Once again, my six months in Medellin, Colombia, have come to an end, and I find myself looking ahead with a mix of excitement and trepidation. I'm learning those two emotions go hand-in-hand with travel, regardless of one's experience.
Exactly two years ago last month, I wrapped up my 20-month trip around the world. Since then, I've split my time between living in the United States and Colombia, with short trips to Rwanda and Japan.
On the morning of August 8th, I packed my belongings into a beat-up Gregory backpack and flew to New York City to attend a family wedding (and a Yankees game). I've learned the US is the best place in the world to buy electronics.
I ditched my 15″ HP laptop, which is built like a tank and has served me well the last two and a half years, for a lighter, sexier 13″ Apple Macbook Air.
I also bought a Blackberry Bold 9700 to replace my stolen smartphone. I fully expect this Blackberry will get stolen too, which is why I didn't buy the most recent model, let alone an iPhone 4.
Tonight, restocked on gadgets and refueled on authentic Panang curry with chicken, I'm flying to Quito, Ecuador on Aero Galapagos. I scored the flight through Priceline for just $403.
Once I get my bearings in Quito, my first priority will be to book a 7-night cruise around the Galapagos Islands. After the Galapagos, I'm going to play it all by ear. The goal is to reach Brazil by early 2012, just in time for Carnival celebrations in February.
There are lots of cool things I want to do as I make my way across South America, including:
- Hike in the Amazon rainforest.
- Hunt for anacondas and fish for piranha.
- See Machu Picchu at dawn.
- Drive across the Bolivian salt flats, taking silly photos.
- Ride a mountain bike down Death Road (Bolivia).
- Drink Chilean wine in Santiago.
- Get a photo on Easter Island.
- Shake hands with the penguins in Antarctica.
- Trek in Patagonia and climb a mountain.
- Dance the tango in Buenos Aires.
- Find out what's going on in Paraguay.
- Check out the beach scene in Uruguay.
- Learn to samba in Brazil.
- Drink caipirinhas on the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana.
- Marry a Brazilian swimsuit model….kidding….or am I?
Is there somewhere you'd like to see me go, or some activity not to be missed between Ecuador and Brazil? Leave a comment and let me know! And follow along in real time on Twitter and Facebook.
Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He’s been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
Michael
Sunday 28th of August 2011
Sucks you're not in Colombia while we're there! Bad timing on us :/
Dave
Monday 29th of August 2011
Yea, would've been fun to hang out. I'm sure you'll have a great time!
Dave
Sunday 28th of August 2011
I'll be back to Colombia, probably for a few months next year :)
Steven
Friday 26th of August 2011
That's what I call a pro dance spin. It seems you've got it going on!
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Thursday 25th of August 2011
Great experience you have had. United States is very beautiful and has hot tourist spots. Virginia is also one of the beautiful states of US.
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Tuesday 23rd of August 2011
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