travel around South America

I wanted to do this since I graduated college, but I got side tracked somehow. I went to Europe instead. This is such an exciting region. My girlfriend is not interested in going, so I may find someone else to go with, or go by myself. I definitely need to learn to speak Spanish first!

I’m heading up a charity ride from Portland, Oregon, USA to Tierra del Fuego and back. The goal is to raise a ton of money to help treat childhood diseases. If you want to get involved (riding with us, supporting the charity, etc.) check out RideSouth.org. It’s a work in progress right now, but we’re getting everything up as fast as we can!

Currently in Venezuela. I must say the people are wonderful. The culture is so warm and friendly. A striking contrast from the cold and snooty London. Unfortunately I have to be back in a couple of days to finish my Masters. However, I have started looking at some voluntary work involving teaching in South America and that should give rise to more opportunities of travelling around this fascinating continent.

I’ve always wanted to travel South America… leaving from Dallas, heading south until I reached Chiapas, then continuing along the western coast until I reach the southern tip of Argentina, then back up around the easten coast until finally I travel by boat from the northern coast through the gulf of mexico to La Habana (or atleast Cuba, where I could hopefully make my way to La Habana). Returning through Mexico as I left. Method of transportation is completely irrelevant, and it seems as if it might be a bit dangerous. Visas and proper paperwork also seem like they would be difficult to organise… at any rate. This is something I will definitely do before I die.

And we blogged it!

trampingsouthamerica.blogspot.com

We leave Wednesday!

Second round of shots complete. Trial packing went well. Six weeks and we’re in Rio! I cannot wait!

Got the visas, two sets of plane tickets, some shots!

Now I just need to decide whether we should do our 3-night, 4-day jungle trip in ‘jungle lodges’ or tents….

Departure is coming so fast – we just sent off for our Brazillian Visas, and bought tickets to get us from there to Argentina. An adventurous overland journey will take us from there to Bolivia to Peru.

Islands, beaches, salt flats, mountains, ports, jungles and more… two whole months of it. I can hardly wait!

The leave is secured! The guidebook is purchased! We just have to take the plunge and buy the tickets…