We are getting a little ancient ruins fatigue! There are a lot of ruins in this part of South America. We are missing our friends and family. Planning where to go, what to see, and figuring out how to make it happen inexpensively can be exhausting. This traveler life is not for the faint of heart. We are getting better at taking days off and doing nothing but emails and calls. Like today!
I am tired of rice and potatoes in Peru. The altitude sickness can still rear its ugly head for both of us, so walking around a lot is more difficult. After the great tours to Colca Canyon and Puno (Lake Titicaca), we stopped for two days in Cusco before Manchu Picchu. So I am venting a little!
We are looking forward to the cruise ship just to stay put for two whole weeks. Getting to Brazil to catch the boat has raised some interesting challenges. We had originally planned on going to Chile to Argentina and then to Brazil. But due to fees to enter Argentina, the tremendous distance we would have to cover with a lot of extra costs and colder weather, we did some checking and talked to a lot of other travelers we decided to fly the other way. Monday we fly to Cartagena, Columbia from where we’ll wend our way to Bogota where we’ll take a red-eye to Santos, Brazil to board the ship. We found a very reasonable multi-stop ticket.
Now I know people may be very concerned about safety in Columbia, but things have really cleaned up there. They are very tourist friendly according to most recent reports, and are making a big push throughout South America to be tourist destination. Nearly everyone we’ve talked to who have been there have loved it. We have a contact in Bogota if anything bad happens as well. My sister Susan has been several times as well. We are playing safely never fear!
We are sorry to miss some good things in Chile and Argentina but we just can’t do it all in one trip. It is looking like we will head home after Europe. Not exactly sure when. June or July. We will probably fly into New York and see my sister Cathie and head to Washington DC to see brother Doug, ever-growing nephews, Janet, and the Eagan-Van Meters. We aren’t sure how we will get back to the Midwest yet. We would like to be with Steve’s mom in Door County for a week or two. If anyone knows of a good rental, we are flexible on time. We will home base somewhere in the Twin Cities for the fall. If anyone knows of a sabbatical or house/dog sitting gig that would be ideal. Please put the word out anywhere you can. We have contacted Macalester but not the U or St Thomas if anyone has connections there. We would prefer furnished as we probably won’t unpack storage yet. Who knows what next January will bring!
Comments from the blog mean a lot so don’t be shy! Only our friends are seeing them!
Love you all,
Ellen
Can certainly understand your fatigue. You’ve done so much! And you’ve painted a picture of
places we’d love to go. I guess expert travellers learn to stay in one place occasionally for a week or
two or three….settle in. Ellen, you’ve made so many friends! Reminds me of Kitty and her boat-friends!
Hope all goes well as you head north and then to Brazil………ellie
You are right, Ellen. The key to endurance in travel is to take it slowly. Stop and enjoy the day. When you find a great spot – hang out. Hang in there, you are making awesome memories and rekindling ours!
Don and Meg
It sounds as if you are going “downhill” so I hope the altitude sickness will leave you when you get to Machu Pichu which is lower. I loved it there and hope you will too. The hotel there is nice…and I remember there was an orchid garden beside it that was so lovely.
xxoo
Yo El! Never fear! Help and hope are on the way! Reinforcements at the ready, more boots on the ground with weapons of mass distraction!
Your favorite cousin Nancy “Sunshine” Van Meter Is counting the hours to your meet-up in Espanol next month. You will be re-positioned, realigned, re-calibrated, and rejuvenated! More tapas, less patatas! The sangria will flow like wine!! Hang in there! Keep the edgy epistles and fabulous fotos from Steve the Snapster coming!!
You are loved!! and don’t you forget it!! From Jeff Eagan, your favorite outlaw.
PS: Your R&R room is ready for you. The lamps are lit and the chocolates are on the pillows.
Traveling is definitely tiring…you made it look so simple & enjoyable. Safe travels.
Enjoy the 2 week cruise…when is that happening?
Hi Eleen and Steve…so enjoy your travelougue and wonder whether we could do it. At times seem wonderful and others exhausting! What a great adventure you are having. We are headed to the cabin just south of bayfield for the weekend. We try to take our Fridays off so we can have at least three nights up there. I wonder what you see/hear about our elections, it is a crazy time here!
Keep writing!!
lynnB
Ohmygod, I get the ancient ruins glazed look…it’s the same way with too many cathedrals in England, too many fabulous chateaux in France, etc etc…not to mention museum legs and brain that take over one’s psyche after a while. What an adventure, though. The photos and updates have been fabulous. Can’t wait to see photos from shipboard as you sail the ocean blue. That will feel like heaven…doing nothing for two weeks except relaxing. Good to see you both looking so well. Travel seems to suit you!
xoxo
Having to plan every single day, week after week, would be exhausting! No wonder you’re ready to stay put for a little while. Will keep ears open for housesitting possibilities.
Hi Ellen! THANK YOU to both you and Steve for bringing the world to us!! I love every word and picture of your travels. And yes, it is hard work, so taking days off is necessary. I so look forward to seeing you here, and you always have a place to stay (although I’m sure that Jeff and Nancy’s will be a bit quieter). Love you guys!!