I am in Manaus, Brazil on the Amazon River. I arranged a boat
trip to the border of Peru and Brazil. The trip is suppose to be from 5-9 days, according to
the shape, and speed of the boat. Adenir a local jungle guide went with me
to help talk with the captains of the available boats, he speaks good
English, and I will help him use e-mail in exchange for his assistance.
I arranged the trip to leave Wednesday, May 31 at 6:00. It should be interesting,
but not as glamorous as you may think. The river is so wide, that people
tell me at times, you cannot even see the sides. So it is better to take
a trip with a guide like Adenir. He is going out today with 2 people for
a one day trip. They will go fishing for Piranha, have a cookout at a small
settlement, and go on small streams to look at birds, snakes, monkeys
and the local vegetation.
If you want to contact him:
Adenir Teixeira adenir-@zipmail.com.br
Manaus, Brazil. Cost is about 40 dollars USA a day, for 1 person tour.
Less if you go in a group.
OK. so I am getting on the Amazon River. Next stop is the confusing
border of Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. A three way border, with me
crossing the border. This is one of the adventures of traveling. I have
no way to really understand what I need to do. I just have to believe it
is possible.
There are more things in life to see, than possible....
I have limited money, and time.
What do I want to do?
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Sources of information: ***********
Guidebooks: Lonely Planet, Footprints, Roughguide. Routards
Library. Confused ask the reference desk person.
Encyclopedia: Find out facts. Rivers, Populations, Currency etc
Travel Magazines: National Geographic, etc
Historical Novels about the country. i.e. James Michener
History books
Internet.. Note: USE webferret to search. It makes life easier.
Other travelers.
***********************************
Considerations: **********
Time:
Money
Seasons:
Transportation:
The Route
Stress
What to take
Visas
***********************************
OK, so would it be nice if I could write a short newsletter, and tell you
everything you need to know. This is not possible. The adventure is knowing
you are going to go, have to learn, adapt, change, and discover the
answers to your questions.
So, if I was planning a trip, and was sitting at my kitchen table, using
that legal pad, to make a checklist. What would I think is most
important to do.
1. Make a list of 5 major things you want to see in each country you visit.
2. Map the route between these places
3. Give at least 2 days per location. For every location you decide to visit place to the side and extra day. so that when for some
reason you stay an extra week in one place you still have enough time.
4. Buy a plane ticket that can be extended. I think about 50% of all travelers extend their trip.
5. Read the guidebook, and find out the visa requirements for each country.
6. Read a book about the country. I love to read James Michener. I just finished reading Mexico.
and I have a new perspective on the country. I would love to read 3 books on each country, while I am
traveling through the country. The hard part is to find them in the country, plus book are HEAVY.
Checklist of thing to bring...
One of my dream adventures is to buy a plane ticket to somewhere.
Have nothing but the clothes on my back, a passport, and 200 dollars.
Now that would be an adventure...
As always, these are suggestions. Please realize I am giving guidance,
and there are always other opinions. Please send you constructive, and helpful
opinions.
OH, almost forgot. Train your mother to use e-mail, plus collect all your
friends emails, and place in address book of FREE e-mail.
Thanks Andy
Andy the Hobo in Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela May 18, 2000
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANSWERS FROM READERS
-------------------------------------------------
Name: Chris Young
Hey Andy!!
This is long overdue but I just wanted to say hi and see where in the world you were. By this time you have probably made it to the
South Pole and back. Anyways, hope things are well and you are having continued success on your journey. To all your readers....
"traveling is the greatest learning experience you will ever have in your life - don't do it tomorrow or next year, do it NOW!!"
All the Best Andy!!
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ACCOMMODATION
I have a problem looking for hotels in a city. I have to carry my backpack with me.
Does anyone have a solution on how to store your backpack for a short time safely,
while you walk around. Lots of people leave them at a hotel, and then go walk around.
I consider this impolite, so does anyone else have any ideas.
-------------------------------------------------
TRANSPORTATION?
Need companies that sell around the world ticket.
I am traveling through South America. I would like to travel to Europe in
about 6 months from one of the cities in South America. I would like the
website, or email address of a Airplane ticket consolidator, that you have use,
and would recommend?
INTERNET CAFE’S?
Cynthia from Sydney, Australia want some advice on how to improve her internet cafe.
The answer: Update to most recent versions of Explorer, or Netscape. Make sure there
is not call waiting on your telephone lines.
SAVE MONEY?
Does anyone have an expense log, that would show cost of their travels?
Recommend 5 places you absolutely must visit in any particular country.
WORST PROBLEMS?
Tell me the worst problem with traveling, that you would like a solution for?
THEFT? DANGER
Examples of traveler theft, danger, and the solution?
Story of you going to jail in foreign country.
Wanted device to put on door, so they can NOT use the master key.
CHEAPEST COUNTRIES?
Recommend countries that the exchange rate makes life easy?
Ecuador... Guatemala is good
DEBATES? Tell me your opinion.
Is it better to carry your money all the time. Give to hostel owner. Hide,
etc?
Is it better to carry your passport on you, or a copy when walking around a city.
It is safer to walk around without your passport
on you. Passports are worth $2,000.US each. Keep them
in your hotel room. When your robbed the first thing
they ask for is your passport.
Be safe!
Linda in Peru
Internet Cafe’s
Your biggest problem when emailing in an internet cafe?
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FUTURE TRAVEL PLAN
I am Manaus go toward Iquito’s Peru. I will stop in Cuenca, Ecuador
on the way back up to Quito, Ecuador.
I than will go south to Cuzco, Peru. or who knows.
That is the great thing, I can change my plans, when I want to.