Fashion from a backpack

Trek to the base of Machu Picchu

Posted on April 30, 2012 by erikamae82

There isn’t a main train station at Machu Picchu itself, the closest stop is in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes. Here is where you can hop on a smaller train to connect you the rest of the way. From Cusco you have a few options to get there:

You can enjoy the fancy train that provides food, drinks, lounge chairs, pillows, blankets and a few hundred other tourist. All just for a “ticket price”, a huge commitment and your left arm.

You can take a tour bus that has a guide, a pitstop with lunch buffet, and only 100 other tourist. All for a “small fee”, a minor commitment and a sore toosh.

…and then there’s OUR choice…

We scored with a local collectivo (a 7 person mini van that seated 9 adults and all of their luggage) for only $14 USD per person.

This spacious ride lasted 4 hours with a complimentary stop at a stand on the side of the road. It had several food options like blocks of cheese, raw chicken and an assortment of candy! They also let us use the bathrooms!

After the bus ride we hopped in a cab that picked up this woman. She climbed into the back trunk area with her blanket of corn as she politely stared at the gringos (I don’t blame her).

We then got dropped off to another taxi that only had room for 2 more so I followed the woman’s idea and got cozy in the back.

Some pics from all the rides:

Finally we arrived to Aquas Calientes (the place where you can get on the small train to the city below Machu Picchu).

We each bought a banana and started our hike from here. A 3 hour walk along the tracks that hug the Urubamba River. The sun was out and shining… for the first 30 minutes.

At last! The place where we will rest before the day in the sacred city of Machu Picchu. I didn’t realize there was a tiny town that sits on a steep hill full of shops, restaurants, hotels, hostels, schools and homes. This adorable area has paths and bridges surrounding a stream that rushes through the center.

We’re all signed in and ready for tomorrow… 4am to Machu Picchu, here we come!
(I had a neat picture here with all of our names in “the book” but deleted it when I realized it also had everyone’s detailed identification info. So, lets just pretend it’s here.)
Instead, here’s a photo of our future sight!

Categories: Accommodations, Fashion from a backpack, Fitness, Uncategorized | Tags: cars, main train station, transportation, travel | 2 Comments

Cusco… Another reunion? Of course!

Posted on April 28, 2012 by erikamae82

While studying in Buenos Aires I met a fun loving couple from Amsterdam. Right away they felt like friends I had known for years! Ashgan’s gentle energy and constant smile is a perfect compliment to Simon’s sense of humor and ability to make you feel right at home. This admirable duo has enhanced my journey. (Thank you new friends!)
We had our fun in Argentina and parted ways “till next time”…a few weeks later I’m taking a bus to meet them in central Cusco to plan our adventures to Machu Picchu!

A sweet farewell to Marty (as he digs one last time in my pockets looking for homemade toothpaste).

We spent the day wandering the city and hiking the road to Sacsayhuaman near Q’enqo to see the statue of Jesus Christ. Im not a historian, but I was told the White Christ stands guard over the city of Cusco and was a gift from colonial Palestine in 1945.

View of Cusco.

Met a friend on the way down.

A few city photos with the first being an Irish Pub! Again to mention that I’ve found one in every country so far… This one brags to be the “highest in the world”.

This little lamb was supposed to pose like this:

…but I must of dripped some ice cream on my neck because she was nibbling away!

Good night Cusco… Tomorrow, Machu Picchu!

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: gentle energy, homemade toothpaste, little lamb, statue of jesus, travel, vacation | 3 Comments

Teaching English in Huambutio

Posted on April 26, 2012 by erikamae82

The pictures say it all.

These two girls reminded me of my childhood, headband and all!

Snack time was a bowl of homemade sauce (the green stuff) over fresh steamed potatoes.

This was an earthquake drill. The principal chose a student to stand on two tables, with one foot on each. Then at the same time, classmates lifted the tables to show what the unsteady ground would feel like during the quake.

The two other volunteers, Ozy and Alex from the UK.

In the classroom.

This boy wanted my bracelet. I’ve had it for years and it’s circled the world… Time to pass it on.

Categories: Art, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: classmates, food, green stuff, ozy, snack time | 3 Comments

Final days in Cordoba with more reunions!

Posted on April 2, 2012 by erikamae82

These rings were eye catching. Each of them had a different year engraved on it with a small paragraph describing an important event that had occurred. Very educational and perfect for some handstands!

A recycling set up that promoting to re-use common products to reduce waste… Love it!

Denise and her glass bottles!

After being in the city for three weeks Denise and I were craving anything green that included any source of water… Woohoo, look what we found!

I wish the pictures did a better job of showing how massive these ducks were! The mallards were as big as the geese…must be all of the Argentinean pandaria’s.

This was me attempting to sneak up on them. Considering they’re almost in the water, I didn’t do a very good job.

Flash back time with two more reunions! Remember the sweet girl who was volunteering at the orphanage with us? Turns out she made a trip to Cordoba and was placed in the same house! She’s our roomie this week. As all 3 of us were walking to the lake, I literally almost ran into Florentine, she was one of the haircuts back at the student residence in Buenos Aires… Crazy how small this enormous planet is.

“Studying”

Other city sights.

These kids were pure entertainment. I was even tempted to start running through all of the pigeons while laughing and yelling some undetectable words in Spanish. My personal favorite is the boy with the yellow cape… Imagination at it’s best on a Sunday evening!

While the kids were playing, there was a man playing a drum with locals doing a traditional dance in the plaza.

Sun is going down. Just stop and take a deep breath… Absorb where you… Realize who you are… and enjoy.

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: common products, pandaria, travel, vacation | 2 Comments

No worries Buenos Aires… I’ll be back next week!

Posted on March 27, 2012 by erikamae82

During our first 3 weeks in Buenos Aires there were several events that never made a viewing. Since this week will be spent in Cordoba, (a city in Central Argentina) I thought I’d throw a few of the photos together in a mini post. Enjoy!

March 24th was extremely special to the locals as it represtented the war on society and fighting for their freedom. There were thousands of people in the streets with flags, banners, music, microphones and each section had their own “chant” they were repeating. I hope the photos can give you even the slightest idea of the incredible sounds that were echoing the streets (including the one we lived on).

There also happen to be a metal rock band playing a show in the park… Why not?

As if a rock band, political march and demonstration didn’t provide enough mixed energy entertainment… They through in random “festival” stands with toys, candy, games and the occasional cotton candy stand. Oh Argentina, you continue to surprise me! I eventually just sat curbside to take it all in.

Ooh, over here… Throw it to me!

Here are a few photos of random shots taken along the streets.

Made it to the police station to file a report (see sad face below). Denise had her wallet removed from her purse while watching a show in the city.

Pics from the bus window.

The following are night sights including the first pic which is me and a group of Dutch friends that had never had a jello shot… Ever! I got to do the honors of making and sharing the recipe, they loved them!

As Denise and I got ready for this night out, we did the whole girl thing of “Should I wear these shoes or those… What about the earrings?”. During this exchange I said, “Funny, this is what I wore out when we were in Spain”. She then looked down at her dress and said “Haha, this is what I wore that same night in Spain!”.
Here are the two separate nights, first Spain then Argentina.

Mini jungle gym – part 2

Posted on March 15, 2012 by erikamae82

A few of us from school decided to “study” at a park that was outside of the city. Look what I found! A playground with a new friend and a quick workout.

This is Mads, a super friendly classmate from Denmark who clearly likes to workout. He claims Denmark is the home of the happiest people in the world…after hanging out with him… I believe it!

Working the guts (abdominal).

The goal: Start by hanging underneath, then transfer (anyway you can) to the top without ever touching the ground.
I dedicate this to all of my gymnasts and the countless times I made you do these!

Dips

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Fitness, Uncategorized | Tags: countless times, exercise, health, healthy-living, travel, vacation | Leave a comment

The Japanese Gardens

Posted on March 12, 2012 by erikamae82

After a busy week at school (in other words, being totally lost in la clase trying to figure out if she was assigning homework or complementing my ability to cut hair) we thought having a day out on the town sounded refreshing. Denise and I collected a new friend from Holland named Ioni… Off to the Japanese Gardens on the outer edge of the city… Perfecto!

The famous Red Bridge

This was a traditional japanese fortune box. While holding it, you focused on a specific question in regards to your life and then let a stick drop out of this tiny little opening. The number on the stick then pointed you to a paper that had your answer. After you read your fortune, you tied it on the wire wall and left it in high hopes.

It was beyond warm so when we saw water… We took advantage (as well as the guy to the left).

On the way back, we took the public bus and strolled our way back to the apartment.

City sights

Categories: Art, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: high hopes, japanese gardens, new friend, outer edge, public bus, red bridge | Leave a comment

Día Internacional de la Mujer

Posted on March 11, 2012 by erikamae82

In Argentina, this day is widely recognized to support female rights. Especially here in Buenos Aires, it’s focused on the positive development of the young women within the community. Here is an example of one of the programs “Mission statement”:

1. BELIEVE in our gifts and talents, using them to create a better world.
2. RELINQUISH negativity and build personal power.
3. RADIATE joy and confidence, choosing to be a powerful force for good.
4. STAND as receivers, keepers, and givers of love and compassion.
5. HOLD FAST to truth and moral values, and teach children to stand strong.
6. SEIZE opportunities for growth and leadership while living with passion and purpose.
7. CONNECT with other women to advance worthy causes.
8. SEEK opportunities for meaningful service, touching hearts and changing lives.
9. REACH OUT to enlighten the minds and empower the hearts of women everywhere.
10. DREAM big dreams and make those dreams our destiny.

WOMEN, THIS IS OUR TIME.
By Paula Fellingham and Annette Stanwick

After school, a small group of us girls decided to walk a portion of the city, to see what events we could find. Here are a few of my schoolmates. 2 Dutch and 2 from Brazil.

In the center of the city, they had a couple venues set up.

Something that was new to me was Having to depend mostly on body language and personality in regards to which vendor I spoke with.
In english speaking countries, I could read the sign or recognize a familiar local symbol and quickly decide if I wanted to approach the vendor or even slow down for the eye contact. It was mind opening to depend mostly on pictures and body language of the representatives to decide if I cared to be a part of what they were sharing. Were they smiling and dancing around? Chanting with a forceful tone… Or ignoring the public and just keeping to themselves?

La Casa Rosada (The Pink House) is the official executive mansion of Argentina and is considered one of the most emblematic buildings in Buenos Aires. It also has a museum, with objects related to the presidents of the country. It has been declared a National Historic Monument of Argentina.

They have several priceless photos of politcians from a variety of countries, both present and past. Here are a few of the ones that caught my attention (this is not a direct representation of my political beliefs).

Continuing around the massive building we begin to head towards the main harbor.

On the way back to the apartment we were blocked by what seemed to be either a parade, a protest or some type of demonstration.

Where’s Waldo? (aka- me)

View from our balcony

Categories: Art, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: current-events, meaningful service, passion and purpose, politics, travel, vacation | Leave a comment

Last stop of New Zealand… Queenstown!

Posted on March 4, 2012 by erikamae82

We arrive and set up at the youth hostel centrally located on the main street.
Cute place with an incredible view of the mountain range appropriately named “The Remarkables”.

Here’s our room and our other new roomie Steph. She’s a down to earth, spunky Canadian with an approachable personality. Short and sweet visit with her, but definitely many smiles. Safe travels my friend!

Kitchen and lounge area with a balcony.

This pic was taken standing on the balcony.

I haven’t been doing a great job mentioning how common recycling is here. In fact, it’s harder to find a rubbish bin than it is to have a compost place and/or a section like this.

Ever since I got to New Zealand, I’ve been told that I have to go to “Fergburgers” , an extremely popular joint that only provides burgers and sides. Well, I haven’t had a hamburger in years and Erica had also heard of this amazing place so as she said “When in Rome…”.

When we arrived I was impressed by the menu which ranged quite a bit. Patties of beef, lamb, deer, fish, veggie or falafel. Every topping you can imagine and of course we had to get the chips (fries) too!

After a meal like that, it was time to walk it off (or atleast a fry or two)and have a night out on the town.

We spent a whopping 20 min in each place (I think we were trying to hit every variety of age and genre of music possible in one evening.

We started at the nearest place called “Buffalo’s”. This is your popular, tourist, college age, rowdy crowd. They were giving $300 for a bikini contest prize… Did NOT go in!
(But the picture was fun)

Then we found an adorable candle lit bar that drew us in with a live acoustic version of Green Day, “Time of your life”. We end up connecting with a retired Rugby League Pro and the group that was there with the band (of course).

What is that we hear? Finally good dance music… Is that you?

Nope. That’s 16 yeatan dingstanding around wondering if it was too cool for school to dance. I tried to fit in…

Last try of the evening was a place that had a tiny sign out front that said “Open mic night”. Perfect! Good crowd, local artist and a laid back vibe…

On the way back we stopped by the market for a snack and this is where we learned a new term. At least new to us. I was joking with Erica using the term “Dirty bird” (ask someone if you’ve never heard of that in the states) when two kiwis walk by and say “Oh, it’s right down that street, but don’t know if they’re still open”. We look at each other confused and they said “You’re talking about KFC right?” Turns out they call KFC “Dirty bird” and MCD’s “Mackers”.
We end up hanging out with these locals, Karl and Scott, and what a great connection! Extremely polite and hospitable. The next day Karl picked me up for lunch and a personal tour of Arrowtown, a cute town that is home of the historic Chinese village during the gold rush.

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We stopped by a local brewery for a taster and chat with the owner.

My last night there I was lucky enough to get an invite from my new Kiwi friends for dinner and a spare room. Woohoo! Laundry, dinner cooked for me, a hot shower, my own room and a ride to the airport in the morning… Thanks again Karl! No dramas

His place on the hill.

Front room and what you see while standing on the balcony.

Oh dear laundry, enjoy the view and the fresh mountain breeze!

…and view from the dinner table (I literally took this pic from the table)

Rise and shine! Off to the airport for my journey to Argentina.

Categories: Accommodations, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: rowdy crowd, vacation, when in rome | 1 Comment

Christchurch and the Rucksacker

Posted on February 25, 2012 by erikamae82

After van camping and volunteering I was able to stay 3 nights in Christchurch. This is the city that was hit with two major earth quakes in the past year and thousands of aftershocks to follow. Unfortunately the buildings of the city are currently being demolished but through the rebuilding, people are still smiling and the surviving businesses are open and eager for visitors.

On my first day I got to reconnect with Andrew, a guy I met in Wellington. This gentleman gave me the “roll down your window” sign and yelled out his number from a cab at a stoplight after the Sevens tournament. Classic! Turns out he’s much fun and was so cool to show me around the city.

Us on the way to the beach

I then resided at a tiny hostel called the “Rucksacker”. This is by far the most cozy hostel I’ve stayed in so far. With just a few rooms and the staff that lives next door, you feel like a regular every time you walk in. There were also quite a few “long termers” that stay there during their work visa, this creates a comfy “home” vibe.
They all knew each other by name and if you forgot a name, you just referred to them by country ex: “Has anyone seen Belgium around?”
Although, you couldn’t use Germany due to the amount of them… They’re everywhere (and some of my favs!)
The building on the left is the hostel and the one next door is the employee residence.

The first night I arrived there was a costume party out back. Well who happened to still have the kitten accessories from the Sevens Tournament? I let this sweet girl borrow it for the night so I could cut some hair…woohoo!

I have never stayed with so many travelers that love to cook with fresh ingredients. This kitchen was full of chefs every night… Fresh veggies, organic meat on homemade pizza dough was the dish of the evening.

Meanwhile, I was out back sewing up a shirt of mine and got some requests. This character had a hole in his shorts so off they went so I could fix them up.

Last day there I took a walk through the outskirts of the city center. I took a lot of photos of the earth quake damage, but didn’t really focus on that part… so here are a few random shots.

Not everyday…

I was so excited to find this. You can buy any amount of eggs you want! I know this isn’t a big deal to most of you, but being a solo traveler, I don’t need a dozen at a time or even half dozen. I bought 3 and skipped out out there so happy!

Found a salon that sells Moroccon Oil, yeah! Can you see the price? So next time you buy a bottle… consider it sale price, haha! The hairspray behind it was $42.

This is a cute little bar lounge made out of shipping containers.

Time to get out of town!

Categories: Accommodations, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: earth quakes, homemade pizza dough, organic meat, sevens tournament, stoplight, work visa | Leave a comment