Mérida is the principal city of the Venezuelan Andes.  It was founded in 1558, and is known today for its high population of university and other students as well as a…

In  1843, a group of mostly German colonists (240 men and 151 women), arrived to establish a colony.  After spending some time in quarantine due to a disease that had…

Between Christmas and New Year´s there was time to squeeze in a whirlwind trip to the Colombian border town of Cúcuta.  We were able to catch a ride each way…

Caracas doesn´t seem to have changed too much since last time we were here.  We´ve been laying kind of low, recuperating and relaxing at home.  The family I have stayed…

The market(feria fluvial) in Valdivia was small but hectic.  We wandered around watching the fishmongers and vegetable/fruit vendors selling their piles and piles for fresh stuff.  The fish and shellfish were…

Our first real stop in Chile was the town of Valdivia.  It´s unfortunate distinction in recent years was an industrial accident that killed 5000 black-necked swans, but these days it…

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, we wandered around the neighborhood of San Telmo.  The street market was interesting, with people playing all kinds of music and selling crafts, art, clothes,…

The Diamond Lake Track near Wanaka leads past it’s namesake body of water, then up to the summit of Rocky Hill.  The views from the top were fantastic and gave…

This morning we head up the coast to 90-mile Beach it’s the place where, according to Maori legend, the spirits of the dead head to begin their journey to the…

The weather hadn’t improved much, but we had to make the most of our limited time, so we head out on another journey on foot.  At the end of Victoria…