Roraima
Location: Roraima, Gran Sabana, Venezuela
By: Alicia Harney
Remembering the King of Pop and Peru
By Carlie Sorosiak
“Michael Jackson está muerto! Ay dios mío!” the swarthy, deep-voiced announcer for the local gringo radio station cried (yes, literally cried). Then, after a moment of silence penetrated only by soft whimpers, he sighed what I translated to be “this one’s for you, Señor Jackson” and began to play “Beat It.” I imagined a middle-aged Peruvian man stroking a sequin glove, sobbing over a radio switchboard in Lima.
The news spread rapidly across our bottle green turismo bus as it rocketed past fields of smoldering sugar cane. A few giggles escaped from the back. Someone from our dig group cajolingly wondered, how did he die? Another botched plastic surgery, perhaps? In America, we commonly made fun of Michael Jackson. I don’t think any of us gringos realized that June 25, 2009 – the day the King of Pop died – would become a day of mourning in Huanchaco, a small fishing village and surfer hot spot on the north coast of Peru.
Two Worlds in the Center of the Earth
Their trip to Ecuador had originally been postponed. Danielle and Nick Bilton were ready to embark on a trip to Ecuador, her country of origin, for 10 days. However, she neglected to renew her passport. They missed their flight and went about a month later. Nonetheless, this trip was over-due.
It was Nick’s first trip to South America and he anxiously anticipated meeting her extended family, many of whom she had not seen in about ten years. Yes, Danielle had not set foot on Ecuadorian soil in a decade, She wanted to travel to Ecuador with her husband, in the hopes of connecting with her family and her Ecuadorian roots. During the course of their vacation, they visited various places throughout Ecuador, and spent with her family. Nick absorbed some culture shock because of the language barrier and everything else in between. It was truly a unique experience for him. They purposely stayed at the Marriot Hotel in the capital city of Quito to gain a real kind of tourist experience. “It’s been a decade since I’ve been here and, yes a lot has changed, but I still can’t see myself living here” Danielle said. She was born and raised in the United States. Danielle shares a strong affinity with her country, but could not imagine making a life for herself there. Danielle is an artist and has an overwhelming appreciation for the country’s natural beauty and exoticism. “I know this sounds crazy, but when I think of Ecuador I think of mi abuelitos (my grandparents) and all that they sacrificed. I think of the mountains that stand tall and proud; mis abuelitos (my grandparents) are those mountains.” She feels a sense of pride for Ecuador and for being Ecuadorian. The couple found their excursion through the rainforest near the Amazon Basin, an unforgettable experience. They spent most of their trip exploring the terrain and exotic places of Ecuador. Nick, being a techy and media aficionado, found it extraordinarily interesting that he could pick up an Internet signal as they trekked through the rainforest. During their journey, they encountered wildlife and observed various species of monkeys in their habitat. The Biltons came across this delicious fruit, granadilla, known to the Ecuadorians as their passion fruit.
The End of the Tail
As I lay on my back in my over priced jungle-view suite, I consider the chore of carting out the tailless iguana that has taken up residence in my room. The trapped reptile sulks in the corner, and like me, he’s contemplating his next move. I watch his nub of a former tail visibly thump and pulse; his severed spiked appendage lies beside him giving the impression of two scaly loafers chilling in my AC. I don’t exactly know when or how this all happened, I just know that since arriving in Costa Rica four days ago, there is always someone special and unexpected waiting in my room for me—and it’s never the pool boy with the deep tan.
¿Comò te llama? ¿Cuántos años tiene?
It’s All about the Kids
Costa Rica: Magic of the Million Hole road
Photo:Flickr/
It was certainly one of those moments of glory, when you have to pinch yourself to realize that what you just saw was not a dream. It was not.
The Ugly Girl
Photo by author
Armando had married a few days ago, but that didn’t stop him from accompanying me to celebrate Carnaval in Salvador. He’d judge the candidates as we walked down the streets of the Pelourinho: “Look at that one. She’s hot.” But I expected an abundance of beautiful people. After all, this is Brazil we’re talking about.
Values, Principles, and Love
Photo by authorThe little round sign above the door told me I was at the right place: Aldea Yanapay – Otra Forma de Vivir. As I searched for the corresponding buzzer, a voice approached from behind.
Reminisces from Beunos Aires, Argentina
Photo: Flickr/jess_f_okeeffe
I´m on my way home, and it´s really late, from the best party I have ever been to … and had a FAB-U-LOUS time. The Gay Mardi Gras was on tonight beginning at Plaza De Mayo, and ending at Congresso, travelling along the famous and historic Avenida De Mayo.
