"South America 2005-2008" South America by elsadran

My travel in South America was one of the highlights of my travelling life... I saw astonishing land formations and amazing flowers, I heard fierce animal roars and harmonious bird singing, I smelt new divine natural essences, I tasted superb soups, I felt new fresh air on my face ! I laughed a lot and shed some saying-goodbye tears! I feel I have gained so much!
Talking to locals was my delight but the highest award was gaining their friendship ! When they are your friend, Southamericans are wonderful. They are warm, compassionate, open hearted, clever, very emotional, smiling, affable, amiable, gentle, calm and make you feel intimate in no time. It's really moving. I was carried away crying or laughing with them, and exchanging small gifts, and hugging each other as old friends do. Most of the times I was waving goodbyes it was with the promise to write back or ..email..or send the photos-I use films.

The scenery is the entrance to a fairy tale..so diverse you have no time to adjust yourself so quickly. So unique you could never have imagined if you come from a far away country like mine..And yet we are so close in temperament. So similar that I always felt at home ! I could understand and feel their heartbeat ..because we were so alike in behaviour and emotional reaction ! So I felt relaxed and ready to absorb everything on this fantastic land !!
My travel lasted more almost a year and a half, totally, but it was actually four trips so I had enough time to absorb and learn more about my favorite continent. And they were also very diverse and educative as I moved very often. I wanted to have a general idea before I come back for more. By the way, this year I am going back !!! again.

Ipanema-BRAZIL

So my travel started with a lot of Peru, several years ago. Crossing the borders to Bolivia we explored the northwest region with my friend. Then I came back to Rio de Janeiro in 2005. I spent two ..juicy months in Brazil, with the unbelievable beaches, the Amazon and the lovable Brasileiros!! And then I explored Venezuela, putting in two weeks in the Caribbean- Trinidad and Tobago-a childhood dream..!

Venezuelans are great !
I came back home-for our beautiful summer- and went back in October, early enough to feel a bit of the rainy season. It was raining in Buenos Aires and it was just perfect !!! It was a perfect match with Tango...! I went on north following the borders between Uruguay and Argentina and stayed in Paraguay for a couple of weeks. Then I visited Iguasu and entered south west Brazil. I continued east towards the coast and beyond the..coast to a great piece of paradise! Ilha do Mel !!! Going south, much later, I entered Uruguay and stopped in towns all along. After a good look I had a very positive impression of the people. I must point out that "Uruguanos" are the most polite people I can remember. They are very helpful and friendly, efficient in their work, clever and lovable.

Then I crossed to "my" Buenos Aires ! I liked it so much I stayed for more than I should have..Going south, Argentina is indescribable! Nature is celebrating in Patagonia ! People, too, are part of the familiar feeling you get from the first days. They give you the warmth that the climate is lacking in, especially on New Year's Eve..
Reaching Ushuaia I had to ..go north again so I...scanned Chile trying to miss nothing and went into Bolivia at the southwest borders.Southwest Bolivia is the colourful desert miracle on Earth !!
So I entered Argentina again from north and I gave my eyes the chance to be amazed at unbelievable scenery !!! I went on South as far as Mendoza and turned east towards the final destination, Buenos Aires, once again, before going home...

in the streets of Cartagena-COLOMBIA

Recently with my fourth trip I have completed my long time dream -travelling to South America. This time I visited Ecuador and Colombia. I started at Quito, from where I flew to Galapagos, a unique experience. The most pristine and healthy paradise on Earth, which I hope keeps on being protected for ever...From Quito I travelled south on the ranges of the Andes to Cuenca, an unforgettable trip to culture and as far as Vilcabamba. Finally I visited the coast around Montanita and the amazing beaches in the National Park Machalilla.

I entered Colombia in Ipiales going north following a scenic journey on the green mountains of South Colombia. I reached Bogota, picture perfect for my aesthetics. I had a look at other cities around and places of interest as Villa de leiva, the coffee district, Salento and Valle de Cocora and ended up in Medellin!
Finally I had great days and nights at the caribbean coast of Colombia staying in Taganga, Tayrona National Park and Cartagena. This is an unforgettable city with loads of character and cultural history.
But what I appreciated more in Colombia is their friendly, warm, openhearted and peaceful people, who are impossible not to steal your heart.
Total travelling time in SA 15 months!!!

Of course there are poor people and yes, there are a lot of criminals..I agree..but you should try not to get into their range or attract attention by carrying easily visible valuable things, let alone luxurious ! Don't excite their imagination ! Keep a low profile in unknown areas! Don't show off! Don't get deceived by pretentious behaviour! This is really difficult. That is, keeping a balance between feeling like being a real friend with someone you have just met, and even taking your measures until you are sure they are honest with you. Well very often I get intimate with people I meet in my travels but extremely rarely do I completely trust them.
But in south America, still cautious and well organised, I felt very relaxed most of the times ! Time was not enough to get into sharing everyday life with them, but time is never enough as we are always saying between us, fellow travellers, aren't we?

For beautiful photos of all countries go to my blogspot: Images