Jan 30
We stayed in Sucre, Bolivia for almost a month renting an apartment and learning Spanish. That's not to say we are experts on the city but in addition to studying, we spent a lot of time eating. We narrowed it down to our top 8 favorite things to eat & where to get them.
During our first trip to La Paz, we happened to pass by Diesel Nacional located in La Paz's Sopacachi district. Curious, we stopped to have a look. The facade looked very different than most bars or restaurants for anywhere, let alone Bolivia. For one, it was set far back with rocks scattered and old train tracks leading up to a revolving rusted door. Eerie spotlights cast shadows over industrial items like car/train/plane parts that had been strewn about. It certainly caught the eye.
Normally we are fans of budget accommodation, preferring to spend our money on food but once in a while we like to splurge. Especially if it's a special occasion. For Laurent's birthday in November, I booked us at the Villa Jazmin hotel in Ica, Peru. We took a taxi (5 Soles) to the hotel from the bus station because it's located on the outskirts in a residential neighborhood. First things first. This was such a blessing.
Traveling to Antarctica is a once in a lifetime destination. Okay, so I really want to go back one day but chances are slim. It's very expensive to travel there, not to mention the negative impact that tourism has in that pristine area of the world. We wanted to do the trip right. I wanted to go down on a small boat (less than 100) so that we could do as many landings as possible. Laurent wanted us to 'earn Antarctica' I phrase that I came to know quite well.
Okay, here is where I am going to rave. This place has been one of our favorite of all the ones we stayed in over the course of a years travel in South America. It's not fancy nor is it an amazing value. So how can it be our favorite? The answer is simple. It's home. If you are feeling slightly homesick or craving the feeling of returning to a home (instead of just a bed), this place is the place to go!
We stayed at Casa Cecilia four years ago on our first trip to Patagonia. Back then, our impression was of a clean, comfortable place with friendly service. Fortunately, this time around our experience matched. The place is neither a B&B or a hostel but instead a simple guesthouse.
You've just finished hiking the "W" or better yet, the circuit, in Parque Nacional Torres del Paine. Now that you are back in Puerto Natales, you deserve a good meal! Come on, you've earned it! Where to go? Surprisingly, there are quite a few nice restaurants for such a small town. But there is one that stands out and comes with high accolades.
Well readers, it's been a long time since I've put up a post. I apologize for that. This will be my first post of many to come to catch you all up. Life has been a touch hectic since my last post. In late November, Laurent and I flew from Lima, Peru back to New York together. He departed after about two weeks later to go back to France, while I remained in New York for the holidays.
Infused exposures 