Everyone admits that packing for a trip is one of the most painful parts of the experience. Endless lists (which often have a list themselves), agonising decisions about filling limited space and the inevitable panic at the airport or train station when you realise you've forgotten something. This isn't made any easier by the seemingly constant supply of pointless travel products cheerfully promoted by companies. All, naturally, claim to remove stress from your travel experience, demanding space in your already bulging suitcase.
So what are the biggest wastes of space that we've found? Let's keep the list short, for fear of hypocrisy following comments about packing...
Click here to have a good laugh!
http://www.escapedtoperu.com/english/useless-travel-gadgets.htm
viernes, 30 de abril de 2010
Border Crossings in Latin America - The Easy Way and the Hard Way!
The obese, sour faced Mexican official sweating gently in the tiny booth doesn't like the look of my passport. Bulging from within his damp uniform, he tells me that there is an irregularity with my visa stamp. Co-incidentally, there's also a problem with my travel companion's passport. Luckily, for a couple of hundred pesos per person, he can resolve the problem.
The border crossing between Belize and Mexico is not the nicest place to be. It's made even worse when the gatekeeper between Chetumal and Corozal tells you that you have two options; return to Mexico and get the proper paperwork, or pay his fee. Fuming, I slide the crumpled notes across the counter and the official mutters under his breath at the injustice of me asking for a receipt, which I never receive. I return back to our waiting taxi to find out that the driver has doubled our fare for the ten minutes spent arguing at the window.
Border crossings.
Some go well in Latin America, some don't. You're in unfamiliar surroundings with the intention to move into another country, not considering going back, and everyone at the border knows it. Sad but true, the best advice is not to trust anybody. Latin Americans are wonderful people, just not at the borders of their countries.
Latin American border crossings vary massively depending on many factors, including the officials present, the time of day and the number of people crossing. Despite this, there are very clear ways to make your crossing go smoother, or reduce the possibility of problems.
The Easy Way - Tour Company
The simplest way by far is to make your transit with a tour company. Sheparded by your representative, you probably won't even have to leave your bus seat. The same goes for crossings on long distance routes between large towns or cities in different countries; you won't be hunting around for transport connections or trying to get out of the border post or community. Staying on the bus or moving through immigration in a big group, you'll be in and out in no time. Anyone wanting to take advantage is much less likely to pick on a big group of tourists; all your paperwork will be processed together as well, and officials will be less likely to take the time to single you out.
The (possibly) Hard Way - Independently
Next up on the scale of difficulty is crossing solo or in a small group by public transport, or in your own vehicle. Some borders are surprisingly trouble free, for example the one between Colombia and Ecuador, but it's worth considering the following points:
• If you need to change currency, work out how much you need and do the calculations at the current exchange rate before you arrive. You will have a number in your head for reference to make sure you don't get ripped off by fast-talking changers with dodgy calculators.
• Pack your patience. Depending on the crowds you could be waiting as an individual traveller a lot longer than those arriving on a long-distance bus or with tour groups.
• Make 100% sure that your paperwork is in order. Do you have all the right documents for this particular border? Are you visas and stamps up to date, or have they expired? Don't give crooked officials the opportunity to find an 'irregularity'. You should check the requirements for your border in your guidebook or check a reputable travel forum.
• Bribes are an inevitable part of contact with administrators; for many of them its the only way to improve the miserable salaries that they are paid. Stay aware of any suspect diversions from procedure, and don't be afraid to challenge or call out corruption; you could try asking for a receipt (recibo) or even haggle the cost of the 'service charge' down. Cash is not the only solution either; countless travel forums suggest commodities to entice officials from gold watches to Playboy magazines...
• Keep photocopies of all your important documentation. You never know when they could be asked for, and it's much better to hand them over right away instead of see your papers disappearing into an office to be copied, never to return.
• If a good friend or a trustworthy travelling companion speaks Spanish, you'll find things a lot easier. However, if you don't speak the language, don't let lots of fast talking and hand-waving get you spooked. Take things slowly and use whatever means to communicate clearly and make sure that you understand, and are understood.
Has anybody had border-crossing horror stories? Are there any other tips or pieces of advice that you could add to our list? Perhaps we're being to pessimistic; give us some heartwarming comments below to restore our faith in border humanity!
The border crossing between Belize and Mexico is not the nicest place to be. It's made even worse when the gatekeeper between Chetumal and Corozal tells you that you have two options; return to Mexico and get the proper paperwork, or pay his fee. Fuming, I slide the crumpled notes across the counter and the official mutters under his breath at the injustice of me asking for a receipt, which I never receive. I return back to our waiting taxi to find out that the driver has doubled our fare for the ten minutes spent arguing at the window.
Border crossings.
Some go well in Latin America, some don't. You're in unfamiliar surroundings with the intention to move into another country, not considering going back, and everyone at the border knows it. Sad but true, the best advice is not to trust anybody. Latin Americans are wonderful people, just not at the borders of their countries.
Latin American border crossings vary massively depending on many factors, including the officials present, the time of day and the number of people crossing. Despite this, there are very clear ways to make your crossing go smoother, or reduce the possibility of problems.
The Easy Way - Tour Company
The simplest way by far is to make your transit with a tour company. Sheparded by your representative, you probably won't even have to leave your bus seat. The same goes for crossings on long distance routes between large towns or cities in different countries; you won't be hunting around for transport connections or trying to get out of the border post or community. Staying on the bus or moving through immigration in a big group, you'll be in and out in no time. Anyone wanting to take advantage is much less likely to pick on a big group of tourists; all your paperwork will be processed together as well, and officials will be less likely to take the time to single you out.
The (possibly) Hard Way - Independently
Next up on the scale of difficulty is crossing solo or in a small group by public transport, or in your own vehicle. Some borders are surprisingly trouble free, for example the one between Colombia and Ecuador, but it's worth considering the following points:
• If you need to change currency, work out how much you need and do the calculations at the current exchange rate before you arrive. You will have a number in your head for reference to make sure you don't get ripped off by fast-talking changers with dodgy calculators.
• Pack your patience. Depending on the crowds you could be waiting as an individual traveller a lot longer than those arriving on a long-distance bus or with tour groups.
• Make 100% sure that your paperwork is in order. Do you have all the right documents for this particular border? Are you visas and stamps up to date, or have they expired? Don't give crooked officials the opportunity to find an 'irregularity'. You should check the requirements for your border in your guidebook or check a reputable travel forum.
• Bribes are an inevitable part of contact with administrators; for many of them its the only way to improve the miserable salaries that they are paid. Stay aware of any suspect diversions from procedure, and don't be afraid to challenge or call out corruption; you could try asking for a receipt (recibo) or even haggle the cost of the 'service charge' down. Cash is not the only solution either; countless travel forums suggest commodities to entice officials from gold watches to Playboy magazines...
• Keep photocopies of all your important documentation. You never know when they could be asked for, and it's much better to hand them over right away instead of see your papers disappearing into an office to be copied, never to return.
• If a good friend or a trustworthy travelling companion speaks Spanish, you'll find things a lot easier. However, if you don't speak the language, don't let lots of fast talking and hand-waving get you spooked. Take things slowly and use whatever means to communicate clearly and make sure that you understand, and are understood.
Has anybody had border-crossing horror stories? Are there any other tips or pieces of advice that you could add to our list? Perhaps we're being to pessimistic; give us some heartwarming comments below to restore our faith in border humanity!
martes, 20 de abril de 2010
Ché Guevara - How Much Do You Really Know?
A good friend of mine from Argentina has a great Ché Guevara t-shirt. Beneath the iconic image of the revolutionary in bold letters are the words "No sé quien era, pero es la moda"; I don't know who he was, but it's fashionable.
El Ché has become the personification of rebellion and counter-culture, and you can find the world-famous photograph "Guerriero Heroico" printed on everything from posters to bikinis. Guevara no doubt would have despised the rampant consumerism built around his image having passionately pursued communist principles for most of his adult life.
We've all seen the photo, some have watched the movie and a few have even got the t-shirt, but how many of the following facts did you know about Ernesto Guevara?
1) Foreign Ché
Depite being instrumental in the Cuban revolution and poessing saint-like status amongst the Cuban population, Mr. Guevara was actually born in Rosario, Argentina. In reference to Che's "restless" nature, his father declared "the first thing to note is that in my son's veins flowed the blood of the Irish rebels", putting him about as far away from Cuban roots as a cup of Starbucks coffee. When you add to the mix that "Ché" comes from Argentinian slang meaning 'pal' or 'dude', you'll wonder why you ever thought our man was ever Cuban.
2)
Wheezy ChéFar from superhuman status, Guevara suffered from acute episodes of crippling asthma. In childhood, his fits were so frequent and violent that his family were forced to move from the damp coastal climate of San Isidro to the dry mountain region near Cordoba. His problems didn't stop him from being an athlete, enjoying swimming, soccer, golf and rugby. His asthma freqently incapacitated him on famous travels, documented in the 2004 film "The Motorcycle Diaries", and involment in active conflict in Latin America and Africa.
3)
Freebie ChéUpon capture in Bolivia, Ché was reputed to have shouted, "I am Ché Guevara, and I am worth more alive than dead!"He probably knew something we didn't, because Albert Korda, the photographer of the classic "Guerrillero Heroico" shot, never made a cent in royalties from his picture. Snapped at a memorial service, Albert was proud of the picture and hung it on his wall where it stayed until an Italian journalist asked if he could have it. Korda obliged, and the journalist dutifully used the image on a poster after Guevara's death, setting in motion the phenominal popularity that the photograph would eventually achieve.
4)
Sober ChéAlert Korda actually recieved $50,000 (which he donated to charity) as a result of a successful lawsuit with a British advetising agency who used Guevara's image to sell their vodka. He presumably saw this as the last straw following 40 years of happy-go-lucky abuse of his image because El Ché was a teetotaler; despite famously chugging on cigars for most of his life, he never touched a drink.
5)
No-votes ChéBefore we get all frothy about revolutionary spirit and the romance of rebellion, lets not forget that if we knew the full story about life under Guevara's administration, we probably wouldn't be voting him into a following term in office; during his tenure as Minister of Industry Cuba was forced to begin food rationing.
Don't expect much in the way of kissing babies and soft policies from Candidate Ché either; he stood out from his peers fighting Castro's cause in Cuba and was quickly promoted to comandante, where he enforced a zero tolerance policy toward deserters by sending execution squads to hunt them down. This was just a warm up for Guevara, and when he got into power he was appointed head of La Cabaña, a court in which he played judge, jury and executioner to purge Cuba of loyalists of the previous administration. Historians estimate that he did away with as many as 2000 people, and his activities earned him the cheery name of The Butcher of La Cabaña.
Love him or hate him, Ernesto Guevara's face isn't going anywhere; he'll be around on merchandise for a few years yet. It's always difficult to form opinions about a man how became famous as an image, a ghost associated with whatever people wanted to use him for, but hopefully these facts will have blown away a bit of the Cuban cigar smoke.
El Ché has become the personification of rebellion and counter-culture, and you can find the world-famous photograph "Guerriero Heroico" printed on everything from posters to bikinis. Guevara no doubt would have despised the rampant consumerism built around his image having passionately pursued communist principles for most of his adult life.
We've all seen the photo, some have watched the movie and a few have even got the t-shirt, but how many of the following facts did you know about Ernesto Guevara?
1) Foreign Ché
Depite being instrumental in the Cuban revolution and poessing saint-like status amongst the Cuban population, Mr. Guevara was actually born in Rosario, Argentina. In reference to Che's "restless" nature, his father declared "the first thing to note is that in my son's veins flowed the blood of the Irish rebels", putting him about as far away from Cuban roots as a cup of Starbucks coffee. When you add to the mix that "Ché" comes from Argentinian slang meaning 'pal' or 'dude', you'll wonder why you ever thought our man was ever Cuban.
2)
Wheezy ChéFar from superhuman status, Guevara suffered from acute episodes of crippling asthma. In childhood, his fits were so frequent and violent that his family were forced to move from the damp coastal climate of San Isidro to the dry mountain region near Cordoba. His problems didn't stop him from being an athlete, enjoying swimming, soccer, golf and rugby. His asthma freqently incapacitated him on famous travels, documented in the 2004 film "The Motorcycle Diaries", and involment in active conflict in Latin America and Africa.
3)
Freebie ChéUpon capture in Bolivia, Ché was reputed to have shouted, "I am Ché Guevara, and I am worth more alive than dead!"He probably knew something we didn't, because Albert Korda, the photographer of the classic "Guerrillero Heroico" shot, never made a cent in royalties from his picture. Snapped at a memorial service, Albert was proud of the picture and hung it on his wall where it stayed until an Italian journalist asked if he could have it. Korda obliged, and the journalist dutifully used the image on a poster after Guevara's death, setting in motion the phenominal popularity that the photograph would eventually achieve.
4)
Sober ChéAlert Korda actually recieved $50,000 (which he donated to charity) as a result of a successful lawsuit with a British advetising agency who used Guevara's image to sell their vodka. He presumably saw this as the last straw following 40 years of happy-go-lucky abuse of his image because El Ché was a teetotaler; despite famously chugging on cigars for most of his life, he never touched a drink.
5)
No-votes ChéBefore we get all frothy about revolutionary spirit and the romance of rebellion, lets not forget that if we knew the full story about life under Guevara's administration, we probably wouldn't be voting him into a following term in office; during his tenure as Minister of Industry Cuba was forced to begin food rationing.
Don't expect much in the way of kissing babies and soft policies from Candidate Ché either; he stood out from his peers fighting Castro's cause in Cuba and was quickly promoted to comandante, where he enforced a zero tolerance policy toward deserters by sending execution squads to hunt them down. This was just a warm up for Guevara, and when he got into power he was appointed head of La Cabaña, a court in which he played judge, jury and executioner to purge Cuba of loyalists of the previous administration. Historians estimate that he did away with as many as 2000 people, and his activities earned him the cheery name of The Butcher of La Cabaña.
Love him or hate him, Ernesto Guevara's face isn't going anywhere; he'll be around on merchandise for a few years yet. It's always difficult to form opinions about a man how became famous as an image, a ghost associated with whatever people wanted to use him for, but hopefully these facts will have blown away a bit of the Cuban cigar smoke.
lunes, 12 de abril de 2010
The Bolivian Water Wars - Corporations and Revolutions
One of our articles on the often strange goings-on in Bolivia.
http://www.escapedtoperu.com/english/bolivia-waterwars.html
http://www.escapedtoperu.com/english/bolivia-waterwars.html
lunes, 5 de abril de 2010
Altitude Sickness - Affects and Prevention
Our eager tourist, headed for Peru, decides to cram as much as possible into his travelling schedule. Flying into Lima at sea level he catches a connecting flight to Cusco, jumping up 3400m in an hour. He's got a headache when he wakes up in his hotel the next morning, but there's no time to waste. Without delay he straps on his walking boots and heads out on the Inca Trail, a route that takes him up to 4200m at times on the way to Machu Picchu. He's not feeling too good as the trekking group reaches the first high pass; in fact, he can't even find the strength to lift his feet. Sinking to his knees with his head throbbing, the veins in his forehead bulge and, BOOOOOM! His head explodes like a balloon full of jelly.OK, that last bit never happened. Nevertheless, being aware of the effects of altitude can make the difference between the trip of a lifetime and an unpleasant struggle.
Unfortunately, the might of modern medical research can still not fully determine the causes of altitude sickness. However, it is thought in general that the drop in density from the oxygen at higher altitudes means that the body can not get the supply it needs and proceeds to let you know about it.
Individuals can be affected at a range of different heights, but about 80% of people may feel affects at around 3000m above sea level. Although many will feel inclined to put themselves in the 20% minority and start waiting for pink froth to begin flowing from their mouth when they walk up a sea-side hill, effects (if they are felt or not) can be easily avoided and simple to deal with.
The first thing is to check the altitude of the region to which you will be travelling and ask your tour company for expert advice. Make sure the tour operator you choose is honest and responsible with regard to altitude. Your itinerary should not try to include too many drastic changes in altitude in a short time and should always leave a couple of days for acclimatization before starting trekking at over 3000m. Competent travel companies will try to plan your journey to gradually rise in altitiude where possible; for example in Peru the optimum route would be Lima, Nazca, Arequipa, Cusco, Puno. This may not be possible due to time restrictions but your travel advisor will do their best.
In any case if you are not above 2000m altitude sickness is very unlikely. The speed of ascent is the most important factor; heading uphill as slowly as possible reduces the risk. As we mentioned before it also helps to take it easy for at least a couple of days after making the ascent to altitude before launching yourself into anything too strenuous. Heavier breathing in the thinner air also causes dehydration, so drinking plenty of water and staying clear of alcohol-fuelled nights as you get higher will prevent problems.
Prevention is obviously the best measure, but if you get any of the following symptoms above 2400m including; lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, pins and needles, shortness of breath upon exertion, persistent rapid pulse, drowsiness or swelling of the hands, feet and face, you could be experiencing altitude sickness. Rest and drinking water are the best way to recover at the same height (chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea where available is also a well recognised remedy) but if things get unbearable, descent is your only option. Painkillers won't resolve the problem and sufferers should definitely not make a bid for higher altitudes.
Don't let the fear of possible altitude effects cloud your adventures; remember that wherever you go in the Andes mountains as long as you take things steady you should have the time of your life.
Unfortunately, the might of modern medical research can still not fully determine the causes of altitude sickness. However, it is thought in general that the drop in density from the oxygen at higher altitudes means that the body can not get the supply it needs and proceeds to let you know about it.
Individuals can be affected at a range of different heights, but about 80% of people may feel affects at around 3000m above sea level. Although many will feel inclined to put themselves in the 20% minority and start waiting for pink froth to begin flowing from their mouth when they walk up a sea-side hill, effects (if they are felt or not) can be easily avoided and simple to deal with.
The first thing is to check the altitude of the region to which you will be travelling and ask your tour company for expert advice. Make sure the tour operator you choose is honest and responsible with regard to altitude. Your itinerary should not try to include too many drastic changes in altitude in a short time and should always leave a couple of days for acclimatization before starting trekking at over 3000m. Competent travel companies will try to plan your journey to gradually rise in altitiude where possible; for example in Peru the optimum route would be Lima, Nazca, Arequipa, Cusco, Puno. This may not be possible due to time restrictions but your travel advisor will do their best.
In any case if you are not above 2000m altitude sickness is very unlikely. The speed of ascent is the most important factor; heading uphill as slowly as possible reduces the risk. As we mentioned before it also helps to take it easy for at least a couple of days after making the ascent to altitude before launching yourself into anything too strenuous. Heavier breathing in the thinner air also causes dehydration, so drinking plenty of water and staying clear of alcohol-fuelled nights as you get higher will prevent problems.
Prevention is obviously the best measure, but if you get any of the following symptoms above 2400m including; lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, pins and needles, shortness of breath upon exertion, persistent rapid pulse, drowsiness or swelling of the hands, feet and face, you could be experiencing altitude sickness. Rest and drinking water are the best way to recover at the same height (chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea where available is also a well recognised remedy) but if things get unbearable, descent is your only option. Painkillers won't resolve the problem and sufferers should definitely not make a bid for higher altitudes.
Don't let the fear of possible altitude effects cloud your adventures; remember that wherever you go in the Andes mountains as long as you take things steady you should have the time of your life.
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