the best view of any ruins. It was used a fortress and has a number of buildings which the first explorers would have seen as they viewed Tulum from a distance, unable to anchor nearby due to the mesoamerican reef, which spans from Mexico to Belize, making the second largest reef system in the world. Today the site if one of the most popular in Mexico due to its proximity to Cancun and Playa Del Carmen.<br />
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There are about 3,000 cenotes in Mexico, which are limestone sinkholes filled with water. The cenotes are largely connected by underground waterways, they are filled with cool fresh water and are a chilly relief to the heat of the Yucatan. The cenotes have amazing visibility, easily 100m. We have visited three cenotes so far, two near Valladolid known as Dzitnup, and one 3km from Tulum pueblo.<br />
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The third cenote, "Gran Cenote", near Tulum is open to snorkelling and diving. We decided to try scuba diving in the fresh water cenote which was a really good dive. The natural light at Gran Cenote illuminated the cavern at times. At other times a flashlight was needed to see more than a few inches in front of you.<br />
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The Castle was built so every facet of the building has some significance, most of which relate to the days, years, and cycle of the Mayan calendar. The serpent at the base of the Castle takes center stage twice a year, when on the equinox, a shadow comes into the view that forms the snakes body up the steps of the temple.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main attraction, The Castle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A serpent at the base of the main steps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Chichen Itza's main ball court is the largest in Mesoamerica, nearly 170m long by 35m across. The game was played here around 5 times a year, with only royalty, people of prestige and power, and the familys of participants in attendance. The game was played 7 on 7, and ended after the first team scored a goal. Then winning team captain would then be decapitated by the king in hopes of a good harvest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr67ssjmkmob3X7FAqaYCBMH8OfIMS_ua9-XokpTBuk_zudqUDzGawM4rjj5AJZFOAkjz857iYpSY25xLuu9LpbFx6ksRgKL1WIABHfppbzxTnsSwpXJNwa7SWyB6lzYwaVr5PxmVs5RQ5/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr67ssjmkmob3X7FAqaYCBMH8OfIMS_ua9-XokpTBuk_zudqUDzGawM4rjj5AJZFOAkjz857iYpSY25xLuu9LpbFx6ksRgKL1WIABHfppbzxTnsSwpXJNwa7SWyB6lzYwaVr5PxmVs5RQ5/s320/IMG_0552.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The enormous ball field</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkChIey882tCIapLcOjPuKNxvVvAvSqsJOVQpTbiymkW0JgoB0-zyswgociyHDGcFIsVn-0pG3kGwZTnrXpK9aXVc-_UvLhqrnXVDhPa6yvPo6AWkcu9HCw_oyayRGvrikSvDCI7Vwxna/s1600/IMG_0551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkChIey882tCIapLcOjPuKNxvVvAvSqsJOVQpTbiymkW0JgoB0-zyswgociyHDGcFIsVn-0pG3kGwZTnrXpK9aXVc-_UvLhqrnXVDhPa6yvPo6AWkcu9HCw_oyayRGvrikSvDCI7Vwxna/s320/IMG_0551.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the goals in the ball field</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Below is the Templo de los Guerreros. The top of the building in the center of the photo is a Mayan sacrificial stone where a freshly harvest heart was offered as a sacrifice. The heart was harvested at a nearby table where Mayan soldiers would hold a prisoner down and remove the heart using an obsidian knife.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4jWxCgA5y3lrhe7Tloe1iiQCSZ7IL-mYjrW0Ea3qX0MoE3Expin7cxiEVyb-DF_vDJnGrpcz-_j4tLndlX310OZGOKrSFmvTEZ6JdmKR81wZ524Melafd7B2Z4mPvGBFriQRkCjNEDjQ/s1600/IMG_0561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4jWxCgA5y3lrhe7Tloe1iiQCSZ7IL-mYjrW0Ea3qX0MoE3Expin7cxiEVyb-DF_vDJnGrpcz-_j4tLndlX310OZGOKrSFmvTEZ6JdmKR81wZ524Melafd7B2Z4mPvGBFriQRkCjNEDjQ/s320/IMG_0561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-3573897113118466332011-05-25T16:01:00.000-07:002011-06-06T10:11:57.675-07:00The YucatanThe Yucatan Penninsula is a hot and arid place. The towns stay sleepy and quiet during the day because it is just too hot to move. At night, a cooler breeze moves in and the citizens come out of hiding. In Campeche, the seaside capital of the province, night time means outdoors concerts in the plaza and bingo two nights a week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCijzuXZ8HudT-ZJZDccRYbdwIEkL-UYsRfbqoQPGm11m3LriwatCZgoKfezRWL7nyb8IEThLdMfH6Pl5hZZuV0vy3omii3RaU-mIa6Ah148BUjgCJ_GmVRSgy_ueW2k-hei7BHB5ZqP7/s1600/P1010737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCijzuXZ8HudT-ZJZDccRYbdwIEkL-UYsRfbqoQPGm11m3LriwatCZgoKfezRWL7nyb8IEThLdMfH6Pl5hZZuV0vy3omii3RaU-mIa6Ah148BUjgCJ_GmVRSgy_ueW2k-hei7BHB5ZqP7/s320/P1010737.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small church inside the courtyard of a larger church</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkffLbDmym8Kx4NrBC1a5NmEfT4bXaJf-7fBUHkBNZT-Fcbh34E_Bgt9U3lcCMxCijuFmY9t9HjamS_rVdEYpdEIWyEli77zLvm6vblQUylMhxfuOfxHCvj6vFIuFane_aVCZLwJfX4O4/s1600/P1010741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkffLbDmym8Kx4NrBC1a5NmEfT4bXaJf-7fBUHkBNZT-Fcbh34E_Bgt9U3lcCMxCijuFmY9t9HjamS_rVdEYpdEIWyEli77zLvm6vblQUylMhxfuOfxHCvj6vFIuFane_aVCZLwJfX4O4/s320/P1010741.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday night bingo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdjggPIUxt4Vu0A3Cc0VbPVXL4-nUkACoxwjho0Xc_-xHH9xug0nPFANhqlNanNOak7cK-UVVToqb-m-Or-PxvpYfhzUbSZTy1U180W608SDd47xGGozX6oPwUJLydD_wVso9U457PUcj/s1600/P1010747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdjggPIUxt4Vu0A3Cc0VbPVXL4-nUkACoxwjho0Xc_-xHH9xug0nPFANhqlNanNOak7cK-UVVToqb-m-Or-PxvpYfhzUbSZTy1U180W608SDd47xGGozX6oPwUJLydD_wVso9U457PUcj/s320/P1010747.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bingo boards use pictures in addition to numbers<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-43703266704505712752011-05-22T15:29:00.000-07:002011-05-27T15:29:42.017-07:00San Cristobal & ChiapasSan Cristobal de las Casas is a large highland town in the heart of Chiapas. San Cristobal is Zapatista territory and politics seems to be a popular topic in the city's many boutique cafes and restaurants. The town is beautifully restored and maintains the feeling of a place much smaller in size. The city has dozens of cafes and cuisine from all over the world and features an alternative vibe, with bike culture, art, university students, and good coffee all finding a place in the city. Due its high altitude, San Cristobal is hot during the day, but chilly and refreshing in the evening.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSk3LGEUY8L3dQ0JYuglg3155jGB3RGZG_tnyMKKvq-zivlEdc2Xi0pcT9OLGu_Hm6GAtY0N7Jp6hBJ2C-hZ0ypBpSlm1VRxm60sspSOH3llK1zsFQuiBjoCGQgX_xdK2A2GTAanpeP3PL/s1600/IMG_0531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSk3LGEUY8L3dQ0JYuglg3155jGB3RGZG_tnyMKKvq-zivlEdc2Xi0pcT9OLGu_Hm6GAtY0N7Jp6hBJ2C-hZ0ypBpSlm1VRxm60sspSOH3llK1zsFQuiBjoCGQgX_xdK2A2GTAanpeP3PL/s320/IMG_0531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
San Cristobal is also surrounded by Mayan villages that are still trying to maintain much of their traditional culture. Traditional medicine is the attraction at the Mayan Medical Museum in San Cristobal, where you learn the roll that candles, chickens, and soda play in the healing and warding off illness.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A recreation of a birth at the Mayan Medical Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyJBTV5HcZmUb-SVymjUd-opd6C2321q3hFu27Plk4oCy_Cq23WOzXYtmyMrEiLFWX54MeMlcObD5HpNwcTIe3FE2tEk-i2-OZ8-9Ed198_kAUJswzW3zgNFRKtLu2mFkQIaWholC_S7p/s1600/IMG_0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyJBTV5HcZmUb-SVymjUd-opd6C2321q3hFu27Plk4oCy_Cq23WOzXYtmyMrEiLFWX54MeMlcObD5HpNwcTIe3FE2tEk-i2-OZ8-9Ed198_kAUJswzW3zgNFRKtLu2mFkQIaWholC_S7p/s320/IMG_0543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Mole</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiod_bUjmLEgDE06DY_P7CjNRI2BHhYWmiaT7ruHudt3Tx3LTo47xVOIb3vH-m0PqSHWM3E2K_JUTbZrUEeN7dl6C_JM7QcIOIas0pTzrnHzHqy93BYjkGuebCyd_MJERfkYkTbveIMtOu0/s1600/P1010710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiod_bUjmLEgDE06DY_P7CjNRI2BHhYWmiaT7ruHudt3Tx3LTo47xVOIb3vH-m0PqSHWM3E2K_JUTbZrUEeN7dl6C_JM7QcIOIas0pTzrnHzHqy93BYjkGuebCyd_MJERfkYkTbveIMtOu0/s320/P1010710.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave buying lychee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-79605821938670556302011-05-18T10:24:00.000-07:002011-11-11T11:46:43.269-08:00Palenque & Agua AzulPalenque is the home to Mayan ruins in the Chiapas region of Mexico. Palenque was the home to approximately 8,000 residents and peaked around between 600-800AD. You can climb most of the buildings at Palenque which adds to the appeal of the ruins, which can be explored in just a few hours. We didn't hire a guide so we got less historical information that I would have liked but there was a nice small museum where you could view a re-creation of the burial chamber found inside of the Temple of Inscription, which housed the body of a King.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41rq29WntFI_mt0yvvW6287CDyuVq6IdwAesekvYEFYtUN6IB4IFUMjXSWCiHniEahEx8jCAgZwg4WRW81KN5sOelCs9NlrpaQYrdh6Sy9z85RtzznRl4FcNNLx-p30Eos01m6O9-bHa7/s1600/IMG_0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41rq29WntFI_mt0yvvW6287CDyuVq6IdwAesekvYEFYtUN6IB4IFUMjXSWCiHniEahEx8jCAgZwg4WRW81KN5sOelCs9NlrpaQYrdh6Sy9z85RtzznRl4FcNNLx-p30Eos01m6O9-bHa7/s320/IMG_0469.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple of Inscriptions (25m high)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrSQGZRXnSCpnTOeiyaQlIWTHiUCUvhPhmmhl0wrs783pR46rZLXWtMFUmPIVKaUBtGMfOQze6pZKpEypZTL5GHn08P7hG7zfn7HHgVUeViXup3CbHsF_EKVZ9Z9SRoEP2ODcqLJ6vVjI/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrSQGZRXnSCpnTOeiyaQlIWTHiUCUvhPhmmhl0wrs783pR46rZLXWtMFUmPIVKaUBtGMfOQze6pZKpEypZTL5GHn08P7hG7zfn7HHgVUeViXup3CbHsF_EKVZ9Z9SRoEP2ODcqLJ6vVjI/s320/IMG_0472.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reconstructed Observatory</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6-kZKDcyyHkgr1L4aCuAc3b7_TLLa5b4A9DMwqTiwBGRU3xnTE6XQrTosJ6qEdq4rCGQsu9r0qbodQbu4ttQmy4eo8AMiWzlYgUfU0Wv0JVrC23wkHWP50tKkltQyZJycQNPaUdUdWVA/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6-kZKDcyyHkgr1L4aCuAc3b7_TLLa5b4A9DMwqTiwBGRU3xnTE6XQrTosJ6qEdq4rCGQsu9r0qbodQbu4ttQmy4eo8AMiWzlYgUfU0Wv0JVrC23wkHWP50tKkltQyZJycQNPaUdUdWVA/s320/IMG_0476.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After Palenque we headed to Agua Azul, a set of turquoise blue waterfalls cascading down a frigid river about 60KM from Palenque. We hadn't heard anything about Agua Azul before getting to Chiapas which is surprising. Agua Azul was really stunning and even more beautiful than Semuc Champey in my estimation, although you cannot swim in most of the pools as you can in Semuc Champey.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manatee</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Moray Eel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nurse Shark</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Stingray</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Grouper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFDyBuInG7sH3eq51q-EpTdqFkvFiyiJYQNYLDOnaqUXbqMj7cNQlFo3lRvaskikwy8A_OXIA4m5O9enrx8MRSAHmaC817d4NB1WXYpvA7fBMLnKoJN0q25HYFEbuRNW3avDt3TpHJDzc/s1600/P1010330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFDyBuInG7sH3eq51q-EpTdqFkvFiyiJYQNYLDOnaqUXbqMj7cNQlFo3lRvaskikwy8A_OXIA4m5O9enrx8MRSAHmaC817d4NB1WXYpvA7fBMLnKoJN0q25HYFEbuRNW3avDt3TpHJDzc/s320/P1010330.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Turtle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-41183252634015398022011-05-07T18:12:00.000-07:002011-05-07T18:12:18.187-07:00Southern BelizeHopkins is a small seaside town populated by the Garifuna, descendents of shipwrecked slaves who mixed with local peoples in Central America to form a unique culture and language. Garifuna food generally features coconuts, plantains, and seafood or chicken. There were a number of delicious bakerys in Hopkins with delicious coconut bread and coconut pies. The Garifuna in Hopkins are in general very gregarious and extremely inviting and friendly. If the locals weren't chatting as they passed on bikes they were dancing, laughing, and enjoying life. While the town of Hopkins itself is little more than a strip of homes on the coast of Belize, the residents of Hopkins made it a very memorable and unique visit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Hopkins</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6Gzd2HwFxs9nYsE-BMgMgcyBP6WIXMi4AvidC6B_2NPW7NLSCihYOAo5XYdRImYF8SnNY-qRVIvuq-R6ZNJ_V8xWOTAsRlQK6KzAaLVQS6M0zN9JU4rnUEbQk_8x4tCw_hrhQfA4gkRd/s1600/P1000767+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6Gzd2HwFxs9nYsE-BMgMgcyBP6WIXMi4AvidC6B_2NPW7NLSCihYOAo5XYdRImYF8SnNY-qRVIvuq-R6ZNJ_V8xWOTAsRlQK6KzAaLVQS6M0zN9JU4rnUEbQk_8x4tCw_hrhQfA4gkRd/s320/P1000767+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A girl explaining Garifuna street food</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids playing and pushing each other off the dock</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKuOhlBDSBm6_4XaoZmevHZysfS5X3N7K33k4qWRQ9Ba4bk3vyU6OM_CnlfhmehVqNe3hshJJ4JPxV9mFxQS_CVKFOOr6LbNfEuds4rpyTkZiAGSj2s1jBAx9u_GlaRKQ0maw00_eRLpF/s1600/IMG_0430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKuOhlBDSBm6_4XaoZmevHZysfS5X3N7K33k4qWRQ9Ba4bk3vyU6OM_CnlfhmehVqNe3hshJJ4JPxV9mFxQS_CVKFOOr6LbNfEuds4rpyTkZiAGSj2s1jBAx9u_GlaRKQ0maw00_eRLpF/s320/IMG_0430.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-2719786081387068102011-04-22T18:46:00.000-07:002011-04-22T18:46:17.245-07:00Tikal<div class="MsoNormal">The legendary Mayan city of Tikal is located deep in the lush green jungle of northern Guatemala. Originally settled in 700BC, Tikal became one of the most powerful Mayan citys through warfare. At one point Tikal was over 30 square kilometers and the home to over 100,000 Mayan residents. The city collapsed around 900 and was rediscovered in 1848. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNyAtNdVz7qW4UFpvEmlNmGAhecSR5HuCFPIq2AgaOYR5RI5-5KjC2OhMVvP_n_d9tr01qhNpllea-7swN76evYevwKHNhKgHpAATcEbLgQj4jN_kU6X07XHXYYvUUgqhFMKho5MXqhDA/s1600/IMG_0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNyAtNdVz7qW4UFpvEmlNmGAhecSR5HuCFPIq2AgaOYR5RI5-5KjC2OhMVvP_n_d9tr01qhNpllea-7swN76evYevwKHNhKgHpAATcEbLgQj4jN_kU6X07XHXYYvUUgqhFMKho5MXqhDA/s320/IMG_0406.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two temples rising high above the canopy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes8_gGEQ2oNRTU9sfyKcOcRCz2zZm7z4HfPVoAkBEUFLnm67985E-jNw10BDAQCWg1VI9zbqaFxakkSvODsfI5G_5_zqj-CP0HWxwAuv4nJs5_uheacSwHzCTNjyVRFgg6oFyPIjJn4zo/s1600/IMG_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes8_gGEQ2oNRTU9sfyKcOcRCz2zZm7z4HfPVoAkBEUFLnm67985E-jNw10BDAQCWg1VI9zbqaFxakkSvODsfI5G_5_zqj-CP0HWxwAuv4nJs5_uheacSwHzCTNjyVRFgg6oFyPIjJn4zo/s320/IMG_0408.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out over Tikal from the highest point</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A partially uncovered building in the 'lost city'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY28RXGoVlFBsuB2o01Qg94amHjWYHrqmE6RYunaBA1Ed34Dxo5Smf54dXsRTflttlPh6XtuVjhFoShQu-FcentmR87gZFdaoy7RhNm8fO9i1__I74UnVi1gSvQoPQo53HXxMSwMQK0BPq/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY28RXGoVlFBsuB2o01Qg94amHjWYHrqmE6RYunaBA1Ed34Dxo5Smf54dXsRTflttlPh6XtuVjhFoShQu-FcentmR87gZFdaoy7RhNm8fO9i1__I74UnVi1gSvQoPQo53HXxMSwMQK0BPq/s320/IMG_0378.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple 1 in the Grand Plaza</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNCTHbFm8luAzjFJ9W2oX0FEY3DWAb7wtBlgwrncfWioCuOi1pxH2hyDVqSs3bQyNQ233m5EZq3XCWaTytbR3CcG8114FTqF_XyMCPOyfGFBwPMAndplV1sRzZT83zzjIeW83Q-ecdRVx/s1600/IMG_0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNCTHbFm8luAzjFJ9W2oX0FEY3DWAb7wtBlgwrncfWioCuOi1pxH2hyDVqSs3bQyNQ233m5EZq3XCWaTytbR3CcG8114FTqF_XyMCPOyfGFBwPMAndplV1sRzZT83zzjIeW83Q-ecdRVx/s320/IMG_0372.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Plaza</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The buildings in Tikal are impressive and imposing, some of which tower over 60m above the jungle floor. Many of the towers are high enough to emerge through the forest canopy and provide spectacular views. Due to Tikal’s relative isolation and location in the jungle, visitors have a great chance of spotting wildlife. Regardless of where you are, you can most certainly hear Howler Monkey’s deep echoing call throughout the jungle. We also spotted Spider Monkeys, Foxes, Tarantulas, and Coatis.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7jzlAkLY2Gl8MMQNEXLOSTUIFImjUGdn109ExvtNpObHYEzw_hSOdWk-tjpiANsU4StCKlyAhrw1z9oteXLV4_AJrwovnn4L6YuxG57ErIuEdr4RE7Jeb3vnPcwP-y7uXracfFgszWSj/s1600/IMG_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7jzlAkLY2Gl8MMQNEXLOSTUIFImjUGdn109ExvtNpObHYEzw_hSOdWk-tjpiANsU4StCKlyAhrw1z9oteXLV4_AJrwovnn4L6YuxG57ErIuEdr4RE7Jeb3vnPcwP-y7uXracfFgszWSj/s320/IMG_0348.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Spider Monkey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6raURFBJV2Z0vhL4bkCAYa-_8iqxhE9EVvuLq4eMnZoFKXj80NXttgI-sI_dQ8fOqii_twVkygTlkmLNjaewwfOrhUgjkTzXj_cHnEqKOfsOHYrDebR1Cam7Fq2PE32T0sIbREweg19E/s1600/IMG_0416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6raURFBJV2Z0vhL4bkCAYa-_8iqxhE9EVvuLq4eMnZoFKXj80NXttgI-sI_dQ8fOqii_twVkygTlkmLNjaewwfOrhUgjkTzXj_cHnEqKOfsOHYrDebR1Cam7Fq2PE32T0sIbREweg19E/s320/IMG_0416.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fox</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqSeE_oxgb0zmgS_dGNouqELZFwIpkliDbAk-vfGQewuqwryFfh0Z2phzU21bKEhuMPyX81b6BrXBeKiINL7keMT0JImu2OvwvfFsppJBDCeR9H4fAsKrZLHcejn9K_Snhb99FfF_myCV/s1600/IMG_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqSeE_oxgb0zmgS_dGNouqELZFwIpkliDbAk-vfGQewuqwryFfh0Z2phzU21bKEhuMPyX81b6BrXBeKiINL7keMT0JImu2OvwvfFsppJBDCeR9H4fAsKrZLHcejn9K_Snhb99FfF_myCV/s320/IMG_0391.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coati in the Grand Plaza</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXnQeBFUdVy_9PVZxn5ZKJjtJ1CpyA5el2Xag4JGu_8N_UomD2-NGmkmnmAXYsdp3KEHtTKbaDS1BLcOVhGCm2bwrQgKYzD0aN5Zceslj9pPaHV7R7FcbpYoI6u8e-XvIRmXhzqWGnkBE/s1600/IMG_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXnQeBFUdVy_9PVZxn5ZKJjtJ1CpyA5el2Xag4JGu_8N_UomD2-NGmkmnmAXYsdp3KEHtTKbaDS1BLcOVhGCm2bwrQgKYzD0aN5Zceslj9pPaHV7R7FcbpYoI6u8e-XvIRmXhzqWGnkBE/s320/IMG_0398.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben and his breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Climbing Temple 5 was not easy for those with a fear of heights or 60m high rickety wooden ladders. Today anyone can climb Temple 5, however, during Tikal’s heyday it was only the High Priests and others of extreme importance who were allowed to the summit.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPOMnAsxT1zZ9VtD5oNfGKJwp0oSItXJJrGew8VTth8AArsqetnnOSz0Bzo6_Cjj58UTpRpM0qeEZvTrEviRcZbJPtcT2MwOF-lTCpVm4xYrVAerH-cSBWA2al4x0CIoLmULopTFwa1jG/s1600/IMG_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPOMnAsxT1zZ9VtD5oNfGKJwp0oSItXJJrGew8VTth8AArsqetnnOSz0Bzo6_Cjj58UTpRpM0qeEZvTrEviRcZbJPtcT2MwOF-lTCpVm4xYrVAerH-cSBWA2al4x0CIoLmULopTFwa1jG/s320/IMG_0369.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple 5</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk_NjPsigq6YEF6tLdOnGASsBg5sY4F4KTz9N3u4GRf9GghMkAHRheSFGt_v5zATafTKSOJ3iE7rs9ONkSa6H8QcbNZdQgWARLTewkfePpeEH5HhjqLUjt7N9eRGC83x3a4RVwXOlLRAs/s1600/IMG_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk_NjPsigq6YEF6tLdOnGASsBg5sY4F4KTz9N3u4GRf9GghMkAHRheSFGt_v5zATafTKSOJ3iE7rs9ONkSa6H8QcbNZdQgWARLTewkfePpeEH5HhjqLUjt7N9eRGC83x3a4RVwXOlLRAs/s320/IMG_0351.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ladder of death on Temple 5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-44910739010374253852011-04-14T19:34:00.000-07:002011-04-21T20:12:41.992-07:00Antigua & Lake Atitlan<div class="MsoNormal">South of Guatemala City are two of Guatemala's most popular tourist attractions, the restored colonial city of Antigua, and the Volcano laden Lake Atitlan.<br />
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Antigua’s cobble stone streets and restored colonial buildings are the prime attraction for visitors of Guatemala’s famed town. Here the streets are kept trash free and even the McDonalds has to conform to building codes- no protruding signage and definitely no neon arches. There are many high end hotels and upscale restaurants catering to foreign tourists and the Guatemalan elite. Although they were shrouded in haze when I was there, normally looming over Antigua is an impressive volcano. I was in Antigua during the weeks preceding the holy week of Semana Santa, when locals take to the streets in celebration and the highways for vacation. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AWSxIeUXhnBaIyqptLCsaWQ0FkmaEuhbXiK4SxFxDHryi7T-RG7AQWABgV4uwIxW2PuJ2UZtQxwRTq7d0rU3pvYJpOI1NRysxOTVK7jnVp3wsf63I628p3-oY8Ve-taIWALdZABwoScn/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AWSxIeUXhnBaIyqptLCsaWQ0FkmaEuhbXiK4SxFxDHryi7T-RG7AQWABgV4uwIxW2PuJ2UZtQxwRTq7d0rU3pvYJpOI1NRysxOTVK7jnVp3wsf63I628p3-oY8Ve-taIWALdZABwoScn/s320/IMG_0308.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Residents make elaborate street art in homage to Semana Santa only to have to swept away hours later</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLwJQLK9rWvJWtKxAv67Bf4Vy9xtdai2w6-fnjULG0FgLe23-AEAZZGsjqF94a2RufHOSrt5-37XXGX8YwSzqqeW59N0P_x_Wm-obeC7OLCXJaLNULTXslFhPDLU4iF1gnNZEvgUTh-DT/s1600/IMG_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLwJQLK9rWvJWtKxAv67Bf4Vy9xtdai2w6-fnjULG0FgLe23-AEAZZGsjqF94a2RufHOSrt5-37XXGX8YwSzqqeW59N0P_x_Wm-obeC7OLCXJaLNULTXslFhPDLU4iF1gnNZEvgUTh-DT/s320/IMG_0315.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boris and an elaborately decorated chicken bus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After a shuttle from Antigua and a short boat ride I found myself at Lake Atitlan. Lake Atitlan is a Guatemalan highland lake surrounded by imposing volcanoes and small charming villages. The cool waters of the lake are great for the quick refreshing swim if the sun is out and the even more adventurous take the 9m plunge from the platform at San Marcos.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPq6SvImQEobnDZwYQmFKvTS4acImazqXaIs94X3W5voHywsa23AyiihJGl0-O_7z-st-6dbodrFrcl_Lx-QTsTR-SbP46K1zIqikLnNwGMEl1FBSfK2Ulf0lGBmrB89dtOnAU8GLRJ_HL/s1600/IMG_0334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPq6SvImQEobnDZwYQmFKvTS4acImazqXaIs94X3W5voHywsa23AyiihJGl0-O_7z-st-6dbodrFrcl_Lx-QTsTR-SbP46K1zIqikLnNwGMEl1FBSfK2Ulf0lGBmrB89dtOnAU8GLRJ_HL/s320/IMG_0334.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Pedro volcano</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatEAkek3GsP8CcAUlZTStj_Q8CiltPUUu0Q3FI0PaIxqg9-FqRZxe4du6xo4EAia44bOu47IKqycxjDQPamMkTtsRD9xomP3mORFSNoRD4Tjemzd02BOw92QHR42SQ9PROE_6eAgG55iy/s1600/IMG_0333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatEAkek3GsP8CcAUlZTStj_Q8CiltPUUu0Q3FI0PaIxqg9-FqRZxe4du6xo4EAia44bOu47IKqycxjDQPamMkTtsRD9xomP3mORFSNoRD4Tjemzd02BOw92QHR42SQ9PROE_6eAgG55iy/s320/IMG_0333.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claire takes the plunge</td></tr>
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San Marcos is just one of the towns on the lakeshore. It has a distinct mix of local villagers and ex-pats who seem to have an interest in yoga or meditation which are very popular here. It is a fantastic place to pass the time and relax.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-12648590743393823332011-04-07T17:15:00.000-07:002011-11-11T11:59:27.202-08:00Utila and Little CayUtila is a carribean island off the Honduran coast surrounded by clear blue waters and a beautiful coral reef. Once a hang out for pirates, now Utila is inundated with backpackers learning to dive. Utila offers some of the cheapest diving in the world and has numerous dive schools to choose from.<br />
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Utila is entered around Utila Town, where most of the population on the island lives. Utila Town has one main road lining the beach and a few more that cut inland. Unfortunately scooters and golf carts are allowed to drive on the street, making walking around town noisy and hazardous. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jumping off the dock at Rubi's Inn in Utila Harbor</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Utila Harbor</td></tr>
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On the Southwest side of Utila there are a number of Cays that are privately owned. We (Claire, Pupi, Ben, and I) were able to rent Little Cay, an entire island for a mere $115usd per night. Little Cay has one home and one separate cabin and sleeps somewhere around 15-20 people. The house is huge with multiple decks, a huge living room, and three large private bedrooms. The Cay also has two docks and a small islet attached by a thin sandbar. The Cay itself is surrounded by good snorkeling and is a 10 minute swim away from Water Cay, a popular white sand beach.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Little Cay main house</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out to Water Cay from Little Cay</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUn01fq0UuVilmARgYsW6bxxphyphenhyphenp0SUU9-Kxjv7aJD56K0HdIhdmLvBzJ_SeQIb-W-zh6sVLcLF_G168WkofZvQs9m49OSpHiqxqU8jLahxZss8MtgpMb4Tyrc_vtYrRQRenp1nKVDyyd/s1600/IMG_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUn01fq0UuVilmARgYsW6bxxphyphenhyphenp0SUU9-Kxjv7aJD56K0HdIhdmLvBzJ_SeQIb-W-zh6sVLcLF_G168WkofZvQs9m49OSpHiqxqU8jLahxZss8MtgpMb4Tyrc_vtYrRQRenp1nKVDyyd/s320/IMG_0289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iWhG8DyWz2nl2gOYD3wkb8l_hyCHnbbo1gGpat4Eus5xc09pPeMhVzQEUKaS7on9sCIZEPxMiAXyd2W6k2uE-5p5naSp3bSIbq2q3_8tss40RyKip2pwBjyiLt8oWGbwtIZWb6hrATF7/s1600/IMG_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iWhG8DyWz2nl2gOYD3wkb8l_hyCHnbbo1gGpat4Eus5xc09pPeMhVzQEUKaS7on9sCIZEPxMiAXyd2W6k2uE-5p5naSp3bSIbq2q3_8tss40RyKip2pwBjyiLt8oWGbwtIZWb6hrATF7/s320/IMG_0291.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-6070940767399996482011-03-26T21:22:00.000-07:002011-11-11T11:47:20.152-08:00CopanCopan was the site of a great Mayan city with 20,000 to 30,000 residents at is peak. Located 12km from the Guatemalan border, in a green valley fed by the Copan river, Copan is Honduras's famous Mayan site.<br />
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The Copan site is large, with archeologists still working to uncover undiscovered areas. At the time, the Mayans would build directly on top of older buildings, at present only the most recently built buildings are visable. The precipitous fall of Copan was not due to conquistators, rather it is believed that deforestation caused the surrounding hills to slide and rapid population growth led to a resource shortage.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VE9i6BftlV3lKMxZHBmVAMTlOCmGM8ghw9GsL3u2NLE-Er-plgPIdyGL0x-gEBdAIEJxVTcS0GgeJrz2dPgKZB32K3FgPG2Pc1MICPZySFLw-VAe3Aid4CTm5trY-HUYiz3994OgiN4k/s1600/IMG_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VE9i6BftlV3lKMxZHBmVAMTlOCmGM8ghw9GsL3u2NLE-Er-plgPIdyGL0x-gEBdAIEJxVTcS0GgeJrz2dPgKZB32K3FgPG2Pc1MICPZySFLw-VAe3Aid4CTm5trY-HUYiz3994OgiN4k/s320/IMG_0191.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyfuTWy48mHNpkJQ0lwY9CMe3R7pOqFfLXJkG3NcmAgUZaeSSYlv27rK-pGR1HwdBpGtASYbAMFmS08TCarfncGdUkMASxR0DwxAxZyPqUoV2Aanp5hgCNtvm32eE0izRI6-mGXdrNRnr/s1600/IMG_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyfuTWy48mHNpkJQ0lwY9CMe3R7pOqFfLXJkG3NcmAgUZaeSSYlv27rK-pGR1HwdBpGtASYbAMFmS08TCarfncGdUkMASxR0DwxAxZyPqUoV2Aanp5hgCNtvm32eE0izRI6-mGXdrNRnr/s320/IMG_0217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqV7_pGWM-C5d4GlWog08BbZxZlxUTVzShAo4wKBdOIg6P7iOMqke0lzTzzNZWdm-C5aSz7-aZEGBCcY4RoT8Qd08_31SD6xOKgbUiiyqqPMKbRYP4ZmOQ6tfasPH6AHGlwNP7qpXkyY1P/s1600/IMG_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqV7_pGWM-C5d4GlWog08BbZxZlxUTVzShAo4wKBdOIg6P7iOMqke0lzTzzNZWdm-C5aSz7-aZEGBCcY4RoT8Qd08_31SD6xOKgbUiiyqqPMKbRYP4ZmOQ6tfasPH6AHGlwNP7qpXkyY1P/s320/IMG_0200.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJn8BKqD0H38s1uLlUJe4ZNUlq8KxmVerQW3wLPNiAqlODsxC6l70U5bJWvGYKyXMdZ0iaQKSPzZJUy0jEhMlCAiQUIep6LRMfMHIfF4CTDlbzKksBMHRlhbSXKNLY3APPGFt_28WvNrR/s1600/IMG_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJn8BKqD0H38s1uLlUJe4ZNUlq8KxmVerQW3wLPNiAqlODsxC6l70U5bJWvGYKyXMdZ0iaQKSPzZJUy0jEhMlCAiQUIep6LRMfMHIfF4CTDlbzKksBMHRlhbSXKNLY3APPGFt_28WvNrR/s320/IMG_0215.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxsMH3pP7DdmNT4R5oYvp74ejWEyCyOb5-XvzNPZFhUW6Hu_-BQe0vqOFcTxyGIHNRHR8yoLhKh6LBqwIyHu-av_1KSiPCrNhX8zbS383juXrU0gwi1WxIgwTy4KcrLDP0CBJ2dgJpYOk/s1600/IMG_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxsMH3pP7DdmNT4R5oYvp74ejWEyCyOb5-XvzNPZFhUW6Hu_-BQe0vqOFcTxyGIHNRHR8yoLhKh6LBqwIyHu-av_1KSiPCrNhX8zbS383juXrU0gwi1WxIgwTy4KcrLDP0CBJ2dgJpYOk/s320/IMG_0224.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is the ball court. The Mayans used a 10 pound ball made with sap to compete.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claire, Pupi, and Pupi's cap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-83768538834562323972011-03-15T17:29:00.000-07:002011-03-15T17:29:55.873-07:00El Salvadorean Food FairJuayua is a small El Salvadorean town on the "Ruta de las Flores", a wild flower laden highway that connects a group of small highland towns. Despite being larger than the aforementioned Alegria, Juayua still retains its small town charm. While Juayua is sleepy and laid back during the week, thousands flock each weekend to experience the fantastic food fair. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A street vendor sells snow cones in front of the plaza</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thousands of vistors take in food and music on a Sunday afternoon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sample plates featuring chicken, rabbit, ribs, and steak</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9mpOxUXoMOea0oWw_RjabwKkYoyaoLs63nNjkqs4XbS9E27qya0-7Q-_bfo5Xh6Z0tazCpJXhbb-3XPu21Dotw_l9tc1IV03Sg1ASctxKYq7-RbSZQ-esNZ0UXnFINKaYsBho7kPGBJu/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9mpOxUXoMOea0oWw_RjabwKkYoyaoLs63nNjkqs4XbS9E27qya0-7Q-_bfo5Xh6Z0tazCpJXhbb-3XPu21Dotw_l9tc1IV03Sg1ASctxKYq7-RbSZQ-esNZ0UXnFINKaYsBho7kPGBJu/s320/IMG_0121.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grilled rabbit was fantastic</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Over the course of the weekend I found myself addicted to the delicious cakes produced at the local <i>Pasteleria.</i><br />
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Pupusas are amazing gooey cheese filled bites of heaven. Filled with beans, pork, cheese, and anything in between, they power the the El Salvadorian economy 30cents at a time. They are undoubtedly also responsible for the typically hefty El Salvadorian waste line, and the typically jovial and hospitable El Salvadorean personality. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJp8zYFMvNgmDtaEAalKIbelXJ7XG3t5zN97TKFuwpo-6Vuj6QEYieH4NsUAZtXzbfuM40pUpVU3QiD4bOBK3ig9va6vGXc2FN1Dnnmr04ZH5Wftp30pbAYfHV4OysiU_GCQOc27hfrTxG/s1600/IMG_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJp8zYFMvNgmDtaEAalKIbelXJ7XG3t5zN97TKFuwpo-6Vuj6QEYieH4NsUAZtXzbfuM40pUpVU3QiD4bOBK3ig9va6vGXc2FN1Dnnmr04ZH5Wftp30pbAYfHV4OysiU_GCQOc27hfrTxG/s320/IMG_0133.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ayote Pupusa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1saUA0nt6bqjm45swFx3ZQgAmBLcpZolMKdjelrn5FP7lpgQbIsK4BBXN06JmLGRC7OtZ31KjGngWv1xoZUVxGznMavE__0cxq6m2JoJez4z58ig5kUk5bl9cna3USr1Ptu7Vm4s0Gbwx/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1saUA0nt6bqjm45swFx3ZQgAmBLcpZolMKdjelrn5FP7lpgQbIsK4BBXN06JmLGRC7OtZ31KjGngWv1xoZUVxGznMavE__0cxq6m2JoJez4z58ig5kUk5bl9cna3USr1Ptu7Vm4s0Gbwx/s320/IMG_0135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fresh batch made-to-order</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflSctxtb8T3lsQypmdHK7lnOV20CucQYBpEht2coTcxTHwhtYFWoEHnkSNGeQuv72Ribw9ufwQ6rw1H1PzO8eATKq4rtAXXZaauE7QZwrCOJ6iB-fLAiIZpfczA6OdLjR-AvapyhdXTgI/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflSctxtb8T3lsQypmdHK7lnOV20CucQYBpEht2coTcxTHwhtYFWoEHnkSNGeQuv72Ribw9ufwQ6rw1H1PzO8eATKq4rtAXXZaauE7QZwrCOJ6iB-fLAiIZpfczA6OdLjR-AvapyhdXTgI/s320/IMG_0136.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pupusas are formed with the ingredients in the bowls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-85731858906432321822011-03-12T15:08:00.000-08:002011-03-15T16:13:17.931-07:00El Tunco and the Fish MarketJust over an hour away from the muggy mall laden metropolis of San Salvador is Playa El Tunco, a beach town popular with city folk on the weekends and surfers all day, everyday. The waves are the draw for most and water is a balmy 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The ocean here is the warmest I've ever experienced, stepping into the water feels like taking a bath, its remarkable.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbgD8N8nwK7ASlbBi48nXWH9VbuwPDHQkAMK76Fg4uDXVdceSyP218uV-PMquu7x_1FVPx4J1FYd83MNjNByaiSsDEy6XqjdOxNBaLQhjIzmt5CQSTlfKd2xmgBaFHaq6koCqxEkvXt-5/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbgD8N8nwK7ASlbBi48nXWH9VbuwPDHQkAMK76Fg4uDXVdceSyP218uV-PMquu7x_1FVPx4J1FYd83MNjNByaiSsDEy6XqjdOxNBaLQhjIzmt5CQSTlfKd2xmgBaFHaq6koCqxEkvXt-5/s320/IMG_0055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
El Tunco at sunset.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDP7ET-w0AUJkLAFT0Kt-clBClkuy5k4CCbhH4FYkOdgIulKAvAQ8VqYhUwl44ZNa6rKGpqIrD1XT3YayLI3clo3202ahEvrTo4yZSpb5EkE1IV2Rc_voylyD6cWNil4E1RYzfX-zHXOZH/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDP7ET-w0AUJkLAFT0Kt-clBClkuy5k4CCbhH4FYkOdgIulKAvAQ8VqYhUwl44ZNa6rKGpqIrD1XT3YayLI3clo3202ahEvrTo4yZSpb5EkE1IV2Rc_voylyD6cWNil4E1RYzfX-zHXOZH/s320/IMG_0071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Just south of El Tunco is a port town of La Libertad. La Libertad has a pier and an active fish market on the pier, it was a very interesting place to walk around and a fantastic place to buy seafood.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmJVFThyphenhyphen-beiqqftSTc6o5ecvMP8XUbx4p6FoHPdHcul0E6_sPKffx3tPCmAIC9AFF_xY76d1dtUNo2AWxZVVvnm4yTmLk7OOZ1wAWvyBsrvdFWtzFHzU1SgG4eehOWq4CntAH0dL91Mv/s1600/IMG_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmJVFThyphenhyphen-beiqqftSTc6o5ecvMP8XUbx4p6FoHPdHcul0E6_sPKffx3tPCmAIC9AFF_xY76d1dtUNo2AWxZVVvnm4yTmLk7OOZ1wAWvyBsrvdFWtzFHzU1SgG4eehOWq4CntAH0dL91Mv/s320/IMG_0084.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish being prepared for market</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Langoustines ($5USD per pound)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GREAC1rveRBscOwEZf_9gVqIGvJta8IDq2ryXYSsErY_JNlSxfhi-Lm_Qi8U2pe2mRyCf5JOx4Yy0Lc_MNdtT3z_m7uXCPQ6ON4xIVQQagpi0vpR4lG8VyfeVwKh5K-gk6FYxroGvjOp/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GREAC1rveRBscOwEZf_9gVqIGvJta8IDq2ryXYSsErY_JNlSxfhi-Lm_Qi8U2pe2mRyCf5JOx4Yy0Lc_MNdtT3z_m7uXCPQ6ON4xIVQQagpi0vpR4lG8VyfeVwKh5K-gk6FYxroGvjOp/s320/IMG_0076.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catch of the day. (Prawns $3.50 to 7)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEQGLax5L00jKpbEXg4zeOsKJUPAVI6ypPSSZlg8z2ch89vqAKqWGX-oaJLJb2SurrM0qiOs-mTO0X_RIKJOgVxUhTd37Av4xDcNVxHAnYPtVlQfa9Rztha6chU6fYgKgminJrz8aXtSL/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEQGLax5L00jKpbEXg4zeOsKJUPAVI6ypPSSZlg8z2ch89vqAKqWGX-oaJLJb2SurrM0qiOs-mTO0X_RIKJOgVxUhTd37Av4xDcNVxHAnYPtVlQfa9Rztha6chU6fYgKgminJrz8aXtSL/s320/IMG_0080.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Hammerhead sharks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbb3ITOwkLIJrY-hEsnYyOH4IYNf7s3ZM1mPpUhy-h9Dnf-CWUVDWvmbD8cO7qe7jRL4Hn-GkJBuEZ5bdGmICbzKbMcZFg418yHKgAxor7cA23MdNWP-x7fwuU0abG0bYDAp5c5MDvWTI/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbb3ITOwkLIJrY-hEsnYyOH4IYNf7s3ZM1mPpUhy-h9Dnf-CWUVDWvmbD8cO7qe7jRL4Hn-GkJBuEZ5bdGmICbzKbMcZFg418yHKgAxor7cA23MdNWP-x7fwuU0abG0bYDAp5c5MDvWTI/s320/IMG_0089.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stingray filet ($1.50USD per pound)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Homemade Seafood Paella, with Langoustines, Jumbo Prawns, and chicken.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIT8UjjkYo9yrzdoMZacQ-uujrpVtC510r5uVinxJ9yBBSQ6Im5e8B9e-K9eDNnTdzOiZSEnbxxCUbBUYK2dwDJWk1pFpVWwB5n9YS-D7Q6p0o-Pba4VbavbzYwRMENbayAVwbrv1IjKV/s1600/IMG_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIT8UjjkYo9yrzdoMZacQ-uujrpVtC510r5uVinxJ9yBBSQ6Im5e8B9e-K9eDNnTdzOiZSEnbxxCUbBUYK2dwDJWk1pFpVWwB5n9YS-D7Q6p0o-Pba4VbavbzYwRMENbayAVwbrv1IjKV/s320/IMG_0095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592352243598341758.post-28422603147312412422011-03-05T13:54:00.000-08:002011-03-10T20:19:04.042-08:00AlegriaThe highest town in El Salvador is the charming Alegria. Located on the side of a volcano, Alegria is a small El Salvadorian town typical to the highlands. The higher altitude brings in crisp and cool air, a welcomed change from the rest of El Salvador. With just one plaza, and only a handful of restaurants and shops Alegria remains refreshingly noncommercial. The locals of Alegria are happy, sincere, and very welcoming.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxrKkpve08GacyBPit6PLOUJNX-NLiKYN67uh0WR6mOMiUNkOVgeHU6d9GasHn184Entb1QFj4BNIQnE-dVtK7LnITRR-wiCYGh3-Qb-InbcTNMEpvN0So0MRpTxeV6VlP2G5XPKgZmUB/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxrKkpve08GacyBPit6PLOUJNX-NLiKYN67uh0WR6mOMiUNkOVgeHU6d9GasHn184Entb1QFj4BNIQnE-dVtK7LnITRR-wiCYGh3-Qb-InbcTNMEpvN0So0MRpTxeV6VlP2G5XPKgZmUB/s320/IMG_0048.JPG" /></a></div> The town was also my first taste of pupusas (not pictured), the ubiquitous cheese filled El Salvadorian treat. A pupusa is a fried corn flour pocket filled with any combination of cheese, beans, and pork. They are delicious, greasy, addictive, and cheap.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTK79Hj7ttR94hfChkszrPVe3JaFcXKquRH5_Q9S4NDTmZ-9GSTjENOCJArW_DGC6Gj0O-IQNIE4dpmE3H_eYFoq651m2V4L53vNyXO1sM1p_it88GC9rXpUwGdQzSGFJLKZlGi7h2yTx2/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTK79Hj7ttR94hfChkszrPVe3JaFcXKquRH5_Q9S4NDTmZ-9GSTjENOCJArW_DGC6Gj0O-IQNIE4dpmE3H_eYFoq651m2V4L53vNyXO1sM1p_it88GC9rXpUwGdQzSGFJLKZlGi7h2yTx2/s320/IMG_0046.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Flower growing remains an active part of the local economy and nearly every home seemed to have a well decorated garden.<br />
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Alegria sits on the sit of this crater lake filled volcano.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhua_-ouWNe4CZx0oUtjsBjymT985Tg1LQ1ozWjdWGHmbmW27iiMMLBf5uMaFBaUhkOKESgmm9TGz5x3zoi5mquXRY2qPLidPfALAy_77pphCPA0KhDgph0BzDVi3A3PDDNxItJUok5WvYh/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhua_-ouWNe4CZx0oUtjsBjymT985Tg1LQ1ozWjdWGHmbmW27iiMMLBf5uMaFBaUhkOKESgmm9TGz5x3zoi5mquXRY2qPLidPfALAy_77pphCPA0KhDgph0BzDVi3A3PDDNxItJUok5WvYh/s320/IMG_0043.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The town square, the hub of social life in Alegria.<br />
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Central America is known among backpackers for its "chicken buses" which are used or old yellow school buses used for general transport. Nearly all buses in Central America are chicken buses, they are cheap, run frequently, and essential for connecting small towns like Alegria to the rest of El Salvador.<br />
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