Posts Tagged With: homestay

Scuba diving & The BEST beach I’ve seen so far

Posted on May 7, 2014 by valarieivester

So we decided to get the full animal experience and become a
fish for a day;) This would be both of our first time to scuba dive and snorkel so we were excited!

We boarded this magnificent sailboat that would take us to North Seymore for our day of scuba and snorkeling.

I have no idea why, maybe it’s our faces, but we were chosen to be the first to scuba dive. (Whatever that is…I wish it would stop. I needed a moment to panic) But it was time to suit up. Squeeeeeeezing my body into this wetsuit was a task but eventually my ass cooperated and got in there;)

Scuba diving was sorta scary. Resisting the urge to breathe out of your nose was extremely difficult. It goes against everything I’d ever trained myself to do while running…not being a mouth breather in this scenario completely worked against me. Honestly, I had several sheer moments of panic. I mean, we did have an extensive WHOLE 15 minutes of training where we were supposed to learn hand signals that were imperative to my life but that all went to hell when I was underwater. Lol! On the second try to descend, I got nervous and wanted to go back up and gave the OKAY signal, rapidly started pointing up (that’s not even a signal he taught us) then for some reason gave him the SHARK signal (he’s super confused now) said “To hell with this!” and started flailing my body upwards. Once my head was above water the instructor comes up and looks at me soooo confused and was like “What was that!!!??? Why aren’t you doing the signs? I won’t understand you if you don’t do the signs!” Is he serious? He’s lucky I even tried to do ANY signs at all before I bailed! Not my finest moment I must admit, but I seriously was scared. Lol! It took me several attempts, but finally I just let go, and forced myself to continue on and when I did..

It was A Okay;)
I saw sharks, soooooo many fishes, and some super long fish that I can’t remember the name of. Wifi sucks here so I can’t upload to my YouTube channel to post the video so I’ll post to my Facebook instead. To see Scuba Diving Val check out my FB page at http://www.facebook.com/valarieivester.com

What was not okay was me not taking dramamine…. Meet SEA SICK VAL just moments after a rather embarrassing violent vomiting fit.
TAKE THE PILLS! Geeez.

NOOOOW…. on to (in my opinion) the prettiest beach we’ve seen so far. Tortuga Bay Beach😉 Be prepared….its a 30 minute walk to the beach and an additional 15 minute walk to the lagoon but it’s completely worth it.

We have gotten to visit many beaches but this one had immaculately white soft sand, turquoise crystal clear water, very little people, no vendors trying to sell you refreshments or whatever bracelet they made that day, all you could hear was the water rolling up on shore and beating against the rocks. It was so serene.

Tortuga Bay Selfie;)

Daaaaaaaaaaang;)

Our walk to the lagoon was great. Even though its super hot in the Galapagos, once you get here, the breeze coming off the ocean is so cool and smells of salt.

Once again we run into these gigantic land lizards!!

TONS of them…just keep walking….they won’t bother you;)

And the lagoon;) This shallow secluded part of the beach was refreshing and filled with little fishes! We were sitting half in the water and a tintorera (harmless small sharks native to this area) just swam right by us!!!! In shallow water!!! So cool!

As we walked back we soaked up as much sun as we could (as if either of us need it…we are getting super dark!)

Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island is definitely high on my list for beach bummy days and #1 beach so far on my list.

And finally…..the most of any travelers budget is devoted to where you will be staying. We opted to save some real money by staying with a family in their home that they are converting to a hostel. This might of been the biggest saver for us in the Galapagos.

Meet Jimmy (we found his place on Airbnb) and his sweet family. Getting to stay in their home was a real treat! They treated us like family and even invited us to dine with the family at dinner cooked by Auxillidora. I would highly recommend Casa de Hospedaje and Jimmy for your visit to the Galapagos. Thank you Santiago family!!

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: beach, budget travel, Galapagos Islands, homestay, lagoon, North Seymore, relax, sailing, sand, Santa Cruz Island, scared, scuba diving, sharks, snorkeling, south America, tintorera, Tortuga Bay, travel | Leave a comment

The End To Our Time With Virginia & Her Family

Posted on April 8, 2014 by valarieivester

Once we arrived we were honered to have dinner with the whole family. Since the table area was small, Daniel, Virginia’s dad, and her were the only ones other than Jorgie and I at the table. Her brother Alex, and mother Augustina ate at another table in the kitchen. We feasted on potatoes and rice and veggies. All I kept thinking was to her, she must be thinking that this is a simple meal for us, but if she knew how much this girl LOVES rice, and this boy LOVES potatoes, she would know how grateful we were. Afterwards, we were excited to know that the town was throwing us a fiesta and we need to go right after dinner. We had the ultimate honor of going to this party dressed in the traditional clothing that any wonan and man our age would go to a party in.

Being dressed by Mamá Augustina was something that I will never forget;)

Watching her dress Jorgie is now a memory I will cherish forever. Watching him, allowing her to adorn him, with all the respect he had to give as a man, was something I so rarely get to witness from a man, was breathtaking. He stood humble, but strong, and that moment alone made me feel differently for him….I’m not sure I was supposed to get all of this from that moment, but I will never allow it to leave me.

We are now ready to PARTY!! JORGIE, ME, & VIRGINIA;)

As soon as we showed up, the music started and dancing, and celebration was in order;)

Virginia immediately grabbed Jorgie and started dancing!!

I got my dancing in too!!

I had a great time!!!!

With all the celebrating, we had enough time to capture the moment;)

The morning we were leaving Virginia didn’t let us leave with an empty stomach!

A hearty breakfast and boiling tea was how we left Virginia’s home.

It amazing to think that all the meals that I have told you about were all prepared in this very humble kitchen with no working stove. Wgat an amazing woman.

As we walked to the dock to say goodbye, all I could think about was that Virginia and I were practically the same age…how different my life would’ve been had I been born into this.

As we said our goodbyes and deepest thanks for an amazing time and hospitality, we boarded the boat with a new appreciation for all that we have and for the hospitality of a family that for a short moment, felt like ours.
THANK YOU VIRGINIA & FAMILY!

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Family, grateful, homestay, Lake Titicaca, learning, Perú, south America, travel | 11 Comments

Our Stay with Virginia Part 2!

Posted on April 6, 2014 by valarieivester

I’m glad that Virginia ordered rest because we were going to climb Mount Pachatata. This is one of two sacrimonial pilgrimages these people do a year. Every 3rd Thursday in January everyone in the village makes the trek, half go to Pachamama, and the other go to the higher of the two, Pachatata. We were going to clumb Pachatata ofcourse;) We were told this hike would take us 45-60 mins.

Along the way we see a burro!! Honestly, I have no idea why I love burros soooo much but I do;) I think it’s the stubbornness, but I want one, or six;)

One thing we didnt consider….we are walking straight up and the altitude is getting us!!! This is kinda hard!!!

Along the way you will see the locals selling arts and crafts that they are crafting right there!! A few, GOD BLESS THEM, are selling water and snacks so you don’t pass out;)

Jorgie making his way up this beautiful mountain;)

We are almost there! (By the look on my face, you can tell, THE STRUGGLE WAS REAL!)

But once you get to the top…the view is 360 degrees of Lake Titicaca! BEAUTIFUL!!

A quick photo because we made it just before sunset. We find a rock and get nestled in for the show;)

Boy is it gorgeous…as the sun sets the air becomes crisp and the warm glow off the horizon lets us know its time to head back;)

Some of the local girls are eager to take a photo!
NOTE: These sweet faces are still trying to sell you a bracelet or craft. Refrain from taking a pic with them unless you are willing to pay for the pic or buy a bracelet.
But really…who would pass up this photo opp?!?
“I’ll take a bracelet” 😉

As the sunsets, we bundle back up and head back down for dinner with our new family. If dinner is anything like lunch was, we are going to be happy campers!!

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Amantani Island, grateful, homestay, humble, Lake Titicaca, learn, Perú, south America, travel | 4 Comments

Do Not Pass This Up! Amantani Island Pt.1

Posted on April 2, 2014 by valarieivester

We made a quick over night stop in Puno, Perú because we had planned on staying with a family on Isla de Amantani for a night. To get there we had to board a small boat and travel 3 hours off the coast of Perú.

When we arrived we were both nervous because other than knowing we were going to stay with a local family and learn about their way of life, we really didn’t know what to expect. We hopped off the boat to meet our family for the next 2 days.

As we exit, we can see that the women are there to greet us and also find out who they will be hosting. We didn’t know it then but we were going to be assigned to Virginia, she’s 3rd from the right;)

Once we knew we were going to be staying with her we walked back to her home. On the way she showed us their church…

This was the road that led to her home.
Fuente de la Eterna Juventud = Fountain of Eternal Youth
I know which road I’m walking down as many times as I can!!!

We arrived to the home that Virginia shares with her parents Augustina and Daniel, along with her brother Alex. Don’t be fooled by the structure, this building is nothing more than a mud/clay house with windows.

She then shows us to our room. This is the view right outside our door…..overlooking Lake Titicaca. Simply amazing;)

The inside of our room is simple but so comfortable;)
Virginia says for us to get comfortable and that she has made us almuerzo. For two weary travelers, a home cooked meal sounds amazing and we are extremely grateful!

She shows us around so we know where we will be staying.

The outdoor baño doesn’t flush but its soooo clean which is more than I can say for half the hostels we have stayed in up to this point;) The bucket next to the toilet is filled with water so you can rinse out the toilet after you use it…..IT’S ABOUT TO GET REAL!! 🙂

She then invites us to sit in her kitchen/dining area. Decorated with beautiful colored tableclothes, I’m a happy guest;)

She serves up the most delicious bowl of Sopa de Quinoa. This dish is a staple for her family and all the Andean people who live on Amantani Island. They grow their own quinoa in the backyard!!

We thought it was enough with the sopa but then she serves us a plate of home grown potatoes, an egg, and a side salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. We are more than full but we indulge and thank Virginia for her work in the kitchen.

AND IT JUST KEEPS COMIN!!!
She ends the meal with a steaming cup of tea and provides us coca leaves and fresh spearmint grown in her garden. (Belly soooo full) I sit back and enjoy the tea.
PS. you haven’t lived if you haven’t had fresh herbs in your tea…MAKE IT HAPPEN;)

As we were sipping our tea…we got guests!!

The familias chickens must have smelled the delicious cooking and wanted in for a taste! Even with my offer to help clean the dishes she wouldn’t hear of it and orders us rest;)

After lunch we had some time to relax before a hike up to Pachatata, one of the islands places of worship. We are already so high up, but Pachatata is going to be even higher and the cold is going to set in.
Augustina (Virginia’s mama) knits hats for a living and offers me one….It was one of the coolest things I have ever bought.