Trisha's posts with tag: volcano
|  | Though one of the smallest countries in South America, Ecuador certainly packs a punch! So much to see and do, and all within 3-5 hours' bus-ride!
The atmosphere certainly changed when I crossed into Otavalo, Ecuador where most of the people I met seemed more indigenous people in traditional wear, more reserved and laid-back. Traditionally-woven alpaca sweaters and fabric started appearing everywhere too.
My most fun time with a host is here in Quito. Ismael and Patricia very kindly accompanied me all over Quito and I got to experience many typically Ecuadorean things! We later met up in Banos and had the time of our lives soaking in the wondrous nature!
Further south in Cuenca, Rene introduced me to Reiki and taught me how to see people's aura. Gosh, I think I am gifted (well, maybe)!! This led me now to my interest in Reiki and crystals.
Travelling is not just about visiting places and capturing sceneries on films. It is about opening your heart, your mind, your eyes, your pores to soak in ALL SORT of experiences that the wonderful people in the world are willing to share with you.
Special thanks to Ismael, Patricia for their extreme enthusiasm and superb company, to Sharon, Gerard, Joshua, Helen for their passion, to Tamara, Rene, Juan for sharing with me spiritual experiences that I never imagined I was capable of. |
| | Chile is truly wild nature! From the very very cold (Southern Patagonia), to the very very hot (central Chile and Argentina), to the very very cold again (the altiplano in northern Chile), I had to alternate between extreme temperature changes and high altitudes like a yo-yo throughout my stay in 2003.
There were many physical challenges that I did that I had thought them impossible to achieve. It made me aware how, if I set my mind to do certain things, they CAN be done. In 2003, after spending New Year's Day (nearly) at the end of the world in Punta Arenas, I headed to Puerto Natales and prepared for the hike to Torres del Paine Nationa Park. I survived the hike and later, the climb up Villarrica volcano. Just barely, but I survived.
I received a brief insight in the lives of the locals in the quaint Chiloe island. Later, I met a Vina del Mar family vacationing in Villarrica and formed a solid friendship with them ever since.
Up north, the natural sights around San Pedro de Atacama are purely out-of-the-world, almost like walking on another planet. Parque Nacional Lauca near Arica brought me from sea-level to around 4,800+m above sea level of the magical 'altiplano' in 1 day.
In 2005, I returned briefly to Chile, stopped at La Serena and went to an observatory to study the craters of the moon. I also revisited my wonderful Vina del Mar family there.
Special thanks to Jessica, Katya, Fabiola, Adriana, Sebastian, Enrique, Claudio and family, Alejandra for confusing me with their Chilean accent!
# - Photo credits: Pepe/Cristina from Spain |
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