The Initinary

So Joel and I do have somewhat of a plan. However, there's no point in booking hostels or campsites yet, and I don't know if we will at all.

So the plan is fly into Lima and get out- we're getting out of the city asap. Neither of us want to spend much time in a gimungous metropolis like Lima, so we're heading south. The Pan American highway goes along the coast of Peru, so we'll follow that down. There's 2 national parks to check out (with flamingos and penguins!), and *reliable* bus service.

Then we're working our way over to Lake Titicaca, explore and hike around there for a few days. Then over to Cochabamba, and hopefully hooking up with Joel's Aunt and Uncle. I'm anticipating this being around January 25th (ish). This is what I mean by we don't have concrete plans, no dates specifically set for being anywhere.

I'd like to check out the Salt Plains, Salar de Uyuni on route. They're suppose to be pretty cool!

Then after that, we'll be heading over to the coast of Chile, where we will work our way down. Mmmm, I'm so excited for all this ocean!

Then we'll be hoping over to Argentina to the Lake District. This is my favourite part of the trip. Glacier lakes, rugged mountains, cute artsy towns.... Jen's dream! After a few weeks in the Lake District we'll be heading further South to Patagonia - that's the part Joel's most excited about. We anticipate spending a good 6-8 weeks in this part of the continent.

Then back over to Chile we go, where I hope to make it up to Valparaiso (because Hanna said we have to), and hopefully we'll be able to meet up with Craig's (our brother in law) parents.

And my darling friend, Susan, is planning on being in South America for March to May... so with any luck, I'll be trying to hook up with her at some point. *cross fingers*

That's our trip in a nutshell. We've been doing tons of reading, and trying to learn some Spanish, and mentally trying to prepare ourselves of 3 months of freedom!

It's starting to sink in....

So it's occurring to me that we're actually going to South America (Duh! Some of you will say) But it's one thing to say you're going and buy tickets, and it seems to be another to actually comprehend what we're doing.

Basically I'm getting kinda nervous. Normal, I hope. I have weird dreams about traveling. About getting lost. About knowing not enough Spanish. *note to self: LEARN*

How am I suppose to live out of a backpack for 3 months? We won't be spending tooo long in any one place. We won't be staying in a comfy hotel. I'll be dirty, sweaty, and sore for about 3 months. But exploring place I've never been with my best friend. It'll all be worth it.

Okay, back to this backpack thing. Seriously? I need clothes for basically every season. We'll be flying into Peru, that will be cooking hot in January. We'll be surfing. (Can't wait!) Then off to Bolivia, where I'm sure it's a little chillier. Then down to Patagonia. Snow and icebergs (and penguins!) How do I take summer and winter gear? Sandals and hiking boots. Swimsuit and winter coat. And only a change of clothes or two. I am going to be one gross, grungy girl. It's a good thing I'm going with Joel, he already promised to stay with me through 'better or worse'.

Oh and I will have harry armpits. I just though you all should know. Joel's none to impressed. He said he's not shaving either. But I've been planning ahead, and been waxing my legs and armpits for the last couple of months. Hopefully that will make things more manageable...

I love the idea of not working for 4 months. And no school. Nothing. No itinerary, no deadlines (besides the flight home), and just J&J exploring a new continent.

61 days till we're gone. So soon. It will come so fast.

Scared? Sorta. Nervous? Yes. Excited? Heck YES!

Christmas Ideas, Anyone?

Anyone looking to buy us Christmas presents can get some ideas here... Of course MEC Gift Cards will be greatly appreciated!

Burt's Bees Treatment Kit
First Aid Kit Doesn't have to be that exact one... just something comprehensive and light
Therma Rest We both want the short ones (they obviously pack better!)
Leatherman Mulit-Tool
Microfiber towel We each need one!
Little Pair of Binoculars
Little Tripod
Backpacking Cutlery Set Two, Please!
Nalgene Coffee Press! Can I have one, please?
Backpacker's Sewing Kit
Travel Toothbrush With a refillable toothpaste reservoir in the handle! So Cool!

So there's still tons of stuff we need... like good backpacking clothing. Especially seeing that we'll be wearing the same thing for 3 months straight. Joel also needs a backpack (his DaKine Poacher bag that he's had longer than I've known him has died, finally). Joel's debating on whether or not he's bringing a pair of sandles down, if so, then he needs new ones...

The list goes on... but here's a start for gift ideas!

We're Going!

Joel and I are going to South America on January 11th.

We aren't staying in hotels, nor taking tours. We're packing everything on our backs, going with an open mind, wanting to explore South American culture. We want to meet the people, see daily life, participate in it, and hopefully come back with a perspective of life different from what we left with.

This blog will be a chronicle of our preparation and our journey down there, and be our connection to home.