The morning started with a pounding on our door at 5:30 a.m. by one of the gaurds waking us up for our first day's safari....as you can imagine waking up at this time is not for most, but once up and out of our hut, we gathered with our group and jumped into a jeep and out into the bush.
Let me explain the jeep (actually a Land Rover), no top, just sides, so the view is completely unobstructed so the animals are right there in front of you...we have two guides that are with us, one that drives, and the other sits in front and looks for animal tracks and droppings on the ground and we follow them to whatever animal is around. When we first arived we just didn't know if and what animals we would see and how close we would get to them...the answer....very close. When I say very I mean we were about 2-5 feet away from a pack of 11 lions - 3 femals and 8 cubs - with no protection around us but a jeep. We were so amazed we sat there for a good 30 to 45 minutes watching them play and sleep and go potty.
The animals, although extremely wild, are very familar with the jeeps since they have seen them drive around since their birth. They are not afraid of them, nor do they want to harm us...unless we step out. Two rules: 1) don't stand up, because the animals are used to the shape of the jeep and standing up changes the shape and alarms the animals, so they may charge, and 2) no making calling noises to them because they do not understand what you are doing.. basically you don't want to cause any attention to yourself, just look, take photos and enjoy them.
After that we were overwhelmed with a group of elephants that towered over us and were extremely intimidating to look at because among most of the animals here they will charge if provoked and the last thing you want to do to a wild elephant is provoke it because it will tumble the jeep and will tear you apart if feels threatened....oh my. These giant creatures are everywhere from big ones to babies which are quite cute. We noticed that they eventually surrounded us and the only way out was to just wait until they faded back into the bush, which we did.
Next... of course, we have to stop in the middle of the bush and have coffee, tea, cocoa and biscotti. Roughing it, aren't we?! FYI - 'the bush' is not just a plant! The topography of the landscape - slight rolling hills with shrubbery, lots of dirt and the occasional short twisted tree - is 'the bush.'
Soon after we witnesed a herd of giraffes, tall and lean with a stylish motion to their walk, very elegant and very sweet as they nibbled on the branches of the African trees. Then off to the hippos, waddling in the large pond to keep their skin cool. If you don't know already they are quite dangerous and will absolutely kill you even when not threatened. They tell us they are the main human killers here because sometimes, when the women are out in the morning collecting water from the rivers, they rush the people and kill them without any hesitation. All throughout, we were in search for the spotted leopard which we were told is magnificent to see.....along the search, we saw zebras, impalas (which they call the McDonalds of the bush beacause they are everwhere), wildebeast, warthogs, lizards, birds, and other big and small creatures of which I am forgetting the names. If you have seen the movie "The Lion King", this is it and this is where all of those animals live. Very cool, very cool indeed.
We arived back at camp around 10 a.m and were greeted by an amazing farmstand breakfast; cold items such as berry compote for fresh cereals and yoghurts, with freshly baked croissants and incredible cold meats and cheeses. The breakfast ended with we a hot breakfast to order - Rhett had poached eggs (obviously picked from the hen that morning) , and I had an omelette filled with scrumptious ham and cheddar cheese. OMG yum. They take very good care of us here and although we know we paid well to be here, we still appriciate it and feel most comfortable here.
They biggest problem thus far with animals has been the monkeys that have overtaken the place and are constantly stealing guest's food from the tables and just are trouble makers in the eyes of the workers...I will say though, very cute. One was not so happy with Rhett and threw a berry at him....how rude!
We are now relaxed and waiting for our next night safari in search again for the spotted leopard and what ever else comes are way. Anyhow, although Paris and Nicole are completely out of their comfort zone and with no Prada, Gucci, and Kenneth Cole, we are doing well and want to send our love to all of you and wish you were here to witness what we are seeing for yourselves. We have taken photos and will share them with you when the opportunity arises.
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Monday, April 14, 2008
Londolozi - Day 2 Morning
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Londolozi, Kruger National Park, South Africa - Day 1
Posting by Andy
Today I am typing you from a little hut in the Londolozi camp. We got here via airplane from Cape Town which took about 2 hours and then to our camp with a car that we rented. The ride from the airport was about two hours and the location of our camp is literally in the middle of the bush where animals such as lions, zebras, elephants, and more surround us. On the drive into the camp, just as Rhett and I were complaining about not seeing any animals thus far, we were greated by giraffes and zebras...we were so shocked we literally just opened the window to our car and started taking photos in awe. "Can you belive what we are seeing we kept asking ourselves"...and yes, here we are in the middle of the bush.
Check this out, we have animals all around us but we are protected by personal guards that walk us around with guns to protect us from the animals at night; during the day we are free to roam by ourselves within the Londolozi camp. Once we dropped our suitcases in our room (the camp has only 30 chalets), we were then taken on a safari where we encountered all sorts of animals such as wildebeast, zebras, impalas, hyenas, and other wild game. Later during the same outing, we encountered a couple of lionesses with cubs right in front of our jeep, OH MY GOD!
As I type, a lizzard just wizzed passed me on the wall, and we have monkeys all around us that we were warned to watch out for since they love to steal anything they can get their hands on..to the employees a nuisance, to us, very, very cool.
We just completed a wonderful South African meal here at Londolozi that consisted of springbok (like a deer) and other crazy stuff I didn't even ask what it was...it was good so I just kept eating it. After our dinner, we were entertained by the local womens choir, dressed in similar red, white and black African design garments and head sarves. They sounded so authentic and beautiful with songs of the African culture as they danced and sang around the firepit. There are no electrical lights out tonight, all candles and lanterns that guide us around. Although rustic in appearance, this place is 5 star and for $1,500 a night well worth it. Our room views the river and the bush with a private pool in a setting that is spectacular! Wowsie.
We are to be awakened at 5:30 a.m. for another safari outing in which we will likely see elephants, rhinos, and more giraffes and who knows what...so stay tuned. The place is just like the movies people....and just what we expected. We are kinda freaked out that we need to be chaparoned around by a guard, but it is for our safety. We certainly don't want to be a lion's dinner tonight nor any other night here.
Good night from us, and looking forward to another day in Africa tomorrow.
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Friday, April 11, 2008
Cape Town - Days 3 and 4
This email will be much lighter in spirit and will consist of yesterday and today....I type you now from a internet cafe located in the Victoria and Alfred waterfront. Our surroundings are much different than the last cafe...nice restaurants, shops, galleries, and most of the things that tourist look for when on holiday. The working harbor and shoping entertainment development that has become South Africa's most visited man made attraction.
Now for yesterday. It started with the ingestion of our first serious of Malaria and Vitamin B pills for our next adventure. From now on, we will be taking the medication provided because after Cape Town, the next places are more remote and more adventerous and the opportunity for us to become ill due to water or bug bites are greater.
Off to the Winelands....the ride begins with a view of the ghetto where most homes were built by tin and whatever the residence could find to put over their heads and in some cases, plastic.. too dangerous for us to enter but quiet shocking to see from afar. It's always amazing to us to see how poor some people are and how lucky we are not to have known this type of life. They are so poor that they make the southside ghetto look like Lincoln Park and most of the electricity (if they even have it) is shared or stolen among many from the government.
The rest of the ride from there was spectacular! About most of the views we have encountered...just when we think we have seen true, untouched beauty of the land, the next day surprises us with even more beauty with mountains throughout the land from one side to the other, and valleys and rivers and lakes with creatures that wander along the way. Not the big game we are about the experience soon (where is it?!), but quail, and birds, rabbits and other small creatures that inhabit the land. Most of the landscape has been untouched by man since the beginning so you can imagine how wonderful it is to us not to see buildings and the congestion of man...just simple beauty. Mother Earth here is red, very similar to the Brazilian jungle (due to iron) and boulders and rocks as far as our eyes can see. Shrubs cover the land and from time to time, river beds and creeks that water the animals and people who live in the towns. Water is seen running through some streets in canals that flows from the tops of the mountains....fresh, cool, and free for those who live near it.
The main attraction was the wine country. We went to a town called Franschhoek that was a mixture of Sonoma and Napa but the views simply blow them away. The landscape that surrounded this town was yet again spectacular and some of the most expensive real estate located in the Cape Town area. Here we found little shops that more upscale and some of the best restaurants than in the city. We met artist and crafters, farmers and farmworkers, adventurers and ordinary friendly, hospitable people. The town is famous for its Cape Dutch architecture, extensive wine estates and oak lined streets. It was a lazy town and perfect for what we wanted to do.
Last night ended with a dinner at "Mama Africa" where one could find true South African cuisine and an atmosphere that felt hippy and authentic. The walls were fully covered with bamboo and the ceilings as well. The bar was shaped like a snake, with tapestries and African art work displayed throughout. Here they served alligator, ostorich, springbok, kudu and humans...o.k., not humans but almost anything else that they could hunt. I had curry chicken, and Rhett had a stew with sprinbok and kudu...yuck for me, yummy for him. We were entertained by a band from the Congo that echoed throughout the restaurant...a very cool experience and just what the doctor ordered.
We are busy today as well! We just returned from Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcorated. For those who don't know, he was imprisoned for fighting for black rights in South Africa and later became President of free South Africa in the mid 1990s - still alive today. He was in jail for 24 years and for 18 years in one cell no bigger than most of our bathrooms.
The only way on the island was a ferry boat from the waterfront and once on, the landscape was bleak with some vegitation brought over from the Australians long ago, bunny, wild ostriches, birds o'plenty, lizards and other creatures that were brought by man. Oh, I forgot to mention one of the largest colonies of jackass penquins too!
Our tourguide was a political prisoner himself. He told us that he was imprisoned in 1986 and was senteneced to 14 years, but was released in 1990 in the third wave of political prisoner releases as apartheid fell. It was an emotional story. He told us he was electrocuted and tortured but he felt his story could help him heal, and he appealed to his fellow countrymen to live in peace and harmony and to think about the future, not the past. One final note, Rhett pulled him aside and asked him about the day of his arrest. He was very reluctant to discuss anything personal as such. It was an interesting moment.
We need to go now, almost done with my time on the computer...off to Table Moutain for the rest of the day's adventure. A cable car will take us to the top of this big mountain that has a flat top like a table (duh) and overlooks much of the city of Cape Town. We will share more once we discover it again.
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Thursday, April 10, 2008
Cape Town - Day 2 - a tribute to Deena
(posted by Andy)
I am writing you today from a little internet cafe in the middle of a place called Green Market. Very popular at the moment because almost all the ancient computers are being used. This is where many backpackers and hikers send letters to their loved ones as I am also doing now...
Yesterday was both wonderful and also somber to both of us. We are finally getting to the point where our jet lag is starting to go away but it is still very visable due to the late start to the day. We have rented a cute little car that fits us perfect! We packed it up and traveled south to the farthest tip of S. Africa, the end of the line so to speak. More about that in a bit....
The first place we stopped was at Rhodes Memorial where we enjoyed the majestic views of the city and had breakfast. This place was erected in honor of Cecil Rhodes, the man who made his fortune in diamond mines and became prime minister of the Cape in 1890. He pretty much owned Rhodesia - or Rhodes-esia after his name which later became Zimbabwe. Here diamonds are one of the main sources of income for the rich; the poor just work to death (literally) to dig them up from the mines. Many people here have died in the name of furtune in diamonds....for those of you who are movie goers....see "Blood Diamonds".....your perception of diamonds may change from good (or you ladies great) to not so good. Anyways, the memorial is an inposing granite staircase flanked by giant lions and and overlooking the Cape Flats and Table Bay. We then had a simple English breakfast and enjoyed the view from atop and then took off.
Now for some animals....of which we have see little to none so far!! We drove about 25 miles to Boulders Beach. Here is where we viewed the large breeding colony of jackass (African) penguins that settled here in the early 1980s. No, I did not make up the jackass part, although I giggle evertime I think about it. It was a main attraction and worth the drive. Here you see hundreds of jackasses wondering the beachside, some laying on their egg, some walking about, and some just enjoying the African sun. They are very cute, we took photos to share with you but as most of you know, being here is much different than any photo we can take.....after the visit to the penguins, sadly to say we received some horrible news from the States via text message....news that I have been waiting for and news that once received, is harder to take than one ever expects....
Our dear and most loved friend Deena has passed away and I still tremble typing the words because I believe I am still in denial since I am so far away. As I was told by Rhett the news the world got very small, and I couldn't understand it and it was very hard for me to hear. Just as I was in the middle of my somber moment and in my own solace, a group of African men started singing the most beautiful African song acapella. The timing was such that I felt that they were singing it to us, to comfort us in our time of sadness....I sat in front of them with tears starting to fall, the words I did not understand, but in my own mind and sadness, I understood the meaning as a farewell the a good friend of ours, a friend who I will not forget and who I carry her spirit with me here at the tip of the world and in the land of South Africa. It is impossible for us to leave for this, since we are so far and we had known of her illness prior to leaving....We did go to the hospital prior to our departure and said our farewells. Farewell to you Deena, we love you and hope that your spirit lays in a better place. We thank you for your friendship and for your laughter.
Soon afterwards, we had to leave the little town with the little jackasses and off to another place where as stated earlier, to the tip of South Africa in the Table Mountain National Park. The place is called Cape Point and it is the end of point of Africa - only to be separated by the Atlantic Ocean (and Antarctica) finding South America. Glorious and majestic are the views, with mountains, babboons (which we DID NOT SEE, only plenty of signs warning us), birds of plenty, and the ocean. Here the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is most famous for Cape Point, the farthest tip of the Cape Peninsula. The usually windswept reserve can be pretty bleak, but the coastal views are arresting and the beaches are almost deserted. We stayed there until the park closed and could have used a couple more hours just to take in the beauty but we had to leave as it was getting dark and we didn't want to drive back through any shanty towns.
Along the road tip home we did see ostriches and impalas which roamed along the landscape as we would see deer in the States. Very cool and very "National Geographic".
We finally made it back to Cape Town and had dinner at this place that was suggested by our landlord called Tank. The restaurant/bar had a giant TANK located in the middle with the ambiance of a modern color mix of blue and white.... I had pasta (shocking) and Rhett had ostrich (probally one that we had seen earlier alive along our trip - he did say YUMMMMM as we drove by them come to think of it) , even more shocking for me...but a typical meal here in South Africa. In fact the eggs of the birds are used by the artist to paint on and sell to toursit. I hear the egg itself is delicious but I will not explore the opportunity nor we I eat the meat. Rhett really enjoyed it and I believe he would eat it again should he have the chance.
This was a long day and now we are off to the wine country of South Africa to try some local wine and take in more sites.
Bye for now and wish us luck on our next journey....
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Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Cape Town - Day 1
We are finally in Cape Town, South Africa! First of all, for those of you who don't know much about Cape Town (I was certainly one!) it is the oldest city in southern Africa and is regularly heralded as one of the most beautiful on earth. It has mountainous slopes sustaining the world's most varied botanic kingdom (like 9,000 species) and it overlooks lush green valleys carpeted with vines... the drive into Cape Town first was a modern freeway surrounded by slums but that turned into a modern city surrounding Table Mountain which kind of looks like Diamond Head in Hawaii.
Cape Town is physically separated from the rest of the continent by a barrier of mountains. The look is kinda like California, but once you see the people, you know you're not in Kasas anymore!!
The flight here was long, though. Heathrow airport was easier to get out than we expected (not out of Terminal 5 for you news junkies, thank God), we did not have our bags checked and, for the most part, it was easy to get on the plane. The 12 1/2 hour flight here was long but we made the best out of it and slept as much as possible.
Today in Cape Town we toured Green Market where the locals sell everything from art work, wooden sculptures (like masks), statues of warriers and other sellable goods. At first it was really cool but then became overwhelming because the eye is so stimulated with all this stuff that after some time, we had to just walk away. The art of negotiations is key here. Everyone selling tells us that we are "the first customer" or they "will give us a good price". In all a bit overwhelming and we are certainly not at Macy's nor Nordstroms any longer.
We still have not seen any animals but there is plenty of time. For now we are in a big city but later we will adventure out and see more....the people are very nice so far. The combination of whites and dark Africans is common here in Cape Town but later we will certainly stand out in the crowd.
Nicole (Rhett) and I have rented a lovely apartment that is near the water and although some of the luxuries we have become accustomed to are missing, the overall experience has been worth it even with the loss of a bellman and roomservice.
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Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Cape Town, South Africa
Weather is dry, warm, maybe 75.
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Monday, April 07, 2008
Harrods, tubes and aliens oh my!
Today we were greeted with snow, something that rarely happens here they say...most of you had much better weather than we but at least we are seeing London. Here for those of you who don't know, most everyone rides the Tube, an equivalent to the train or El. I have been all over taking the Tube...we bought an all day pass and have used it well. It started with a trip to Nightsbridge, where we shoped and toured Harrods, a famous shopping store that is very fancy and has everything from diamonds to an oyster bar for a light snack. The candy section looked like something out of Willy Wonka and the Chocalate Factory very cool and very colorful..along with an ice cream shop that is majestic and eye candy for children I am sure! Anyway, it was very cool.
People around here are everywhere, most people always go out and unlike Americans, the b
Brits love to hang outside no matter what the weather is like. After our shopping experience started where the rich shopped, we then took the Tube to another area called Camden Town where the scenery completely changed! Home to the punkrockers and hippies with plenty people watching to do! We hooked up with our friends and had lunch and did more shopping...this time the sellables were pipes, tshirts, and a bunch of cool vintage wherables. The place is called Camden Market where we saw a young gils shooting a music video, punkers walking around shopping for pink hairspay and shinny pants with tall ass shoes, people who look like Billy Idol. There is even a store called CyberDog that is best explained as... a store for aliens?! We could by an outfit to make Battlestar Galactica proud! That is about it for now, talk to you soon.
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Saturday, April 05, 2008
(post by Andy)
Hello from London! Paris and Nticole and doing well. Our flight went smoth and after 7 hours in flight we have landed. Our room, as most of you can imagine, is spectacular! Today we walked down Oxford Street, with double decker red buses, dark red phone booths, traditional black cat London taxis that are all in the shape of PT Cruisers. (fun) Later we hooked up with our fabulous friends Peter (who is insane) and Danielle (who is insane for marring him) and joned them for a late lunch at a Pub to celebrate their frinds (Byron) birthday. We arrived just as the family style meal was served, pot roast, roasted vegetables and beef - and beer, of course, lots of beer! Now we are off to two big clubs to disco the night away...yeah right we probably will pass out by midnight, but we are sure going to try! For now, I am typing you from Danielle's totally cool loft....very nice, and getting ready to go to Convent Garden to the Detroit bar and then later to Heaven...big night club that never stops bumpin until God knows when....oh my.
Cheers for now! Paris and Nicole ( Rhett & Andy)
Monday, March 17, 2008
Lunch at Decatur and Gov. Nicholls
Last night we went to Snug Harbor, the Spotted Cat and more bars on Frenchmen Street. Great music and beer and everyone out having a great time. Sad to go home tomorrow.
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Saturday, March 15, 2008
New Orleans
In the first hour I met Ray Nagin and talked to him about the city. He faid the first time they got money from the feds was November 2007. He also said he was with Bill Clinton this morning and Bill wasn't overly confident for Hillary.
Tonight, dinner at Nola and some time at the casino.
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Saturday, March 08, 2008
Santiago
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Sunday, March 02, 2008
Siésta en Mendoza
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Boarding flight to Mendoza
Check out how close the airport is to the city!
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Three days in Buenos Aires... what to do?
Well, I had to work so it hasn't been quite as easy as vacation. I found the first day to be tough due to the time change (4 hrs ahead of Chicago) and my flight was delayed by 12 hours. AA was just a nightmare to deal with and their customer service was rude. But at least I slept in my own bed before I left.
We had major rain on Thursday - check out the article in the Buenos Aires Herald: http://www.buenosairesherald.com/argentina/note.jsp?idContent=472500
but in Recoleta it was just wet with no flooding.
Saturday I woke up late, went shopping and then roamed around the city. Strangely I tried to exchange cash (Dollars to Pesos) -> just a little bit. But the hotel wouldn't cash it and they directed me to a place that then required my passport to exchange US$50 to A$. Sorry, but I don't carry my passport with me. I gave up and went to the Citibank on the corner. It's my bank but Citi has pretty hefty exchange fees that show up on my monthly statement. While safer than carrying cash it is more expensive. I tried to be smart and take cash this time but now I can't cash it without my passport!! Strange.
Today I am flying Aerolineas Argentinas which is a truly terrible airline. I am going to do a web checkin to hopefully speed the process at the airport. I just hope it isn't too delayed. Off to Mendoza where the weather should be much better, dry and hot like California. Today I'll just relax on the plaza and prepare for tomorrow's meetings.
Mi espanol is muy mejor que mi visito pasado. Quando hablo con la ama de casa es en espanol en total!
The Aerolineas Argentinas line at Ezeiza Airport last year. This was during the terrible weather and then subsequent flight. This year weather is better and no strike... please Lord don't let me be on this!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Ok, so I've been here many times.
Today, the GM picked me up at the airport - I was meeting the hotel staff at a new hotel they are constructing on the edge of town, near the airport. A big convention hotel, 800 rooms with massive meeting space the size of Soldier Field.
The only people I know in town are those at the Hyatt. Once I ran into the GM of the Hyatt Lodge at the Hyatt Acapulco, but of course that was Hyatt-at-a-Hyatt. But as I entered the new hotel, the Director of Convention Services says "well, look who they allowed in here..." and it was Aaron Rush, my brother's college roommate's cousin. We went on vacation together in Palm Springs like 12 years ago, and I haven't seen him since. What a small world. So it was fun, we caught up on everything. He's married, has two kids - and his closest friend in Acapulco is the General Manager at the Hyatt, of course!
The wierdest thing is when Aaron said, "and Daniel met Steve Tobiczyck last month..." another buddy of my brother's from college. How wierd!
It is a small world...
Friday, November 23, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
It has been 12 years since I was last in Puerto Rico; I lived here once for two months installing a computer system at what were two Hyatt hotels. They are now deceased; this time, Andy has taken me to El Conquistador Resort. Definitely we're spoiled; the hotel is OK but definitely a step below a Hyatt in terms of quality. That being said, they "upgraded" us to Las Casitas which are little homes in a quiet area of the resort, with kitchens et al. While not exactly luxurious, it is nice to be in a private area.
The resort does have one awesome feature - you can take a boat to a private island which is straight out of "Gilligans Island." Just some beach chairs under palm trees, a bar and a basic restaurant, with reggae music and not much else.
We also rented a car and went up to El Yunque Rain Forest and hiked a mile down to a waterfall. Awesome, and a quick drive (even though the signs are poor and we got a little lost as the hotel's directions were not right)... As we were walking down the path, a downpour happened and we got drenched. Funny thing was that I was walking and you could here a huge explosion from above. Andy froze and I started to run, and no joke, but 2 seconds behind me a massive dead palm frond fell on the trail behind me. Two seconds later and I totally would have been hit; wouldn't have injured me but definitely would have hurt. It probably was dead for years and needed just the right amount of rain water to collapse onto the trail.
Not much to do the next few days.... just pool and sun...
Adios!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Monday, September 03, 2007
So here I am in Spartan Stadium, a gorgeous 80 degree and sunny day. Perfect day for a home opener... a little uncertain given we have a new coach, but 21-0 into the first quarter, I'm feeling a little better (this IS Michigan State - I turn to Larry begging for more points, since we CAN lose even 30 points ahead - but there is comfort seeing our new coach/team kick some butt).
But my attention keeps getting diverted to the scoreboard... Appalachian who? Leading Michigan? Well... it won't last...
State is up by 50 points at the start of the 4th. Meanwhile, that scoreboard beckons - Appalaichain State (where is that?) is leading Michigan! We have to go see... off to the Riv, and we get in just for the last 4 minutes. Priceless. When that final kick is blocked, the Riv ERUPTED IN JOY.
I really don't think Michigan fans have any idea how much they are loathed. On You Tube, people all over the country are showing their fans cheering Michigan's loss. Not just their rivals - no, it's everyone everywhere.
God is shining on college football this weekend. Our prayers are answered... this was enough to make anyone religious. What utter joy.
And to put it all in perspective - Notre Dame also got massacred -their worst opening day in their school's history.
As such, I am putting a permanent link to the Appalachian State-UM video onto my blog. This is history that shouldn't be forgotten. As bad as things have been at Michigan State, at least we've never lost to a Division 1-AA program.
Thank you God. Up yours, Michigan. You got what you've long deserved.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
(photo below of me overlooking
the island at the office)
Three days of incredible work... this island is so focused on business, it really has a South American feel instead of Caribbean feel. There is still the je m'en fîche attitude of the Islands but there is so much business here that they can't help but be caught up in it. The city has some of that charming Caribbean architecture of peaked roofs, decorative wrought iron railings and shutters, but it's next to modern cement buildings. And you'll see poor stores and shops right next to a BP office. Quite the juxtaposition.
- everything's expensive. Lunch at TGI Fridays (yes, I did go, and no, it wasn't exciting - again, hard to find good food) was $30 a person including tax/tip.
- people are always smiling and very laid back. no sense of stress.
Best part of the trip: dinner at the Indian Restaurant, Aspara. Phenominally good food, great atmosphere, clean and the service was amiable and attentive.
Some photos:
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Friday, August 03, 2007
Mendoza - Snow in August
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Mendoza, Argentina(my room at the Park Hyatt pictured to the right)
Getting here was such a challenge. Our plane landed in Santiago in fog so thick you couldn't see one foot outside the window. I can't believe we even landed. We did, and then I got stuck in the Santiago Airport Admirals Club for 4 1/2 hours waiting for my delayed flight. They kept changing the gates on us, first 19 then 18 then 17a then 20 then 17. To be fair, the fog was causing problems I am sure, but they were very disorganized.
My air travel this year has been a bit chaotic. Non stop delays. You have to be patient in South America, the infrastructure needs major upgrades. Sadly, it's best in Chile, which tells a lot. Generally I don't have that kind of experience in Santiago - only everywhere else. Like I wrote in an earlier blog, we take such things for granted - that if a flight is delayed or canceled, at least we are kept informed. They didn't even have the gate posted until 5 minutes before boarding. Typical.
Mendoza is charming as always, but I'm seeing none of it other than looking out the window of my meeting room. Work work work. I love the Winter here - sunny and 60 degrees. It's like a beautiful Fall day in Chicago, but instead it is the dead of Winter. Very comfortable and a nice change from 90 degrees and humid in Chicago. This time, the air is so dry my nose is bleeding. Strange.
Well, off to work. I have 15 columns of data in a spreadsheet to update. What a joy.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Well, funny thing about traveling to the developing world. You always have to expect challenges in everyday life. Things that we take for granted in the USA are really not like that in most of the world.
For instance, try explaining that you want a regular coffee with milk. I'm talking Maxwell House here. More often than not, it is the size of those tiny airplane liquor bottles. One sip and you are done. Or, try going for walk without having anyone look at you... Americans can never blend in. I try but my blond hair and bad Spanish get me every time.
So I get to the airport thinking wow, I am tired after working all day and my flight gets in at 10.40PM. There have been talks on my flight from Dallas about how my 3 hour delay is due to the circa 1950 radar system here... And what do I get tonight? Another 3 hour delay due to radar. Now my flight is due to arrive at 1.30 am with an hour drive to hotel. Check out the photo.
Thank God there is a bar!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Finally the Hyatt Regency Cancun is open, only 19 months later... the hotel looks great and nothing like it was before, the transformation is startling. Very urban and hip - clean lines, modern furniture and a great lounge off the lobby with awesome lighting and a view of the entire peninsula - with that incredible multicoloured water every shade of blue possible. You can hear the jazz-house music pumping in right when you get to the lobby, it creates a great sense of arrival.
Too bad the weather is cloudy and supposed to rain all day. And it is my day off! I have to get work done, so I'll probably just work most of today and explore the hotel more.
Excited to see that Chicago will be competing for the 2016 Summer Olympics! Very cool... there is a great video to check out at http://www.chicago2016.org/chicago_video.aspx
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Here goes with a synopsis of what took place....
First I would like to admit, that Mr. Hirko and myself looked rather dashing in our black and white tuxedo suits. I am still refusing to wear my underwear until Britney puts hers on, but for the most part we fit in fine. The tuxedo service the hotel hooked us up with was fantastic, they came to our room, took our measurements and then returned back to our room with full pressed suits and shoes ready to go to the ball. The cost for both rentals was $500.00 ! Holly Crap. Thank goodness that the hotel picked up the tab because when we saw the bill our mouths dropped.
We left the hotel about 11:30 in the hotel car that swooped us away. Once we got to the ballroom, it was like a scene from E or Hollywood ! Stars, Media, Entertainers, Politicians, we were all in the same line. We were right in the middle of it all, there were no VIP lines, since we were all VIP's- and there was Rhett and I with our golden ticket in hand.
It was a sea of men dressed like penguins and some local wealthy women but mostly Brazilian Vogue models (including Gisele Bundchen), wearing the latest Brazilian fashionable outfit parading around waiting to be noticed. These women were gorgeous, so pretty that Rhett and I were in awe even though we didn't know who they were.
It was actually good that we didn't know who the stars were and who was celeb. We were all equally important because we all had the exact same invitation in hand and people just assume that you are important or you wouldn't be there. I think if it was Hollywood, we could have been star struck. Imagine the red carpet kind of feel...with little old Rhett and I in our little old tuxes smack in the middle of it !
The building itself had large gates that entered the ballroom, six giant white pillars that held up the canopy where all of us waited in line for about another hour (even the stars). The guest list held more that 1500 people and all over were models prancing around waiting for the next person to take a photo of them. The main singer (the main attraction) was just in front of us as she was escorted in wearing a feathered mask (carnival) as the media interviewed her and took photos.
Once we passed security and the front door, now 1 a.m., the ballroom consisted of two large rooms, in total about 10-15,000 square feet, decked out in feathers and other Carnival decorations. In one of the rooms, a large stage that continuously had some type of entertainer playing music which had the whole room in a trance of samba and other forms of Brazilian, carnival music. Keep in mind, no VIP rooms so all these models, and other very important people in the fashion industry and so on...they were all around us and the cool thing was that no one had an attitude. They thought we were just as VIP as them so everyone was really cool. Red Bull, Johnny Walker, Stella Artois " Brazilian Beer", and Champagne filled the room as they were sponsors. The buffet tables were overflowing with caviar ( yucky), sweets, finger sandwiches and much, much more. All the bells and whistles were thought of for this event and considering the guest list, I am sure it was just enough.
Rhett had to drag me out about 4 a.m. I was having such a blast meeting people and I must admit, I had one to many Vodka/Redbulls. I am glad that we went home when we did, otherwise I would have been praying to the toilet if I had one more..Everyone was wasted, the bar was continuously filling our glasses hour after hour non-stop. I came to find out that this was the biggest carnival event in Sao Paulo and Vogues 5Th year holding it in their city. Fun. Fun. Fun.
The music had the whole place in a trance and it looks like everyone was having a great time, some people too much fun. Waisted.
So today we just hung out by the pool then for lunch, had a traditional Brazilian lunch (happens every Saturday) consisting of Pork, Rice, and Beans. This is what most locals eat on Saturday but not the ideal food for hangovers. Can you say FART?
After lunch we went to another art and antique fair which after 2 hours, we just were so beat that we are now back in our room and ready to crash on the sofa and chill in for the night.
That is it for now..... Sorry so long winded email but I can to emphasize the party since it was so impressive. The photos week too were not as impressive since the room was so smokey that the photos we took inside suck...we do have some to share. Everyone smokes here and boy oh boy do they like to drinky drink too.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Sao Paulo
(posting by Andy) - Photo of typical traffic in Sao Paulo.
Hello all.
Well, the rain has finally caught up to us. Gotham city ( Sao Paulo, Brazil ) has been getting a bunch of rain but we did not see it until last night. Although this feels like a good life, it can get lonely in a big hotel. This place is so wonderful (400 rooms). Modern, very swanky, and the services is fantastic.
We really do get taken care of like Paris Hilton around here. Check this out....during my stay at the pool, the cleaning service cleaned our room, cleaned and pressed all of our clothes and folded them...including our undies. We have fresh flowers in every room (3 rooms) in the dozens, and they took all of our dirty clothes and had them washed and pressed without being asked. At first, I felt weird about it because I do not like being taken care of like that, but that is just how they roll around here for us. Having Rhett here is the reason why they are so good to us....but the service outside of that is fantastic. This is one of the most expensive hotels in Sao Paulo so that is what you get for your bucks. $$$$$
The downside, just as in Paris Hilton is that they do everything for you that you really have no responsibilities and you can learn to rely on everyone to take care of all your needs. Sounds great to some of you I am sure, but its not the life for me...
Saturday, February 03, 2007
(posting by Andy)
The beach is packed and can you say speedo and thong anyone? If you know about Rio you can probably imagine what the beaches look like around here. The people are so amazingly tan and the only thing to really do around here, since its so hot (90 degrees and humid) is go to the beach or lay by the pool. When I say hot I mean it folks, men walk around everywhere without shirts, some not so flatering, and women in their bikinis, also some not so flatering but who cares....it's hot! The sand castles made by the local artist on the beach look grand and amazing. Theses sandsculptures are enormous and they are spectacular to look at...one was a castle, one was a giant mermaid and so on.... I think they spend all day with teams of people to make them....will find out more tomorrow.
Since we have taken over 600 photos the battery on our camera ran out so we blew half the day today searching for a new one but finally found it at a mall. During this quest we had a chance to see some of the town and also the beach. We have three beaches near our hotel....Leblon, Ipanema (as in the song) and finally Copacabana (also famous). Our hotel is right on the water and our pool is really nice and that is where we will spend some time each day for the next few days prior to touring and sight seeing.
We just heard about the weather in Chicago and I hope you are all bundled up....sorry. We will try to bring some of the hot sun with us when we return in less than two weeks. Our journey is long but the time is going by rather quickly....boo hoo.
Tonight we went to the downtown "Centro" (not safe at all- only with a cab...and right into the club) to check out a samba/bossa-nova club with live music (highly recommended by friends and Wallpaper magazine). Check out the scene...it had three floors, the first where you can have dinner and listen to a live band play local samba/bossa-nova music and the other two a bar where you can hear the music from the floors below. The ambiance was a throwup of antiques, garage finds, and wall to wall of yard sale finds. If it sounds wierd, well it was. The tables where little but nice and the place was packed...so packed that you needed to wait to get in by the time we left. Right in the middle of the ghetto where from time to time, we spotted the police that guard the streets with machine guns. We are definately not in Kansas any more. I kinda freaked out because I seldom feel unsafe and for some reason, I did not. But, we are safe and sound and back at the hotel ready for another adventure tomorrow.
Friday, February 02, 2007
(posting by Andy)
Well today we went on another journey and to another country- Brazil. Yesterday we viewed the Iguazu Falls from Argentina, today the views were just as spectacular as yesterday but a bit different.... From Argentina, we were basically in the falls and in the water, from Brazil, we could see the falls from afar and they looked so awesome. Although just across the country, the views were just as wonderful. We could see them from afar so we got the panoramic views rather that being in them and on them. The photos we will share will explain more....wait to you see them!
As for the jungle part, the woods were denser and the animals were plentiful. These racoon-like creatures ("coatis") were all over the place, begging for food and looking as cute as can be.....but feeding them was not a good idea, they can and will bite ya if you feed them because of course, they want more. So, we just looked and shot photos of them....so cute. As we journeyed into the forest other creatures like Vultures and butterflies were plentiful. Sounds cheesy but its really cool when they land on you and when you see the vibrant colors they display as they flap their wings.
80% of the falls are on the Argentina side so they adventure was not as long as yesterday's but the weather was damn hot. We think it got to 90 or higher but what saved us was the Brazilian side was under a canopy of forest so the shade saved us from passing out. Some of the tourists took helicopter rides over the falls but we opted not to. Kinda scary and most of all too expensive for us at this point. We still have about two weeks so we need to keep an eye on our spending...wait, did I just say that? Oh, Rhett would be so proud.
After the falls we went to a bird sanctuary and there we visited all types of cool birds and we even had a chance to hold some. Toucans, Macaws, African Grey's, and much much more. These are large parrots that come from these parts and are very expensive to buy at home. The Toucans just fly right up to you and they are just as inquisitive of humans as we are of them... and the colors of their beaks are magnificent...blues and reds and orange and more. Once again, we shot some photos of them and other creatures we have seen along the way.
It's our last night here in the jungle and tomorrow we will go to Brazil- Rio for the next five days. If you didn't know Rio- it's the second largest city in Brazil and its cultural capital. The flip flops are going back in the suitcase and big city here we come. Seriously though, we need to be safe and careful and we will be. We have met many people along the way that got jumped and we need to not where any jewelry and watch our backs....we are pretty good about that and thus far, know one has messed with us. We never keep all of our money on us and we always have some in the front pocket and some in the back so if something should arise, we will show them all we have ( in one pocket only). Tip of the trade.
We have been going so long that we will spend most of the day at the pool prior to our flight to Rio. Believe it or not, we have not layed out for about 7 days, toooo busy doing the sights, but have plenty of sun on our faces and arms. I believe we have an awesome farmers tan....need to touch up the whitey parts tomarrow.
We hope to write soon. If any of these emails are bothering you folks, just let us know so we can take you off the list. For the most part, everyone has enjoyed following along with us on our journey.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
(posting by Andy)
The mighty Iguassu FallsHello Amigos from the jungles of Argentina.
Well we went on our journey today to Iguazu Falls and all we can say is WOW-EE. The mighty Iguazu Falls are the most overwhelmingly in all of South America. There are two ways of visiting the falls, one side from Argentina, and the other from Brazil. Today we did the Argentina side. On both sides of the falls there are National Parks. The journey took all day, about 8 hours which consisted of close views of the individual falls in their forest setting with its wildlife and butterflies (there are over 500 diffferent species). It's so cool...if you're lucky, and most are, you stretch out your arm and one will land on you. The colors are vibrant and so many that just float past us as we journey through the jungles and falls. The water is majestically beautiful and the closer you get to them, the closer to God ( of your choice) you get. We took this journey with a family we met from Florida and from time to time they started to cry it was so overwhelming. Rhett shed a tear too but he would never admit it.....he had something in his eye.....what a big girl. Seriously folks, one of the greatest wonders....we took many photos but even they will not serve it justice. Also among this scenery were Toucans, flocks of parrots and ther birds such as Vultures and many other over our heads. The Vultures were pretty scary and we made sure we drank plenty of water to avoid passing out and getting eaten by the bastards. We also had the pleasure of taking a boat in the water which took us nearly under the falls....totaly got us drenched and so much fun. Rhett really loved the ride and we have a video of us going under them. There are so many animals in the forest but unfortunately we didn't see the ones we really wanted to. It is so hard to describe, but truly overwhelming - huge, WOW experience.
Tomorrow we are off to the Brazilian side offers a superb panoramic view of the whole falls... and a visit to a bird zoo in the national park.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
(posting by Andy)
Hello to all from Iguazu falls Argentina.
Last night we went to a real Tango show and it was really, really cool. It made dancing with the stars look like crap...these people live for the dance and it's very sexy and romantic. The setting was a red velvet room with red velvet drapes and they make it smoky to give you the feel of the old, tango days. Not that we would know but the hotel told us that it was the real thing and the room had people from all over the world to see the show. There was a five piece band that played while the dancers did their thing and a male and female performer sang. It reminded me of my godfather who played the accordion because the band had two of them. We highly suggest it if you are ever in Argentina. The tickets were about $100 a person, but worth it.
We have now taken 5 airplanes to get the the remote center of the jungles of Argentina/Brazil. In short, it's hot, humid, and the mosquito's are loving our blood. Igauzu falls is one of the greatest wonders of the world, the falls, on the Argentina/Brazil border, are 10 miles upstream from the confluence of the Rio igauzu and the Rio alto parana. The Rio igauzu which rises in the Brazilian hills receives the waters of some 30 rivers as it crosses the plateau. Above the main falls, the river sown with wooded islets, opens out to a width of 2.5 miles.....if you have ever been to Niagara Falls, it's small compared to where we are. In the morning we are getting picked up by a tour bus and it will take us to where we can see Toucans (birds), Parrots and other wildlife that we only see in zoo's in America. We have traveled from the big city of Argentina and the jungle is much different. This town is small and pretty much dead and very poor. If it was not for these falls, I do not think many people would come here. We are far....very far in the depths of nothing but forest. The real thing folks, the jungle! One day we will go to the falls from the Argentina side and the next day we go from the Brazil side. I imagine the photos will be amazing and I will keep you posted as we go along. For now we are safe, and we are no longer in a fancy hotel but in a small hotel with no luxuries that we have been accustomed to. Our high heel pumps have been put away and the flip flops are on and chugin along.
Rhett is doing better and taking his medication. The doctor put him on a special diet until his tummy gets better.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
(posting by Andy)
I just wanted to quickly update everyone regarding Rhett's health status. The doctor said that he has a common bacteria in his tummy called gastro enteritis. It is common around these parts and it can get passed around when around a bunch of people which we always are. One of the employees at the hotel said she had is a few days ago...so he is o.k.
He picked up some over the counter drugs and should be fine in a couple of days. It's actually good news because when traveling so far and with so many diseases around the world, this one is not big deal. A bit painful but easy to overcome.
(posting by Andy)
Today was a bit somber but a trip well done. We visited the grave site of Eva Peron otherwise known as Evita. The name of the cemetery is called Recoleta and she placed with her husband Juan Peron in a black marble mausoleum that had simple details but very tasteful. For those of you who do not know who she was, and have never seen the movie staring "Madonna", she was the wife of Juan Peron ( President) who worked hard for the people, especially the poor. There were many people waiting to see her from all over the world and flowers upon flowers are placed on her site daily....very beautiful. She made a big impact to the people here...and she probably still does today.
At first the cemetery although beautiful, seemed a bit eerie because of all the big stone mausoleums. Hardly anyone is buried in the ground here...mostly in mausoleums or in stone walls. The people buried in them don't skip on the details of there last resting place...we have photos. Some of the mausoleums had photos of the dead on them, strangely most were made with glass where you can actually see the coffins that have been in them for 10, 50, and 100 years or more. Some had been buried there longer than America is old. We peeked in some of these Moslem's and the look of the wood coffin showed their age....some of the coffins had been exposed to the sun and air so long that vegetation is growing out from them. I suppose like in the case of my experience with Italy and their cemeteries, for those who did not have the money to be buried in one of these enormously detailed mausoleums, they are placed in stone walls with little photos of themselves or saints on them as well as there name. Not as scary as you would think...just the way things are done here. It's actually interesting.
We are now waiting for a doctor to visit Rhett in our hotel, unfortunately he is still not up to par and we need to get more details on his stomach situation...I/we will keep you posted on the doctors evaluation. Do not worry, he is fine, but from time to time, his tummy really hurts and we just need the details prior to our departure to Brazil. His work friend who lives here will make sure the doctor understands the problems Rhett is having and make sure we understand the medication we need to take...it's always nice to have a trust able translator when so far away from home.
More to come, we have you all in our hearts and that is why we share our travels with you.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
(posting by Andy) - photo of our hotel to the right
Hello everyone from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Well we have two more days until we are out of here and wanted to update you on our experiences up to date...... Yesterday we toured the town and had a nice breakfast in street cafe.....it's easy just hunging out and watching people. The weather here is killer and the people are sexy as hell so people watching is fine by us. I can not figure it out why most people all look like stars and models?
Only about 5% of the people here have a good job, for the most part they sell stuff on the street or just have a job to get by. People are not recognized or labled by their jobs so just having a job is good enough. "live for life, not for work"
In the afternoon, we hung out at a place called Fieria Hippie, it's a place where a great deal of artist sell their stuff on the street...to tell you the thruth, it's all really nice and the prices are really doable too. You ladies would love it because everyone sell jewelery...silver and stones......for men it's leather stuff for the most part. The people who sell it are true artists so maybe that is why they look like hippie's....I guess that is where the name came from. People here are very poor but very cool and don't complain for the most part. They all are nice when you visit their shop and never pressure us to buy from them. It's not like Mexico where you barter for the better price and they all presurre you to BUY, BUY, BUY. (for those of you who have experienced that). Here you just pay what they ask because we know how little they are paid. Besides, the prices are good and we just feel guilty asking. When I say poor, I mean they really make no money but unlike us cranky Americans so worried about making money and having big stuff, they are laid back, and just want to live and love....sound corney but these people are lovers of life. Remember, they are the creators of the Tango. After all, I guess when you never have all the material stuff we have, you never really want or know what your missing.
Interior design is big here....we had lunch and later hung out where most designers sell stuff like art, furniture, and other things for the home. I saw a lamp that I could not resist....now that we have this big box in our hotel room, I need to figure out how to get it home in ONE piece...wish us luck. Italian food and people are big and all over in Argentina so we have had Italian food a couple of times and its really good.
Later that evening, we hung out with some of Rhett's work buddies who live here. They took us to an area of town called Soho Parlermo (not in Italy), shopped and went to a cafe/bar to hang out they way the local townies hang out....really laid back. People meet in bars to just talk and hang, not to get fucked or catch a buzz, even though it can be easy for us gringos to do. It's just how it is .....and how they like it. After that she took us to a place called Palermo Hollywood where the local stars and celebreties hang out....we lucked out and actually had dinner about 20 feet from the mayor of Buenos Aires! Sounds fancy but she said it is common to see him around and that he is actually a wierd guy....we also had a chance to meet this famous singer when we were in Mendoza but we have no clue who he was...but we knew they something was up with all the cameras and how the locals reacted around him.
That was it for that night....guys, we do alot during the day and night, and knowing people here makes it fun and even longer because the conversations are great and the night goes on until late.
Today was more of a hiking and chill day and the views were once again, awesome. We took a train to a town called Tigre were a bunch of islands are surrounded by water. The closes example I can say is like Venice, Italy. No gandela's, just waterbusses. We took one of these waterbuses to a couple of places...we had lunch on the water and then went hiking along a canal surrounded by little home that people rent and live in during the summer. The people there are more like beach people with guitars in hand, totally laid back, with long hair, great bodies, and killer tans...
It's now about 7 p.m. and we are totally tired and decided to hang out in our hotel tonight to chill and watch a movie. Oh, did I forget to mention that we are living in a real palace (not a royal palace but more of a mansion with a bang and olson sterio system which for those of you who do not know it, it's one of the best you can buy...so staying home will be a treat.
Sorry so long. Gatta go...room service is here and my live lobster is ready to be boiled in front of us...... that kind of service we get, but kidding on the lobster folks. Don't know what we are going to eat just yet.
We are still here for a couple more days...so will get back with you later. Our next stop is Rio (Brazil) and we herd that things are really dangerous right now but the hotel at Hyatt will make sure we are fine and safe.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
(posting by Andy)
Hola again from Buenos Aires, Argentina!
We are now safely in Buenos Aires. Have not wandered around yet because our flight got in late last night. Once again, our room is fitted for a King, or in our case, a QUEEN. Literally we are staying on a palace that was converted to a Park Hyatt last July. The room goes for about ONE THOUSAND a night but as all of you know, we get the five figure discount....life is good.
Argentina is known for the Tango, Empanada's (little pockets of pastries filled with meat and other various things) and the late night dinner. Here is what confuses the heck out of me.....people here eat dinner late (after 10:00 p.m) every night, they smoke cigs like they are going out of style, and eat well but for the most part, are all skinny and healthy. Cancer is not a common way of death here....it's old age. Isn't that strange? So for those of you who are on a diet, not smoking any longer, and not eating after 7 p.m. Go ahead.....it's o.k.
Today's adventure consist of hitting the town and going to a hippie fair which consists of vendors selling hand crafted goods and walking along a wonderful park. We will share of adventure with you through photos.
The sad news is...that Rhett unfortunately is still feeling ill. Not as bad as a few days ago but the tummy thing is still a problem. We are trying to figure out what the heck he has. He has no diarrhea but his tummy hurts....he thinks now that he may have some type of ulcer....but not sure of anything. Say a little prayer for him to get better.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Mendoza
(posting by Andy)
Picture to the right is the drive up to the Andes
Holy Cow is all I can say.
Imagine this......rafting through the Andes mountains (so high that it's hot as hell where you are standing but you can clearly see the snow top mountains) and cruzing at levels 3 and 4. For those of you who have not rafted....very fast and high energy throughout the ride....very cool. It took about 1 hour to get there by bus, we road tripped with about 10 people from all around the world and most could speak some form of English.
Unfortunately, Rhett did not go on the ride because he became ill. We still do not know what he caught but the bug went to his stomach. He was suited up, ready to go, and then rushed to the local hospital for some stomach medicine. do not worry please, he is doing better and I am so glad that he stop ed himself from going on...it would have been the terrible if he actually got on the ride because it was very rapid and he would have craped his paints. Literally. I think it was the local water that he must have drank? We still do not know but things like this are common when traveling far.....
Last night we met a friend that some of you named Dave already know. A very nice guy who owns his own wine vineyard and invited us to his property today for horse riding and a BBQ but we had to decline. We need rest at the pool (especially Rhett with his tummy), since we have been going non stop for two days and we have only completed one week out of four. Today we are going to check out the city and hang out locally near our wonderful hotel. That is it for now, tons of kick butt photos to share.
Some of you were curious on how much we won at the casino ( one million pesos!) Well we are not rich, and will not tell you until we see you. Mr. Scott Hirko (Rhett's brother) won the booby prize and guessed correctly!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
(posting by Andy)
We are now in Mendoza,Argentina in the wine country. Our room would make Oprah proud. We are living good as most of you would have figured. Sometimes when I look around the room which is bigger than most apartments here I can not help but feel guilty, yes I have photos too. Today we are going on a bike ride through the vinyards and going to enjoy some of the famous wine that Mendoza is known for and later, a thai massage.
We have only been gone about a week and knowing that we have another 3 weeks blows my mind because of all that we have done thus far. They say that after Mendoza the rest of the trip gets a bit dangerous.....we are always careful when we walk around. Once we get to Brazil we are limited on what we can do and must always be accompanied by a taxi or can only stay in the Hotel. We totaly look like Americans...there is not way around it. Everytime someone talks to us, they assume we are without even talking to us.
About Mendoza....wine anyone? The bar here holds over 2500 types of wines...they are serious about the stuff and the prices vary. Also, they are big on art and jewelery....so much that you become numb to it. Tomorrow we are going rafting and then going to fly through the air by haning on to a rope as it carries you from one side of a hill to another....they say it's awsome and the view will blow us away.
That is it for now...we will keep you posted as we go along.
Caio (this is their bye too)
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Vina Del Mar, Chile.(posting by Andy)
The hills of Valpariaso, Chile. Notice the funicular on the right - there are too many to count in the city going up and down the hills!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Santiago
Beautiful weather... sunny and mid80s. Had one too many glasses of wine last night, so Andy and I took it easy today and spent time by the pool. We also went to an area of artisans, really nice old area of tiny winding pathways with artisans selling paintings, wall hangings and jewelry. Plus an awesome empanada stand in the center of it all. Also a lot of pet stores, strangely - tons of cats, guinea pigs, macaws and birds of all types, chickens, peacocks, dogs, fish. Tons of pets!
Rhett in front of graffitti in the colorful BellaVista district of Santiago
Tomorrow off to Viña del Mar and Valparaiso...
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Lesson: do not travel on business the week after New Years. You will suffer the fate I did; huge lines at customs, baggage claim and for taxis along with everyone coming home from the Christmas/New Years holiday.
What should have taken only 45 minutes from airport door to hotel door took at least an hour and a half. Ugh.
All for a short trip; I'm gone tomorrow night to Philadelphia!
Take note: Park Hyatt Toronto still fantastic. Room service was great, employees greeted me as I walked down the halls and at the front desk with a smile and enthusiasm. Such a great hotel!
