169. The Coolest Adventure this Year

 

 Monday, 5/27/13

By far, one of our greatest adventure day of our year.

Chad got no sleep on our bus ride. I got was lucky with 2 hours. Steve slept like a baby the whole trip. However, adrenaline kicked in early as we anticipated our trips to the largest salt flats in the world named Salar de Ununi.

We arrived frozen at 6 a.m. We stiffly followed the crowd past closed stores until we found a room with lights on. We went in, found a great price for a 1 day tour, and booked it. With toes frozen we were directed to the only open café to eat and chat with other tourists. We then bought the bus ticket for a return trip later that evening to  avoid stress and then visited shops until our land cruiser left at 10:30.

The female tour agent liked us quite a bit and put us with another group that paid more than twice our price for their trip. When we entered the vehicle we let out a shout. The same people we traveled form the border of Peru to La Paz in a private bus were in the backseat. We warmly greeted those two Americans and then met two Australians on the trip. All in all, we had a fantastic group of people.

We made a stop at the train cemetery. All the old trains from 100 years ago were dumped there and have not been touched since. We spent some time taking creative snapshots then headed off to our next destination.

We stopped by a tiny town that specialized in the processing of salt from the salt flats. We observed the process and each bought I tiny bit of it for 12 cents. I’ll make some nice Bolivian bread out of it.

We then entered the salt flats! Gorgeous and mind-boggling. We arrived to mounds of salt in puddles of water that are later cultivated by tractors to be refined at the tiny town we just passed.

Moving forward, we voyaged 1 hour to a photo-op area. We were almost in the middle of the salt flats. You could barely see mountains in the horizon. We took advantage of the mind-twisting landscape to get creative with some perspective shots. Chad and I had quite a lot of fun with this. The other tourists got a kick out of our charisma. (Pictures of these fun shots are farther below in the blog, so scroll down and observe our fun.)

Lunch time. We headed to an island exactly in the center of the salt flats. Usually provided lunches through tour companies are not filling. Not this one. We were served an omelet, rice, vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers, and soda. There was plenty for seconds.

We thought the salt flats were gorgeous. Now add huge cacti and rocky climate to a vast expanse of white with snow-capped mountains in the background. This view has only been rivaled by the Grand Canyon in my entire lifetime. We made sure to capture the views to cherish forever.

Oh, I saw a vascuva, a rare Boliviann rabbit. Oh, we also saw some rare relative of the llama and alpaca named the vicuña. Nice.

 

 

We climbed back down the island and climbed into the jeeps for our next destination. We were headed to the middle again for more photo opportunities. All of our trips were filled with laughter, jesting, and meaningful conversations. The chemistry of our group was spot on. Not to mention our tour guide was top class.

After begging for more time, we took a few more wacky pictures. Check ‘em out.

We then were amazed by a hotel totally made out of salt. After checking out the salt chairs and tables, we headed for the last leg of our tour.
 

 

Our last stop was to enjoy the gorgeous sunset. Just like during Machu Picchu, we had perfect weather all day (although it was unexpectedly freezing)—the sunset was no exception. We took more group shots, hopped back into the truck, and ended our tour by exchanging e-mails  and saying warm goodbyes.

We then topped off our fantastic day with our first good meal of Mexican food. Mmmm mmmm good!!

We are now back in the bus. We are due back in La Paz at 7 a.m. I just can’t help reminiscing on our magnificent day. What a blessing. What a way to end our adventurizing!

**Keep adventurizing!...I know I will!**

168. Happy Birthday Steve!!!

Sunday, 5/26/13

Happy Birthday Steve!!!!!!!!!

We were blessed to spend Steve’s birthday with him. The Pattys went out with him to buy him a nice birthday present while Chad and I relaxed at the house and looked for directions to the restaurant called Tierra Sana.

Steve returned at 12 and we headed to the restaurant. Yummo! Deliciouso! Great food. Chad and I had Chinese food with tofu while Steve had Ratatoille (sans rat). We were glad we ate there because we discovered many more interesting looking restaurants in the same exact area.

We then spent 2 hours souvenir shopping. Chad and I got use our bargaining skills. I found two cool items (can’t mention them due to the possibility of a surprise spoiler). She wanted 80 Bs. This in itself is cheap enough for us Americans, but Chad and I were trained by Bolivians at Familia Feliz to bargain like pros. Chad got 5 Bs off each item of his, but I wanted to one up him with 6 off each gift. I offered 68 and would not budge due to pride, even though she offered 70!! That’s a 28-cent difference! I was having too much fun and when she would not budge I walked out with Chad and Steve. They were laughing at me but I had to beat Chad.

Well, I could not find a better deal at the other stores so I returned to the first place expecting to pay 70 Bs like she offered. Her husband appeared to be there, and apparently must have said something. As soon as I walked in ready to surrender to her price, she said, “Good. 68 Bs is a good price. Take it for that.” Chad and I could not believe it. Booyah!! Hermana Emy’s teachings proved successful.

I then went to our friend’s store and bought me pants that incredibly fit me perfectly. Probably the only pants in all of Bolivia that did. She wanted 120 Bs, but I talked her down to 75 without too much effort. I love how the venders expect you to haggle with them. I will miss Bolivia. I just picture myself going into JcPenny back in the States. “You want $40 for these jeans? How bout $20? But look, this denim fiber is out of place. How about $25?”

We returned back to the Pattys, packed, and caught the bus for Uyuni. That is currently where I am typing this. My eyes are burning with the desire for sleep, but the sleep is not cooperating with me.

Good time to think.

**Keep adventurizing!...I know I will!**

167. The Day We Missed the Bus

Saturday, 5/25/13

Feliz Sabado!

We woke up in Dr. Patty’s house ready to go to his church. Jacque, Tabitha, Chad, Stephen and I walked the 15 minutes to the church. This is the same church we went to when we first arrived in La Paz 9 months ago. This time we went with the main financial supporters of the church. We felt pretty important to go to church with the Pattys.

Dr. Patty gave the adult Sabbath school on the book of Habakuk. The service started. This church seems to be the wealthiest in Bolivia. Two large screen TVs project the hymn lyrics and the great sound system played the backtrack music for Tabitha. Tabs blew us away with two gorgeous songs I have never heard of. The people in the church were mesmerized. I do not think they have ever had a fuller voice praising God in their sanctuary. She knocked it out of the park.

Then Mrs. Patty told the children’s story. She enlisted all of our help. Chad was a Jewish preacher. Stephen was some German scholar, and Dr. Patty was some South American guy. She asked me to play the S. American dude, but then laughed when I pointed to my skin and remarked of my exact resemblance to a dark-skinned Bolivian. I was up for it, but she chose her husband for the sake of accuracy. The skit went great.

Church finished and we walked back home. Jacque and Tabs hooked us up with some great lentil patties and Chad and I provided the guarana. After a coupe hours of reminiscing of our times together, we performed some “lay ministries”. Okay, okay…so we took a nap. When we woke up were completely refreshed.

Chad and I left the house at 6:30 were then ready to begin yet another adventure. We were going to catch a bus to the salt flats of Uyuni. We were super excited. We did not account for two things: 1) that the bus left at 7 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. and 2) that it was the festival of the snake, condor, and puma. We said our touching goodbyes to baker Steve and left for the bus terminal.

We came across a ¼ mile line of people. We thought they were waiting in line to participate in festive parade, but no…we found out they just wanted to cross the street. We found out as we were at the front of the line. Thankfully, one of the officers accepted the fact we were dumb, ignorant gringos and put us in the line only 30 feet from the road. Despite this, it still took us 30 minutes to cross the street.

We finally reached the bus station to find that the last bus left at 7. Oh well, there was a silver lining. It was Stephen’s birthday tomorrow!! I wanted to make it special. We spent an hour on the faster wi-fi and then headed back to the house at 10 where surprised Stephen greeted us in open arms. I goofily said, “Stephen, we missed you too much man. Now we are just soooooo happy to spend your birthday with you!” His reply was a bashful: “I am pretty happy too.” It was quite the moment. J

My parents are going to treat Stephen at the best vegan restaurant in the city tomorrow. Chad’s parents gave Steve a big thing of olive oil. You are quite spoiled Stephen! Haha!!

Sleepy, dream, close-the-eyes, snore, sleep talk, cuddle under the warm covers, sleep walk time!! Night!

**Keep adventurizing!...I know I will!**

166. Deportation?

Thursday, 5/23/13

Today…was…crazy. To say the least. Thankfully, God had our back the entire time.

It started off normal enough. We took a night bus to Puno to check out the floating islands on Lake Titikaka. They are called the Uros Islands and are quite intriguing. The actually float! They are built out of roots and reeds and are tied down with string so they do not drift a hundred miles to the Bolivian side of the lake. We landed on two of the fifty islands, learned how to construct the islands, ate their food, understood their culture, and went on a nifty boat made out entirely of reeds.

We took the 2:30 bus for La Paz. We did not make it to La Paz…

We made it as far as the Peru-Bolivia border. We all had to leave the bus and go through immigration. Chad and I did this on the way here and felt like pros. We were first in line. We were the last to leave.

We presented our heavily stamped passports to the Peruvian border control officer who remarkable resembles Ray Ramano. However, he was not very funny. He looked at our passports then shook his head in anger. After asking us two questions, his following words worried us. And rightly so. “You are illegal. I will send you back to Puno where you may talk to the American consulate and be directly deported to the United States.” Chad and I were stunned.

Apparently, we were missing a stamp. When entering Peru, we received a stamp from Bolivia after paying $15 in fees. We were then all instructed to walk to the bus and board. We changed some money then did exactly that. Apparently, everyone on the bus did not get the stamp from the Peruvian side. Therefore, we were in the country illegally. Chad and I were helpless. Technically, we were illegal, but we could do nothing about it before or after.

We tried to use the help of a translator. She was told the same thing. That we were illegal, had to be taken to Puno, and deported back to the States. She left. We were worried. There was nothing else we could do. We finally accepted the fact that we had to return to Puno (probably in a government vehicle) and leave to the States. It would be quite the ending to our adventure. I stayed with the angry officer while Chad ran to get our things from the bus.

After a quick prayer. I had the resolve to keep talking. He was still angry, but I answered every question he asked with calmness and as much kindness as I could muster. Slowly, ever so slowly, he started to lighten up. I reemphasized we did everything we were told too. I mentioned we were volunteers at an orphanage in Rurre. He liked that. I told him we were leaving to the States in 7 days. He also liked that. Then he saw my jersey I was wearing from the team in Cusco we watched last night. He REALLY liked that. We talked almost as friends. Laughing from humor and part nerves.

Finally, he stopped laughing, gained his breath, and sighed, “Well, we have a big problem, don’t we?” I agreed, and then he started acting weird. He acted as if he was doing me a favor illegally. He was very hush hush. He said he would do me a favor, but I could tell know one. To me it seemed like bad acting, but I was willing to do anything to get rid of this problem. So, while Chad was still retrieving our stuff, I agreed to his deal. He talked to the other border control officer and Chad and I could get through if we each paid $50. Ouch. For us that was quite a bit.

So I went to another office where they went back in time and stamped my passport with the same date as when I entered Peru. Totally seemed illegal. Oh well, it worked. Meanwhile, as I was doing this, Chad returned with his stuff. When he did not see me with the first officer, he inquired as to my whereabouts. The officer put his wrists together and said, “Policia”. Chad thought I was arrested. Thirty seconds later I entered the room with a smile on my face. Chad looked quite flustered.

I told Chad what happened. I expected a sigh of relief. However, his response was, “Hurry, tell the bus to wait.” He did not skip a beat. The bus was the last thing on my mind. I swiftly finished the process and stopped the bus as Chad followed a few minutes later. We were greeted with applause as we reentered the bus. God managed to pull some strings and everything was all right.

We eventually made it to La Paz at 11:00 after a few more problems with our bus and crossing an unexpected river. But those tales pale in comparison to our deportation story.

I know my slogan below says I will keep adventurizing, but I do not mind taking a break for one day to recuperate. First the soccer game fight, and now this adrenaline pumping adventure. I am ready for some sleep.

**Keep adventurizing!...I know I will!**

165. Soccer Fight

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Wednesday, 5/22/13

Our grand finale of Cusco. By far, the greatest day. Probably the greatest day anyone can possibly have.

We managed to summit to the Sacsaywaman ruins by 5:30 to enter the park free of charge. Otherwise we had to pay $50. No way. Besides, doing things when broke are always way more fun. We had the entire place to ourselves for 1 ½ and could be as obnoxious as we wanted. Check out the photographs. Who said slides are for little guys?

The ruins of Sacsaywaman. Looks cooler closer up.

We bought our soccer tix, ate, and shopped a bit more. Then headed to the game.

Let’s put it this way: Soccer games in South America are way more interesting than we expected—and we already had sky-high expectations.

The first half was thrilling. The Peruvian team hit the goal post twice right off the bat. I thought we were going to win. Nope, the other team kicked into gear and was obviously far superior. They had this one forward who dazzled with his moves and 2 goals.

Our hearts were pumping going into half time. How little did we know that that would continue through the “rest” period.

Some guy gave us free flags. Woohoo!!

Chad and I had befriended the people to our left and right. To our right, a middle-aged man and a young fella. They were pleasant enough. To our left? Three drunkies! Crazy is an understatement. The guy to my immediate left was standing up when no one else was and cheering as if we scored a goal when the ball was being retrieved from out of bounds by the ball boy—not exactly a thrilling moment. Well, during half time, they made things interesting.

One guy with a hefty stache got up at half time and yelled at the stands for not clapping during half time. One guy made a sly remark (apparently) and the stache-man took his shirt off and charged the guy looking for a fight. The other guy was a hero. He stood up, looked the dude in the face, and called the police. By this time, every eye in the stadium was turned the way. Then, Mr. Stand-Up-All-the-Time joined his buddy in the skirmish.

To remember this moment of our “buddies” creating a scene, Chad took out the iPhone to video record the “festivities’. Well, I see this hand brush across my face as he reached and grabbed Chad’s phone. I “shoved” the guy to help out Chad as the guy was yelling red-faced at poor ol’ Chad. When the police finally showed up, the guy was blaming Chad for taking a video and looking for support from the audience. They were having none of it. As I and the rest of the crowd shielded Chad, who was now seated, the girlies behind us made sure to point out to the police that Chad did nothing wrong. The police believed us and took the other 3 into custody. They ended up using 4 men for Stache-man and Mr. Stand-Up was glaring down Chad and exclaiming words that were happy-words.

Adrenaline was too the max. People were congratulating us. We were thanking people for their help. And I made sure to give the fella who was attacked a big thumbs up. We were best buddies now. The experience had him, Chad, and myself bonded for life. We threw up some prayers of thanks to God for the safe experience, and after 5 minutes, everything was back to normal.

We lost the game 3-1. But Chad and I had an incredible experience we will never forget.

We hitched a bus at 10:30 for the floating islands of Puno. We have been up almost 24 straight hours.

Thank you Cuzco for unforgettable times.

Thanks for reading.

**Keep adventurizing!...I know I will!*

164. One More Night

Tuesday, 5/21/13

We had two large plans today. Wake up at 4 to climb to the Sacsaywaman ruins and to watch the big soccer games. Neither happened.

After Macchu Picchu, Chad’s cough was terrible so we slept in. I used it as an excuse! The soccer game was postponed from today to tomorrow!! Not cool.

So what did we do? Stayed an extra night to do it all tomorrow!! These were two big things we would regret not doing.

We enjoyed the day with more scrumptious comida (food), souvenir shopping, and hey, why not a little $7 massage? We also checked out the Chocolate Museum. It smelled warm. Yes, warm.

**Keep adventurizing!...I know I will!**

163. Macchu Picchu!!!!!

Monday, 5/20/13

Happy Macchu Picchu Day!

Chad and I woke up bright-eyed and bushed (tired). We were determined to be the firsts but expected to at least be in the first 200 to climb to the top.

We made it to the closed bridge to enter the hour-long path to the top at 4:30. We were the first two. At 5:00 a.m. the gates opened with about 150 people behind us. We sprinted through the gate and led the way in the pitch-blackness. We ended up missing one the shortcuts and soon found ourselves 30^th in line. However, they started dropping like flies due to the steep inclines. We reached the tippity top after 45 minutes 9^th and 10^th. Not too shabby.

Breath-taking. The views of Macchu Picchu surrounded by Macchu Picchu and fog was spectacular. Chad and I hopped into the park to take pictures and casually decided to join our tour an hour later. Glad we did, because after about 30 minutes, it was impossible to take pics without others in the view. We saw a llama.

We wandered in and out of temples, temples, and more temples. Half of it was interesting, half of the information had to be interpreted as important to avoid falling asleep on the sundials.

We left extremely content and impressed. We returned down the mountain with our newfound friend Su Hyun. We kept running into each other the whole day and still plan on traveling together to Puno. After the 30 minute run down, we headed to a restaurant, took off shoes to relieve the pain, and ate like kings. We returned on the train and saved 2 hours.

The 7-hour ride back was pretty awful. But we survived thanks to our fantastic driver. I saw some of the other drivers. I would have been terrified to be in their rides.

**Keep adventurizing!...I know I will!**