Christine at the Darwin Centre with the giant Tortoise
Aboard the Chiva Express - her bundled up against the cold, me in the red jacket ready to travel on top.
At Macchu Picchu
Exactly - Some thoughts on our recent trip to South America which I wrote for our Rotary Bulletin so there is some repeating of what I wrote in the previous Blog: We were a group of 9 Kiwis, 9 Aussies and 2 Canadians who enjoyed a wonderful time with simply great weather - only one day of rain, and when it did it just bucketed down. All along the tour we visited various sites, villages, markets, saw some fantastic sights and met some wonderful people.
In general we were impressed with the locals, the infrastructure and the resources that the countries had but as we know they are let down by the political process and it seems their inclination to solve problems with conflict.
Maybe they are not helped by the Federal and Presidential style of Government they have adopted. While we were in Bolivia, riots and shootings were underway, but we only saw peaceful demonstrations and marches which added to our memories and some delay one day. It was odd to us to see a large water cannon truck parked in the main square in Buenos Aries.
Our impression was that the indigenous people were now making themselves felt at the ballot box which was causing some upheaval.
Health systems appeared to be reasonable with emphasis on prevention and ensuring people were vaccinated. Poverty is always present along with the very wealthy but, particularly in Argentina/Brazil, they seem to be making progress.
The people are certainly of two distinct types – the Andeans, short with large lungs and hearts and seemingly more related to the indigenous while Argentina/Brazil, taller and more Spanish in looks.
Although personally we had no real problems with the altitude, one is always aware of it and to be sensible, particularly early in the morning when we could get quite breathless if any strenuous climbing or uphill walking was required.
Police everywhere; though to a lesser degree in Argentina/Brazil – all different types, Federal, Provincial, City, Military, Tourist, as well as others that we didn’t recognise. All well armed of course, which at least gave some suggestion of safety. We always felt quite secure and encountered only one problem, when in Quito (Ecuador) we got sprayed with mustard. The idea is they try to help you clean it off then while you are distracted they steal your backpack etc.
We flew into Santiago (CHILE) before heading for the GALAPOGAS ISLANDS.
I got seasick as usual but once I was taking the pills I was 100%. The islands were extremely interesting, Christine went deep water snorkeling, we saw the various birds and animals including the giant tortoise, visited the Charles Darwin Centre, etc.
After that came ECUADOR where by chance we met Rotarian Mauricio Torres at his family farm “La Alegria”. Mauricio has been in Rotary for 32 years with 100% attendance. The farm has been in his family for well over 100 years and he is now moving into the Agri-tourist business. He has strong links to New Zealand as our people have been helping him develop both the tourism and the farming (milk) sides of his business. Mauricio mentioned that some years ago he took time out from his farm and spent 7 years helping others through working for UNICEF.
To encourage children to go to school rather than work, the Government pay US$30 per month per child. Each month they go to the Bank with their school records and vaccination Certificate to claim the money. It is basically compulsory vaccination. Interestingly the local currency is the US Dollar; a system instituted to stop Presidents just printing money.
While there, campaigning for a new (the 20th) Constitution was underway. This has now been approved – one aspect was lowering the voting age to 16.
After that we flew to PERU staying in Cuzco (3500 Metres above sea level) where we saw, only by good fortune, what I thought was the highlight of the tour – dozens of groups dancing in an annual religious festival that went on for about 2 hours.
Then onto Macchu Picchu with its nearby mountain Wayna Picchu (probably named after me!!). Probably No.2 on my highlights list, the site is awe inspiring. While we were there they were making a “Bollywood” film – it actually looked more African than Incan.
To get to BOLIVIA we went via Lake Titicaca – boring!!! As I said we had some delay one day due to the demonstrations, however, they only added to our interest. La Plaz the highest capital in the world (3500 m) was breath taking in more ways than one. Bolivia is supposed to be the poorest country in South America (but I think Guyana/Paraguay are possibly worse) but it is in the top 5 countries in the world for foreign aid.
We then left for ARGENTINA (Buenos Aries) and BRAZIL (Rio de Janeiro – staying beside the Copacabana Beach) and the lower coastal climes. Both wonderful cities we would love to return to.
We were impressed by the wide roads (12 lanes) the general sights and the lively atmosphere. The Argentinean steaks were as good as they say they are.
In Rio, a local election was underway and hearing us speak English a chap approached and asked us if we wanted a candidates brochure. We told him as foreigners we couldn’t vote “Aha” he said with a laugh ” In Brazil that doesn’t apply – anybody can vote” Probably true.
The election hoardings show every candidates number to help the illiterate select the correct one.
Amongst the sights we visited the Iguassu Falls which were much better from the Brazilian side.
I could go on and on, the advertising by standing in front of the traffic, visiting the various markets, the giant lizard at the hotel, the Tango and Samba shows, Marios Salvador Dali restaurant in Rio, the ruins of Ollantaytambo, the Peruvian railway show, the voyage on a reed boat, the Chiva Express and so much more. Now only photos and memories.
