I've decided to start a new travel journal which can be found HERE. I prefer the layout of this new travel journal (thanks to Betty and Kate for recommending it).

I arrived back in Sydney from Rockhampton tonight. Saying goodbye to mum and dad at the airport was distressing. Mum and I promised to keep it together but I was the first to lose it. I didn't want to let her go but I had to board my plane. I blubbered away during the one and a half hour flight and felt too flat to go to dinner with Libby as planned. I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow. I'm not even going to think about how distraught I'll be saying goodbye to Libby.

The original plan was to set up base somewhere in Mexico after my twelve months of travelling was over. But yesterday, on a charter cruise to Great Keppel Island, I was talking to the captain and his partner and they told me about how boats like theirs (she was beautiful!) take up to twelve passengers on long distance trips for as little as $20/night. Their last trip was from Queesland to the Greek Islands and it took a whole year. They stopped along the way at places like Thailand, Sri Lanka and Egypt and stayed in port (on the boat) for up to three weeks at a time, taking tours and socialising with the locals. The captain said this type of travel is quite common and I should keep a look out for ads in places like laundromats when I'm in Mexico. I asked him if it was possible to sail from the Gulf of Mexico up to the Greek Islands (I want to see the photos Richard took in real life). He said that it would be sailing against the trade winds so it would take a long time and be choppy seas but he said anything's possible. So that's what I want to do -- I want to sail to the Greek Islands, or as close to them as possible, from Mexico. Hell, I'll just sail as far as someone will take me.

PS. My Cuba visa was approved. I was nervous it would get rejected because I'll be there for six weeks instead of the limited 30 days. All is well.

My Canadian Working Visa got approved! I have to be in Canada by June 2008, which shouldn't be a problem as my tours finish in March 2008. It's good to have that back up of working in Canada in case I run out of money during my travels.

I arrived in Rockhampton last Thursday and we drove the 30 minutes to Yeppoon on the central coast of Queensland. Mum and dad's caravan is right on the beach and we have a direct view of Great Keppel Island and North Keppel Island. The first two days we had lovely weather but the weekend pissed down and was blowing a gale. I'm sleeping in the annexe they had made last month. It's great having my own room but I'm worried a tree may fall on me in my sleep. I'd better toughen up if I'm going to cope living on the Mosquito Coast and trekking through the Amazon jungle. I've managed to go swimming each morning which is a huge departure from my normal self. But being so close to the beach, it would be crazy not swimming, regardless of the shitty weather. Spending time with mum and dad has been good fun, all we seem to do is eat so I won't be surprised if I put on some kgs over the next week. The sun is out today and the wind is gone so we're going on a day cruise tomorrow to Great Keppel Island and the surrounding islands. During the week we plan to visit the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, the caves, the crocodile farm and the pub my great grandparents once owned.

I have finally finished booking my accommodation. It's a mix of hotel and hostel, and even then, the hostel accommodation is a private room with ensuite. Granted, I could've paid AU$15 to sleep in a room with three other women but I'd rather have my privacy. And I justify the hotels because I can't slum it every night. Some days I may need access to a masseuse after a long day's sightseeing. The only place I went a little overboard was in Cuba. I'm staying five nights on Cayo Levisa. Lots of tourists converge on the island during the day but the nights are supposed to be amazing, like it's your own private island. During the days I intend to be off scuba diving so the day tourists shouldn't worry me too much.

I just have to book my flight from La Ceiba to Puerto Lempira in Honduras, and get confirmation about my Spanish course and dance lessons in Santiago de Cuba, then I'm all set.

Somebody pinch me.

Libby's partner, who has family in Brazil, plans on being in Rio for Carnivale 2008. If Libby isn't in London, she said she'll come to Carnivale too. I hope she does. It will be amazing to experience Carnivale with her. All we need is Matt to come and it will be perfect.

I got my redundancy payout today. I've never seen so much money in my account at one time. I spent $20,000 in four hours. But that's pretty good for twelve months of travel. Well I think so. I'm still waiting to hear back about my Havana tour after the original tour I wanted was cancelled due to low numbers (I've heard this happens a lot). The tour I've chosen in its place is a one-on-one tour with a tour guide around Colonial Havana. It means I miss out on a couple of beach days that were included in the original tour, but I have a few days in Havana to kill so I'll organise some day trips to the beach myself.

I'm also going to be in Brazil during Carnivale so I've booked the Carnivale package. I wasn't too fussed about doing Carnivale when I researched my trip but now that it's booked, I'm psyched :)

Today I had my second rabies shot and a meningitis shot followed by a cholera drink. I didn't even feel them this time. I'm back in two weeks for the final rabies and yellow fever vaccinations. Finally.

Five days to go until I'm unemployed! Woohoo!!

I started to have a mini meltdown. Not a big one, just a few tears. I think it's the pain in my arm, it's making me feel fragile. I rang Libby and she talked me through it. I'm definitely making the right decision. If I were to stay in Sydney I'd be treading water -- I don't want to put my payout towards a mortgage; I don't want to work a corporate job ever again; I don't want to date anyone here; I've over the scene. I've wanted this for two years. I think I'm just overwhelmed about all the things I still have to do. I'll get it done. I always do.

Today I had my first round of vaccinations - minus the Hep A shot I had last December - and they bloody hurt. Rabies, Tetanus and another shot that incorporated a whole load of things like Polio, Typhoid, Diphtheria and Whooping Cough. I go back in seven days for another Rabies and Meningitis shot and a Cholera drink followed in 21 days by a final Rabies and Yellow Fever shot. Plus a ton of Malaria tablets because of where I'm going in Honduras and the Amazon. It's enough to turn anyone of travelling.

On Wednesday I had PRK corrective eye surgery. I wanted LASIK because the recovery time is faster and less painful but I have thin corneas, large pupils and dry eyes so the surgeon recommended PRK. The results are comparable and the cost is the same.

The surgery went well and at the two check-ups the surgeon said I'm healing quicker than expected. The procedure itself wasn't too bad. But at one stage I could see the reflection of my eye on the equipment above me -- it was like a scene out of A Clockwork Orange with the instruments holding my eye open. When I did my mortuary studies the only thing that turned my stomach were the eye inoculations so being able to see my own eye in that state made me want to throw up.

The pain on Wednesday night was the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced. Imagine handfuls of sand caught between your eye and contact lens and no way of relieving the pain. On Thursday the surgeon gave me stronger pain killers and they've been my best friend. I get the soft bandage contact lenses off on Tuesday and will hopefully be able to see clearer by the end of next week. Apparently I already have my 'driver vision' back which I had when I wore glasses, but I can't open both eyes at the same time yet so driver vision is useless to me at the moment.

There are lots of LASIK first hand recovery stories on the internet but not a lot for PRK. The few I have managed to find say they didn't see clearly until three to six months after surgery. Fingers crossed my eye sight steadies within three months.

One thing I've learnt from this experience is that I need to be less stubborn and ask for help if I need it. Libby picked me up from the surgery and made sure I got home OK but after that I was on my own. My choice. I had no idea it would be as bad as it was. Once the anesthetic wore off I was useless. I couldn't see so trying to find the right drops, especially the emergency anesthetic drops, was frustrating and had me in tears. I know mum's feelings were hurt because I didn't ask for her to look after me. It definitely would've been easier having her here with me; having someone cook for me, giving me the right eye drops and taking me to and from the surgeon in Bondi Junction would've been a blessing. But I don't like people in my space and I don't like asking for help. I've always been like this so I guess mum knows she can't do anything about it. I'm a shit of a daughter.

Yesterday I had the braille extended up my arm so it reads mum, dad, Libby and Matt's names. It might sound strange to some but when I'm riding on the bus en route to Honduras or sitting on the ferry along the Amazon, I will look down at their names and know they are with me. I'll feel less alone, less isolated.

Tonight I had my night dive to complete my Advanced Open Water course. We did it off Bare Island. I didn't think it was as good as the night dive we did off Camp Cove -- much more nocturnal sea life there -- but it was good to see a dive site I'm familiar with at night time. We saw a giant catfish (it looked like a large mutant eel), an angel fish (which is apparently rare at Bare Island) and some other types of fish. No octopus or stingrays like at Camp Cove.

Pete said even though I've only done two night dives, he wants to take me out to the TSS Currajong. The dive site is only open after midnight because it's in a busy part of the harbour. The dive shop takes divers out there once a month at 1.00am Saturday mornings. He said that if I can't make the April dive, he'll take me out himself. It sounds pretty impressive but you can't actually dive through it because it's so old and unsteady. I'm happy to dive around it, just to see it in real life. I'm really into wrecks. I want to dive more of them.

I'm not as exhausted today as I was yesterday but apparently that's due to the Nitrox I used today.  The first dive was for 35 minutes to 20m from south of Bare Island. I had to do a shoulder entry and I haven't done one of those since the first day in the pool two months ago. The tide was high and the water choppy. I was last in and had trouble getting to the rock from which we had to jump off. Carrying a tank, an 18lb weight belt and with my fins already on, it was bloody hard to jump over the gap between the rocks or lift myself up onto the rock. So I got cranky, took my fins off then did my entry. I put my fins on in the water, I was stoked I didn't lose them. Once I was in the water I was so happy. If I didn't laugh, I would've cried. The drop down was awesome, but the surge was strong and I watched Pete and Ricky move in front of me. At first I thought I was particularly uncoordinated but then I realised it was happening to all of us. I used all of my air on the first dive but I think that's because of the anxiety from the dive entry. But I'm glad I did it. The second dive was for 40 minutes and bloody freezing but I saw two octopuses (is that octopi?) and a small shark so I was happy.

I passed all the dive exercises, now I have to sit the Nitrox theory exam.  There are lots of formulas I need to learn. I'm not looking forward to it.

Walking across the bridge to Bare Island, I noticed some tourists who looked Hispanic. I said hello and when they said hello back I heard an accent so I said hola. I introduced msyelf in Spanish and said some greetings. I didn't think about it, it just happened! I was so proud of myself, I haven't done that before with my Spanish. They were visiting from El Salvador and loving Australia. I told them about my intended travels and they asked for a photo with me. I'm sure I looked fetching in my dive gear (yeah, jumbo arse).

Words do not describe how exhausted I am. My day started at 7am and finished at 4pm. It was boiling hot outside, and even worse inside a wetsuit. The water was a beautiful 24C degrees and visibility was to 7m. The diving itself was a killer. I can't even read a street directory, so learning how to navigate underwater was never going to be easy. I learnt lots of valuable theory but putting it into practice was difficult. My first dive was fun and we did lots of exercises. My second dive, where I had to lead, was a disaster. My mask kept fogging, so when I'd go to flush my mask, I would drift and go off course. What was supposed to be a straight forward exercise turned into me taking us metres past, and to the side of, our target. How can I navigate if my shitty mask keeps fogging up and I can't see? I wanted to do it again but by then I'd run out of air. The dive master claimed I did a good job but I'm not convinced. Maybe I can talk Pete into letting me do it again tomorrow.

Tomorrow I have Nitrox diving. The Boat dive was unavailable this weekend so I substituted that with Waves, Tides & Currents training which I will also do tomorrow. The final speciality, Night Dive / Low Visibility, is on Wednesday night.

I've decided to spend two weeks in San Francisco for Pride so I've had to alter my itinerary to accommodate the extra weeks in the US. Therefore Veracruz and Baja California get bumped until a later date.

USA

Los Angeles (18 – 21 June)
West Hollywood and Disneyland with Matt

San Francisco (21 June – 5 July)
Gay Pride with Matt and friends


CUBA

Cuba Fantastica Tour – 9 days (8 – 16 July)

Day 1: Havana
Your trip starts today in Havana. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time. Please refer to your itinerary for the joining hotel name and address. This evening at 7.00pm there will be a tour briefing where you will meet your English-speaking Cuban tour guide and fellow travelers. If you are unable to make this meeting, please check at hotel reception for a message from the tour leader.

Day 2: Havana
After breakfast we’ll begin our exploration of La Habana Vieja (Old Havana). A common reaction of travelers exploring the city for the first time is to think they are on a Hollywood movie set! Old cars cruise the wide tree-lined boulevards and small alleyways, old men in straw hats puff on enormous Cuban cigars, and lilting Cuban ‘son’ music fills the air. It’s an intoxicating atmosphere and you will soon be caught in the rhythm of the city. Havana is a delightful place to explore on foot and is home to many beautiful galleries, museums, churches and monuments. After a day of exploration we can highly recommend that you stop in at one of Old Havana’s many historic bars and enjoy a delicious, minty, ‘Mojito’ cocktail. Try the atmospheric bar, Dos Hermanos, tucked away down near the harbour!

Day 3: Trinidad
Today we board the bus and hit the road for Trinidad. Arriving in this ancient town is like stepping back in time. From vantage points above the town, you almost expect to see Spanish galleons anchored offshore, several kilometers away. This was the third settlement established in Cuba by the Spaniards, in 1514. It’s no surprise that UNESCO declared Trinidad and the beautiful rolling hills that surround it, a world heritage site in 1988. This is quintessential Cuba – of cobbled stone streets, pastel-coloured houses, old Chevrolets, ice cream shops, and gorgeous churches. Locals sit out on the doorsteps of their houses in the evening, discussing the events of the day, while puffing on giant cigars. For these reasons and more, Trinidad is one of the most visited towns in the entire country. The town is small enough to walk around and is incredibly photogenic.

Day 4: Trinidad
Accompanied by your tour leader you will continue your exploration of the town. Climb the bell tower of the central Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra Bandidos (a former convent) for breathtaking views over the old rooftops and surrounding hills. There are some great markets here, specialising in beautiful Cuban linen. Tablecloths of all shapes and sizes are delicately embroidered and are a great buy. You will need to bargain hard though! If you need a beach fix, it’s a short ride in a ‘coco taxi’ (or easy bike ride), to nearby Playa Ancon, a white-sand beach lapped by the warm waters of the Caribbean.

Day 5: Santa Clara
Departing the coast, we head inland to the historic city of Santa Clara. This city was the site of a major victory for the Cuban revolutionaries. Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara led a small band of revolutionary soldiers in an attack on a heavily armed train. Although significantly outnumbered, Guevara’s forces defeated the government troops. Learning of the defeat, the former president fled the country a few days later – and victory was assured to Fidel Castro and the revolutionaries. Not surprisingly, large murals of Che Guevara and inspiring revolutionary slogans are found all over the city! Today, Santa Clara is home to one of Cuba’s largest universities. For most visitors though, a visit to the Revolutionary Plaza and imposing ‘Che’ Guevara Monument is the highlight. The remains of Che and fellow revolutionaries are interred underneath the imposing structure. It’s a serene and peaceful place and an important symbol of freedom for many Cuban people.

Days 6-7: Vinales
We continue on to the town of Vinales, situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Green fields of tobacco dot the countryside but it is the huge rocky knolls, which dominate the landscape. It’s a surreal scene, reminiscent of the limestone outcrops found in Southern China. It seems half of Cuba has been declared a world heritage site and the region surrounding Vinales has also been bestowed this title. It’s a lush and fertile area and sugar cane fields share the fields with Cuba’s famous tobacco plants. It’s easy to see why Cuba’s cigars are famous the world over. The village has an interesting cultural centre and museum and there are also some great hikes in the area, which take in the stunning views over this wild landscape.

Day 8: Cayo Levisa
After two weeks of exploring Cuba’s towns, cities and landscapes, could there be a better way to finish the trip, than kicking back on the white-sand beaches of Cayo Levisa – a small coral island off the northern coast? The area is famous for its fishing and was once a favourite haunt of renowned game fisherman (literary giant and big-game hunter!) Ernest Hemmingway! There are plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel and explore the island – or do nothing at all! Whatever you choose to do, it’s a great place to reflect on your time in this remarkable country.

Day 9: Havana
Early this morning we return to the mainland, and travel by bus back to Havana where our trip comes to an end.

[Fly from Havana to Santiago de Cuba]

[Four weeks Spanish immersion school with host family (23 July – 17 August)]

[Fly from Havana to Mexico City]



MEXICO

[Fly from Mexico City to Los Mochis ]

Copper Canyon Tour - 5 days (21 – 25 August)
http://www.chepe.com.mx/

The train route through the Sierra Madre mountains between Los Mochis and Chihuahua, is Mexico’s most scenic rail journey. Copper Canyon is one of those places that has become legend. More than just a single canyon, the vast system contains 11 river gorges each more than 3,000 feet deep (three of them deeper than Arizona's Grand Canyon). Together, the Mexican canyon system is the largest in North America -- four times the size of the Grand Canyon -- and the second deepest at 6,165 feet.

Day 1: Los Mochis
Make your way to your hotel.
Overnight: Plaza Inn. http://www.mexonline.com/plazainn.htm

Day 2: Los Mochis - Divisadero
Transfer to the station. Train to Divisadero.
Overnight: Divisadero Barrancas. http://www.hoteldivisadero.com/

Day 3: Divisadero - Creel
Board the train for the trip to Creel.
Overnight: Parador de la Montana. http://www.hotelparadorcreel.com/

Day 4: Creel - Chihuahua
In the afternoon continue to Chihuahua.
Overnight: Palacio del Sol. http://www.hotelpalaciodelsol.com/

Day 5: Chihuahua
Transfer to the airport.

[Flight from Chihuahua to Mexico City ]

Colonial Mexico Tour - 15 days (26 August – 9 September)

Day 1: Arrive Mexico City
There are no planned activities so check into the hotel and enjoy the city.

Day 2: Taxco
Our first stop, historic Taxco, will delight you with its twisty cobblestone streets, and picturesque squares all tumbling down a steep hillside. One of the most well preserved Spanish colonial silver cities in Mexico, you will enjoy strolling among the handmade silver jewelry shops and taking in the atmosphere.

Day 3-4: Acapulco
One of Mexico’s principle beach resorts, Acapulco with its dazzling beaches and glitzy hotels and discos, is spread out along a large bay facing the sparkling Pacific Ocean. A snorkeling/boat tour gives us the opportunity to glimpse the beautiful world that lies just under Acapulco’s inviting waters, as well as see the city, and the Bahia de Acapulco while relaxing on the boat. We hop on the bus that runs around the bay for opportunities to sunbathe in hidden coves or go to the more popular beaches for water-skiing, parasailing, or to ride a water bicycle! Don’t miss the famous clavadistas (cliff divers) at Le Quebrada.

Day 5: Playa Azul
After traveling along the scenic coastal road we arrive at the small beach town of Playa Azul, for a peaceful sunset swim and fantastic seafood dinner. Relax in a hammock with a cold cerveza!

Day 6-8: Puerto Vallarta
Continuing along the coastal road passing uninhabited beaches, mango, coconut, and papaya plantations, our destination is the world famous Puerto Vallarta, which is stretched out along the lovely Bay of Banderas. A former quaint seaside fishing village, Puerto Vallarta is now a vacation destination for many travelers, with its charming old town, seaside promenade and multitude of inviting white sand beaches. Here we can take it easy or partake in snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing or even a whale watching trip.

Day 9-10: Guadalajara
The most “Mexican” city, Guadalajara can boast about being the birthplace of mariachi music, tequila and sombreros. The second largest city in Mexico, it’s filled with museums, historic buildings, and nightlife. Strolling about the elegant downtown, take in the giant twin towered cathedral, plazas and theatres. Also check out the Mercado Libertad, a three story market covering four city blocks. In nearby Tequila, we take a distillery tour to learn how this famous beverage is distilled from the Blue Agave plant -then try a sample!

Day 11: Guanajuato
For two centuries 30 to 40 percent of the world’s silver was mined here leaving behind an opulent Spanish colonial city at the expense of the indigenous people. Guanajuato is a living monument to a prosperous turbulent past. Walking is the ideal way to see this unique city that is crammed into a valley, with twisting narrow alleys and underground tunnels.

Day 12: San Miguel de Allende
This charming colonial town filled with artist and galleries is set upon a slope overlooking distant hills and plains. Some of the best handicrafts and folk art shopping in Mexico can be found here. Visit one of the numerous cultural institutions or just relax in a café on square.

Day 13-14: Mexico City
Welcome to the largest city in the world!! This fascinating multi-layered megatropolis is home to an endless list of cultural wonders, the best anthropology museum for Mexican archeology, the largest plaza (the zocolo), the Zona Rosa, many Aztec historic sites, and a vibrant street life at all hours. We will visit Teotihuacan, site of the awesome Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and Mexico’s largest ancient city.

Day 15: Depart Mexico City

[Flight from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido]

[Bus from Puerto Escondido to Puerto Angel]

[Four days spent in Puerto Angel]

[Bus from Puerto Angel to Puerto Escondido]

[Flight from Puerto Escondido to Mexico City ]

Sombrero Tour - 28 days (15 September – 12 October)

Day 1 to 7: Arrive Mexico City - Teotihuacán - Puebla - Oaxaca - Monte Albán - Tehuantepec - Sumidero Canyon - San Cristóbal
To the great ancient ruins of Teotihuacán dominated by a series of massive pyramids. We move on to the grand city of Puebla with a great plaza and red-roofed houses. We head to Oaxaca where there’s an afternoon to explore the colourful markets and colonial buildings of this beautiful city. The nearby Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán are also visited and feature a market plaza and many tombs. A stop at the ruin site of Mitla (optional to visit), known as “The Place of the Dead” before travelling on to the town of Tehuantepec for an overnight stop. We now enter the delightful Chiapas Highlands and stop for a speedboat trip up the Sumidero Canyon, over 1,000 metres deep. San Cristóbal is a beautiful colonial town with much to see and there are many attractive native Indian villages in the area to visit.

Day 8 to 12: Agua Azul - Palenque - Campeche - Uxmal - Mérida
A scenic drive down the twisting highway to the lowland plains where we stop for a refreshing swim at Agua Azul falls. Palenque is nearby and we have a free day to explore these magnificent Mayan ruins in a jungle setting. On the coast is Campeche, an old walled city where there maybe a chance to see a sound and light show. We travel to the Mayan ruins of Uxmal, famed for its worship of the rain god as it was the only city that relied purely on rainwater. To the magnificent colonial city of Mérida where the plaza is surrounded by archways, restaurants and great markets for souvenir shopping.

Day 13 to 18: Chichén Itzá - Cancún - Tulum - Bacalar - Caye Caulker
The most famed Mayan site of all, Chichén Itzá, is a truly incredible complex with its ball court and massive temple pyramid. A last drive to Cancún, graced with beautiful beaches and great seafood restaurants to enjoy. A drive south to the wonderful ruins of Tulum set above a beautiful beach. Time to relax at the lagoon in Bacalar before heading to Belize City where we take a speedboat to Caye Caulker, a small caribbean island with friendly locals and no cars. Options here include scuba diving, snorkelling or going in search of the elusive manatee, a seal like mammal.

Day 19 to 20: San Ignacio
We now head into the hills to San Ignacio in a tropical jungle setting. There are many optional activities to do in the area to see the rainforest and wildlife including jungle treks, canoe trips, caving or mountain biking.

Day 21 to 23: Flores - Tikal - Rio Dulce - Lívingston
Into Guatemala to Flores, a small town on Lake Peten Itzá. From here we visit the magnificent Mayan ruins of Tikal with an enormous pyramid overlooking the rainforest. There are also lots of smaller ruins to explore and wildlife including the Maya’s sacred howler monkeys. Travelling south through dense rainforest, we come to Rio Dulce (sweet river). Here we stay in cabins on the river banks and take a day trip down the estuary by speedboat, enjoying the scenery on our way to the sleepy Caribbean town of Lívingston. Time to relax and soak up the laid-back atmosphere before returning upriver.

Day 24 to 28: Copán - Antigua
A long drive to Honduras now to visit the excellent Maya ruins at Copán which are still being excavated and house some of the best Mayan art discovered. Back into Guatemala and on to Antigua, the original capital, a beautiful colonial town with quaint cobblestone streets, tranquil plazas and colourful markets. The town has a stunning setting and is overlooked by the massive Agua Volcano. Depart Antigua

[Overnight stay in Antigua]

[Bus from Antigua to Guatemala City]

[Bus from Guatemala City to San Salvador]

[Overnight stay in San Salvador]

[Bus from San Salvador to Tegucigalpa]

[Bus from Tegucigalpa to Le Ceiba]

[Flight from Le Ceiba to Puerto Lempira]

[Two months volunteer work at Mama Tara in Puerto Lempira]

[Flight from Le Ceiba to Quito]


SOUTH AMERICA

Sumoc Tour - 63 days (1 December 07 – 1 February 08)

Day 1 to 18: Quito - Misahuallí - Baños - Cuenca - Punta Sal - Huanchaco - Lambayeque - Lima
From Quito to the Amazon basin for an optional jungle trip then to the hot springs of Baños in the Andes. From Ingapirca Inca ruins through colonial Cuenca to Peru and the beach at Punta Sal. A visit to Lambayeque museum enroute to Huanchaco to see Chan Chán ruins. We visit Sechín and Paramonga ruins on the way to Peru’s bustling capital, Lima.

Day 19 to 34: Pisco - Nazca - Puerto Inca - Arequipa - Chivay - Cuzco - Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo - Inca Trail (or free time) - Cuzco
To the Ballestas Islands to see wildlife then inland to view the mysterious Nazca Lines. After Puerto Inca is colonial Arequipa with its grand plaza. We visit the Colca Canyon then traverse to Cuzco, once the heart of the Inca empire. The Sacred Valley, Pisac markets and a trek along the Inca Trail are enjoyed. Machu Picchu can also be visited by train.

Day 35 to 47: Sillustani - Puno - Amantaní & Taquile Islands - La Paz - Potosí - Uyuni - Salta - San Pedro
Via Sillustani ruins to Lake Titicaca where we visit the Uros floating Islands plus Amantaní and Taquile Islands. The pre-Inca ruins of Tiahuanaco are seen enroute to La Paz, the world’s highest capital. An optional visit to the mines at Potosí. At Uyuni is the vast Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt lake, before entering Argentina and descending to Salta, a pleasant cathedral city.

Day 48 to 56: Trinidad - Asunción - Iguazu Falls
We travel across the vast Chaco region to Paraguay and visit the Jesuit ruins of Trinidad. The capital, Asunción, has beautiful tree-lined streets while across in Brazil are the Iguazu Falls, the world’s most spectacular. Nearby, we visit Itaipú Dam.

Day 57 to 63: Bertioga - Parati - Rio de Janeiro
We now drive through rolling farmland to the Atlantic Ocean. Along the spectacular coastline to Bertioga then Parati, a delightful colonial town with cobblestone streets. A final journey to exciting Rio de Janeiro.


Amazonia Tour - 42 days (5 February 2008 – 17 March 2008)

Day 1 to 9: Rio de Janeiro - Ouro Prêto - Porto Seguro - Salvador
From spectacular Rio de Janeiro, we travel inland into the mountains to historical Ouro Prêto (Black Gold), a gem mining city. Back on the coast is the resort of Porto Seguro with splendid beaches and where the Lambada dance originated. Next is Salvador, the original capital of Brazil.

Day 10 to 17: Maceió - Recife - Olinda - Praia Pipa - Canoa Quebrada
Maceió is where traditional sail boats, jangadas, can be taken out to a coral reef. Further north is Recife, built on a series of islands and nearby Olinda, a colonial city steeped in history. There are fine beaches at Praia Pipa and massive sand dunes at Canoa Quebrada.

Day 18 to 23: Ubajara - Sete Cidades - Belém
Inland at Ubajara are extensive caves and fantastic views over the Sertão, the desolate thorn-scrub interior. The nearby Sete Cidades National Park has interesting rock formations. Belém, near the mouth of the Amazon, has a bustling riverside market.

Day 24 to 35: Amazon river boat - Manaus - Amazon Jungle - Manaus
We travel upriver by ferry with the locals sleeping in hammocks (available locally) on deck! Manaus, the Amazon’s largest city, is a bustling port filled with traders and markets. This is the best place to take an optional excursion deep into the jungle to see unique flora and fauna.

Day 36 to 42: Boa Vista - Canaima - Ciudad Bolivar - Caracas
Travelling by road again we gradually leave the jungle on our way to Boa Vista. Table-topped mountains and waterfalls dominate the way through beautiful Canaima National Park in Venezuela. To Ciudad Bolivar on the banks of the Orinoco River where there’s the option to fly to Angel Falls, the world’s highest at 979 metres. Last is the busy capital city of Caracas where this trip finishes.

[Flight from Caracas to Mexico City]

[Flight from Mexico City to Tapachula]

[Two months volunteer work at Radiant Futures in Tapachula]

[Settle myself in my favourite place and get a job teaching ESL]

My course has been confirmed for the Mardi Gras weekend. It's my preferred weekend because my other weekends are busy. I don't mind missing out on the Party. There'll be tons more of those.

The specialties I chose are:

* Limited Visibility
* Boat Diver (30m)
* Navigation Techniques
* Nitrox (What is Nitrox?)

I would like to have done Wreck Diver but that wasn't a specialty option.

Lib and I just got home from diving...at 11.30pm. What was supposed to be our first dusk dive at 7pm turned into our first night dive at 9pm. The dive was planned for Clovelly but the water was too choppy so we dived 50m off Camp Cove in Watson's Bay. The water, thankfully, was 21C. It was a 6m dive and was basically like walking down a hallway in the dark with a torch. I didn't think of sharks or things that could be hidden, it felt more like I was swimming in a giant fishtank. One of the points of a night dive is the chance to see nocturnal sea life. We saw an octopus, a stingray, hermit crabs, what looked like a catfish (but is probably called something else), lots of different types of fish and I finally got to see phosphorescence which looks like gold dust when you shake your hand under the water.

I'm glad I did the night dive and while I did enjoy it a lot, I don't think it's something I'll do regularly. I found that I didn't have enough hands to juggle the torch, check my gauges and hold myself steady when stopping still to look at things. Having said that, I'd definitely do a night dive of a wreck. That would be amazing.