The 4 months of our trip have sped by so quickly whilst at the same time it feels like our arrival in Argentina was an age ago. We have dipped our toes and sometimes much more in 7 different countries.
Starting in Argentina with the first month in Buenos Aires, we felt almost like locals by the time we left. Our Spanish had improved somewhat thanks to Verbum Spanish school but our main memory is of the good friends and companions that we made during our time in BA. Highlights from Argentina include the wild drumming of Bomba de Tiempo, lazing in the magnificent parks , eating empanadas, media lunas and having our first taste of Pisco Sours!
Uruguay: our limited visits to Uruguay include a visit to the main port town of Montevideo and a visit to the beautiful town of Colonia where John first started to meet his doggie friends. I think Uruguay would be worthy of a much longer visit.
Brazil: This really should not count as we literally just hopped across to border to see Iguazu Falls from both sides but is an opportunity to mention the magnificent beauty of the falls.
Falkland Islands: Although brief, we both enjoyed our visit to these very English Islands and although somewhat emotional, we were struck by the friendliness of the locals as well as the great fish and chips and beer.
Patagonia: Although not a country in its own right, it is a distinct region spanning the far south of Argentina and Chile. Taking to the high seas, we saw the variations in Patagonia from the more barren lands to the ice capped mountains, and visited small German and Welsh Hamlets as well as seeing a range of stunning wildlife and lots of penguins.
We sailed round cape horn and saw amazing ice glaciers en route.Chile: We really did see the range of lands in Chile from Arty Valparaiso, to the elegant city of Santiago and northwards to the desert town of San Pedro de Atacama where we particularly enjoyed the night time star gazing. However for me the highlight still remains the beautiful Easter Island with its stunning coastline, fascinating moai statues and Polynesian culture
Bolivia: What a change Bolivia was as suddenly this country felt much more Latin American compared to its more European neighbours. Staring in Uyuni, we were awe struck by the stunning salt flats and I still remember the brightness and whiteness of this incredible day of driving through the salt flats. La Paz was totally different and we enjoyed exploring the chaotic and hilly narrow streets and taking our lives in our hands as we crossed the roads. It was interesting to see the Cholitas in their traditional costumes selling their wares on the pavements. Then another change to the more tranquil Lake Titicaca and its Islands.
Peru: the country we spent the longest in and got to know the most. What a varied country! Colonial Cusco known as the belly button of Peru and the entry point to Machu Picchu which is indeed a magnificent site but we visited so many more equally incredible Inca sites such as Pisac, Sacsayhuaman (pronounced "sexy woman"and my favourites Tipon and Olyantambo.
Moving on from Cusco, en route to Arequipa, we were lucky to see so many condors close up over Colca Canyon. The White city of Arequipa was a gentle colonial city and provided a rest for us before our stomach churning Nazca flight, sand boarding and dune buggying in the desert and rocky boat trip to view wild in the Ballestas Islands. Finishing in Lima, we were pleasantly surprised by this interesting and varied city. However a highlight for us remains the fascinating week in the Amazon Rainforest where we could get up close to nature and communities.
We have felt blessed and privileged to have had these life changing adventures, to have seen new sights, experienced new experiences but most of all to have met some wonderful people en route who have helped us, looked after us, travelled with us , laughed with us and have made this journey a memorable one. Thank you to you all.
To finish with one of my favourite travel quotes: " Wherever you go, becomes a part of you somehow"
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